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The World's Ultimate Pole-Vaulting Challenge: The Golden Roof Challenge, Austria
Published by Melaina Gasbarrino, Writer
Country: Austria 
The Experience
When you travel to Innsbruck, Austria in June, you can watch athletes leap for the sky during the Golden Roof Challenge. This much-anticipated event for athletes, tourists and locals alike, creates a carnival atmosphere in Innsbruck as pole-vaulters and long jumpers compete in this unique challenge. Labelled as something out of the ordinary for all to see, Innsbruck's Golden Roof Challenge captures people’s attention near and far.
The Golden Roof Challenge is designed to see if anyone can fly as high as The Golden Roof's 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles. Debuting in 2004, the Challenge has evolved to include other entertainment aside from the main event, such as gymnasts and entertainers throughout the Innsbruck square to keep the crowd as energized as the competing athletes. Over recent years the competition has gradually become fiercer, as competitors continually seem to beat their own records of how high they really can jump. In 2010, Mark Hollis and Jeremy Scott from the USA each jumped as high as the sun at 5.62 meters, just 0.01 metres higher than 2009’s winner: Fabian Schulze of Germany. In the end the Golden Roof Challenge winner of 2010 was Hollis, as he had less failed attempts.
The Golden Roof in Innsbruck itself was built many moons ago in the early 15th century by Archduke Friedrich IV. It is a three-story balcony found in the central plaza of the Old Town of Innsbruck. The original purpose for the Golden Roof's creation was so that the great Emperor Maximilian I could have a place to relax and relish in the tournaments held below.
Only eight athletes compete for the annual grand prize of recognition and coveted golden shingle. To even be considered for competition in the Golden Roof Challenge, athletes must be able to achieve a jump of 5.50 meters or higher. This small elite group then faces the challenge of competing on a masterfully designed course created by event director Armin Margreiter, spanning over 71 meters in length. Between all the athletic displays and entertainment, you can rest assured that this is one afternoon that will leave you in awe and wonder.
The Golden Roof Challenge is designed to see if anyone can fly as high as The Golden Roof's 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles. Debuting in 2004, the Challenge has evolved to include other entertainment aside from the main event, such as gymnasts and entertainers throughout the Innsbruck square to keep the crowd as energized as the competing athletes. Over recent years the competition has gradually become fiercer, as competitors continually seem to beat their own records of how high they really can jump. In 2010, Mark Hollis and Jeremy Scott from the USA each jumped as high as the sun at 5.62 meters, just 0.01 metres higher than 2009’s winner: Fabian Schulze of Germany. In the end the Golden Roof Challenge winner of 2010 was Hollis, as he had less failed attempts.
The Golden Roof in Innsbruck itself was built many moons ago in the early 15th century by Archduke Friedrich IV. It is a three-story balcony found in the central plaza of the Old Town of Innsbruck. The original purpose for the Golden Roof's creation was so that the great Emperor Maximilian I could have a place to relax and relish in the tournaments held below.
Only eight athletes compete for the annual grand prize of recognition and coveted golden shingle. To even be considered for competition in the Golden Roof Challenge, athletes must be able to achieve a jump of 5.50 meters or higher. This small elite group then faces the challenge of competing on a masterfully designed course created by event director Armin Margreiter, spanning over 71 meters in length. Between all the athletic displays and entertainment, you can rest assured that this is one afternoon that will leave you in awe and wonder.
When to Go to Golden Roof Challenge
The Golden Roof Challenge typically falls in June and runs throughout the afternoon. Be sure to get up-to-date information and event timetables via the official site.
Odds n' Ends
The Golden Roof Challenge is free for all to see!
Places to Eat
- Ottoburg Restaurant
- Built as part of the Innsbruck Castle at the Ottoburg feel like a king as you feast your eyes on traditionally local food. With a duke-room that caters to intimate or larger parties there is a place for everyone to take a load off and enjoy a wonderful meal. Note that the restaurant is open Tuesday to Sundays for lunch and dinner.
- Hofgartencafe
- At the Hofgartencafe you will find the best spare ribs in town. Enjoy the elegance of the restaurant as it turns in to a bar in the wee hours of the morning so if you are extra hungry after a night on the town The Hofgartencafe is the place to go for great food and drinks.
- Koreth Restaurant
- At the Koreth Restaurant take in the friendly farm-like approach the restaurant offers. Here you will be surrounded by the wondrous dishes the world has to offer as the chef puts a delectable spin on anything that is imagined up. Enjoy the tranquility of this restaurant after a long day watching the Golden Roof Challenge.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Grand Tirolia Resort
- When you step on the Grand Tirolia Resort's grounds you will be able to sit back and relax and enjoy the wonderfully ruggedly romantic landscape of the area. The hotel not only has a golf course open 365 days a year but you can also bask in the wonderful spa or enjoy the delectable meals at the restaurant on site. Enjoy your holiday here and feel relaxed all the days of your trip.
- Hotel Goldener Adler
- At this perfect hotel enjoy the comfort of familiarity as this is a chain of Best Western hotels. Surrounded by the Old Town charm of Innsbruck it is considered ''the most centrally located First-Class-Hotel with all its comfort". The Hotel Goldener Adler, as it is a family-run business, the staff will make you feel at home for however long you decide to stay.
- Hotel Grauer Bar
- With its 196 perfectly renovated rooms and just 150 meters from the main attraction (The Golden Roof) the Hotel Grauer Bar is your best bet to enjoy the wonders each Austrian hotel has to offer. This hotel provides a place for a little rest and relaxation in their wellness area and caters to conferences for up to 500 people. So whether on business or pleasure The Hotel Grauer Bar is a little taste of tranquility in the middle of The Old City.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
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Elsewhere on the Web
- Official Site
- The 7th International Golden Roof Challenge will be once again a spectaculary event with world-class athletes and entertaining showblocks.
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Language Guides
French 
,
Turkish
are some of the languages spoken in Austria. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
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