Innsbruck, Austria: A City Worth Visiting?

Innsbruck, the capital of Austria's Tyrol region, is a gorgeous city nestled in a valley, surrounded by the majestic Nordkette mountain range. The city boasts a unique combination of urban and natural attractions, offering visitors the best of both worlds. With its stunning hikes, world-class skiing, rich history, and vibrant culture, Innsbruck is definitely worth considering as a travel destination.

Innsbruck provides easy access to excellent skiing, with nine resorts around the city making up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. The city is also known for its hearty Tyrolean cuisine, including dishes such as Speckknoedel, Gröstl, and Käsespätzle. The historic old town, filled with charming restaurants and cafes, is highlighted by the iconic Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), a structure adorned with gilded copper tiles dating back to the year 1500.

Beyond the city, there are charming Alpine villages, picturesque lakes, and cultural attractions such as the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens. Innsbruck truly offers something for every type of traveller, whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxation amidst stunning natural scenery.

Innsbruck's old town

• The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", is Innsbruck's most famous landmark. Adorned with 2,657 fire-gilt copper tiles, it dates back to the glory days of Emperor Maximilian I, who made Innsbruck his imperial capital 500 years ago.
• The Imperial Palace, with its Giant's Hall and Baroque Cellar, offers a glimpse into the elegance and wealth of the former Habsburg Dynasty.
• The Court Church, also known as "Schwarzmanderkirche", houses the empty tomb of Emperor Maximilian I.
• The City Tower provides sweeping views of the old town and the Golden Roof.
• The lively Maria-Theresien-Straße is the main pedestrianised street of the old town, featuring a mix of historic facades and modern architecture, such as the Kaufhaus Tyrol retail complex designed by British architect David Chipperfield.

The old town has a vibrant atmosphere, with a large student population and young visitors who enjoy the high-energy nightlife, including bars and dance clubs. With its mix of history, culture, nature, and culinary delights, Innsbruck's old town is a must-visit destination for travellers seeking an authentic and diverse experience.

The city's hiking trails

Innsbruck is a beautiful city to visit any time of the year. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Innsbruck:

Hungerburg to Hafelekarspitze

This 8.3-mile panoramic summit hike in the Tyrolean Inn Valley chain north of Innsbruck takes about 7 hours and 26 minutes to complete. The route leads from the valley station of the Hungerburgbahn on steep but easily accessible hiking trails to the summit of the Hafelekarspitze. The steep descent can be avoided by taking the Nordkette cable car from the Hafelekar mountain station directly back to Hungerburg. However, hikers should not miss the refreshments offered at the restaurant at the summit. This trail is accessible by bus and train.

Karwendel Nature Park

This 6.5-mile hike in the Karwendel Nature Park from the Hafelekarspitze to the Pfeishütte follows the Nordkette ridge. It's quite strenuous and can be treacherous at times, so a good level of fitness, a head for heights, and sure-footedness are required. Good hiking boots are also recommended. The reward for completing this challenging hike is an incredible view. This trail can be accessed by cable car.

Höttinger Bild and Rauschbrunnen

This 4.6-mile circular hike in the Karwendel Nature Park north of Innsbruck takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes to complete. Highlights of the hike include the Rauschbrunnen, a popular place to stop for refreshments, and a unique panoramic view of Innsbruck, the Wipptal, and the southern low mountain range. This trail can be accessed until late autumn due to its southern exposure and is also known for its idyllic forest roads.

Zirbenweg Trail

The Zirbenweg trail between Patscherkofel and Glungezer is an absolute classic. It runs at an altitude of around 2,000 meters above sea level through one of Europe's largest stone pine forests. This trail is rated as intermediate in difficulty and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete 8 kilometers.

Goetheweg Trail to the Pfeishütte

The Goetheweg trail, nestled in alpine terrain, leads to the Pfeishütte mountain hut, which is well worth a visit. The trail starts from the top of the Hafelekar cable car.

