Damon Mcknight
Innsbruck, Austria's fifth-largest city, is a charming destination for a trip in March. Surrounded by the Alps, Innsbruck offers stunning views, a rich cultural heritage, and a range of outdoor activities. The city boasts impressive Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, including the iconic Golden Roof in the Old Town. Beyond sightseeing, visitors can enjoy hiking, skiing, and exploring Christmas markets. For those seeking adventure, there's the option of riding a wooden sled down the mountain or taking in the views from the top of a ski jump. With its blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and modern attractions, Innsbruck promises an unforgettable experience for travellers in March.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weather | Cold, rainy or snowy |
| Season | Skiing season |
| Attractions | Aldstadt Innsbruck, Golden Roof, St Jakob Dom, Nordkette, Swarovski Crystal World, Christmas markets, ski resorts, hiking trails, cable car rides |
| Activities | Sightseeing, shopping, walking tours, visiting historical sites, skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, bobsleigh, hiking |
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What You'll Learn
Explore Old Town Innsbruck, including the Golden Roof and St Jakob Dom
Innsbruck, Austria's fifth-largest city, is a charming blend of architectural splendour and natural beauty. The Old Town of Innsbruck, or Aldstadt, is a breathtaking destination steeped in history and surrounded by the majestic Alps. This enchanting medieval quarter boasts narrow cobblestone streets, ornate facades, and architectural masterpieces.
One of the most famous landmarks in Innsbruck's Old Town is the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), a glittering structure dating back to the 1500s. Completed in 1500, the roof was decorated with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles for Emperor Maximilian I to commemorate his wedding to Bianca Maria Sforza. The Emperor and his wife used the balcony to observe festivals, tournaments, and other events that took place in the square below. The entire oriel is decorated with sculpted reliefs and mural paintings, showcasing the stylistic transition from the late Gothic to the early Renaissance. The interior of the Golden Roof is just as opulent, featuring arched ceilings, lovely displays, and frescoes painted by Jörg Kölderer, the Emperor's court painter.
Another notable attraction in the Old Town is the St Jakob Dom (Cathedral of Saint James). This cathedral is located just a short stroll from the Golden Roof and is known for its colourful ensemble of houses and church towers, with highly decorative gables. The oldest part of Innsbruck, known as "Anpruggen", includes the areas of St. Nikolaus, Mariahilf, and Hötting, and is particularly picturesque, with its 15th-century houses and the Inn River in the foreground, set against the backdrop of the North Chain mountains.
Walking tours are a popular way to explore the Old Town, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of this historic district. The streets are lined with restaurants, boutiques, and shops, offering a delightful blend of culture and commerce. For those seeking a panoramic view of the city and the Alps, a short bus ride or cable car trip can provide a thrilling and memorable experience. Innsbruck is also known for its Christmas market, where you can enjoy Austrian food and drinks while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
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Visit the Christmas markets and enjoy a cup of Glühwein (hot mulled wine)
Innsbruck, Austria's fifth-largest city, is a charming place to visit in March. The weather may be cold, rainy, or snowy, but there is still plenty to see and do, including visiting the Christmas markets and enjoying a cup of Glühwein (hot mulled wine).
Innsbruck's Christmas markets are known for their enchanting and festive atmosphere. The markets are typically open daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm in the lead-up to Christmas, offering a variety of attractions and delights. The Old Town Christmas Market, set against the backdrop of the famous Golden Roof and medieval facades, is a must-visit. Here, you can browse handmade Christmas ornaments, handicrafts, and other winter treats. Indulge in traditional dishes like Kiachln and warm yourself with a mug of Glühwein, the perfect way to mingle with locals and embrace the local culture.
Another popular market is the Maria Theresien Street Christmas Market, surrounded by sparkling lights and offering a wide range of international gift ideas. The tempting aromas of mulled wine and delicious snacks will surely entice you. This market is ideal for those looking for unique souvenirs and a break from shopping on the main street. The "Marktplatz" market square by the River Inn is also worth visiting, with its charming Tyrolean village feel, carousel, and petting zoo, making it a favourite for families.
For breathtaking views, take the funicular railway or scenic cable car ride to the Hungerburg Christmas Market. This market offers panoramic views of Innsbruck and its surroundings, along with culinary delights and Christmas souvenirs. The Wiltener Platzl Christmas Market, held on select days from Friday to Sunday, combines handicrafts, short concerts, and puppet shows for children. With organic mulled wine and Sardinian delicacies, it's a delightful way to spend an afternoon or evening.
Innsbruck's Christmas markets are a wonderful way to experience the local culture, indulge in delicious food and drinks, and find unique gifts. Whether you're strolling through the historic Old Town, taking in the lights on Maria Theresien Street, or enjoying the views from Hungerburg, you're sure to create memorable experiences and embrace the festive cheer that Innsbruck has to offer in March.
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Take in the views of the city and the Alps by cable car
Innsbruck, Austria, is a charming city steeped in history and surrounded by the majestic Alps. The city is known for its architectural splendour, with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings, including the iconic Golden Roof.
