12 Amazing Things to Do in Innsbruck this Year

Discover the city like a local

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.

Innsbruck's Maria Theresa Street
The view down Maria Theresa Street to the Nordkette mountain.

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.

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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 attractionMountain, architecture, nature reserve, ski area, viewpoint
Best time to visitAny clear day
€€€€9,00 to €34,50
Time needed3 to 4 hours
Included in Innsbruck CardYes
Websitewww.nordkette.com
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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.

Hafelekar on the top of Innsbruck, reached with the Nordkette Cable Car.
The Hafelekar cable car station at the Top of Innsbruck.

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.

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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 attractionHistoric old town, architecture, museums, monuments
Best time to visitYear-round
€€€Depends on what you want to see
Time needed1 to 4 hours
Included in Innsbruck CardSome

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.

Golden Roof Innsbruck Old Town
The famous Golden Roof with the Nordkette mountain at the back.

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.

Triumphpforte in Innsbruck is an iconic archway.
Innsbruck’s own Triumphal Arch.

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 attractionCastle, gardens, museum
Best time to visitYear-round
€€€Gardens free, castle admission from €12
Time needed2 hours
Included in Innsbruck CardYes
WebsiteSchloss 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.

Ambras Castle peacock garden
Peacocks have been a symbol of Ambras Castle for a long time.

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 attractionArt, gardens, playpark
Best time to visitYear-round
€€€From €24
Time needed2 to 3 hours
Included in Innsbruck CardYes
WebsiteSwarovski Crystal Worlds
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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 attractionSport, architecture
Best time to visitYear-round
€€€€11
Time needed30 to 60 mins
Included in Innsbruck CardYes
WebsiteBergisel Ski Jump
The Innsbruck ski jump in summer.
The Bergisel ski jump as it looks like in summer.

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 attractionMuseum, monument, art
Best time to visitYear-round
€€€From €9
Time needed1 to 2 hours
Included in Innsbruck CardYes
WebsiteTyrol 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 attractionZoo, nature
Best time to visitSpring, summer, and autumn
€€€From €14
Time needed2 to 3 hours
Included in Innsbruck CardYes
WebsiteAlpenzoo

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.

View from the Alpenzoo in Innsbruck.
A visit to the Alpenzoo allows you to take in the beautiful views over Innsbruck and the Inn Valley.

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 attractionHistoric old town, heritage site
Best time to visitYear-round
€€€Depends
Time needed1 to 2 hours
Included in Innsbruck CardThe Mint Tower
WebsiteHall 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.

Hall in Tirol's upper town square.
The St Nikolaus Church on the upper town square in Hall in Tirol.

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 attractionOutdoor, adrenaline-pumping
Best time to visitSummer, Spring, Autumn
€€€From €16
Time needed2 to 4 hours
Included in Innsbruck CardNo
WebsiteMieders 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 attractionTrain journey
Best time to visitYear-round
€€€From €7,60 one way
Time needed3 to 4 hours
Included in Innsbruck CardPartly
WebsiteSeefeld.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.

info

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 attractionHike, Nature, Cable car
Best time to visitSpring, Autumn, Summer
€€€€41 including cable cars and bus
Time needed4 to 5 hours
Included in Innsbruck CardOnly the patsherkofel cable car
WebsiteZirbenweg

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.

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About Linda de Beer 91 Articles
Name: Linda de Beer Profession: Travel blogger and freelance writer
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Megan Jerrard

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 »

Indrani

All I knew of Innsbruck was their Swarovski crystals and I excluded it from my itinerary. Big miss! This list of places to see is really good and worthwhile. The pictures are fantabulous, a beautiful town.

Claire

Innsbruck certainly has enough to make it worth visiting! The architecture is beautiful, I love that Arch, any arches like that remind me of Paris, although I know they are all over Europe! The views from up on the cable car are incredible – as you say you have to check the weather carefully, it would be a shame if it was cloudy!

Carrie

I totally overlooked Innsbruck when I was in Austria, and now I’m really regretting it! The views of the mountains as a backdrop to the cute architecture and charming squares are really amazing. Is it possible to hike up to the viewpoint at Nordkette? Or do you have to take the cable car? (Seems pricey)

Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie

I’m such a mountain girl that you sold me from the very beginning with such easy access to the Alps. I’d definitely start with Nordkette Mountain. The old town looks very Austrian and rich in history. The Court Church and the Imperial Palace would be great to see. And, how cool is that ski jump where you can see the view ski jumpers see!? I’m obsessed with the Olympics and this would be such a unique opportunity to see in person.

Vanessa

The market square looks so charming! I bet that’s an amazing place to pick up some local cheese (let’s face it, I’m always obsessed with cheese). I also remember reading about the Golden Roof in my very first European guidebook from nearly 15 years ago – it’s amazing how some things can just captivate you and they never leave your mind.

Linda

This is a most timely post for me. We are just planning our May visit to Austria and Switzerland. I had not really planned to visit Innsbruck but maybe I will need to reconsider. Will definitely check out the Innsbruck Card if we visit. Definitely would want to go to the Hafelekar mountain peak and inside the Imperial Palace. The Triumphal Arch is certainly more decorative than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. You provided so many option that we really need to consider Innsbruck!

Nicki

I just discovered your blog today and LOVE the layout and how informative it is. Innsbruck was not high on my list but because of your post it now is. So well detailed. You should do this for every city then I don’t have to buy guides 😉 !!!

Paige

Innsbruck has always been on my Austria list. I was hoping to go a few years ago and I didn’t make it. I am so awe-struck by mountain towns so it seems like a perfect spot for me, doesn’t it? I had no idea that they had a zoo there. And with such a wide variety of species?! Very interesting!

Jessica

Thanks for the comprehensive guide! I love Austria and would love to go to Innsbruck one day. Would love to check out the ski jumpers. It looks like such a fascinating sport.

Val

This is such a comprehensive guide, great job! I went to Innsbruck quite a few years ago and have great memories, very pretty town. I missed cable car trip up to the Nordkette mountain though, meaning I will have to go back 🙂

Serena

This is a really comprehensive guide! I’m dying to visit!

Tomeka Allgood

This is one of the best guides I’ve ever read. I loved the views, architecture and art.

unaveronicavagante

Innsbruck has been on my list for quiet a long time now, and every time I see photos, it makes want to go more and more!

Kanika gupta

Very comprehensive blog! This is like one-stop info about Innsbruck.. the photos are beautifully woven into the content too.. great job.

Amrita Sen

Mountains and history both in one place – it is something I would definitely love to visit. Innsbruck looks really beautiful and the guide is quite detailed and comprehensive. I would love to explore the heritage town and go for a hiking!

Aarti

I have never been to Innsbruck yet! this is definitely in my places to see for its natural beauty and for architecture sake! I have heard so much about the views from the cable car.
I do hope you had loads of fun!

Anita

This is such an informative post. I think if I ever go to this place I will find it very useful. I didn’t expect it has so much to offer. I liked the blue boxes with info , that’s a great idea to keep it clear

AMBER

I never went to Innsbruck while I was in that area, I regret it so much after looking at this really awesome post!

Yvette Benhamou

Innsbruck looks so picturesque and regal, and this post is a really comprehensive guide to making the most of a visit. I would love to wander around Old Town and scale a mountain by cable car, and exploring all the ornamentation inherent in the architecture of the churches and palace would keep me busy for days.