Questioning what to see in Innsbruck? 5 years in the past, our first go to to Austria was a complete accident. As two younger backpackers, we had rented a automotive in Munich earlier than heading South to Bavarian Alps. It wasn’t till we have been sitting in a restaurant that night time that Cameron requested, “Are we in Austria?”.
Positive sufficient, we have been surrounded by Austrian flags, and that tiny dot on our GPS confirmed we had arrived. On a decent funds, the one downside was that we needed to sleep within the rental automotive. This time round, we arrived within the Tyrol capital with plans and an inventory of all the most effective issues to do in Innsbruck. With our snowboards in tow, we made plans to discover Innsbruck by sight and slopes correctly.
It’s the one metropolis the place you’ll be able to ski, discover a grand palace, window store, and savor a strudel all in someday. In some ways, it’s all the things we love about Austria. A contemporary and historic metropolis that inside minutes locations you within the coronary heart of the Alps with cowbells ringing and recent Alpine air. Listed below are the most effective issues to do in Innsbruck from our private expertise.
Issues to do in Innsbruck – High Excursions and Excursions in Innsbruck
The place is Innsbruck, Austria?
Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol, Austria’s western state, and one in all Europe’s finest locations to go to. It’s the fifth largest metropolis in all of Austria and is a well-liked cease for a lot of on a European highway journey. Munich is a two-hour drive away to the north, with Bolzano being 1.5 hours away to the south.
Innsbruck is well-known for being an internationally recognized winter sports activities mecca. The town hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics and the Winter Paralympics in 1984 and 1988. It’s a fantastic spot to ski and snowboard within the winter whereas offering loads of summer time climbing alternatives. Innsbruck is a colourful metropolis; to us, it is without doubt one of the most lovely mountain cities in Europe and the world!
The Greatest Issues to do in Innsbruck
Go to the Hofkirche
Questioning what to do in Innsbruck? A go to to The Hofkirche can’t be missed in case you take pleasure in grand European church buildings. The Gothic church was constructed within the mid-1500s and is positioned within the heart of Innsbruck. As spectacular as it’s from the surface, you need to go inside to marvel.
The inside of the Hofkirche is grand, to say the least. The principle attraction is the Cenotaph of Emperor Maximilian I, which is surrounded by 28 statues depicting his numerous ancestors and heroes, together with Leopold III and King Arthur.
Act Courageous on the Bergisel Ski Soar (Bergiselschanze)
The Bergisel Ski Soar is a world-class ski bounce hill that may be seen from nearly wherever in Innsbruck. It’s an unmistakable icon of town and was redesigned by the famed Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. The venue has been utilized in two Olympic video games (1964 and 1976)!
Every year, the Bergisel Stadium performs hosts the annual 4 Hills Event in January and a Summer time Grand Prix Leaping Occasion. Nevertheless, guests can get views from the attractive ski bounce day-after-day.
The principle tower stands 47 meters tall and supplies spectacular views over all of Innsbruck and the Alps. After taking the gondola to the highest of the ski bounce, you’ll be able to look down and really feel what it’s wish to be a daring ski jumper. Or you’ll be able to benefit from the peaks of Patscherkofel, Nordkette, Hohe Munde, and Serles from the restaurant and cafe on a transparent day!
Really feel Grand on the Imperial Palace (Hofburg)
Sadly, the Imperial Palace was closed for renovations after we have been within the metropolis, however it’s persistently ranked as one in all Innsbruck’s finest issues to do!
Accomplished within the 12 months 1500 underneath Emperor Maximilian I, it’s now the third most essential historic constructing in Austria. You’ll be able to wander the Hofburg freely or take a guided tour!
Try Ambras Fort
Lower than two hours after arriving in Innsbruck, we knew we needed to make our method to the beautiful Renaissance fortress perched above Innsbruck. Constructed-in the sixteenth century and linked with Archduke Ferdinand II, Ambras Fort is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer points of interest within the area of Tyrol. Relying on how into Renaissance historical past you might be, one may simply spend a number of hours rambling concerning the fortress.
Though we aren’t large on museums, Ambras Fort is actually distinctive. The spotlight is the Spanish Corridor, a lavish and divine corridor mounted with 27 full-figure portraits of Tirolean Habsburg rulers. They nonetheless maintain formal occasions within the Spanish Corridor to this present day, corresponding to live shows. One other spotlight is the Chamber of Artwork and Curiosities, the place you can find uncommon objects and artifacts from the sixteenth century giving a glimpse of Renaissance life.
Stroll Round Altstadt von Innsbruck (Outdated city)
When you’ve got simply arrived in Innsbruck and don’t know the place to start out, head to the middle of city. Innsbruck’s Outdated City boasts unbelievable buildings, some even courting again to the 1500s. The Outdated City is the place you’ll be able to take iconic photographs of a colourful city beneath the Alps, seize a chunk to eat, take pleasure in a cappuccino, gorge on apple strudels, store, and simply benefit from the environment.
