Take the line to your hotel, Main Station, City Centre and the Airport.
Monday – Friday until 7:20 pm every 15 minutes, after 7:40 pm every 30 minutes; On Saturday every 20 minutes between 8:03 am and 7:43 pm.
Before and after every 30 minutes.
On Sundays and holidays every 30 minutes. Get your ticket online or at the ticket machine
Public Transport.
DESTINATIONS
Manchester
Birmingham
London
Amsterdam
Mallorca
Corsica
Sardinia
Calabria
Preveza Corfu
Vienna
Thessaloniki
SPRING/SUMMER 2026
18
50 Years of Idealtours
New destinations and greater flexibility
Kos
Kalamata Kefalonia
Rhodes Crete Karpathos
p. 8
INTERVIEW
Review and outlook with Managing Director Marco Pernetta
Imprint — Media owner, issuer and publisher: Tiroler Flughafenbetriebsgesellschaft m.b.H., Fürstenweg 180, 6020 Innsbruck Production: TARGET GROUP Publishing GmbH. Editorial team: Barbara Kluibenschädl (head editor), Michaela Ehammer, Anna Füreder, Iris Handle, Markus Wechner, Lisa Schwarzenauer Graphics: Katharina Angerer Photos, unless specified otherwise: Shutterstock.com, AdobeStock Print: Intergraphik GmbH, Innsbruck — Information disclosure in accordance with § 25 MedienG can be found at www.innsbruck-airport.com/impressum.
p. 12
CALABRIA
Caribbean flair in Italy
16
SUMMER IN THE MOUNTAIN PARADISE CORSICA
p. 22
An Eventful Year
A book presentation, an exhibition and a 100 th anniversary
Dear Readers,
As the days begin to grow longer once again, that longing for faraway places – expressed so perfectly by the German word Fernweh – returns and grows. Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes a desire to discover new horizons, to explore (unfamiliar) cities or to relax and unwind at the seaside. Innsbruck Airport is the perfect place to start out on this journey with the minimum of stress, with short travel distances, clear procedures and a scenic view that will give you holiday vibes before you even leave the ground. We wish you a wonderful start to the summer season and happy travels!
p. 32
BEHIND THE SCENES GeoSphere Austria p. 24
CULINARY HEIGHTS
From Mallorca to Corsica to London
p. 28
A GREAT SUCCESS
The 2025 Airport Festival
36
KEEN COLLECTOR
An interview with model airplane collector Walter Kaller
p. 40 BACK THEN The Innsbruck Airport hotel
Antalya
The Green Paradise
Corfu
Corfu is often considered the greenest of the Greek isles, characterised as it is by olives groves, cypress trees and fragrant kumquat orchards. The old town in Corfu city is a UNESCO World Heritage site whose Venetian flair and romantic coastal alleyways are a huge draw for visitors. Other highlights of this Ionian island include Cape Drastis (pictured here) and Achilleion Palace.
Every Friday, Idealtours will whisk you away to the Ionian Sea in just a few short hours.
Season of Longing
City trips and beach retreats, great art and deep emotions – summer is just brimming with possibility! Many destinations can be conveniently reached directly from Innsbruck.
SHORTCUTS
LGW
Beats and Art
If you prefer things a bit louder and more colourful, then summer in London might be just the ticket.
The Wimbledon Championships, held from June to July, put the city in a tennis grand-slam frenzy.
The Notting Hill Carnival, held in late August, transforms entire streets into a vibrant festival zone filled with Caribbean rhythms and dazzling parades. For a more tranquil experience, visit the Tate Modern or the British Museum, both of which are famous for their world-class art.
New in summer 2026
Green Gem
Emerald waters, silvery olive groves and Venetian architecture are only a few of the things that lend the island of Corfu its unique flair. The winding alleyways and elegant squares in the capital’s old town are the perfect places to stroll, explore and discover delicious regional specialities, including savoury dishes like pastitsada or the many kumquatbased drinks and delicacies that are so characteristic of this Ionian island. Beyond the city limits, you will find charming coves, beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, such as those at Porto Timoni.
LONDON
AMS
FESTIVALS AND GREAT ART
As the days grow longer, Amsterdam transforms into a stage. Kwaku Summer Festival, Pride Amsterdam or the Grachtenfestival make the city come alive. Open-air cinema events, such as Pluk de Nacht Film Festival, offer film screenings under starry skies. During the day, the masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum enchant visitors. Another event that cannot be recommended highly enough is the Open Garden Days, where the public gets a chance to visit the beautiful gardens normally hidden behind the stately facades of the canal houses in Amsterdam’s centre.
METROPOLITAIN
SUMMER SPLENDOUR
As the first warm days arrive, the British capital develops a summer charm all of its own. Revel in the city’s atmosphere on picnics in Hyde Park, leisurely strolls along the South Bank or long evenings spent above the city’s rooftops. Let buskers and street musicians provide your summer soundtrack as you sample the huge variety of culinary delights on offer at the street food markets before enjoying the view from a rooftop terrace as the skyline glows in the golden evening light.
MORE FLIGHTS
In summer there are up to five flights a week between Innsbruck and London Gatwick.
AMS Between the Canals
Amsterdam is at its most beautiful when the sun glitters over the historic gabled houses and is reflected in the waters of the city’s many canals (Grachten). Whether you prefer to explore by bicycle or on a relaxing canal boat tour, you will find that there are always new things to discover around the city and its many charming neighbourhoods. Green oases such as Vondelpark are wonderful venues for a picnic, while the many outdoor tables set up outside various cafés and bars are the perfect place to soak in the urban ambiance.
MORE FLIGHTS
In summer there are up to four flights a week between Innsbruck and Amsterdam.