One of the best ways to take in the views of the city and the Alps is by cable car. The Nordkettenbahnen cable car takes visitors from the city centre to the top of Innsbruck, Austria's largest nature park, in just a few minutes. The modern Hungerburgbahn cable car can take you directly from the old town to Hungerburg in eight minutes, with a stop at the Alpenzoo, one of the highest elevated zoos in Europe. From Hungerburg, you can explore the beautiful sights and pretty houses in the area.
For even more incredible views, continue your cable car journey to the very top of Innsbruck. At an altitude of over 2,000 metres, you'll be treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of the capital of the Alps on one side and the Karwendel Nature Park on the other. This is a great way to escape the busy city and relax while surrounded by the peaceful beauty of nature.
The Axamer Lizum is another popular cable car destination, featuring the state-of-the-art Hoadlbahn gondola, which takes you up to an altitude of 2,340 metres above sea level.
Innsbruck offers a range of options for cable car rides, with some being free with the Welcome Card or the Innsbruck Card. These cards also provide access to various sights and mountain lifts, as well as free use of public transport within the city.
Whether you're an aspiring mountaineer or simply seeking breathtaking views, the cable cars of Innsbruck provide a unique perspective of the city and the surrounding Alps.
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Go skiing or snowboarding in the mountains
Innsbruck is an ideal base for a wide variety of winter sports adventures. The city is surrounded by majestic mountains and is home to 12 ski resorts, each with a different focus.
If you're a beginner, the Muttereralm ski resort is a great option. It's just a few kilometres from Innsbruck and offers two fantastic toboggan runs. The Patscherkofel ski resort is another good choice, with separate areas for beginners and children, and a snow park at 1,900 metres above sea level. The Rangger Köpfl ski area is also aimed at beginners and children.
For intermediate skiers, Innsbruck offers 33 trails around the area. The best intermediate trails can be found at the resorts of Igls, Kitzbühel, and Patscherkofel.
If you're feeling adventurous, try night skiing, which is available at the resorts of Igls and Mutter Alm. The lighting is good, and it's a great opportunity to ski without the crowds.
Innsbruck also offers snowboarding, with the famous Seegrube half-pipe attracting the world's top snowboarders to the Innsbruck Extreme contest in March. The Rangger Köpfl ski area also offers snowboarding.
To get to the slopes, you can take advantage of the free ski bus, or purchase the SKI plus CITY pass, which gives you access to 12 ski resorts in the Innsbruck region and Stubai Valley, as well as selected public transportation routes and city attractions.
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Check out the Swarovski Crystal World exhibition
If you're visiting Innsbruck, Austria, in March, one attraction to visit is the Swarovski Crystal World exhibition. Located just 20 kilometres east of Innsbruck, with shuttle services available, Swarovski Crystal Worlds are a great place to visit for the whole family. The exhibition is housed within a giant, visible from the entrance, alongside an extensive garden. Inside, you'll discover 18 Chambers of Wonder, each offering a unique experience.
One of the highlights is the Silent Light chamber, a wintry room with snow all year round, providing a cool respite from the March chill. You can also learn about the history of Swarovski in Hollywood in The Art of Performance chamber. For a meditative experience, don't miss the light installation by artist James Turrell, the only one of its kind in the German-speaking world.
The Swarovski Crystal Worlds offer plenty of fun for children and families, with a four-level play tower, a carousel, a labyrinth, and a playground. There are also children's workshops, where young visitors can get creative and learn about crystals. After exploring the exhibition, you can browse the generously-sized Swarovski Store, which offers a wide range of souvenirs and jewellery.
Innsbruck's Old Town, known as Aldstadt Innsbruck, is also worth a visit. This medieval quarter boasts narrow cobblestone streets, ornate facades, and architectural masterpieces like the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl). With its glittering gold-plated tiles, this iconic landmark is a must-see, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history.
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Frequently asked questions
Innsbruck is a charming city surrounded by the Alps and the River Inn. Here are some things you can do when visiting in March:
- Visit the Old Town (Aldstadt Innsbruck) and wander through the medieval cobblestone streets, taking in the ornate facades and architectural masterpieces like the iconic Golden Roof.
- Take a cable car ride up to the mountains for panoramic views of the city and the Alps.
- Explore the historic sites, including the Hofburg Imperial Palace, and learn about the rich architectural heritage of the city.
Depending on the weather, there are various outdoor activities to enjoy in Innsbruck in March:
- Skiing: The mountains around Innsbruck offer great skiing opportunities, and the ski season is usually still open in March.
- Hiking: There are many hiking trails around Innsbruck that offer stunning views. You can also try low-elevation hiking if there is too much snow at higher altitudes.
- Tobogganing and bobsleigh: These snow activities are a fun alternative to skiing or snowboarding.
Innsbruck has several unique attractions and experiences to offer:
- Swarovski Crystal World: Visit the strange and fascinating Swarovski Crystal Museum, featuring art pieces made entirely of crystal.
- Ski Jumping: Watch the impressive Vierschantzentournee ski jumping tournament or visit the Olympic ski jump venue, which offers a unique perspective from the bottom and the top.
- City Quest Innsbruck: Uncover the secrets of the city with this interactive quest, offering a unique way to explore Innsbruck's hidden gems.
