The Bergisel Olympic ski jump

Published on July 4, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Visiting a ski jump outside a sporting event may seem like a far-fetched idea... but the one in Innsbruck is one of a kind! It was designed by Zaha Hadid, an Iraqi-British architect of international renown. Thanks to him, the Bergisel ski jump is a real work of art, with an avant-garde design. As well as its original aesthetics, the ski jump offers visitors a 360° panoramic view of Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains.

But be warned: from the top of the platform, where the "jumpers" start, even experienced mountaineers can be overcome by vertigo! The city seems so close at hand, yet so far away... You can even see the Innsbruck cemetery from the jump! A detail that never fails to make the skiers laugh, as they joke that one wrong jump will land them straight in the grave. Don't worry though: your safety is assured, and there's no risk of you toppling over into the void!

Summary

The history of the site
Practical information
Dining at the panoramic restaurant

The history of the site

Bergisel is a major tourist attraction because of its history. The first competition was held here in 1927, setting the stage for many others to follow. Over the years, the ski jump has been remodelled several times, either for safety reasons (in 1941, the starting tower collapsed) or to host major sporting events, such as the Winter Olympics between 1964 and 1976.

Following another safety problem in 1999, the city of Innsbruck launched an international call for tenders to completely transform the ski jump. Architect Zaha Hadid 's proposal stood out from the rest. In 2002, the old springboard was blown up, then rebuilt and covered with carpets so that it could be used for summer jumps.

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The architect has described his creation as an "organic hybrid", as the structure combines a large building with a bridge, which in turn is linked to a tower. At the top of the tower, the ramp has been installed. Zaha Hadid also added a lift covering 250 metres in two minutes, a 255-step staircase and a restaurant with a panoramic terrace.

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Practical information

👛 Admission costs €10 per adult. But it's also part of the Innsbruck Card , which gives you access to all the tourist attractions in Tyrol's capital.

Advice from the Editor

💡 Aside from the competitions organised in winter (every year, around New Year's Eve, it hosts the third stage of the "Tournée des quatre tremplins"), it is possible to watch international ski jumping athletes training, every day of the summer. In fact, it's a very popular place for top sportsmen and women to train!

How do you get there?

👉 There are two ways to get to the top: climb the 255 steps or take the lift, which takes you 250 metres higher in just two minutes. You can then reach the terrace on the roof of the tower, and enjoy an incredible panoramic view.

Dining at the panoramic restaurant

If the attitude has made you hungry, or thirsty, consider stopping off at the Bergisel SKY. This panoramic restaurant welcomes you during opening hours. Perched high up, you'll have an unbeatable view of the city as you enjoy your meal or breakfast (or even a coffee!).

by Editorial Team

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Innsbruck