Looking Back at the Anniversary Year
Profile
Marco Pernetta has been Managing Director of Innsbruck Airport since 2014. In 2024, he was confirmed for a further five-year term.
A 100th ‘birthday’, the loss of the Frankfurt route, the introduction of a new EU border control system and an overall positive development despite numerous challenges – Managing Director Marco Pernetta takes stock of an eventful year.
Innsbruck Airport celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025. How would you sum up what was undoubtedly a very special year?
Marco Pernetta: It was certainly a year we can look back on with satisfaction. At nearly 883,000 passengers, we recorded an increase of 2.4%. This figure may look modest at first glance, but considering the challenging conditions European aviation is currently facing, this is a positive result for us.
You mention challenges – what were they, specifically?
The European airline landscape continued to change in 2025. There are still capacity bottlenecks with aircraft, and many regional routes, particularly in the German-speaking parts of Europe, are being scaled back. And then there is the debate regarding the tax for each departing passenger in austria, which has a direct impact on ticket prices. These were all factors that certainly kept us busy.
The cancellation of the Frankfurt route must have been a great blow. Absolutely. Losing the flight connection to Frankfurt again after having got it back was painful. Frankfurt is an important international aviation hub, and its loss is keenly felt. We are working closely with our owners and partners to (re)establish a viable, year-round connection to a second major air hub in addition to Vienna.
What was the distribution of air traffic like throughout the year?
Winter is definitely our peak season. We processed 60% of our 2025 passenger volume within that year’s first quarter. This is the period that lays the economic foundation for the entire year. However – and we are especially pleased about this – the summer is also developing very positively. Between May and October of last year, we processed over 188,000 passengers, which is a gain of 6.4% compared to the previous year. Tyroleans are increasingly taking advantage of the summer destinations that are reachable from Innsbruck.
What were the most popular destinations in 2025?
London was number one, followed by Vienna and Amsterdam. The top three airlines were Transavia, easyJet and
“We can look back on our anniversary year with satisfaction.”
Marco Pernetta, Managing Director, Innsbruck Airport
Austrian. We saw particularly strong growth for Spain, Turkey – this route was reintroduced – and Denmark.
Since November, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has brought about significant changes in terms of border control. How has that been going?
This has been, and still is, a major challenge for us, especially during the winter peak season. The EU has replaced the traditional passport stamp with a digital system that records biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images. This affects all travellers from non-EU/EEA countries who are planning a short stay of up to 90 days in the Schengen zone.
Innsbruck receives a very high proportion of British passengers in the winter, which means the majority of our most important guest group is affected by the EES.
How exactly did the EES rollout work?
We officially introduced the EES at Innsbruck Airport on November 19 and began the trial phase in December. Since then, we have been gradually gaining operational and technical experience while working closely with the Ministry of the Interior. This will enable us to ensure that the checks on all arrivals and
departures are 100 percent compliant with EES starting on March 30. To this end, we have expanded our capacities at border control accordingly.
What has the experience been like so far?
As expected, the new system has made check times slightly longer. We currently expect up to two minutes per passenger, depending on the complexity of the situation.
How has the current winter season been going?
We got off to a strong start in December, welcoming over 107,000 passengers, which is 3.6% more than the year before. We had added Düsseldorf, a new destination, to our roster and had also managed to add more flights from the
UK, our most important source market. In early January, erratic weather caused delays and some cancellations across Europe. On the whole, we are expecting a positive overall development until Easter.
What’s in store for summer 2026?
We are especially delighted that Idealtours is now offering trips to the popular Greek island of Corfu. What’s more, there will be four weekly flights to Amsterdam this summer – that’s double the number of connections we’ve offered so far. This will help make Tyrol easier to reach for visitors and also expand the travel options for people living in the region. What many may not realise is that Amsterdam Schiphol airport is one of Europe’s largest travel hubs and connects to the global SkyTeam network, which is particularly convenient for onward travel.
REPRESENTATIVES APPOINTED TO THE SUPERVISORY BOARD PURSUANT TO §110 LABOUR CONSTITUTION ACT:
• Chairperson of the Employees’ Works Council: Ing. Florian BARTA
• Deputy Chairperson of the Employees’ Works Council: Tiziana HALLER
• Employee Works Council Member: Simon LORCH
• Deputy Chairperson of the Workers’ Council: Jeremy SCHMALTZ
The Supervisory Board at Innsbruck Airport
The Supervisory Board, chaired by Dipl.-Ing. Helmuth Müller, is currently in the first year of its five-year term. Consisting of eight members, the body usually meets four times a year. Its role is to provide responsible financial and economic oversight to the airport, to advise on key strategic decisions and to represent the owners’ interests.
The members of the Supervisory Board are appointed by these owners.
Carribean Flair in the South of Italy
Between the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, rugged cliffs, historic mountain villages and sun-drenched beaches lies Calabria, an authentic, unspoilt region.
The southernmost region of mainland Italy is still relatively unknown among travellers, which is precisely what makes it so appealing. At 320 days of sunshine a year, Calabria is one of the sunniest regions in Europe. The summer months are ideal for beach holidays and water sports while the spring and autumn offer the perfect conditions for hikes, excursions, exploration and adventure. Balmy summer nights will tempt visitors to spend long, leisurely evenings outdoors enjoying the true Italian dolce vita.
Long beaches of fine sand, secluded coves, historic towns and gorgeous natural landscapes lend Calabria its unique character as a versatile holiday region that is equally attractive for families, couples and solo travellers. Short flight times and direct flights from Innsbruck make the ‘toe’ of Italy’s ‘boot’ an especially attractive destination in summer.
