Exploring Innsbruck: Activities And Attractions In Austria's Alpine Gem

Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region in western Austria, is a picturesque city nestled in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The city offers breathtaking views, a charming Old Town, world-class skiing, and beautiful hikes. Here is an introduction to some of the top things to do and see in Innsbruck.

Explore the Old Town

Innsbruck's Old Town, with its colourful streets, shops, and historic sites, is a must-see. Aldstadt von Innsbruck, the compact and scenic Old Town, is easy to explore on foot. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets, admire the gabled houses and Baroque churches, and enjoy street performances. The Imperial Palace, Court Church, and the famous Golden Roof are some of the notable landmarks in this area.

Ride the Cable Car

Innsbruck has a series of cable cars that offer a unique way to take in the stunning scenery. The Hungerburg Funicular, Nordkette cable car, and Seegrube cable car provide panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Alps as they ascend to the peaks of the Nordkette Mountains. At the top, various sports and leisure activities such as hiking, downhill mountain biking, and skiing are available.

Visit Schloss Ambras Innsbruck

Schloss Ambras Innsbruck, a Renaissance castle, was once a medieval fortress. It houses medieval armour, artwork, and gardens with breathtaking views of the city.

Stroll Along Maria-Theresien-Strasse

Maria-Theresien-Strasse is Innsbruck's pedestrianised main street, named after Empress Maria Theresa. This grand boulevard is lined with architectural treasures, including pastel-painted facades, elaborate balconies, and Baroque palaces. It's a great place to mingle with locals and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Discover the Hofkirche and Cathedral of St. James

The Hofkirche and Cathedral of St. James are two small churches located in the Old Town. The Hofkirche features 28 bronze statues of Austrian ancestors and heroes, while the Cathedral of St. James impresses with its Baroque architecture.

Enjoy Tyrolean Cuisine

Innsbruck offers a variety of culinary delights, with restaurants serving sophisticated dishes made with fresh ingredients. Specialties include consommé with sliced pancakes, speck (cured ham), beef goulash, schnitzel, and Moosebeernocken (fresh berry pancakes).

Experience the Bergisel Ski Jump

Innsbruck has a rich history in winter sports, having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976. The Bergisel Ski Jump, designed by the late Zaha Hadid, offers panoramic views of the city and is often used for training by Olympic athletes.

Innsbruck has something for everyone, from its stunning natural surroundings to its rich cultural and historical attractions. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, Innsbruck is sure to delight and inspire.

Explore the Old Town

Innsbruck's Old Town is a delight to explore. This historic core is over 500 years old and is a collection of cobblestone streets, boutiques, medieval buildings, and sidewalk cafes. Most of the main sites in Innsbruck are within walking distance from the Old Town or connected by the tram.

One of the best things to do in Innsbruck is to stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Town. You will see architecture from the Habsburg Empire. Emblematic landmarks include the Imperial Palace, Court Church, and the famous Golden Roof. The Austrian Alps in the background create a frame-worthy photo op against all the historic buildings.

Amid the brightly painted buildings and historic monuments of Innsbruck’s Old Town, one landmark shines brighter than all the others. Standing proud over Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse, the Golden Roof (or Goldenes Dachl) is the dramatic focal point of the 15th-century New Court (Neuhof) building and glitters with 2,657 gilded copper tiles.

The most famous landmark in the old town, the golden balcony was completed in 1500 to commemorate the marriage of Emperor Maximilian I and Bianca Maria Sforza—a union that brought the Duchy of Milan into the Holy Roman Empire. The royal newlyweds would watch tournaments and festivals in the square below from this perch.

Innsbruck's grand boulevard, Maria-Theresien Strasse, goes past shops, sidewalk cafes, restaurants, Glühwein stands, and, in season, a traditional Christmas market. Much of the thoroughfare is pedestrian-only. It's the heartbeat of the city and a fun place to mingle with locals.

