|
INFORMATION |
The
IASTED International Conference on
Internet and Multimedia
Systems and Applications (EuroIMSA 2006)
February 13-15, 2006
Innsbruck, Austria
ABOUT
INNSBRUCK
There is more than one reason to visit Innsbruck. In fact,
there are a multitude of them! Twice host to the Winter
Olympics, it is a cultural centre which has taken 800 years
to evolve. Innsbruck is a town of art treasures, worthwhile
attractions, and varied cultural pursuits. The Austrian’s
love of music is reflected in a huge range of special occasions
arranged throughout the year, many with an international
flavour. Highlights in the annual Calendar of Events include
folklore and brass music concerts, the Innsbruck Dance Summer,
the Festival of Early Music, and the versatile and atmospheric
Innsbruck Advent Events.
INNSBRUCK, A WINTER WONDERLAND
Innsbruck has some of the best skiing and snowboarding in
the world. The Olympic Ski World has terrain to match anyone’s
skill level, from beginners to professionals. Innsbruck
in winter is great for non-skiers as well, and boasts a
series of walking trails with spectacular views, sledding
and tobogganing, ice-skating rinks, as well as indoor swimming
pools and dry-heat spa saunas. For more information consult
the Innsbruck Visitor’s Bureau at: http://www.innsbruck-tourismus.com
OTHER
INNSBRUCK FACTS
Weather/Climate
On average, Innsbruck’s February temperatures range
from –6.0C (24F) to 6.0C (40F). The area receives
approximately 41.4 millimetres of precipitation in February.
Language
Innsbruck’s official language is German, although
English is also widely spoken.
Time Zone
Innsbruck is in the Central European Time zone, which is
normally one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The
country of Austria does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Shopping
Innsbruck is the home of Austrian crystal. The world famous
Swarovski Crystal is made here. In the centre of Innsbruck
you will find the Swarovski Crystal Gallery where you can
buy almost anything you can think of made out of crystal.
Innsbruck has many shops that sell authentic Tyrolean dress
complete with lederhosen.
Innsbruck also has a wide array of artisan stores where
you can purchase handcrafted Tyrolean items such as sculpture,
pewter, textiles, woollen goods, hand-knit sweaters, and
lace. Also for sale are carved chests, mirror frames, and
furniture. The stores' elegant decor includes ancient stone
columns and vaulted ceilings.
The best shops are along the arcaded Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse
in the heart of the Old City; along its extension, Maria-Theresien-Strasse;
and along the cross-street Maximilianstrasse in the newer
part of town.
Business and Banking Hours
Banking hours in Innsbruck are generally 8:00 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays
and Fridays, and 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to
5:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Banks are closed on Saturdays and
Sundays. Exchange offices at airports and major city rail
terminals are open seven days a week and ATMs are widely
available.
The majority of the shops are open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00
p.m. Monday to Saturday. Most shops are closed Sundays,
although many of the tourist shops will be open.
Currency and Exchange
Austria uses the Euro. To change your currency into Euros,
you can visit most major banks, several independent currency
exchange bureaus, and major hotels. Typically, however,
the best rates of exchange are available through major banks.
An alternative to exchanging money is to use Automated Teller
Machines (ATMs), which are located at most banks. Most are
linked to international banking networks and are a convenient
way to withdraw cash, as long as users are prepared to pay
service fees.
For the latest rates on foreign currency, please visit http://www.x-rates.com,
which updates daily with information gathered from the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York and the International Monetary
Fund.
Taxes
Austria applies the VAT (value-added tax), to all purchases
except food, at a rate of 20%. Many tourist stores have
tax redemption cards that to complete so that you can be
reimbursed the VAT paid on vacation.
Tipping
At all restaurants the tip is included in the bill but it
is customary to round up the tab. Hotel porters and room
service should be given 1 to 2 Euros gratuity. As always,
all tipping is up to each person’s discretion.
INNSBRUCK TOURIST INFORMATION
For more information on any of the above, or to learn more
about Innsbruck, you may wish to visit the following website:
http://www.innsbruck-tourism.at/
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