Two groups, eight teams, twelve matches, plenty of passion and handball at its highest standard – sports fans coming to Innsbruck between 28 November and 3 December 2024 are in for a real treat. The capital of Tyrol will be hosting the preliminary round matches in Groups E and F at the Women’s EHF EURO 2024 handball championship, which is being held across Austria, Hungary and Switzerland. The excitement is sure to be running high as some of Europe’s top handballing nations take to the courts in this alpine city – including reigning title holders and Olympic champions Norway, 2019 world champions the Netherlands, Germany (seventh at the last European Championship in 2022) and handball-mad Iceland. And they are not the only contenders: Slovenia, Slovakia, Ukraine and – of course – the home team Austria will be doing everything they can to make it to the next round too. So get ready for some thrilling contests at the Olympiahalle! More information and tickets are available online at www.catchthespirit2024.com.

For those keen to enjoy the experiences this alpine-yet-urban hub has to offer before, during or after the European Women’s Handball Championship, you’ve come at the perfect time. November is when the first of the local ski resorts open for the season, starting with Axamer Lizum, Kühtai and Nordkette. Muttereralm, Patscherkofel and Rangger Köpfl follow soon afterwards, opening their perfectly prepared pistes from early/mid December. This is also the time when Innsbruck’s seven Christmas markets spring to life. Spread across the city, they never fail to get visitors in a festive mood ready for Christmas. Alongside art, crafts and gifts, the main delights to discover at the many charming stalls are all the culinary specialities on offer. And who knows? Maybe you’ll bump into a handball star or two while you’re sampling a traditional “Kiachl” pastry and punch!