European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - February 27, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                The spacious ballroom in the Homburg was once called the giants Hall for its paintings not its size. The Golden roof framed by a Stone archway. A amps photos by Ken George Germany a Lefor Selden Innsbruck detailed m area v a amps Bronze statues of Maximilian s family stand inside the Hof Kirche. Continued from Page 3 Market area in the old town is the Golden roof perhaps the City s Best known single sight. The Golden roof which tops a Structure built in the 15th Century was made with 2,657 gilded Copper tiles. Legend claims the tiles were originally Gold coins put there by a Duke of Tirol called Friedrich the penniless who wanted to put an end to jokes about his poverty. Historians claim however that the work dates from the time of Maximilian and was used As a court Box. The second Story is decorated with elaborate carvings of Coats of arms. The top floor has a Balcony with carvings of Maximilian his two wives and his advisers. When the Sun hits the roof right it sparkles much to the Delight of the tourists who pack the Small Square in front of the building. Across the Street from the Palace is the court Church or Hof Kirche which owes its origins to Maximilian wanting to leave behind a tribute to his legacy and to promote the Fame and respect of the House of Habsburg. The memorial within the Church was designed to represent the emperor s funeral procession with a Stark lineup of Black Bronze statues of his family on each Side of the Church. Another exhibit at the Church is a 400-year-old wooden Organ which is considered to be one of the five most famous organs in the world. A few blocks off the beaten path on the other Side of the Homburg is St. James Cathedral a baroque Cathedral finished in 1724. Unfortunately its impressive Interior is undergoing renovations and won t be open until 1993. Back in the main flow of pedestrian traffic in the old town the main event is shopping whether for clothes or souvenirs. As a sideline to that Are numerous Flea markets both in and out of the Altstadt. Throughout the area Are ancient balconies houses with picturesque signs and frescoes painted on their Walls. Once the old town has been adequately explored devote at least a full Day Innsbruck still has plenty of attractions to visit near the Hof Kirche is the tyrolean folkloric museum Iroler  exhibits traditional costumes cribs and even a number of ancient Snow sleds. But most fascinating about this museum Are the spartan peasant rooms Duck or you la hit your head on the doorways that remain As they were 400 years ago. Not All of Innsbruck s attractions Are old. There is the Europa Orticke Europe s highest Bridge standing More than 600 feet Over the Sill River the Alpine zoo with indigenous species in their natural environment and an exotic Butterfly collection with various species fluttering about. Then there Are the olympic facilities ice stadium ski jump stadium bobsled run As Well As the olympic museum with video footage from the 1964 and 1976 Winter games. As for the Winter sports the Innsbruck travel guide says it guarantees Snow through Early april. The nearby Stubavi Glacier can be skied year round and there Are five other areas to choose from including two used in the olympic games a Patscher Kofel and a Amer Lyzum. The five areas have a combined 50 Miles of groomed runs and 34 lifts. Other activities include 120 Miles of Cross country trails ice rinks for skating and hockey on saturday mornings and Toboggan and bobsled runs. A three Day ski lift pass for the surrounding slopes Sells for 750 schillings for adults 450 schillings for children. It also is Good for free Access to Innsbruck s indoor swimming pools and bus service. The setting Sun is no reason to lock yourself away in an Innsbruck hotel room. This City has plenty of stops on the nightlife circuit ranging from dress up formal gatherings to sit Down pubs. One comfortable Stop is the club Filou at Stift Gasse 12 in the old town a somewhat intimate nightclub that can be arguably called a disco a piano bar or even a pub. A Palm tree stands to the Side of the dance floor and there Are two fireplaces As useless As the piano. Instead a disc jockey plays great music ranging from Phil Collins to . Another must Stop within the Altstadt is the Gasthoff Leisses Rossi at Kiebach Gasse 8 for dinner. The rum Steak served with herbal butter and French Fries goes for 160 austrian schillings about $13.90. But forget the Price. It s the delicious meal that counts Here a definitely among the Best steaks in Europe. For those looking for something less expensive a hamburger Fries and salad goes for 70 schillings there and pork cordon Bleu and Fries is Good for 1 30  tips Innsbruck is in Western Austria about 91 Miles Southwest of Munich. Coming from Germany it can be reached via autobahn 8 and 93 into Austria. You can also reach Innsbruck by train through Munich. From Verona Italy take autoroute 22 North to Austria. Gas can be purchased with coupons at the German austrian Border City of Kiefer Felden. Take the final exit about a Quarter mile from the austrian Border and drive a half mile to the intersection. Take a left and an Esso station can be found on the right Side in town. The tourist information Bureau is at the Southern Edge of the old town at Burggrabe 3 and is open 8 . To 7 . Daily. Ski passes admission to cultural events and Public transportation tickets can be purchased at the Bureau. Other services include room reservations foreign Money Exchange literature in English and information. For More information write Innsbruck Lyls tourist Board Burgrabe 3, a-6021 Innsbruck Tirol Austria or Call 512-5356. The Hoch Krimmel ski area is about 60 Miles East of Innsbruck. Take a-12 North to the exit for Gerl Spass and follow it through the pass to Krimmel. To get to the Krimmel waterfalls from Ger los there will be a toll of 90 schillings about $8. For More information Contact the Krimmel tourist information office at 6564-239. Telephone numbers Are for Calls in Austria if calling from outside Germany be sure to add the country code. A Ron Mckinney 4 stripes Magazine february 27, 1992