Situated in the heart of the regional capital Innsbruck, the Markthalle is a large covered area on the banks of the Inn river combining a farmers' market with a selection of food shops.
Thanks to its position on the north-south route between Germany and Italy, Innsbruck has always been a place where travellers and traders would stop to exchange information and goods. A hub of activity even in medieval times was the Marktgraben, a series of buildings on the southern edge of the old town. Just a few metres away, on the bank of the Inn river, lies the Markthalle, a covered market selling exquisite foodstuffs and flowers from Tirol and many other countries and regions around the world.
Paradise for foodies
Next to the eastern entrance is Wurst & Wonne selling most traditional and typical of all Austrian fastfood: sausages. Specialties include a Jack the Ripper sausage, an eye-wateringly hot version with a high beef content. Just a few metres away is Schmankerl & Co., the perfect place to enjoy a hearty farmers' breakfast.
Further shops in the Markthalle include butcher, a fishmonger and fruit & vegetable stands as well as one shop selling Turkish delicacies and several shops selling fine foodstuffs from Italy. You want more? We've got more! How about fresh herbs and flowers, fine wines, freshly squeezed fruit juices, home-made pasta and freshly baked bread so good that many travel across the city to buy their it here.
Just like any outdoor market, the air is filled with animated chatter and the sweet smell of herbs, Speck and freshly cut flowers, depending on which area of the Markthalle you are in. But be warned! A trip to the Markthalle is not something to be rushed – there is simply too much to see, taste, try, discuss and experience. Heaven on Earth for foodies!
Thanks to its position on the north-south route between Germany and Italy, Innsbruck has always been a place where travellers and traders would stop…
