Innsbruck is steeped in history, and its charming alleys and medieval buildings are testament to that. The city is surrounded by picturesque mountains that attract skiers and snowboarders in winter and hikers in the warmer months.
Wander around the Old Town, with its pastel-colored houses and narrow cobbled streets. See the landmark Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) building, commissioned by the Emperor Maximilian I as a symbol of the Habsburg’s power. St. Anne’s Column (Annasäule) also makes for some great photographs with the imposing peak of Hafelekar Mountain as a backdrop.
Walk from the city center to the grand Imperial Palace (Hofburg), home to the ruling Habsburg family for over four centuries. Across the street, the Court Church (Hofkirche) contains the tomb of Maximilian I. Farther afield you’ll find more royal splendor in Ambras Castle (Schloss Ambras), used by the Renaissance Prince Ferdinand II to house his collections of quirky treasures.
Getting around the city is easy, and most choose to do so on foot. Alternatively, make use of the city’s efficient tram and bus networks.
Outside the city, there’s plenty to do in the surrounding ski areas. These areas include the professional-quality snow park where the snowboarding revolution took off in the ‘90s. Innsbruck remains a magnet for the snowboarding crowd. Practice your tricks in the snow park, or explore the extensive network of pistes. Get to the slopes via the futuristic Nordkette Cable Car, which will whisk you all the way to the top of Hafelekar Mountain via a series of architecturally interesting stations.
A 25,000-strong student population keeps the nightlife of the town busy year-round. Those looking for more refined evening entertainment will find plenty of restaurants. There are numerous cafés around the Old Town where you can indulge in local specialities, including thick hot chocolate and delicious Austrian pastries.
Innsbruck is a year-round destination. Once the snow melts in the summer, the mountains burst into color with wildflowers. A network of walking trails, accessible via the Nordkette Cable Car, offer stunning views across the town and over the Italian border.
Innsbruck
Where to stay in Innsbruck
Innsbruck City Centre
The captivating mountain views and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Innsbruck City Centre. A stop by Messe Innsbruck or Hofgarten Park might round out your trip.
Wilten
You'll enjoy the mountain views and coffeehouses in Wilten. You might want to make time for a stop at Bergisel Ski Jump or Tirol Panorama.
Igls
Skiing, mountain views, and spas are some highlights of Igls. Make a stop by Patscherkofel Mountain Bahn or Innsbruck Olympic Sliding Center while you're exploring.
Hungerburg-Hoheninnsbruck
Mountain views and ski areas are just a few things travelers like about Hungerburg-Hoheninnsbruck. A stop by Seegrube Cable Car is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.
Arzl
Travelers enjoy Arzl for its mountain views and ski areas. Consider checking out Nordkette Mountains while you're in the area.
Reichenau
Though Reichenau might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like DEZ Shopping Center and Messe Innsbruck.
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Popular places to visit
Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
Discover the history and significance of this building with the gleaming roof in the heart of Innsbruck’s charming Old Town.
Nordkette Mountains
Hit the slopes in Innsbruck with a visit to Nordkette Mountains. Discover the mountain views and shops in this walkable area.
Seegrube Cable Car
Be transported from Innsbruck’s bustling center to a serene alpine landscape in a matter of minutes via this state-of-the-art funicular.
Imperial Palace
An ornate Gothic palace that was owned by the ruling Habsburg family for more than 450 years remains one of the three most important buildings in Austria.
Ambras Castle
Browse the extensive collections of a Renaissance prince at this majestic former royal residence.
Bergisel Ski Jump
Picture yourself soaring through the air from the top of an elegantly designed ski jump, where the viewing platform provides panoramic views of the Tyrolean alps.