Picture-postcard perfection at the ‘tip of the boot’
If you are searching for turquoise waters and sunlit beaches, look no further than Calabria. Many picturesque bathing spots are dotted along the Tyrrhenian coast like pearls on a string: The beach near the fishing village of Scilla offers stunning views of Castello Ruffo while Arcomagno cove by San Nicola Arcella – framed by towering cliffs – looks like an image from a picture postcard. Tropea, often called the ‘Pearl of Calabria’, sits spectacularly on a sandstone cliff overlooking the sea. The fine white sand and turquoise waters at both the local town beach Mare di Tropea and the natural beach Spiaggia Micheline give off a Caribbean vibe – right in the heart of Europe.
At 320 days of sunshine per year, Calabria is one of the sunniest regions in Europe.
5 REASONS WHY CALABRIA IS THE PERFECT DESTINATION
Short flight (about 2 hours)
Gorgeous beaches and secluded coves
Some 320 days of sunshine per year
Ideal for families, couples and solo travellers
Authentic cuisine and cultural highlights
Must-sees in Calabria: The old town of Tropea, Spiaggia Michelino natural beach, rock arch at Arcomagno, fishing village Scilla and Norman castle Castello Ruffo.
Experience Italian culture and cuisine
Calabria boasts a rich history and an abundance of cultural treasures. The panoramic view from Ruffo castle, which overlooks the village of Scilla, is well worth the ascent. Tropea features a medieval centre, baroque palazzi and romantic, narrow alleyways. Calabria’s down-toearth cuisine is rooted in the centuriesold traditions of the region’s farmers, shepherds and fishers. Even today, rustic trattorias serve wild boar and lamb dishes alongside fresh fish and other regional specialities.
Rest and relaxation for couples and families
TUI MAGIC LIFE Calabria offers families the perfect blend of relaxation, sports and entertainment. The club is separated
from the wide sand and pebble beach only by a natural stone pine forest. While the children are having a blast in the water park or at the Kids Club, the adults can relaxand enjoy the peace in the Private Lodge Area (admission for ages 16 and over). In the evening, international shows and themed parties provide lively entertainment to round off the day.
TUI BLUE Tropea, an adultsonly resort located in a panoramic spot above Baia di Riaci bay, offers tranquillity and relaxation amidst Mediterranean vegetation. The resort boasts a quiet stretch of beach and a wide range of sports and wellness options.
Budget-conscious holidaymakers will find the ideal setting for a relaxing stay at the adults-only hotel TUI SUNEO La Conchiglia located on the Capo Vaticano coast. The SPA Esagono wellness area features a Finnish sauna, steam bath and hammam and is the perfect place to unwind. Thanks to its magnificent cliff-top location, the hotel offers a gorgeous view of the Aeolian islands.
For more information and booking, contact any good travel agent or go to www.tui.at/kalabrien.
Calabrian beaches are the ideal place to relax and unwind.
Lust auf Kalabrien?
Bella Italia von seiner schönsten Seite erleben.
Für jeden Urlaubswunsch das passende Konzept: Die verschiedenen TUI Hotelmarken stehen für hohe Qualitäts- & Servicestandards und bieten für jede Zielgruppe das passende Angebot.
TUI MAGIC LIFE
All Inclusive-Angebot für Familien, Paare & Singles mit Sport, Shows & Events
FLEX TARIF
Mit dem Flex Tarif Upgrade bis einschließlich 15 bzw. 29 Tage vor Anreise ohne Angabe von Gründen kostenlos umbuchen oder stornieren.
TUI BLUE
Moderne Hotels mit Qualität, Leidenschaft für Service und bester Unterhaltung
TUI AUSFLÜGE
Ob Bootstour, Weinverkostung oder eine Tour an der „Küste der Götter –bei TUI Musement findet jede:r das passende Erlebnis.
TUI SUNEO
Modernes Hoteldesign mit abwechslungsreichem Entertainmentangebot und WorldCuisine
TUI CARS
In Kalabrien steht bei TUI Cars der perfekte Mietwagen bereit, um individuelle Abenteuer vor Ort erleben zu können.
Mit diesen und vielen weiteren TUI Services wird der Urlaub in Kalabrien garantiert unvergesslich. Buchung und Details im Reisebüro, auf www.tui.at und in der App.
Angebote entdecken:
Corsica
A Paradise with Beaches and Mountains
Just a 100-minute flight from Innsbruck, this ‘Island of Beauty’ lies waiting to be discovered. Visitors will find two completely distinct but equally fascinating regions: the lush and flowering north and the sundrenched south.
Northern Corsica – a fragrant garden Our journey begins in Calvi, the capital of the beguiling Balagne region. Narrow alleyways, cosy cafés and small boutiques tell the story of this region. Balagne is renowned as the flowering garden of Corsica. Particularly in the springtime, the beguiling scent of the Macchia (maquis shrubland) – a heady blend of myrtle, rosemary, juniper, lavender and broom –perfumes the clear seaside air, captivating all those who are out hiking or biking. Family-friendly beaches and idyllic coves are the perfect place to relax and unwind. Historic villages perched on hilltops offer beautiful views of olive groves.
Southern Corsica – Caribbean flair in the Mediterranean Corsica’s southern half reveals the island’s more exotic side. The Porto-Vecchio region is renowned for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Bonifacio, a port town spectacularly enthroned on limestone cliffs, is as pretty as a picture postcard. The striking peaks of the Bavella mountain range offer unforgettable panoramic views and a rich variety of hiking and walking paths. Forests, cliffs and gorges reveal this island’s pristine natural beauty.
Book your next dream holiday with the Corsica specialist Rhomberg Reisen.
Corsica is just a 100-minute flight from Innsbruck.
