Innsbruck, Austria, offers visitors a wide range of things to do – from sightseeing in the historic old town to admiring Swarovski crystals and hiking in the mountains. This guide highlights the top things to do in Innsbruck and its surroundings based on many years of personal experience.
An excellent public transport network makes it easy to do things in and around Innsbruck. Most attractions in Innsbruck are also hits with kids, making it one of the best cities in Europe for family travel.
Keep in mind that many things to do in Innsbruck are included in the city sightseeing card. If you need more help to decide whether it’s worth buying the Innsbruck Card, I have also written a detailed post about it.
1. Ride the Innsbruck Cable Car
No visit to Innsbruck is complete without making your way up the Nordkette mountain – if not all the way to the top, then at least to the first station of the Nordkette cable car at Hungerburg.
| Type of attraction | Mountain, architecture, nature reserve, ski area, viewpoint |
| Best time to visit | Any clear day |
| €€€ | €9,00 to €34,50 |
| Time needed | 3 to 4 hours |
| Included in Innsbruck Card | Yes |
| Website | www.nordkette.com |
The Nordkette cable car trip is broken up into 3 stages. The first takes you from the city centre to the Hungerburg at 860 m, the second ends at the Seegrube at 1,905 m, while the third cable car drops you in high Alpine terrain just shy of the Hafelekar mountain peak at 2,334 m.
Depending on the weather and how much time you have, I would recommend going all the way to Hafelekar. From here, you can see up and down the Inn Valley and beyond toward Italy, while the rugged mountains to the back give you a glimpse of the unspoiled Karwendel Nature Park.
Tip: Combine your trip up the Nordkette with a visit to the Innsbruck Alpine Zoo. You can get off here on the first stage of the cable car journey to Hungerburg.
2. Explore the Innsbruck Old Town
A visit to Innsbruck would be incomplete without exploring its historic centre. You can certainly get a good impression of the Innsbruck Old Town on a 1 to 2-hour self-guided walk or you can take an entire morning or afternoon to explore some attractions in more detail.
| Type of attraction | Historic old town, architecture, museums, monuments |
| Best time to visit | Year-round |
| €€€ | Depends on what you want to see |
| Time needed | 1 to 4 hours |
| Included in Innsbruck Card | Some |
Most of Innsbruck’s old town is a pedestrian zone. The streets that are compulsory to walk down, are Herzog Friedrich Street, Hofgasse, and Maria Theresa Street.
Here is my list of top things to do in Innsbruck’s historic centre.
1. Photograph the Golden Roof
Undoubtedly Innsbruck’s most famous landmark. The Goldenes Dachl as it is more commonly known in German is an alcove balcony from around 1500 with a roof covered by 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles.
2. Climb the City Tower
For a unique angle to view the Golden Roof from, climb the 133 stairs to the top of the Innsbruck city tower.
3. Visit the Imperial Palace
The Giants’ Hall with its beautifully painted ceiling and larger than life wall paintings of the Habsburg family is a highlight in the Hofburg Innsbruck.
4. Find the Black Men in the Court Church
Most striking in the Court Church is the 28 so-called Schwarze Mander (black men). You will also see the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I (in which he was never buried).
5. Rest on the Landhausplatz
The Landhausplatz is a modern 9,000 square metre concrete urban space behind Maria Theresa Street. It features monuments like the Liberation Monument and Pogrom Monument. The square’s concrete obstacles and ramps attract skaters and BMX riders in Innsbruck.
6. Admire the Triumphal Arch
The Triumphal Arch tells the story of the wedding of the Duke of Tuscany to a Spanish princess on one side and the death of Emperor Franz I on the other.
7. Walk Down Maria Theresa Street
Innsbruck’s main pedestrian street is lined with 17th- and 18th-century houses, many of which are now home to shops and restaurants.
8. Look Inside the Cathedral of St. James
A highlight of the interior is the famous Maria Hilf painting by Lukas Cranach the Elder. You will find the cathedral down Pfargasse behind the Golden Roof.
9. Have a Sundowner on Market Square
Relax with a sundowner while admiring the row of colourful houses against a mountain backdrop on the opposite side of the river.
3. Visit Ambras Castle
Ambras Castle or Schloss Ambras overlooks the Inn Valley from its vantage point on a rocky outcrop between Innsbruck and the village of Aldrans.
| Type of attraction | Castle, gardens, museum |
| Best time to visit | Year-round |
| €€€ | Gardens free, castle admission from €12 |
| Time needed | 2 hours |
| Included in Innsbruck Card | Yes |
| Website | Schloss Ambras |
Ambras Castle should be included on your list of things to do in Innsbruck for several reasons. Its Spanish Hall is considered one of the most beautiful halls from the Rennaissance period in Europe. Both sides of the 43-metre-long hall are decorated with full-figure portraits of 27 Tyrolean rulers.