Its cable car and mountain views

Innsbruck is a beautiful city nestled in the Austrian mountains, offering breathtaking views of some of the best scenery in the country. The city boasts a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and winter sports, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the most remarkable ways to experience the mountain views in Innsbruck is by taking the cable car. The Nordkette Cable Car, in particular, offers a unique and convenient way to ascend from the city centre to the majestic Nordkette mountain range. This cable car ride provides stunning panoramic views of the Alpine vistas and is a must-do for visitors.

The cable car has several stops along the way, but two of the most notable viewing points are Seegrube, at 6,250 feet, and Hafelekar, at 7,401 feet. From these vantage points, you can take in the surrounding snow-capped peaks and lush green landscapes that make Innsbruck so picturesque. If you're feeling adventurous, you can explore the extensive hiking trails that meander along the mountain ridges.

For those who prefer a more relaxed approach, the cable car also provides easy access to cosy mountain huts and restaurants where you can savour traditional Austrian cuisine while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. The journey up the mountain is an experience in itself, with the cable car gliding smoothly through the fresh Alpine air, offering ever-changing perspectives of the landscape below.

In addition to the Nordkette Cable Car, Innsbruck offers another cable car experience: the Patscherkofel Cable Car. This lift takes you to the top of the Patscherkofel Olympic Mountain, standing tall at 7,369 feet. Here, you can hike along the Stone Pine path, enjoying the fresh mountain air and awe-inspiring views. The Patscherkofel Cable Car is an excellent alternative for those who want to explore a different side of the mountains surrounding Innsbruck.

Innsbruck truly shines when it comes to combining mountain experiences with city life. Within minutes, you can go from the bustling city centre to the serene surroundings of the Alpine mountains. Innsbruck offers the best of both worlds, providing access to excellent shopping, culture, and nightlife, as well as the tranquil beauty of nature and breathtaking mountain vistas.

The food

Innsbruck is known for its hearty and filling food, perfect for cold winter days. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes serving traditional Austrian dishes, including Tiroler Gröstl, Käsespätzle, Tiroler Speckknödel, and Wiener Schnitzel.

For traditional Tirolean food, head to Das Weisse Rössl in the centre of the medieval old town. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the prices are reasonable. Nearby, you'll find Der Goldene Adler, another classic, with a cosy, wooden interior and a menu of traditional, hearty dishes.

For something a little more upmarket, try Oniriq for an award-winning fine dining experience. With only a few tables, it's best to book in advance, but you'll be rewarded with wonderful food and a modern, stylish setting. The in-house sommelier will recommend the perfect wine pairing for your meal.

If you're looking for international cuisine, Innsbruck has plenty to offer. For Italian, try La Trattoria, Paninothek, or Due Sicilie, all of which serve excellent pizza. For Asian food, Sensei and Umaya serve excellent, authentic sushi and traditional Asian dishes. For Korean, Miso is a small, friendly restaurant with an ever-changing menu.

For a special evening out, Sitzwohl is a stylish eatery with international food and an excellent wine list. Das Schindler is another elegant option, frequented by Innsbruck's fine society.

If you're looking for breakfast or brunch, The Breakfast Club has a huge range of options, and the Marktbar serves breakfast with wonderful views of the mountains. For coffee lovers, Haepinest offers a wide variety of weird and wonderful brews, and Cafe Momo, located above a well-stocked bookshop, is perfect for bookworms.

Its nightlife and culture

Innsbruck has a lot to offer when the sun goes down and the culture vultures come out. The city has a thriving bar and nightlife scene, thanks to its large student population.

If you're looking for a 360-degree view of the city and the mountains, Bar 360 is the place to go. For something a little more old-town, there's the Moustache Bar, which is famous for its Deadly Moustache Cocktail. If you're an EDM fan, then Tante Emma is the club for you.

Innsbruck also has a thriving art scene. The annual ART fair, held in January, is the second biggest in all of Austria. From fine art to contemporary pieces, Innsbruck has something for everyone.

The Golden Roof, or the Goldenes Dachl, is a must-see. Adorned with 2,657 copper tiles gilded with six kilos of gold, it was a gift from the Emperor to his wife during Austria's Imperial days. The tiles are still the originals from the year 1500.

Frequently asked questions