Ride the cable car

Innsbruck has a series of cable cars that can take you to the top of the Nordkette Mountains for 360-degree views of the area. The Hungerburg Funicular takes riders to Hermann Buhl Square, where you can enjoy amazing views of the city. From there, you can take the Nordkette cable car (also called the Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen) to Seegrube, located at an altitude of 1,905 meters. Here, you have the option to hike the Panorama Trail, an easy 30-minute hiking trail. The third cable car, from Seegrube to Hafelekar Peak, takes you up to 2,300 meters above sea level, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Alps.

The cable car ride offers breathtaking views at each stage, and you can also engage in various sports and leisure activities at Seegrube and Hafelekar Peak, such as downhill mountain biking, hiking, handgliding, and skiing. The Hungerburg funicular, designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, is particularly notable for its modern and unique architecture, inspired by the snow and ice landscapes of the region.

Tickets for the cable car can be purchased online or at manned ticket offices and ticket machines at the stations. A round trip with the Nordkette cable car is also included in the Innsbruck City Card, which offers good value for money if you plan to do more sightseeing or use other public transport. The Innsbruck Card, which covers cable car rides and admission to museums and tourist attractions, might also be worth purchasing if you plan to visit many museums and ride different cable cars.

Visit museums

Innsbruck is a city with a rich history and culture, and its museums offer a fascinating insight into its past. Here is a detailed overview of some of the top museums you can visit during your trip:

Schloss Ambras Innsbruck

Schloss Ambras, a medieval fortress turned Renaissance castle, is the oldest museum in the world. It houses historic collections of art and armour, including medieval armour and artwork dating back hundreds of years. The castle was built for Philippine Welser, the wife of Archduke Ferdinand II, and features a separately designed museum complex that was constructed according to advanced ideas of its time, making it a precursor to modern-day museums. The armoury boasts rare examples of 15th-century jousting armour, suits of armour of famous commanders, and weapons from the Thirty Years' War.

Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace, also known as the Hofburg, is a beautiful and elaborate Gothic-style castle. It was built by Archduke Siegmund, who integrated three prominent constructional elements of the Medieval city fortification: the Medieval city wall, two city towers, and nearby houses, which can still be seen today. The palace features large representation rooms, a chapel, a heated banquet hall, a chancellery, and a living room with large windows, a winding staircase, and wall coverings.

Hofkirche (Court Church)

The Hofkirche, or Court Church, is a Gothic memorial built by Ferdinand I for his grandfather, Emperor Maximilian I. It boasts an incredible collection of German Renaissance sculpture and an ornate black marble cenotaph at its centre. The church houses over two dozen larger-than-life statues and intricate embellishments that attest to the architectural achievement of its time.

The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)

The Golden Roof comprises 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles and was built to commemorate the wedding of Emperor Maximilian I and Bianca Maria Sforza. Visitors can step inside this 16th-century construction to learn about Maximilian's legacy in Austria and Europe and explore temporary exhibits focusing on the region's Imperial legacy.

Tyrolean State Museum

The Tyrolean State Museum offers an extensive collection showcasing Tirolean life from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages, as well as the era of folk hero Andreas Hofer. Visitors can explore exhibits on early history, art and art history, cartography, and everyday life in Tirol. The museum also displays the spoils of archaeological excavations in Tirol, paintings, and information about the history of mining.

Other Notable Museums

Innsbruck has a diverse range of museums and galleries catering to various interests. Here are some additional museums you might want to include in your itinerary:

• Tirol Panorama Museum: Showcases the history of Tirol and offers panoramic views of the city.
• Tyrolean Folk Art Museum: Showcases traditional Tirolean life and culture through exhibits such as recreations of early housing and period costumes.
• Grassmayr Glockenmuseum Glockengiesserei: An interactive bell museum where you can learn about and hear the sounds of various bells.
• Tyrolean Provincial Museum (Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum): Features a collection of modern art and extensive archaeological exhibits.
• AUDIOVERSUM - ScienceCenter: An interactive museum for all ages with exhibits on science and acoustics.

Try the local cuisine

Innsbruck, Austria, is a great place to indulge in the local cuisine. Here are some suggestions for trying the local food in Innsbruck:

Fine Dining

Innsbruck has some excellent fine dining options. Oniriq is a wonderful fine dining restaurant with limited seating, so booking in advance is recommended. The in-house sommelier will be happy to suggest wine pairings for your meal, and there are also tasty alcohol-free options. Das Schindler is another stylish and central option, with good food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Sitzwohl is a spacious, modern eatery with attentive service and an excellent wine menu.

