It’s not just one picturesque street that adds so much color to the city center of Innsbruck. The entire downtown area is characterized by pastel-colored facades and distinctive turrets that rise above the city like dollops of whipped cream. The cozy atmosphere, Italian influences, and the backdrop of a rugged mountain landscape give the city a unique character. Innsbruck is the perfect destination for a special city trip in Austria. The capital of Tyrol offers a unique combination of lively shopping streets, high mountains, and a diverse range of restaurants and museums. In no time, you can view the city from the surrounding mountains, which are very accessible to everyone with the many gondolas. The public transportation in the city also makes it possible to discover much of Innsbruck and its surroundings in a short time. Are you looking for a city trip off the beaten path? Then this Austrian student city is a must-go! Want to know what to do during your vacation in Innsbruck?
Innsbruck, the Capital of Tyrol
Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and is only a half-hour drive from the Italian border. This is why you see many Italian influences in both the streetscape and the cuisine: Italian gelaterias on every corner, colorful facades, and Italian aperitifs on every terrace menu. For many vacationers in Austria, Innsbruck is nothing more than a stopover on their way to their holiday destination in Tyrol. Not surprising, since with its own airport and (international) train station, it’s a city where many travelers begin their vacation in Austria. But as a city trip or holiday destination itself, Innsbruck is still heavily underrated. Such a pity, because this vibrant student city has so much to offer! We went exploring and discovered the best things to do and the most beautiful sights in Innsbruck during a midweek stay. And believe us, we are far from having seen it all! Are you heading there soon? Don’t miss out on these highlights.
1. View Innsbruck from Above on the Nordkette
Innsbruck offers everything that an average city trip destination does: cozy shopping streets, good restaurants, historical landmarks, and interesting museums. But Innsbruck has something extra, namely the high mountains that surround the city. As the capital of Tyrol, Innsbruck is an important city in an impressive alpine region. Therefore, it is an ideal base for mountain sports enthusiasts. What is particularly interesting about a city trip to Innsbruck is that these high mountain ranges are easily accessible by gondola, so even if you’re not an experienced hiker, you have access to the most beautiful viewpoints on mountain peaks well above 2,000 meters. And you don’t even have to travel far for it!
360-Degree View from the Hafelekarspitze (2,334 m)
The Nordkette is perhaps one of the most important attractions during a holiday in Innsbruck. The mountain range is directly accessible from the city center. To get there, take the funicular from the valley station of the Nordkettebahnen in the middle of the city. The funicular, which goes steeply up the mountain, is an experience in itself. Once at the final station, you transfer to the gondola that takes you further up. The first gondola ends at Restaurant Seegrube (1,905 m), where you have a beautiful view over Innsbruck. From here, another gondola goes up to the Hafelekar. The last part to the Hafelekarspitze (2,334 m) can be done on foot. It’s a simple climb and absolutely worth it because from this top you have a 360-degree view over the rugged mountain landscape and Innsbruck.
2. Wander through the Streets of the Altstadt
What makes Innsbruck such a beautiful city are the many Gothic and Jugendstil facades in soft pastel tones. The streetscape is anything but boring! It is wonderful to wander through the colorful streets of the Altstadt and surrounding areas on a nice day. Sit down at one of the many terraces with a glass of prosecco or an Italian espresso, photograph the beautiful facades, signboards, and the house with the golden roof, or go shopping in small boutiques.
The Tastiest Apfelstrudel and Schnapps in the Hofgasse
A special mention is the Hofgasse, an authentic street in the Altstadt where you will find some very special specialty shops. For example, eat the tastiest apfelstrudel at Strudelcafe Kröll, where you can enjoy many more sweet and savory strudels from Austria in addition to apfelstrudel. And to continue with Austrian specialties, you can then taste schnapps in the schnapps shop across the street, Tirol Geniessen. Here you will find dozens of types of Austrian schnapps and liqueurs, all made from ingredients from local farmers in Tyrol, from herbal schnapps to fruity liqueurs.
Climb the 51m High Gothic City Tower
While you’re in the Altstadt, make sure to climb the Gothic city tower for a beautiful view over Innsbruck’s city center for only €4.50. From the 51-meter high tower, you can see the surrounding attractions of Innsbruck, such as the Nordkette, Bergisel Ski Jump, and St. James’ Cathedral.
Photograph the Colorful Houses Along the Inn River
Innsbruck owes its name to the Inn River, a tributary of the Danube and one of the main waterways of the Alps. Innsbruck literally means “bridge over the Inn.” Along the fast-flowing river, just outside the Altstadt, you’ll find a beautiful row of colorful, stately houses set against a backdrop of high mountains. The best view of this photogenic hotspot in Innsbruck is from the square near the market hall.
