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CityInnesbruck(Left) Climb every mountainA cable-car ride is the easiest wayto take in the stunning views(Bottom) Two-wheeled touringActive travellers can bike their wayaround the mountainous landscapehealthy outdoor lifestyle. Klaus explains that instead ofqueuing in traffic after work, many Tyroleans pull on theirwalking boots and take a hike, or hop on the cable car andgo paragliding. With a lifestyle like this, it's no wonder thelocals are so friendly.That night, I climb into my large double bed and allowthe heady pine aroma from the room’s traditionallystyled décor send me to sleep. And before I know it, I amenjoying an early morning rejuvenating massage in thehotel spa. The rich scent of St. John’s wort oil permeatesthe private treatment room as the expert masseuse loosensstiffened muscles with strong hands. This is the only wayto soothe aching limbs after a long cycle.Afterwards, I take a long soak in the saline waters ofAlpenresort’s heated outdoor Sole Pool, where calmingunderwater music acts as the soundtrack to an intenselocalised thunderstorm that erupts over a nearbymountain range. I emerge refreshed and jump into awaiting mini-bus — destination: Innsbruck.It takes just 40 minutes to get to the centre of Innsbruckfrom Mieming, and it is immediately apparent why thecity is dubbed ‘the capital of the Alps’. Looking over thecityscape from the top of the famous Bergisel Ski Jump— venue of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics — the citysits at the base of the Inn Valley, dwarfed by the hulkingNordkette range to the north. On the opposite side of thevalley, a cable car quickly scales a mountain and dropsa group of passengers off near the peak. Wearing fullprotective gear, they are soon zigzagging down well-worntrails in one of the region’s most popular summer sports— downhill mountain biking.I leave the Ski Jump and make my way into the quaint,historic city centre. The bustling town square is built oncobbled streets and overlooked by Innsbruck’s famousGoldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), created for EmperorMaximillian I in the early 16th century as a royal box fromwhich he could observe public tournaments. It strikes mejust how much history is on show in the city. An easy walkwill see you at the doors of the 18th-century Cathedral ofSt. James, a fine example of Baroque architecture, and justa stone’s throw away stands the characteristic green roofof the Stadtturm, or the City Tower.With a cable-car service up the mountains, Innsbrucktruly offers the best of both worlds. It is entirely possibleto go from indulging in a culture-rich city break toembracing the great outdoors in a matter of minutes,and it is refreshing to have that choice. Even Innsbruck’sgeographical location gives you options. Equidistantlysituated between Germany and Italy, Innsbruck'sconvenient position means you could have breakfast inVerona within three hours and sample the finest Bavariantavern in Munich within two.86 September 2013 dotwnews.com