Innsbruck

Right on the opposite side of the street beckons the elegant Kaufhaus Tyrol, another inner-city shopper’s dream come true. The building owes its striking exterior design as well as its exclusive, clear-cut interior appearance to a team of architects working with David Chipperfield. Covering a surface of more than 30,000m², this singular retail experience is enhanced by luminous daylight channelled in through the mall’s glass roof and large windows. Rising up from the bustling atrium in the centre of the building are airy, oval walkways that invite you to browse, explore and shop to your heart’s content. Although, it may not be that easy to take your pick, as shops stock fabulously fashionable men’s, women’s and children’s wear with prestigious brand names and exclusive cosmetics, alongside an exciting array of fashion accessories and beautiful things for your home.

When it opened its doors back in 1990, ‘Sillpark’ was the first modern shopping mall in the centre of town. Conveniently located near Innsbruck’s main railway station, the wonderfully spacious, three-level complex saw large-scale extension works in 2007. Today it scores with an impressive array of international fashion outlets such as Primark, as well as jewellery shops, cosmetics retailers and, of course, ample seating space to relax and refresh. Another highlight are the delicious regional specialities on offer at the popular farmer’s market which takes place regularly in the main entrance hall.

It was the first, and still is the largest of its kind: Innsbruck’s time-honoured dez shopping centre was the first mall in all of Austria when it opened its doors in 1970. Go there and ‘shop till you drop’, or simply browse the array of stores on offer and watch the world go by over a frothy cup of coffee. On a sprawling retail floor space of 24,800 m² there’s absolutely everything you could wish for - including fashion apparel for all the family, trendy gear for teenagers as well as accessories such as shoes, jewellery, bags …In addition to the dez main complex, the surrounding grounds have turned into a vast, one-stop shopping haven featuring a multitude of different stores, among them Swedish furniture giant Ikea.

The west of the city also makes shopping hearts beat faster: the "west" shopping centre with its open and glass-friendly architecture is not only a great place to stroll and stroll, but also for learning and further education - because the building houses a school as well as a colourful variety of shops. Openness is therefore not only expressed architecturally, but also realised as a place of encounter. Those who want to treat themselves to culinary delights in between can draw from a varied range of international cuisine. Thanks to the excellent public transport connections, there is no need for a car, as the IVB tram lines 2 and 5 stop directly in front of the shopping centre.

As you continue strolling along the vaulted arcades of Herzog Friedrich Street, you’ll be dazzled by the sparkle and shine emanating from the stunning Swarovski Flagshipstore. Step inside into a wonderful world of elegant crystal jewellery, figurines, designer home accessories and rare objets d’art in unmistakable Swarovski style.

Another fine spot to shop for exclusive ladies’ clothes is Dantendorfer located in a splendid old townhouse tucked away in Innsbruck’s Old Town. Here you find a fascinating mix of big fashion labels and styles, from all-time classics to avant-garde design and matching accessories.

Riesengasse is also home to van Laack, a specialist shop for exclusive ladies blouses and men’s shirts that can also be made to measure.