The castle also includes Archduke Ferdinand II’s Chambers of Armour, featuring rare suits of tournament armour and those of famous military commanders.
In the summer, visitors can enjoy the gardens of Ambras Castle. The castle is accessible via the Innsbruck sightseeing bus or Bus 3134 from the main train station.
4. Marvel at Swarovski Crystals
At Swarovski Crystal Worlds various sparkling Chambers of Wonder await you after entering the mouth of the Swarovski giant. Built to celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of Swarovski crystals, each dazzling installation and art piece was designed by a renowned international artist.
| Type of attraction | Art, gardens, playpark |
| Best time to visit | Year-round |
| €€€ | From €24 |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 hours |
| Included in Innsbruck Card | Yes |
| Website | Swarovski Crystal Worlds |
Swarovski Crystal Worlds is in the town of Wattens near Innsbruck. If you don’t have a car, a special shuttle bus regularly travels there from the Innsbruck main station, making it easy to include in your list of things to do in Innsbruck.
After exploring in the belly of the giant, a garden wonderworld awaits. A highlight is the crystal cloud, sparkling with thousands of crystals suspended above a reflective pool. Families and children can also enjoy the play tower and outdoor playground, ensuring fun for all ages.
6. Look Down From a Ski Jump
The Olympic ski jump on the Bergisel Hill overlooking Innsbruck has a ramp of 98m. Visitors can take a lift or walk the stairs to the top of the 50m high tower to get a bird’s eye view of what the jumpers see before they set off.
| Type of attraction | Sport, architecture |
| Best time to visit | Year-round |
| €€€ | €11 |
| Time needed | 30 to 60 mins |
| Included in Innsbruck Card | Yes |
| Website | Bergisel Ski Jump |
The Bergisel Ski Jump is a FIS Ski Jumping World Cup site and a year-round training centre. This means you can see athletes jump even when you visit in summer – a stroke of luck which befell us when we visited in the late spring in 2017.
7. Witness a Battle
The Tirol Panorama and Museum of the Tyrolean Imperial Infantry is next to the ski jump on the Bergisel and one of the best things to do in Innsbruck for history buffs. Here, you can witness the Third Battle of Bergisel through the eyes of painter Zeno Diemer.
Diemer’s famous 360° Tirol Panorama painting from 1896, covering more than 1,000m², depicts the battlefield where folk hero Andreas Hofer led 18,000 rebels against the Bavarian enemy..
| Type of attraction | Museum, monument, art |
| Best time to visit | Year-round |
| €€€ | From €9 |
| Time needed | 1 to 2 hours |
| Included in Innsbruck Card | Yes |
| Website | Tyrol Panorama |
The Tirol Panorama is in the same building as the Museum of the Tyrolean Imperial Infantry. The museum houses an interesting exhibition dedicated to the myths of Tyrol as well as a wide selection of weapons belonging to regiments of the Imperial and Royal Light Infantry.
Take some pictures of Andreas Hofer’s statue in the park between the Bergisel Ski Jump and the museum. There is also a gazebo with lovely views of Innsbruck, the Inn Valley and the Nordkette in front of the museum.
8. Visit Europe’s Highest-Lying Zoo
About halfway between Innsbruck and Hungerburg, the Alpine Zoo Innsbruck is Europe’s highest-lying zoo. With more than 150 species that are or has been typical to the Alps, the zoo is one of a kind.
| Type of attraction | Zoo, nature |
| Best time to visit | Spring, summer, and autumn |
| €€€ | From €14 |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 hours |
| Included in Innsbruck Card | Yes |
| Website | Alpenzoo |
Be prepared to walk a couple of short hills when visiting the Alpenzoo. It’s totally worth it once you discover the wolves, the Alpine Ibex, the European Elk, and the lynx.
The enclosures in the Alpenzoo are large and as close to the animals’ natural habitat as possible. From the pathways between the enclosures, visitors have beautiful views over Innsbruck and the Inn Valley.
9. Stroll Through Tyrol’s Biggest Medieval Town
The historic centre of Hall in Tirol, the largest medieval old town in Tyrol, is just a 10-minute drive or train ride from Innsbruck. It has a distinct character from Innsbruck.
| Type of attraction | Historic old town, heritage site |
| Best time to visit | Year-round |
| €€€ | Depends |
| Time needed | 1 to 2 hours |
| Included in Innsbruck Card | The Mint Tower |
| Website | Hall in Tirol |
After visiting Hall in Tirol, you will know where the dollar in American dollar comes from. It is here where the first thaler, the great-grandfather of the dollar, was pressed.
