Innsbruck, Austria: The Ultimate Sightseeing Guide

Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region, is a beautiful city surrounded by majestic Alps. It is a perfect blend of history, impressive monuments, and incredible natural surroundings. Here are some must-see attractions in Innsbruck, Austria:

- Climb the City Tower for panoramic views of the Old Town and the surrounding mountains.

- Admire the Golden Roof, a medieval masterpiece with 2,657 gilded copper tiles.

- Wander through the charming Old Town, exploring the winding lanes, picturesque arcades, and stunning architecture.

- Visit Hofburg Imperial Palace, a grand Baroque palace with impressive staterooms and imperial apartments.

- Take in the Court Church, housing the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I guarded by 28 life-size bronze figures.

- Stroll along the picturesque riverside of the Inn River, with colourful townhouses against the backdrop of the Alps.

- Explore St. James' Cathedral, a religious landmark with beautiful art, paintings, frescoes, and stuccoes.

- Take the cable car to the Top of Innsbruck for breathtaking views of the city and the Alps.

- Visit the Bergisel ski jumping hill, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, offering panoramic views of the city.

- Discover the Tyrol Panorama Museum, showcasing the Tyrolean fight for freedom through a 360-degree painting.

- Explore Ambras Castle, housing armour, weapons, art, and the impressive Spanish Hall from the Renaissance era.

- Enjoy Maria Theresien Strasse, a vibrant street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants and Baroque architecture.

- Indulge in winter sports or hiking adventures, with easy access to ski areas and scenic trails.

- Sample delicious Tyrolean cuisine, including speck, beef goulash, schnitzel, and Glühwein.

- Immerse yourself in folk art and culture at the Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum, one of Europe's finest anthropological institutions.

Wander through the Old Town

Innsbruck's Old Town is over 500 years old and is a delight to explore. The neighbourhood is a collection of cobblestone streets, boutiques, medieval buildings, and sidewalk cafes. The Old Town isn't very big, but it's definitely charming. The maze of winding lanes (some of them with picturesque arcades) is perfect to wander around and feel the vibe of the place.

Innsbruck was founded in the 12th century, but its peak of prosperity came during Emperor Maximilian I's rule in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Today, you can still find some buildings and monuments from that period when exploring the Old Town.

Besides the major landmarks, it's worth taking a closer look at the beautiful buildings and townhouses, many of which are richly decorated in the Baroque and Rococo styles. The best example of the stunning architecture of this part of the city is Helbling House, located across the square from the Golden Roof.

However, this is only one of many interesting buildings in the area, so wander around with curiosity and open eyes; you might be surprised by what kind of gems you will find.

You can also explore the area with a guide, which is an even better way to learn more about this fascinating place. Here are some recommended guided tours:

• Private Innsbruck City Tour – 90 minutes, local guide
• Innsbruck – capital city of Tyrol, private tour – local guide

Visit the Court Church

The Court Church, also known as the Schwarzmander Church, is a must-see when visiting Innsbruck. Located in the Old Town, this Gothic church was built from 1553 to 1563 to house the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I, who died in 1519. The church is considered one of Europe's finest royal court churches and is famous for its 28 over-life-sized Renaissance bronze statues of important historical figures that flank the black marble tomb of the emperor. The tomb is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture and is Innsbruck's most notable work of art.

The church is also the final resting place of legendary local heroes such as freedom fighter Andreas Hofer, Josef Speckbacher, Joachim Haspinger, and Kajetan Sweth.

The Silver Chapel, a side chapel within the church, is another highlight not to be missed. It contains the tombs of Archduke Ferdinand II and his wife Philippine Welser, a local celebrity during her lifetime. The chapel features a magnificent silver altar and Madonna by imperial architect Giovanni Lucchese and an organ with pipes made exclusively of wood.

Organ enthusiasts will also appreciate the two organs in the main room: a "swallow's nest" organ by Jörg Ebert, which is almost 500 years old and the largest, best-preserved Renaissance organ in Austria; and a more recent organ built around 1900 by Hans Mauracher.

The Court Church is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Mondays to Saturdays and from 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm on Sundays and holidays. It is easily accessible by public transport, and paid garage parking is available nearby.

Take the cable car to the top of the mountains

Innsbruck is a beautiful city surrounded by majestic Alps and full of impressive monuments and incredible natural surroundings. The best way to experience this is by taking the cable car to the top of the mountains.

The cable car ride to the "Top of Innsbruck" is a must-do when visiting the city. It offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The modern funicular takes you from the historic old town to the Hungerburg district in just eight minutes, with a stop at the Alpine Zoo along the way. From there, you can take the lift up to Seegrube, located at an altitude of 1,905 meters. Seegrube is a popular destination for mountaineers in both summer and winter.

