I have been dreaming of Innsbruck in Austria!
Why?
Because I am hooked to it. Ever since I have seen the teaser of the song ‘Dil Diyan Galla’ from the movie ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ by Yash Raj Films, its been like love at first sight. It is not only one of the most romantic songs of the year 2017, but it has some of the most charming locations in the backdrop. Those who know me, know my sincerity for Hindi movies and greediness for travelling. The places shown in the teaser appealed to me so much that the curious traveler in me did not take rest until I had discovered it for myself that the song was shot in some of the most beautiful and untouched locales of Tirol, its capital Innsbruck and the Austrian alps. And as a travel blogger, this was like a new discovery. The more I have been reading about Tirol, the more I have been fascinated about its history.
~ Bollywood goes to Austria, Tirol and Innsbruck ~
Bringing Austria closer to Indian audiences! Tirol is both an unexplored and a stunningly beautiful location.
While my love for Austria was living its own life, little did I know that I would get an invite in my inbox which would take me closer to it. Of course, it wasn’t a media trip to Austria but it was about Bollywood and Austria together making a perfect event for me. Alas, I couldn’t attend it because I was busy attending a wedding in the family.
We would like to invite you to an event Bollywood goes Austria, Tirol and Innsbruck that positions Austria as a preferred destination for film productions and tourism. The Austrian Ambassador to India H.E. Brigitte Oppinger Walchshoffer is the Guest of Honour for the evening.
Some excerpts from the event!
The Austrian Ambassador to India H.E. Brigitte Öppinger-Walchshofer, said, “When Bollywood searches for new overseas locations for shooting films, Austria is very well placed to meet high expectations. The country offers everything from beautiful mountain scenery, deep forests and rolling green hills to romantic castles and lavish palaces. To film in Austria also ensures to work with excellent infrastructure. The crews might work in conditions of deep snow high up in the Alps but the cafés of Innsbruck, Salzburg or Vienna are just a short hop away from mountain glaciers or other beautiful sets for Indian films. Bollywood is more than welcome in Austria. Let us intensify this relationship and by that not only the one from country to country or between institutions but the one from people to people.”
Notable movie director Ali Abbas Zafar said, “The experience of shooting in the stunning Austrian Alps full of fresh beautiful snow, cold temperatures and peaceful ambiance was an experience in itself. The abundance of locations in the pristine alpine mountains made them ideal for our shooting sequences. In fact, these visuals linger in a certain way on-screen and make a stronger impact on the viewer.” He further said, “Austria is known for its art, culture and music and this cultural heritage enables visually rich content that is unparalleled. The imperial architecture of Innsbruck and the Old Town Centre will feature for the first time in cinema history in Tiger Zinda Hai.”
Hiking Sonnenplateau
Karan Johar said, “The alpine flair and imperial architecture in Innsbruck, the funicular to ski slopes in holiday villages, open green meadows, crisp mountain air and the wildly romantic mountaineering villages fascinated me to Austria. Tourism to Austrian destinations is growing exponentially as we speak. I’m happy that Bollywood is engaging the Indian traveler to be seen more frequently in Austrian locations wanting more from each experience.” His movie Ae Dil Hai Muskil was shot in Austria.
TIROL
The name Tirol comes from the word ‘Terrain’ and it has a very interesting geographical location too. This historical region in the Alps, in northern Italy and western Austria is blessed with gorgeous mountain landscape and makes for one of the best skiing areas in winter. It has more than 500 peaks over 3,000 m and more than 600 glaciers along the main alpine ridge. If you love skiing and snowboarding, if you love outdoor activities, if you love indulging in nature, this is the place for you.
This place also makes for travelers like me because it is known for its traditional customs, celebrations and quaint mountain villages. It has museums and other cultural attractions too.
Let us discover INNSBRUCK
Having hosted the Olympic Games three times (1964, 1976, 2012), Innsbruck is well known for its significant range of winter and summer sports: skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, tobogganing, ice sports as well as hiking, climbing, cycling, mountain biking or golf. Some of the other international events that are already due to happen in Innsbruck are UCI Road World Championships in Road Cycling 2018, the IFSC World Championships in Climbing 2018 and the ski jumping competitions of the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, Seefeld 2019.
As a traveler, I am sure you must be keen to know what makes Innbruck special. This is what had got me dreaming about it…
- 1. Innsbruck is the capital of the Austrian Tirol region. It is Austria’s second-largest congress and convention venue with Congress Innsbruck, Messe Innsbruck and Congresspark Igls.
- 2. It is a place which offers a unique mix of alpine urban experiences – where the mountains meet the valley, and the city is one with nature.
- 3. The Nordkette mountain range can be reached in 20 minutes by cable car soaring up to 2,300 metres offering spectacular views into the Karwendel nature park as well as down to the imperial city of Innsbruck.
- 4. Apart from the mountains surrounding the city it has all, the sunny alpine plateaus, clear mountain lakes, wildly romantic mountaineering villages and the amenities of the city.
- 5. For some one like me who is a sucker for history and heritage, there are attractions like the Golden Roof, the medieval historic quarter, Schloss Ambras Castle with the Renaissance ‘Chamber of Art and Curiosities’, the Imperial Court Palace and the Court Church with a Renaissance cenotaph, the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I.
- 6. For the adventure and luxury lovers, you can’t miss the Bergisel ski jump designed by Zaha Hadid and the Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
- 7. The great Pilgrimage Church of Maria Locherboden which stands on Mieming Plateau and high above Inntal Valley has been a beacon for pilgrims, hikers and visitors for centuries.
‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ has been filmed in different locations in the Innsbruck region, in alpine Praxmar and Kühtai with beautiful mountain scenery and winter bliss, in the historic city centre of Innsbruck as well as in the Imperial Court Palace.
The shoot for “Tiger Zinda Hai” began with a song in the amazing locales of Tirol/Austria, known for its snow-capped mountains and small, quaint villages.
Places to stay!
This region offers roughly 19,000 beds ranging from 5-star spa resorts to privately run B&Bs, holiday apartments, youth hostels, camping sites or farm stays.
I am still dreaming of visiting Austria soon. Let us keep dreaming. Some dreams do come true!