Panoramic Views

For a meal with a view, try Lichtblick, located on the seventh floor of the 'Rathausgalerien' in the city centre. While the tables are packed closely together, the restaurant offers wonderful views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The bar next door, 360 Grad, also offers panoramic views.

Traditional, Regional Cuisine

For traditional Tirolean food, try Das Weisse Rössl, located in the centre of the medieval old town. Der Goldene Adler is another classic Innsbruck dining spot, with a cosy, wood-panelled interior and traditional, hearty food. Das Gasthaus Anich takes its name from the Anichstraße road on which it is located and serves traditional, generous portions of food.

International Cuisine

Innsbruck has a diverse range of international cuisine. Sensei and Umaya serve excellent, authentic Asian cuisine. Miso is a small, friendly Korean restaurant with a frequently changing menu. For Italian, try Le Murge, which offers a daily-changing menu of three dishes, or Due Sicilie, a pizzeria with a traditional Italian atmosphere. For excellent burgers, head to Das Ludwig, or try Zum Wohl Tirol for a huge range of burger options.

Breakfast and Brunch

The Breakfast Club serves a wide range of breakfast and brunch options, including lighter meals after a big night out. The Marktbar is a popular spot for afternoon drinks, but they also serve a tasty breakfast with amazing views of the Nordkette Mountains. Haepinest is a great choice for coffee lovers, with a range of unique varieties on offer, although the terrace doesn't get much sun. Cafe Momo, located above a well-stocked bookshop, is a good option if you're not in a hurry, as the service is a little slow.

See the Bergisel Ski Jump

The Bergisel Ski Jump is a prominent landmark in Innsbruck, Austria, and has been the site of several important events in the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup and the Winter Olympics. The stadium has a capacity of 26,000 and the jump itself is a staggering 138 metres long.

The ski jump is accessible by car or public transport. By car, take the Innsbruck Süd-offramp on the A13 highway and follow the B182 towards Innsbruck, turning right at the Bergisel sign. Alternatively, follow the B182 from Innsbruck and turn left at Bergisel Road. By public transport, take the Sightseer Bus, or the Stubai Valley bus and tram, which both depart from the main station.

The Bergisel Ski Jump is included in the Innsbruck Card, which also covers the Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen cable car, several other cable cars in the area, and admission to all museums and tourist attractions. The card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours.

The ski jump has two lifts that take visitors to a viewing terrace and a 50-metre-high tower. If you're feeling energetic, you can walk the 455 stairs to the top. The ramp is 98 metres long and the landing slope is 37° steep in places, so it's not for the faint-hearted! The view from the top is incredible and gives you a real sense of what the ski jumpers see before they take off. If you want to take in the view while enjoying a drink or a bite to eat, head to the Bergisel Sky restaurant.

The ski jump is also a site of historical significance. In 1809, the Four Battles of Bergisel took place here between local rebels and Napoleon's army, aided by Bavarian forces. The Third Battle of Bergisel, which took place on 13 August 1809, inspired the Tirol Panorama, a 360° painting on a canvas of more than 1,000 square metres that depicts the battle. The painting is housed in the Tirol Panorama and Museum of the Tyrolean Imperial Infantry, which is a short walk from the ski jump. The museum also features an exhibition dedicated to the myths of Tyrol and a selection of weapons belonging to regiments of the Imperial and Royal Light Infantry. Entry to the museum is included in the Innsbruck Card, and a combo ticket for the ski jump and museum is also available.

For those who enjoy hiking, there is a circular hiking route around Bergisel that combines history and nature. The route starts at the back of the parking area or at the ski jump and takes about an hour to complete. Along the way, you'll see the ski jump from a different angle through the trees and some big rocks made from different types of stone found in Tyrol, including marble, limestone, and dolomite. The highlight of the trail is the Sonnendeck viewing platform, which offers a stunning view of the Sill gorge.

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