For even more impressive views, you can take the Hafelekarbahn from Seegrube to the Top of Innsbruck, which is 2,256 meters high. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also walk to the 2,334-meter-high Hafelekarspitze in just under 15 minutes. The summit offers a unique panorama of the city and the mountains, and you might even catch a glimpse of the shy wild animals that call the Nordkette home.

The cable car ride is easily accessible from the city center, with the station located just five minutes away from the Golden Roof at the Congress station. The ride offers a direct connection to the city, so you don't have to worry about long climbs to reach the summit.

The "Top of Innsbruck" is also a great starting point for hiking. There are various trails to explore, such as the Zirbenweg trail, which offers stunning views of Innsbruck from above. The mountain huts along the way combine alpine nature with delicious food, making for a perfect excursion.

The cable car ride is included in the Innsbruck Card, which offers free entry to many attractions and public transport in the city. So, if you're planning to explore Innsbruck, the cable car ride is a convenient and affordable way to experience the city's natural beauty and enjoy breathtaking views.

Explore the Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace, or Hofburg, in Innsbruck is a former Habsburg palace and is considered one of the three most significant cultural buildings in Austria. The palace was completed in 1500 under Emperor Maximilian I and was built to the same scale as it is seen today. It was captured in a watercolour painting by Albrecht Dürer, which shows a late Gothic courtyard with a covered staircase, a Crest Tower, and the women's quarters.

The reception area, known as the 'Gothic Cellar', was built in the style of a large hall with columns and vaults. The palace also features a 'Kürnstube' (home to Maximilian's hunting trophies), a 'Silver Chamber' (treasury), and a Festival Hall with depictions of Hercules.

Almost 250 years later, the palace was deemed outdated by Maria Theresa, who arranged for it to be rebuilt in the Viennese late Baroque style. The Giant's Hall, featuring ceiling frescoes by Franz Anton Maulbertsch, was completed during this renovation. The Imperial Palace is now a world-class museum, with five themed areas: Maria Theresa's Rooms, Empress Elisabeth's Apartment, a Furniture Museum, an Ancestral Gallery, and a Painting Gallery.

• Admire the Giant's Hall: This impressive banquet hall is the most important in western Austria and celebrates the time of the Habsburgs. It features ceiling frescoes by Franz Anton Maulbertsch and full-length portraits by Martin van Meytens.
• Visit the Guards' Hall: This hall served as a reception room and was considered part of the 'men's side' of the palace. The paintings here reflect a significant period of history at the Hofburg.
• Explore the Lorraine Room: This room is named after Duke Charles V of Lorraine, whose military victories against the Turks were instrumental in consolidating power for the House of Habsburg.
• Step into the Chapel: The Hofburg currently houses two chapels that are available for Roman Catholic and ecumenical services, as well as cultural events.
• Wander through the Museum: The museum showcases the lavish lifestyles and wealth of the Habsburg rulers. Admire the portraits from the Habsburg Dynasty that adorn the walls of the ornate entry hallway and explore the various themed areas to learn about the political and cultural history of the palace.
• Stroll in the Palace Courtyard: The large cobblestoned courtyard, enclosed by the Hofburg building, represents "the most beautiful inner courtyard in Innsbruck". It is decorated with sculptural elements such as pilaster, frames, and cornices.

Visit the Bergisel Ski Jump

The Bergisel Ski Jump is a must-see for anyone visiting Innsbruck. This impressive structure is not just a sports venue but also a beautiful example of modern architecture. Here's everything you need to know about visiting the Bergisel Ski Jump:

History

The Bergisel hill has been a significant site for Tyrol and Innsbruck for centuries. Around 200 years ago, it was the site of a battle for freedom led by Andreas Hofer. The first ski jump on this historic ground was built in 1925, with the larger hill constructed in 1930. The venue has hosted ski jumping events at two Winter Olympics (1964 and 1976) and is a regular stop on the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup circuit, including the prestigious Four Hills Tournament.

Architecture

The current ski jump was designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid and completed in the early 2000s. It elegantly combines a jump tower, café, and in-run to form a striking, signal-like entity. The ski jump stands proudly above Innsbruck, serving as a modern landmark and a versatile work of art. The entire facility, including the funicular, tower lift, panoramic café, and viewing terrace, is open to the public.

Visiting Tips

The Bergisel Ski Jump is easily accessible by walk or tram from the city centre. You can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains. There is also a restaurant offering delicious food and drinks. If you're visiting during the ski season, you might even get to see some ski jumping events!

The Bergisel Ski Jump is included in the Innsbruck Card, which offers free entry to several attractions and discounts on others. Check the opening hours before your visit, as they vary seasonally, and note that the venue is closed for several days throughout the year.

Enjoy your visit to the Bergisel Ski Jump and make sure to check out other nearby attractions, such as the Tirol Panorama Museum and the Alpine Zoo!

Frequently asked questions