Bergisel Ski Jump | Innsbruck

Information

Landmark: Bergisel Ski Jump
City: Innsbruck
Country: Austria
Continent: Europe

Bergisel Ski Jump, Innsbruck, Austria, Europe

The Bergisel Ski Jump is a contemporary sports venue and architectural landmark situated on the Bergisel Hill in the southern district of Innsbruck, Austria. It is a permanent fixture of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup and has hosted events for three Winter Olympic Games.

Visual Characteristics

The tower is characterized by its deconstructivist design by architect Zaha Hadid, featuring a sleek, organic form that integrates a ramp, a tower, and a public cafe into a single structural silhouette. The exterior is finished in grey concrete and expansive glass panels. At night, the tower is illuminated, serving as a lighthouse for the Inn Valley. The landing area is a steep, grassy amphitheater surrounded by forested slopes.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located at Bergiselweg 3, 6020 Innsbruck. It is positioned approximately 2km south of the city center.

Public Transport: Accessible via Tram Line 1 (stop: "Bergisel") or the "Sightseer" hop-on hop-off bus.

Pedestrian Access: A 20-30 minute uphill walk from the Wilten district.

Parking: Paid parking is available at the base of the hill near the Tirol Panorama Museum.

Ascent: Visitors reach the tower summit via an inclined elevator followed by a vertical elevator within the tower itself.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The hill has been a site for ski jumping since 1927. The current structure was completed in 2002 to replace an older Olympic jump. Geologically, the Bergisel Hill is a moraine formed by the Inn Glacier. Historically, the location is significant as the site of the 1809 Tyrolean Rebellion battles led by Andreas Hofer against Napoleonic and Bavarian forces.

Key Highlights & Activities

The main attraction is the observation deck at a height of 50 meters, offering 360-degree views of the Nordkette mountains, the city of Innsbruck, and the Serles range. During the summer months, ski jumpers can often be seen training on the plastic matting. The stadium also houses the "Bergisel Sky" restaurant and a gallery dedicated to the history of the venue.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes a gift shop, public restrooms, and the aforementioned high-altitude cafe. 5G cellular coverage is excellent throughout the stadium and tower. The inclined and vertical elevators provide full wheelchair accessibility to the observation deck and the restaurant.

Best Time to Visit

Photography of the tower against the Nordkette mountains is best in the morning. For sunset views over the Inn Valley, the late afternoon is optimal. The venue is typically open daily from 09:00 to 17:00 (closed on Tuesdays during winter). During the Four Hills Tournament in January, the area is restricted to ticket holders for the competition.

Facts & Legends

A unique feature of the site is the "view into the abyss" from the start platform, where jumpers sit before descending. A historical oddity is the presence of the "Andreas Hofer Monument" and the "Kaiserjägermuseum" in the immediate vicinity, linking the ultra-modern sports venue with Tyrolean military history. The jump is designed to allow athletes to reach speeds of up to 92 km/h before takeoff.