Idealtours Celebrates Its 50 th Anniversary and Explores New Horizons
For half a century, Idealtours has stood for holidays that are different: no to mass tourism, yes to true discovery – all while departing directly from Innsbruck. To mark its anniversary, this long-established Tyrolean company is offering a new destination, greater flexibility and service that helps your holiday start right from your doorstep.
50 years of experience. Carefully selected travel experiences that offer real added value.
50 years of passion for the extraordinary
What began in 1976 as a visionary idea is now an integral part of Tyrolean travel culture: Over the years, Idealtours has established itself as a specialist in holiday destinations off the beaten tourist track. Since 1993, holidaymakers have been able to take off directly from Innsbruck – no tedious trips to far-off airports, no flight connections, no wasted time. Your vacation begins the moment you leave home. And it’s incredibly convenient: Since 2017, Idealtours (with the help of Four Seasons Travel) will pick guests up at their own front door – a service included for travellers from North Tyrol. Simply hand over your luggage, sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.
Another milestone followed six years ago, when mid-week flights were added to give you even greater flexibility in your holiday planning. Whether you want to stay for a week, ten days or a long weekend – Idealtours can make it happen.
Authentic Greece
Those familiar with Greece know that the country is so much more than just Santorini and Mykonos. Idealtours explores those regions sought out by travellers who are searching for an authentic experience.
Corfu – the new destination for 2026 – welcomes Idealtours guests every Friday. The emerald-green isle in the Ionian Sea unites Venetian heritage, lush nature and a vibrant culinary scene. Filled with winding alleyways in historic town
centres, seclude olive groves and tranquil coves with crystal-clear waters, this island is a destination that offers the best of both worlds: culture and relaxation.
Lefkas receives its guests every Saturday. The only Greek island to be connected to the mainland by a bridge is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe – the world-famous Porto Katsiki with its white cliffs among them. Farther inland, small mountain villages and unspoilt hiking trails beckon visitors to explore and discover.
Kefalonia, accessible on a Saturday flight as well, is the largest of the Ionian islands and also one of the most diverse. The turquoise-blue waters of Lake Melissani, Myrtos Beach and charming harbour towns such as Fiskardo are no longer best-kept secrets, yet the island remains largely untouched by mass tourism.
Kalamata, which Idealtours serves twice a week on Sundays and Thursdays, is the gateway to the Mani peninsula, one of the most rugged and fascinating landscapes in Greece. Deep gorges, medieval villages with tower houses and olive-tree-lined stretches of coast
characterise this region of the Peloponnese Peninsula. Add to that the world-famous black olives and a way of life that has not yet been overrun by tourism.
Chalkidiki, reachable by flight on Fridays, enchants visitors with its three distinctive peninsulas: Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos, one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Orthodox world. Turquoise waters, densely wooded hills and spectacular sandy beaches make this region the ideal blend of nature, culture and beach holiday.
Epirus, accessible on Saturdays, is probably the least-known destination in our portfolio, which might be precisely what makes it so appealing for those with an adventurous spirit. This mountainous region in north-western Greece is home to Vikos gorge (a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site) and the mystical stone-built villages of the Zagori region. The rugged landscape and the mild coastal climate around Preveza offer a natural backdrop that is second to none. Anyone who holidays here will still be talking about it long after returning home.
Authentic Italy
In addition to Greece, Idealtours also offers holidays in Italy.
Calabria – the undiscovered ‘boot tip’. Every Sunday, a plane departs from Innsbruck to Calabria, the region located in the ‘toe’ of the Italian ‘boot’ that even many Italophiles are still unfamiliar
with. Wedged between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, Calabria could hardly offer a greater number of contrasts: The rugged mountain landscape of the Apennines meets sea water that is as clear as glass, Norman fortresses perch on hilltops above port towns that date back to antiquity, and Calabrian cuisine – embodied by ‘njuda sausage, fresh pasta and the tangy-sharp aroma of bergamot – is one of Italy’s most authentic. Far from the well-trodden tourist paths of Tuscany, Calabria has a unique, unaffected charm all its own.
Something for everyone
Whether you are looking for a family vacation in a well-maintained beach club resort, a well-deserved break in an exclusive boutique hotel that blends harmoniously into the landscape or a retreat to a hidden seaside gem that can’t be found in any guidebook – Idealtours offers something to suit every traveller’s needs and wishes. The catalogue ranges from family-run accommodations with a personal touch to upmarket hotels for those who highly value comfort and individuality. No matter whether you crave the serenity of a secluded cove or the colourful hustle and bustle of a small Greek town – Idealtours can help you find the holiday that is the perfect fit for you. And they’ll take you straight there – right from your front door, no detours.
“We have always felt that a holiday should feel light and laid back. That’s why, with Idealtours, your holiday begins right from your front door.”
Gleich Termin vereinbaren oder telefonisch buchen!
Eventful
2025 was quite a busy year for Innsbruck Airport – and not just at the gates. Cultural highlights included everything from a book presentation to an anniversary.
To celebrate the airport’s 100th anniversary, a new and impressive exhibition featuring 25 previously unpublished photographs was opened on October 9, 2025. The historic images document the airport’s development, spanning the decades from the first airfield in Reichenau (eastern Innsbruck) to its present location on Fürstenweg (western Innsbruck). The display, which can be viewed on level 1 of the airport terminal building, was curated by none other than aviation historian Dr. Tanja Chraust. This renowned scholar and researcher also gave the introductory presentation at the grand opening, addressing invited guests that included the granddaughters of aviation pioneers Raoul Stoisavljevic and Alfred von Eccher.