The Outdated City is buzzing virtually any time of the 12 months all through the day. So, it’s a fantastic place to search out vacationers, locals, and college students from the College. Lots of the different points of interest talked about on this put up are additionally positioned within the outdated city, and you could possibly simply allocate a day to the outdated city.
Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck
The principle motive we have been dying to go to Innsbruck (in addition to the sweetness, after all) was Olympia SkiWorld. Because the “Capital of the Alps, there are a plethora of ski slopes. Olympia SkiWorld is a ski space with 9 resorts inside the Innsbruck space. They’re simply accessible from Innsbruck, and there’s a free ski bus to shuttle you round.
The ski resorts which can be included are Kühtai, Nordkette-Seegrube, Patscherkofel, Axamer Lizum, Muttereralm, Rangger Köpfl, Glungezer, Schlick 2000, and the Stubai Glacier. We deliberate for 3 days in Innsbruck and solely had time for a choose few resorts.
On our first day, we made our method as much as Nordkette because the funicular is positioned proper within the metropolis heart. Sadly, after we reached the highest of Nordketter, there have been whiteout situations, and our visibility was no beuno. However we loved taking part in within the snow, admiring the alpine bushes, having a gluhwein, and dancing contained in the Cloud 9 Iglu Bar!
There’s something round Innsbruck for all ranges and skills. Simply because it’s the Alps doesn’t imply you need to be an knowledgeable skier. Costs are fairly affordable to get the Olympia SkiWorld move, which provides you raise tickets to all 9 resorts; test right here for more information.
Head Down or Up Nordkette
Among the best issues to do in Innsbruck within the winter and summer time goes as much as Nordkette. The mountains are all the time near Innsbruck, and you may journey from the center of Innsbruck to 1900 meters above sea degree with the Nordkettenbahnen lifts in lower than thirty minutes.
Nordkette is the northern mountain vary that stands above Innsbruck. The view from the highest is solely astonishing and presents a number of climbing and picture alternatives. Within the winter, the mountain is finest recognized for freeriding down a few of the steepest routes in Europe. It’s really a paradise for off-piste using! Try our ski and snowboarding packing record in case you plan to journey!
Turn out to be a Bobsledder!
Among the best issues to do in Innsbruck within the winter is seeing the Olympic monitor. On the Olympic ice monitor in Igls, adults and older youngsters can expertise the sensation of Olympic a bobsledder barrelling down the monitor. Don’t fear; you don’t have to coach like an Olympian to get a really feel for this exercise.
Two friends could be cradled between an skilled driver and a brakeman whereas racing round 14 corners in underneath 60 seconds. You could ebook this exercise prematurely.
32 BEST Locations to Spend Winter in Europe
Admire the Golden Roof
Among the best free issues to do in Innsbruck is to take a look at the Golden Roof. “Goldenes Dachl” in German is an iconic landmark in Innsbruck’s Alt Stadt. The gold roof dates again to 1500, when it was constructed for Emperor Maximilian I to mark his wedding ceremony to Bianca Maria Sforza.
It’s embellished with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles and is actually a sight to be seen. Though you’ll be able to’t observe festivals and tournaments just like the Emperor, you’ll be able to definitely admire the handicraft of this attractive roof from down beneath.
Cross Nation Ski
There are various cross-country ski trails round Innsbruck to benefit from the surrounding nature. All you want is a pair of skis, and also you’re off into the attractive Austrian countryside.
Some notable locations to take to the paths are the Bilgeriloipe path in Kuhtai, the Mieming Plateau, and the village of Praxmar. Ask any native, they usually’ll you’ll want to inform you this is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Innsbruck.
Toboggan Trip
A superb different to snowboarding or snowboarding, particularly for households with younger youngsters, is tobogganing! You don’t want a lot to get began, just a few heat garments and a sled. Spending a day or night time on a sled doesn’t price a lot, and it’s a good way to benefit from the recent winter air!
We didn’t understand how exhilarating sled using was till we tried it in Trentino. Now we’re utterly hooked and attempt to do it at the least as soon as a winter. Innsbruck affords a number of toboggan runs, some at night time. Maria Waldrast is positioned on the base of Serles mountain and is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go for a journey.
Go for a Hike
One other nice free factor to do in Innsbruck is go climbing. Though Innsbruck is a metropolis, there are many locations round to hike and benefit from the recent air.
There are such a lot of lovely locations to be uncovered round Innsbruck and Tyrol, from simple to multi-day mountain treks.
Some notable trekking areas are:
The Karwendel – One of many largest pure landscapes in central Europe.
The Zirbenweg Path – One of many largest stone pine forests in Europe and intensely well-liked for climbing
Lüsens – A superb base for climbing the encircling peaks
Go to the Alpenzoo
After a 12 months on safari in Africa, it’s secure to say we aren’t zoo individuals anymore. Nevertheless, Innsbruck’s Alpenzoo is without doubt one of the highest in Europe and is dwelling to many Alpine animals. Meaning you’ll be able to come right here with the household to see bears, wolves, moose, bison, and plenty of birds of prey.