Near the Inn River, outside the perimeter of the old town hall, the medieval Mint Tower dominates the skyline. The tower complex also houses the Hall Mint Museum with its impressive collection of coins, including the world’s largest silver medal which weighs over 20 kg.
10. Ride the Mieders Alpine Coaster
Located in the Stubai Valley near Innsbruck, the Mieders Alpine Coaster is one of the longest and most thrilling summer toboggan runs in the Alps. Riders board a small, individual coaster car and navigate a series of twists, turns, and drops along a track that winds down the mountain.
| Type of attraction | Outdoor, adrenaline-pumping |
| Best time to visit | Summer, Spring, Autumn |
| €€€ | From €16 |
| Time needed | 2 to 4 hours |
| Included in Innsbruck Card | No |
| Website | Mieders Alpine Coaster |
The Mieders Alpine Coaster covers around 2.8 kilometres and descends more than 640 meters in elevation. With breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the ability to control the speed of their descent, riders can enjoy an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
11. Take the train to Seefeld
Taking the train to Seefeld in Tirol is a scenic 40-minute journey from Innsbruck. This route, part of the Karwendel railway, features historic viaducts and tunnels. You might even see me working on the train!
| Type of attraction | Train journey |
| Best time to visit | Year-round |
| €€€ | From €7,60 one way |
| Time needed | 3 to 4 hours |
| Included in Innsbruck Card | Partly |
| Website | Seefeld.com |
Upon arrival in Seefeld, you can explore the charming town centre or go on shorter or longer hikes in the surrounding nature. In winter, Seefeld is a hub for skiers, with a cross-country course starting in the town.
Insider Tip
Holders of the Innsbruck Welcome Card (given to visitors staying in Innsbruck accommodation) only need a train ticket from Hochzirl to Seefeld. Travel to Hochzirl is included in the card.
You can buy train tickets at the ticket office or ticket machines at the station or conveniently online before your trip.
12. Hike the Zirbenweg Trail
The Zirbenweg trail, located high above Innsbruck between the Patscherkofel and Glungezer mountains, is renowned for its dense forests of ancient stone pines, locally known as ‘Zirben,’ which have given the trail its name.
| Type of attraction | Hike, Nature, Cable car |
| Best time to visit | Spring, Autumn, Summer |
| €€€ | €41 including cable cars and bus |
| Time needed | 4 to 5 hours |
| Included in Innsbruck Card | Only the patsherkofel cable car |
| Website | Zirbenweg |
Covering a distance of approximately 7 kilometres, the trail weaves along the tree line, providing hikers with spectacular panoramic views of the Inn Valley, the Stubai Alps, and the city of Innsbruck below.
The hike is relatively easy and accessible, making it suitable for families and casual hikers.
How to Save Money with Things to Do in Innsbruck
One of the best ways to save money in Innsbruck is by purchasing the Innsbruck Card. Starting at €69 for a 24-hour period, this card offers excellent value by granting access to numerous attractions, cable cars, and public transportation for the specified duration. It allows visitors to explore the city and its surroundings conveniently and economically.
What to Eat in Innsbruck
Innsbruck offers a culinary experience rich in Austrian and Alpine traditions. The cuisine features German influences and includes a variety of dishes and beverages that are unique to the region. Here are some must-try items:
- Kaspressknödel: Cheese dumplings with a hearty flavor.
- Tyrolean bacon dumplings: A savory delight characteristic of Tyrolean cooking.
- Spinach dumplings: A flavorful vegetarian option.
- Schlutzkrapfen: Ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta or Graukas, a sharp cheese from the region.
- Tiroler Gröstl: Fried slices of potato and roast beef topped with a baked egg.
- Viennese pastries: Indulge in classic Austrian desserts like apple strudels and cakes.
Pair your meals with drinks such as Grüner Veltliner wine, Zirben schnapps, or local Tyrolean beer for an authentic taste of the region.
You can expect to find these dishes served in traditional Austrian restaurants, cozy mountain huts, and cafes scattered throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Getting to Innsbruck
By Air
Getting to Innsbruck by air is simple, especially during peak travel seasons. Innsbruck Airport is just 4 km from the city center and operates regular flights from major European hubs such as Frankfurt, Vienna, Amsterdam, and London, especially for the ski season in winter.