Convention Bureau birthday
While not yet a full century old, the Convention Bureau Tirol (CBT) still had ample reason to celebrate: Founded in 2005 and based at Tirol Werbung, the CBT celebrated its 20th anniversary in October, 2025. In its two decades, CBT has developed into the central hub for the Tyrolean MICE sector (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions). The official celebration of this milestone was held in the event lounge at Innsbruck Airport in the presence of numerous guests, including representatives from tourism, business and politics.
A special volume
To mark the conclusion of the anniversary year, the illustrated book 100 Jahre Flughafen 1925-2025 was ceremoniously presented in front of an audience of 150 guests on November 18, 2025. In over 300 pages, author and aviation historian Dr. Tanja Chraust explores the development of Innsbruck Airport –from its very beginnings in Reichenau to the present – and its significance for the region. The volume spans a full century and features large-format, historic photographs – many of which were previously unpublished – accompanied by fascinating background information in both English and German. Selfpublished by the airport, the book is now available in select bookshops and at Innsbruck Airport (Airport Shop and Travel Value Shop).
Culinary Heights
From hearty stews to delicate sweet treats: A journey of culinary discovery awaits at the summer destinations accessible from Innsbruck. Each region has its own delicious story to tell.
Approx. 1,800 hectares (nearly 7 square miles) in Corfu are covered in vineyards.
Corfu
Corfiot cuisine blends Greek traditions with Italian influences – a legacy of Venetian rule. Sofrito, veal braised in sauce of white wine and garlic, is an aromatic delight; bourdeto, a peppery fish dish, brings a breath of sea air into the tavernas. Noumboulo, a charcuterie product made from smoked and cured pork tenderloin, is Corfu’s answer to Italian prosciutto. However, the ‘green island’s’ best-known feast-day classic is pastitsada: braised chicken, cockerel or beef in a tomato sauce seasoned with cinnamon, cloves and allspice that is traditionally served over thick pasta. The dish is best paired with tzitzibira – an alcohol-free ginger beer dating back to the British era – or with tangy-sweet kumquat liqueur.
Amsterdam’s streets are filled with the scent of fresh herring and fried treats such as bitterballen or frikandellen – two of the filling snacks that are a defining feature of local food culture. The hearty stew known as stamppot is considered a classic, national dish: smashed potatoes combined with vegetables such as kale, carrots or sauerkraut are traditionally served with rookworst (smoked sausage). These savoury Dutch dishes are complemented by sweets like stroopwaffels with caramel or poffertjes (fluffy mini pancakes). Other culinary delights include the famous Dutch cheeses, erwtensoep (a thick pea soup) or the spring speciality asperges met ham (asparagus with ham). Mayonnaise – and plenty of it – is considered an almost indispensable accompaniment to many meals.
The digestive liqueur Vecchio Amaro del Capo is made from 29 different herbs, roots, flowers and fruits.
Calabria
Intense, spicy, aromatic – three of the words that sum up the culinary side of Calabria. The ‘toe’ of the Italian ‘boot’ is home to many delicacies, including ‘nduja, a fiery, spreadable pork sausage, sweet red Tropea onions, pungent Pecorino cheese and juicy cactus figs. Alongside olive oil, aubergines and bergamot, the other ingredients that characterise local cuisine are peperoncino (hot chili peppers), pork and swordfish. The origins of one particular delicacy – Tartufo – can be traced back to the town of Pizzo, more specifically to the local Bar Ercole. While variations of this ice-cream dessert can now be found all throughout Italy and beyond, the original consists of a melted chocolate centre surrounded by hazelnut and chocolate ice cream and dusted with fine cocoa powder. Finochietto, a fennel-based liqueur, or the herbal liqueur Vecchio Amaro del Capo are the perfect digestif to round off any meal.
Mallorca is home to some 7 million almond trees.
¡Bon profit!
Mallorca
Mallorca tastes of olive oil, almonds and sun-ripened oranges. Fresh vegetables and rustic, aromatic ingredients define this Balearic island’s cuisine. Culinary ‘ambassadors’ from Mallorca include snail-shaped ensaimada pastry rolls, spreadable sobrasada sausage, pa amb oli (bread with oil) and tumbet, a traditional layered vegetable dish. Local menus also often feature the succulent gató d’ametlla (almond cake) and frito mallorqín, a hearty pan-fried dish consisting of finely chopped liver and other innards with potatoes, peppers, tomatoes and fennel that is considered Mallorca’s national dish. Besides wine and beer, other beverages that are firmly established as part of the local drinking culture include Hierbas, an herbal aniseed liqueur, and horchata, a drink made from almond milk flavoured with lemon and cinnamon. Palo, a thick, bitter-sweet liqueur made from chinchona bark, gentian root and caramelised sugar, is often served as an aperitif.
Antalya
Antalya’s cuisine is centred around grains, vegetables and meat, which are complemented by aromatic herbs, freshly caught seafood and finely balanced spices that give dishes their characteristic note. The local culinary scene cannot fail to leave a lasting impression: Try some bergamot marmalade for breakfast, arabaşı chicken soup for lunch, stuffed courgette flowers as an afternoon snack, or skewered minced meatballs with bean salad and sesame paste for dinner. Desserts include pumpkin with tahini and walnuts, ‘burnt’ goat-milk ice cream and lokum (also called Turkish delight), one of the oldest known confections in the world.