3. Discover the (Historical) Attractions of Innsbruck
During your city trip to Innsbruck, be sure to visit St. James’ Cathedral (also known as Innsbrucker Dom). The Baroque cathedral is richly decorated with impressive frescoes in Baroque illusionism. Take the time to view all the ceiling paintings, but also take a look at the twisted columns, which feature plants, birds, snails, and grasshoppers. Another church worth visiting is the Gothic Court Church, which houses the tomb of the Tyrolean hero Andreas Hofer. The Court Church is particularly notable for its collection of 28 life-size Renaissance statues of Emperor Maximilian I surrounding his empty tomb. Another striking historical landmark in Innsbruck is the Triumphal Arch located at the southern end of Maria Theresien Street. This monument, with Roman triumphal arches and three doors, was built in 1765 by order of Empress Maria Theresa.
4. Go Mountain Carting at the Muttereralm
After seeing all the (historical) sights in the city, it’s time for some action just outside the city! For an adrenaline rush, go mountain carting at the Muttereralm—fun is guaranteed! From the Muttereralm, you descend in a cart down the 5 km long mountain cart track to the valley station of the Muttereralmbahn. The carts are specially developed for the descent and are very maneuverable and stable. You can control the speed entirely yourself. If you’re a real adrenaline junkie, you can let the speed build up. But if you prefer to play it safe, you can use the brakes a bit more and take the descent more slowly. At first, we found it a bit thrilling, but as the descent progressed, we dared to let go of the brakes more and race down the mountain at high speed. And it was so much fun! Since the descent takes 15-20 minutes, you have plenty of time to gain confidence in the cart and enjoy the descent, even if you’re cautious at the beginning. Keep in mind that it’s a bumpy road, so it’s not suitable for pregnant women or people with a weak back!
More Activities at the Muttereralm
Mountain carting isn’t the only activity you can do at the Muttereralm. The area around the alm is ideal for beautiful, panoramic hikes. There are also various short, easy hikes, making it very suitable for beginners or people with children. You can easily combine mountain carting with a hike through the mountains. Be sure to walk to the Panoramasee, a small reservoir with wide views over Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains. Additionally, there are good mountain bike tracks for downhill mountain biking, and you can also take longer hikes and conquer the high peaks in this area. You can also have a great lunch at the Muttereralm! A recommendation is the Topfen-Kasspatzl’n, a typical Austrian, hearty mountain meal.
How to Get to the Muttereralm?
Want to go mountain carting and/or hiking at the Muttereralm during your holiday in Innsbruck? You can easily do this from the city! Take the tram (STB / Stubaitalbahn) from the center. It departs from the Triumphpforte/Casino stop, among others, and runs every 4 minutes. The tram ride of about 25 minutes is worth it alone, as it takes you through the mountains to the Mutters Nockhofweg / Muttereralmbahn stop. From this stop, it’s a short walk to the valley station of the gondola (follow the yellow signs). Then take the Muttereralmbahn gondola to the end point, the Muttereralm.
5. Visit the Swarovski Kristallwelten
The Swarovski Kristallwelten is one of the main attractions in Innsbruck. Optician Daniel Swarovski started his first company in Wattens, 23 km from Innsbruck, and this is where you’ll now find the interactive Swarovski museum. But if you’re expecting a stiff museum full of crystal figurines, you’re mistaken. The Swarovski Kristallwelten is actually a large interactive exhibition that stimulates all your senses. Various contemporary artists have worked with crystal, resulting in a wide variety of ‘Chambers of Wonder’ filled with interactive artworks that can be admired from different perspectives. The museum uses light, sound, scent, and even temperature, making it a feast for the senses! There are also various art installations that use virtual reality, optical illusions, and other audiovisual means. One of the highlights of the museum is the Crystal Dome, where you stand as if inside a giant crystal. Not only visually interesting, but discover what it does to the sound as well! Don’t miss the garden with its mirrored lake and crystal clouds that sparkle in the sunlight on a sunny day. It’s also very beautiful in winter!
Practical Information for Your Visit to the Swarovski Kristallwelten
Admission to the Swarovski Kristallwelten costs €19.00 per person, and it’s free with an Innsbruck all-inclusive Card. Children up to 5 years old also have free access. If you’re not driving there, you can take the shuttle bus from the train station in Innsbruck. It runs four times a day (starting at 10:20 AM, every two hours, with the last one at 4:20 PM, but always check the museum’s website for current times). The cost for the shuttle bus is €9.50 per person for a round trip. Want to have lunch or dinner at Swarovski? You can enjoy delicious and affordable meals at the on-site restaurant, Daniel’s.
