Community Postcard Series

Sent from between the high peaks of the Alps, our next postcard comes from Jonas Lang. A resident of Innsbruck and friend of ours, he shares his story of what it is like to live, explore and move around the city of Innsbruck and beyond.

An ornate city in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Innsbruck is home to an enthusiastic and passionate cycling community. From professional cyclists to weekend warriors, the city offers an array of opportunities for cyclists of all levels. Beyond cycling, it is known for its stunning mountain scenery, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. The city is surrounded by high peaks and scenic valleys, providing the perfect playground for hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and more. Without forgetting to mention the city's cultural offerings like historic landmarks, museums, and a lively nightlife.

For Jonas, his love for cycling all started when his dad, an ambitious cyclist, invited him on a 25 kilometre ride with 1,000 metres of elevation. Described by him as “the worst and hardest ride ever” and despite the difficulty of the ride for him at the time, Jonas was instantly hooked on cycling. Over the years, he has trained hard and now enjoys riding as often as possible. Innsbruck offers a thriving cycling scene, ranging from old-school pro cyclists to the new wave of coffee-stop cyclists. There are always group rides and events happening, and the city's location in the Alps guarantees that routes will always be steep and challenging.

Jonas’ go-to ride is a 50 kilometre “feierabendrunde,” which involves a casual ride and chat with friends, followed by pizza and beer at a local pizzeria. At the moment, he is especially fond of riding in the Alps and Italy, where the combination of food, sun and challenging terrain makes for the perfect cycling experience.

Although Jonas often rides with friends, he recognises the value of solo rides, too. Sometimes it is nice to get on the bike, listen to a good playlist, and clear his head. For him, it is a 50-50 split between group rides and solo rides. Coffee stops are an essential part of any ride, and Innsbruck has no shortage of great coffee spots. Jonas’ favourite is LaCantina, an Italian espresso bar in the city centre that serves the best coffee in town.

Cycling is not the only outdoor activity that Jonas is passionate about. He is also an avid hiker and is deeply involved in the outdoor culture of the city. Innsbruck’s location in the mountains means that there is no shortage of great hiking trails, and Jonas takes full advantage of this. He has a deep appreciation for nature and the great outdoors, and spends much of his free time discovering new routes and reaching new summits. In addition to his personal pursuits, Jonas has also established a reputation for himself in the outdoor online and local community, collaborating with well-known outdoor brands and sharing photography that showcases his adventures and love for the mountains.

For those looking to visit Innsbruck, Jonas recommends starting the day with breakfast at Haepinest and taking a quick spin around the city. Lunch is highly recommended at La Trattoria, where the pasta menu is a must-try. After that, a coffee at LaPausa is a great way to relax before exploring the city centre and appreciating the age of the city's many historic buildings. For dinner, Jonas suggests trying traditional Tyrolean food at Weisses Rössl, where a schnitzel is a must, along with a beer in the amazing Tyrolean Stube.

We would like to thank Jonas for taking the time to share what it’s like to live, ride and explore in and around the city of Innsbruck. If you are interested in discovering more about Jonas and following his story beyond this postcard, you can connect via the link below. 

If you would like to get involved and send us your Postcard this year, drop us a DM on Instagram - @universal.colours