Ensaimada
Afternoon tea, complete with the traditional finger sandwiches, scones and
London
London is so well known for its vibrant street food scene and Indian-influenced cuisine that it is easy to forget many of the more traditional treats that are still staples in many places. Hearty fare you can sink your teeth into includes pies and pasties, pudding (blood sausage), Scotch eggs, fish and chips, or a classic Sunday roast with all the trimmings and trappings. Sweet treats include sticky toffee pudding (a small biscuit-based cake made with dates and served with creamy caramel sauce), Eton mess (a dessert consisting of strawberries, meringue and whipped cream) or the syrupy treacle tart, one of Harry Potter’s favourite desserts. Civet de Sanglier
CORSICA
Here, rustic delicacies unite with Mediterranean flavours to form a true ‘cuisine du terroir’. Local products and seasonal ingredients are at the centre of everything, with sheep and goat cheeses, products made from chestnut flour and aromatic Macchia herbs lending Corsican cuisine its unique aroma. Classics include civet de sanglier (wild boar stew), canneloni au brocciu, chestnut-flour polenta and aziminu, a fish stew reminiscent of bouillabaisse. The drinks also reflect the island’s diversity; popular libations include the aperitif Cap Corse, myrtle liqueur and Pietra chestnut beer.
“A u torghje si bei”: Right next to the wine press is the best place to drink.
Looking Back: The Airport Festival
Touch the Sky
October 26th is Austria’s national holiday, but at Innsbruck Airport, it is something more: To celebrate the spirit of aviation, the airport welcomes the public to its traditional airport festival.
Behind the scenes
The in-house fire brigade was a huge draw, and the ‘Panther’ fire engine in particular impressed guests with its robust build and state-of-the-art technology. The airport also showcased its fleet of vehicles, offering insights into their daily operations.
Aviation up close and personal
Out on the apron, visitors could literally reach out and touch aviation as they wandered amongst various wings, turbines and shiny cockpits, viewing and touring a wide range of aircraft. Pilots and other experts were on hand to explain the technology, the areas of operation and the training and education pathways one can take in the field. Clubs, associations and companies such as the Aerobats, the Innsbruck Gliding Association, the Flugsportzentrum (Tyrol Air Sports Centre), the ÖAMTC (Austrian Automobile and Touring Club), Heli Tirol and Wucher Helicopter proudly presented their aircraft and were happy to chat about their various activities. The world-renowned Flying Bulls were also present, showcasing their iconic DC-6, among other aircraft.
Spectacular fly-overs
The Austrian Armed Forces also featured prominently at the Airport Festival. Two transport helicopters – an Agusta Bell 212 and an AW 169 ‘Lion’ – were on display and could be viewed up close. The choppers were complemented by a mobile radar unit which offered visitors insight into military airspace surveillance. Flypasts by military aircraft gave the spectators a real thrill: In the morning, a Lockheed C-130 made its majestic way across the skies above Innsbruck, and in the afternoon, two Eurofighter Typhoons followed suit.
Several companies offered scenic flights over Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains. Throughout the day, the crowds were also treated to displays of glider aerobatics and model aeroplanes. The pilots demonstrated just how much skill and finesse are involved in air sports with precise manoeuvres, elegant rolls and intrepid figures.
25,000 visitors
“We are very pleased to look back on a thoroughly successful day with a fantastic atmosphere and many amazed faces. We were also incredibly lucky with the weather.”
Marco Pernetta, Managing Director, Innsbruck Airport
Air sports on Kranebitter Allee
The section of the airport accessible from Kranebitter Allee was entirely dedicated to air sports. The Tyrol Air Sports Centre and the Innsbruck Gliding Association shared their passion for gliding and motorised flight, and visitors got to watch the gliding activities live. Food, drinks and a bouncy castle created a laid-back atmosphere, and visitors were ferried between this area (north of the runway) and the main venue (south of the runway) by a convenient shuttle service.
THE AIRPORT WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THE SPONSORS FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASM AND SUPPORT:
ACTION ON THE GROUND
In the open-air car park in front of the terminal building, various groups and organisations showcased their work. These included the police, firefighters, ambulance services, MÜG (mobile surveillance unit), the Austrian Armed Forces, the ÖAMTC, GeoSphere Austria and the HTL Kapfenberg, a technical upper-secondary school that offers a specialisation in aviation technology. Everyone was delighted to talk about their tech, their equipment, and their vocational education and training. Children could enjoy a rich and varied programme of activities that included bouncy castles, giant slides, a carousel and various arts and crafts stations. In the sports corner, the young (and young at heart) could play and climb with the Innsbruck Haie ice hockey team and the Swarco Raiders (American football). Refreshments were provided by local businesses who call the airport home: CN9, Der Bäcker Ruetz and Eurest, the company that runs the airport restaurant FLY INN.
F o r L i tle Travellers
Canyou connect allthe dots?
Curiosities in aviation
Does an airplane have a horn?
Yes, most large passenger planes have a horn, which is also known as a ‘ground call’. Pilots don’t need this horn while they are up in the air. Instead, it is used to get the attention of ground crew or maintenance staff when the aircraft is on the ground. The cockpit crew can then communicate with the technicians on the ground using intercom headsets without having to leave the aircraft.
Hidden away in an unremarkable building on the grounds of Innsbruck Airport, a team of experts is hard at work producing weather forecasts, analysing extreme weather events and documenting the impact of climate change. This is the regional office of GeoSphere Austria.
Profile
Manfred Bauer has worked for GeoSphere Austria and its predecessor, the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) since 1999. In 2012 he became head of the regional office for the provinces of Tyrol and Vorarlberg, which is located in Innsbruck.
In 2023, the former Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG or Zentralanstalt für Meteorologie und Geodynamik in German) merged with the Federal Geological Survey (Geologische Bundesanstalt) to form GeoSphere Austria. Headquartered in Vienna, this institution has several regional branches, including the office for Tyrol and Vorarlberg, which is located at Innsbruck Airport. “Our main focus is on advising the federal government and warning the public on meteorological, climatological and geological matters,” explains Manfred Bauer, who leads the regional office and its team of 25 staff members.