While direct intercontinental flights are rare, international travelers can conveniently connect via Munich Airport or Vienna International Airport — both of which offer efficient rail or shuttle links to Innsbruck.
For those flying into Munich, which is about 2 hours away by car or train, regular shuttle services and car rentals make the onward journey to Innsbruck seamless. This route is especially popular for travelers coming from North America or Asia, as Munich offers a greater range of long-haul connections.
By Train
Innsbruck is a major rail hub in western Austria and sits on the ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) network. Direct trains run from cities like Vienna (4.5 hours), Salzburg (2 hours), Zurich (3.5 hours), and Munich (2 hours), with most connections offering panoramic alpine views.
International trains make Innsbruck easily accessible from Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. The Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof (main station) is centrally located, making transfers to local transport or accommodation effortless. Booking tickets in advance is recommended for the best fares.
By Car
Innsbruck lies at the crossroads of major European routes—A12 (Inntal Autobahn) and A13 (Brenner Autobahn)—connecting Austria with Germany to the north and Italy to the south. The Brenner Pass, just 30 minutes away, provides a direct link to South Tyrol and Northern Italy.
Driving from Munich takes around 2 hours, while the route from Zurich or Venice ranges between 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and border crossings. Note that Austrian highways require a vignette (toll sticker), and additional tolls apply for the Brenner route. In winter, snow chains or winter tires are mandatory, especially in alpine areas.
Getting Around Innsbruck
The best way to explore Innsbruck is by walking. The city is pedestrian-friendly, with major attractions in the old town or nearby. Innsbruck also has dedicated cycling lanes, making it ideal for biking.
Buses and trams provide transport between attractions that are further apart. These are free with an Innsbruck Card. Cable cars and funiculars are also available around the city to carry visitors into the mountains for hiking and other outdoor activities with scenic views. Trains are recommended for traveling to nearby towns.
Taxis are common, and many choose them for airport transfers.
Where to Stay in Innsbruck
Hotels in Historic Buildings
- Hotel Goldene Adler BW Signature Collection – This centuries-old hotel near the Golden Roof in the heart of the Innsbruck Old Town is perfect if you like to be part of history. After all, this is where kings and queens have slept before doing some Innsbruck sightseeing themselves.
Book your room in the Hotel Goldene Adler BW Signature Collection
- Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz – Another hotel in Herzog Friedrich Street and a stone’s throw from the Golden Roof that has been welcoming guests for centuries since 1465. The food is great, the rooms are big, and you can start your Innsbruck sightseeing tour right here.
Find a room in the Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz
- Hotel Schwarzer Adler Innsbruck – You guessed right, the Hotel Schwarzer Adler Innsbruck building is also at least 500 years old. It’s a boutique hotel with a spa and lots of little luxuries. At the same time, you will feel very at home in the traditional dining room and be able to walk to all the major Innsbruck sights from the front door.
Make a reservation at Hotel Schwarzer Adler
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Innsbruck worth visiting?
Most definitely. The attraction of Innsbruck lies not only in its natural beauty due to its position in the heart of the Alps but also in its rich history coupled with some modern touches
Where is Innsbruck?
Innsbruck is a city in western Austria, nestled in the heart of the Alps. It’s the capital of the Tyrol (Tirol) region and sits between high mountain ranges along the Inn River.
Geographically, it’s located:
- About 2 hours south of Munich, Germany
- Around 4.5 hours more or less west of Vienna, Austria
What is the best time to visit Innsbruck?
The best time to visit Innsbruck depends on what you want to do. For skiing and winter sports December to March is ideal. There is snow on the mountains and the Christmas markets add a magical touch in December.
For hiking and sightseeing, May to September offers warm weather for outdoor adventures. April, October, and November are quieter, with lower hotel rates although some mountain lifts may be closed during seasonal transitions.
Read more: Are you also heading to Vienna? Check out these 25 things to do in Austria’s imperial capital.
*Disclosure*
Having fun in Austria, and then writing about it is hard work 😆 . That’s why some links in this article are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you use any of them to make a purchase. It’s totally cool if you don’t. I love to help anyway. If you do, it will help us discover another part of Austria to write about.
I would love to visit Innsbruck and discover the heart of the Alps region. Personally I’m a big nature fan, so I love the range of outdoor activities, and the town itself looks like it’s been ripped straight from the pages of a fairytale – very stereoptypically Austrian! The mountainous background against Innsbruck’s main pedestrian street is stunning. I don’t know if I’ve seen a more beautiful town 🙂 I would love to visit the Alpine zoo – I haven’t encountered the likes of wolves, the Alpine Ibex, or the lynx before. I’m not usually a fan of visiting zoos,… Read more »