6. Walk the Panoramic Zirbenweg from Patscherkofel
For those who want to enjoy a spectacular view, the 2,246-meter-high Patscherkofel is a must-visit! You can take the Patscherkofelbahn gondola all the way to the top station. Here, you’ll find the restaurant Das Kofel, where you can enjoy a fantastic view on a clear day. You can also visit the Alpine Garden and walk the panoramic Zirbenweg. This route, which is part of the Adlerweg (Eagle’s Trail), runs from the top station of the Patscherkofelbahn to the Tulfeinalm (Tulfes). The entire walk remains at an elevation of about 2,000 meters, so you don’t need to deal with significant elevation changes. The view during the entire walk, which takes you through the rugged mountain landscape, is breathtakingly beautiful. The route is 2.5 km long and can also be walked in the opposite direction. In this case, you can end at Das Kofel restaurant and dine at sunset, after which you can take the last gondola back to the valley. Even if you don’t plan to walk, Das Kofel is a perfect place for a sunset dinner in good weather!
How to Reach the Start/End Point of the Zirbenweg?
From the bus station in Innsbruck (at the train station), take bus line J and get off at the Patscherkofelbahn stop, or if you want to start the walk in Tulfes, take bus line 4132/4134 and get off at the Tulfes Glungezerbahn valley station. Note that bus J also stops halfway at the old valley station of the Patscherkofelbahn. Do not get off there! Stay on the bus until the Patscherkofelbahn stop.
7. View the 360-Degree Painting of the Tyrolean Rebellion in Das Tirol Panorama
Das Tirol Panorama is a modern museum about a historical event. While this description might seem overly simplistic, the way this museum tells a historical story in a contemporary manner is truly outstanding, both in terms of architecture and the method of exhibition. The main attraction of the museum is the 360-degree painting that depicts the Tyrolean Rebellion on a 1,000 m² canvas. The painting is positioned in such a way that the landscape on the canvas aligns with the real landscape, making it even more immersive. It showcases the battle in which Andreas Hofer freed Tyrol from Napoleon’s grip. The other exhibitions in the museum present different perspectives on this rebellion.
How to Get to Das Tirol Panorama?
From the center of Innsbruck (including the Maria-Theresien-Straße stop), take tram 1 to the Bergisel stop, which is the tram’s final stop. From here, you can visit both Das Tirol Panorama and the Bergisel Ski Jump. These two attractions are therefore easily combined during your city trip to Innsbruck.
8. See Ski Jumpers in Action at the Olympic Bergisel Ski Jump
You can see it from the center of Innsbruck: the Bergisel Ski Jump. This Olympic ski jump still hosts daily training sessions where you can watch ski jumpers in action. The old Bergisel jump was rebuilt in 2001 into the architectural marvel it is today. Its distinctive shape has earned it the nickname “The Cobra.” Not only does the jump offer stunning views of Innsbruck, but you can also witness spectacular jumps from the top! To catch the ski jumpers in action, make sure to check the training schedule.
Practical Information for Your Visit to the Bergisel Ski Jump
With a bit of luck, you can see the ski jumpers in action between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM and between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. However, please note that there will be no jumping in heavy rain. To reach the Bergisel Ski Jump, take tram 1 to the Bergisel stop, the same route you would take to Das Tirol Panorama. You can plan to visit both attractions in one half-day. Start your day at Das Tirol Panorama and head straight to the ski jump afterward to catch the jumpers in action. There is a restaurant at the Bergisel Ski Jump where you can have lunch afterward. This way, you still have the afternoon free to explore Innsbruck, relax at a café, or take a short walk.
9. Dive into Innsbruck’s History with a Visit to Schloss Ambras
Schloss Ambras (Ambras Castle) is the world’s oldest museum! The medieval castle is a beautiful sight from the outside and houses the remarkable collection of Archduke Ferdinand II, who established his court here in 1567. As an avid collector of armor, portraits, musical instruments, and natural wonders, he built the lower castle to house and display his collection. Thus, the first museum in the world was born. In addition to the Spanish Hall, the Chamber of Art and Curiosities is one of the main highlights of Schloss Ambras. The gardens and park surrounding the castle are also lovely to walk through.
How to Get to Schloss Ambras?
Schloss Ambras is located just outside the city, but it’s easy to visit with a short bus ride (about 10 minutes). From the station, take bus 4134 and get off at the Schloss Ambras stop. Pay attention, as it’s easy to miss your stop! Keep an eye on Google Maps to know when to get off.