On-the-ground expertise
Although the Innsbruck branch office is no longer responsible for aviation meteorology, its location at the airport is no coincidence. First established in 1945 by the French Allied occupying forces, the branch initially dealt with weather issues related to aviation. Even back when it was known as ZAMG, having a presence in the provinces rather than just operating from Vienna was essential, as Bauer emphasises. “This way, you are on hand as the local point of contact and right in the heart of weather events as a weather expert.” Local knowledge and expertise can be a crucial advantage, and the central location in Tyrol is highly valued. These days, Geosphere’s main focus is providing weather forecasts to a wide range of clients, including central and regional government, the media, energy providers, road services and those working in sectors such as farming, agriculture, forestry and tourism. In addition, they manage the monitoring network and provide data. The team is also called in as expert consultants on weather-related
damage, questions of wind and snow load or environmental issues. “Climate change and its effects are also a major topic that we cover in numerous talks, for instance,” says Bauer. It never gets boring, he underlines.
Alpine research
Tyrol and Vorarlberg are characterised by their mountains, which is why the regional office focuses on the specific qualities of mountainous terrain in terms of both weather and climate. Collaborating with university partners is important
in research, Bauer notes, “so, in that respect, our location here in Innsbruck is advantageous.” He further explains that “the main indicator of climate change is warming.” So far, the rise in temperatures in the Alpine region has been about twice the global average. The consequences range from increased heat stress in builtup areas to altered precipitation patterns and more extreme rainfall events. As a direct result, mudslides, landslides and flooding have been increasing. Higher temperatures are taking a toll on protective forests, while glaciers are
The regional branch of GeoSphere Austria employs a team of 25.
“ There are hardly any aspects of life that are not affected by the weather.”
Manfred
Bauer,
head of the regional office for Tyrol and Vorarlberg
melting rapidly and unstable permafrost is contributing to rockfalls. “We can expect an increase in extreme events. This, along with glacial melt, is deeply concerning to me,” says Bauer. This is particularly troubling against the backdrop of global political developments that do not point toward a rapid reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. “Instead, despite clear scientific evidence, these developments are once again giving the upper hand to those to deny or downplay climate change.”
Weather forecast for all
The accuracy of weather forecasts depends largely on weather models that are calculated using powerful computers. Increasing processing power has hugely improved forecasts over the
past few decades. Today, predictions covering periods of seven to ten days are “reasonably reliable,” although nature continues to provide surprises. Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly significant role, for instance in the (textual) formulation of forecasts. “I don’t see AI replacing the models any time soon, but it does help us with our work these days.”
Most people come into contact with GeoSphere’s work on a daily basis. “Weather forecasts are more important nowadays than ever before. There are hardly any aspects of life that are not affected by the weather,” Manfred Bauer explains. The reports are available via a wide range of media, and anyone tuning in to ORF Radio Tirol in the morning is likely to hear him or his colleagues.
Manfred Bauer in the climate garden at Innsbruck Airport.
Walter Kaller is an aviation fan through and through. As the former chairman of the association Flughafenfreunde Innsbruck (Friends of the Airport), he has dedicated the last 25 years to collecting miniature and model aeroplanes. He also organises swap meets at the airport festival.
Every day, aircraft of all sizes land and take off at Innsbruck Airport. But there is also a place for the very smallest of planes – more precisely, a place where they are traded and sold. We are talking about model airplanes, which are presented at the Airport Festival. The man in charge of these events is Walter Kaller, honorary chair of the Friends of Innsbruck Airport association and a passionate collector.
“I have been organising the swap meets since 2003. They used to be much bigger, but it was pretty busy this year, too,” he explains. Eight exhibitors from Austria, Germany and Switzerland were present, offering not just model aeroplanes of all sizes, but also photographs, airplane cutlery, sick bags and safety cards.
“Our buyers include collectors, but also children with their parents,” says Kaller.
A quarter century
Kaller’s passion for collecting began 25 years ago. What fascinates him most is aviation itself. “It is truly impressive how you can get anywhere in the world in no time by plane. But there’s also the sound, the mechanics, the engineering, which really impress me,” he explains. His first model was a DC-9 that he purchased on one of the 350 flights he has taken
“ The most wonderful thing about my hobby is meeting and talking to other collectors.”
Walter Kaller, former chair of the association Friends of Innsbruck Airport.
over the course of his lifetime. “You can see which models they are selling in the in-flight magazine. That’s also the cheapest place to buy them,” says the expert collector. Today he owns at least 60 models that range in price from fifteen to several hundred Euros. A model Tyrolean Airlines Dash 7 is particularly dear to him. “Since the airline no longer exists, this is the rarest model in my collection.” He also owns over 700 safety cards – the cardboard documents that instruct passengers on board an aircraft in emergency procedures. These, too, are valuable collectables. “They can be quite pricey, up to 70 Euros each,” says Kaller. The key feature is a small inscription at the bottom of a card showing the month
and year it was issued. Some collectors, for instance, want to own a card for every month of the year.
Faithful visitor
Besides being a collector, Kaller is also a dedicated aviation enthusiast and plane spotter. “I am at Innsbruck Airport nearly every day, taking photos of planes as they approach. My main objective is to document the registration number of every single aircraft belonging to a given airline. These are a bit like the licence plate on a car. Austrian Airlines’ Embraer fleet has twelve different ones, and I have the whole series,” Kaller explains. He collects these photos in albums – he has thirty at this point – and uses them to produce an annual calendar, which sells well among other collectors. This makes him especially happy, because, as he puts it, “the most wonderful thing about my hobby is meeting and talking to other collectors.”
