Bergisel

Bergisel is a hill on the southern edge of Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria, overlooking the Inn valley and the city. The site comprises both a historic landmark and a modern sports facility, making it a notable point of reference for the region.

Historically, Bergisel is best known for the Battle of Bergisel in 1809, part of the Tyrolean Rebellion against Napoleonic forces. The conflict ended with Tyrolean losses, but the event left a lasting imprint on local memory. In the following decades a war memorial, the Bergisel Denkmal, was erected on the hill to commemorate the Tyrolean fighters and the broader struggle for independence.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Bergisel became prominent as a ski jumping venue. The Bergiselschanze (Bergisel Ski Jump) is a major international facility for ski jumping competitions. The current structure, opened in 2002, was designed by the architect Zaha Hadid and features a distinctive tower that houses a viewing platform and a restaurant. The jump itself is used for World Cup events and other international competitions, making Bergisel a key site in the sport.

The site is accessible to visitors year-round and offers panoramic views of Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains. In addition to the jumping tower, the hill serves as a cultural and historical landmark, reflecting both Tyrolean history and contemporary architecture.