It’s additionally the one zoo on the planet the place you could find the wallcreeper chicken. Though the animals on the zoo might not be within the wild, the Alpenzoo is known for reintroducing species again into their pure habitats, together with the Alpine ibexes in Austria!
Admire Swarovski Crystal World
The Swarovski Crystal World simply exterior of Innsbruck is extraordinary. A day journey here’s a enjoyable method to discover all issues crystal. The Crystal World has the world’s largest Swarovski retailer, and it’s certain to dazzle.
Crystal isn’t the one attraction right here; the Swarovski crystal world options an outside backyard. “The Big” is the thematic centerpiece of the entire space. It’s stated that the Big got down to expertise a world of wonders and settled in Wattens to observe over the gardens and his wonders. It’s a surprising piece of art work and spectacular.
Have a Drink on the aDLERS Lodge
When you’re searching for nice views within the metropolis of Innsbruck, then the most effective place to move to is aDLERS Design Lodge. aDLERS Design Lodge is the tallest constructing within the metropolis and supplies astonishing views of the capital of the Alps (and, after all, the Alps themselves).
Flooring 12 has a lovely fashionable bar that gives modern cocktails or espresso for these seeking to loosen up whereas performing some work.
Proper subsequent door is their restaurant which serves up scrumptious meals to friends of the lodge and outsiders! We had a number of cups of espresso right here and some meals and totally loved the lodge, bar, restaurant, and even out of doors terrace (though it was a bit chilly).
We stayed on the aDLERS Lodge whereas in Innsbruck. Each room right here has open views of town, and it’s actually proper subsequent to the prepare station. Might it get any higher?
Day Journey to Seebensee and Drachensee
Seebensee and Drachensee are two of essentially the most lovely lakes in Austria, and the hike to them has positioned only a 1.5-hour drive away from Innsbruck. Among the best days out within the mountain you’ll be able to have is climbing to those lovely alpine lakes.
Seebensee is a excessive mountain lake that sits at 1,657 meters. It’s surrounded by colossal peaks that make up the Wetterstein mountains and Mieminger Chain. Reaching the lake requires a little bit of climbing, however you’ll be able to minimize a few of the climbing out by taking the Ehrwalder Almbahn (cable automotive) to Ehrwalder Alm to start out your hike. The hike to Seebensee is a simple hike alongside a well-maintained path that may take you wherever between 3-5 hours.
For a bit extra Austria climbing, proceed climbing 250 meters as much as the Coburger Hütte for a improbable apple strudel and to get the most effective views of Drachensee. From the Coburger Hütte, you’ll be able to hike right down to Drachensee to get an up-close have a look at it! We beloved our time out climbing to those two lakes and take into account the day journey probably the greatest issues to do in Innsbruck.
The Greatest Eating places in Innsbruck
Innsbruck has absolutely anything you could possibly need when it comes to eating. You’ll have the ability to discover tapas eating places, Italian, sushi, Mexican, and naturally, Austrian delicacies.
Machete – Burrito Kartell: When you’ve had sufficient schnitzel and need one thing a bit of totally different. That is the most effective Mexican joint in Innsbruck!
Gasthof LAMM: That is an upscale superb eating restaurant we extremely suggest for romantic evenings out.
Restaurant Olive Wiltener Platz: Merely wonderful vegan creations making a recent and sustainable menu within the coronary heart of Innsbruck.
The place to Keep in Innsbruck
Basic Data for Visiting Innsbruck
We have been shocked to search out that Innsbruck has its personal airport, and it’s actually proper in the course of town. A number of direct flights from round Europe embrace Berlin, Amsterdam, London, and Stockholm.
Innsbruck is well-connected by the ÖBB rail community. Vacationers can simply join Innsbruck to Vienna, and onto Salzburg.
Innsbruck is the fifth largest metropolis in Austria.
A lot of Downtown Innsbruck is walkable; nevertheless, in addition they have an environment friendly bus community to get you round!
To take advantage of out of your journey to Innsbruck, take a look at the Innsbruck Card.
Try our European packing record to your journey to Europe!
Austria is inside the Schengen Zone. Make certain to test your embassy’s web site for visa restrictions.
Austria makes use of the Euro word (€). ATMs are simple to search out across the metropolis – take a look at our journey banking put up for extra.
Be taught Howdy’ and ‘Thank You’ in German –“Hallo” and “Danke”
The Innsbruck Card
Get the Innsbruck Card to maximise your financial savings and experiences!
The Innsbruck Card grants free entry to 22 museums and points of interest, chosen lifts and cable vehicles within the area, free use of public transport and free use of the Sightseer hop-on hop-off bus. Calculated how lengthy you might be staying as the cardboard could be bought for twenty-four, 48 or 72 hours.
24 hours: € 53.00 grownup / € 26.50 youngsters
48 hours: € 63.00 grownup / € 31.50 youngsters
72 hours: € 73.00 grownup / € 36.50 youngsters