Some of the model aeroplanes are one-of-a-kind pieces that were painted by hand.
The Airport Hotel at Airport Innsbruck West/Kranebitten
TANJA CHRAUST
Innsbruck’s first air traffic station opened in Reichenau, on the eastern side of the city, in 1925. By the late 1930s, it was becoming clear that this airport would eventually be inadequate. Apart from an emergency airfield set up at the western end of the city in 1943, however, plans to establish a new airport under the Nazi regime never came to fruition. Soon after the war ended, the French Allied occupying forces set about building a new airport for the Tyrolean provincial capital in earnest. As it was not possible to expand the original airport premises in Reichenau any further, French High Commissioner Émile Béthouart set his sights on the 104-hectare Ulfiswiese site in the
west of Innsbruck that had already been earmarked for a new airport by the Nazi regime in 1938, when the incorporation of Hötting had brought the area in question within the city’s boundaries. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on January 8, 1946, and attended by Tyrol’s governor Dr. Alfons Weißgatterer and Innsbruck’s mayor Dr. Anton Melzer. In the economically depressed post-war years, obtaining building materials repeatedly proved difficult; nonetheless, this major project was completed within two years using the labours of 200 prisoners of war. The new airport was ceremoniously inaugurated on January 15, 1948, under the name Innsbruck West. Among the new buildings – the tower, the one-storey airport building, the hotel and the concrete runway – the airport hotel stood out in particular. In fact, the March 9, 1948, edition of the daily newspaper Tiroler Tageszeitung described it as “Tyrol’s calling card and one of the most beautiful and modern establishments in Tyrol.” The designs had been drawn up by the Innsbruck architecture firm Hubert Sterzinger in a deliberately and distinctively
IMG. 1
The Airport Innsbruck West complex included the airport hotel with an area for passenger processing, a one-storey building that housed air traffic control, the tower, two hangars that had been moved there from the old airport premises in Reichenau and a concrete runway.
Tyrolean style. Imaginative frescoes, wrought-iron chandeliers, room-sized Persian rugs, armchairs and open fireplaces were installed to delight and impress guests. The rooms, too, were furnished to provide exceptional comfort; they featured rustic farm-style furniture, silk bedclothes, telephones and loudspeakers plus tiled bathrooms. Guests could relax outdoors on the sunny, south-facing open-air terrace, while the hotel’s north side had dedicated tennis courts for the athletically inclined. Equally impressive was the fully electrified kitchen, which had a large refrigerator and was also equipped with an oven that could easily cater to the needs of 500 people. Moreover, the coffee machine, meat mincer, sifter-strainer and vegetable chopper were powered by electric motors. The dinner on the restaurant menu featured an impressive six courses – at a time when the local population was still dependent on ration cards to get essential supplies and the caloric intake for a normal Austrian was set at 1,700 kcal per day. When the airport was officially handed over to the newly independent Republic of Austria on Septem-
ber 13, 1955, its name was changed from Innsbruck West to Innsbruck Kranebitten. In the mid-1960s, all operations were moved from the older premises north of the runway to the newly constructed buildings on the runway’s south side. The new airport complex was officially inaugurated on April 24, 1965. While the old, wooden control tower (17.55 m / 57.6 ft high) was considered an aviation hazard and was therefore torn down in August of that same year, the airport hotel remained in use. Well into the 1970s, it was used as the venue for the very popular Faschingsbälle (carnival season balls) held by the gliders and air sports club. November 1968 marked the beginning of a decade-long crisis for the airport: Within just one year, Innsbruck lost all three of its mainstay airlines (British Eagle, Austrian Airlines, Swissair) and went into a slump from which it did not begin to recover until the 1978/79 winter season. However, the resulting increase in air traffic meant that the airport hotel, which still stood to the north of the runway, had to be demolished for reasons of flight safety in October of 1981.
IMG. 2
The entrance and reception area of the airport hotel, which was run by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (International Sleeping-Car Company).
IMG. 3
The rooms, decorated in a distinctly Tyrolean style, offered considerable comfort.
IMG. 4
The hotel bar was richly stocked with bottles that hearkened back to better times, including Grand Marnier, Cointreau and Bénédictine.
Sitting for hours on end, dry cabin air and lack of movement during a flight can leave your body feeling stiff and sluggish. Here are a few simple stretches and easy exercises to help you feel re-energised and get you moving again.
1.
Neck stretch
Your neck is often the first place to feel the effects of sitting too long and moving too little. Gentle stretching can help to quickly relieve this tension. Keeping your torso upright and your shoulders relaxed, place one hand on the top of your head and carefully tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder.
Side bend
This easy exercise can help to realign and mobilise your body. Stand firmly with your feet at a comfortable width apart. Raise one arm above your head and then lean your upper body to the opposite side. For a bit of extra challenge, briefly lift the foot on the side you’re leaning towards off the ground.
4. 5.
Lunge stretch
Stretching your hip flexor is especially soothing after a flight. Take a large step forward with one foot, bend your front knee and put most of your weight on your front foot. Then gently tilt your pelvis forward until you can feel a stretch at the front of your hips.
2.
Calf stretch
Prolonged sitting on a flight can cause fluid to accumulate in the feet, ankles and calves, leaving them feeling heavy and swollen. To stimulate blood flow to your lower legs, slide one heel back and push it into the floor while keeping your front foot on the ground.
3.
Torso rotation
After a few hours in an airplane seat, your back will appreciate some movement. Stand up straight and let your arms hang loosely by your sides. In a calm and controlled movement, slowly rotate your upper body to first to the right and then to the left. Direct your gaze in the direction you want to turn.
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