Innsbruck Travel Guide Overview
Innsbruck, nestled in an alpine valley between two mountains, is the capital of the state of Tyrol and the largest of alpine cities. For the tourist, it’s almost equidistant between Munich and Verona and has excellent rail connections to Salzburg, Vienna, and slightly more tedious transport to Hallstatt.
Innsbruck is well known as a winter sports center. Several modern winter Olympics and Paralympics have been held there, as well as the First Winter Youth Olympics in 2012.
Tourism is Innsbruck’s main source of income. Its main train station, Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, is one of the busiest in Austria.
However, Innsbruck’s charms don’t fade when the snow melts. The historic center is captivating, showcasing Tyrolean traditions and handicrafts. Allow two to three days to fully appreciate the attractions, as major sites can also be explored as a day trip from Salzburg or Vienna.
Getting There by Air
Innsbruck Airport, Flughafen Innsbruck, is a mere 4 kilometers from the city center. It provides flights to other Alpine destinations as well as to larger airports like those in Frankfurt, London, and Vienna. The city bus F takes approximately 18 minutes to reach the city and the central train station.
Why Go?
In winter, skiing is a prime attraction. Conversely, during the summer, the Altstadt, or old town, offers access to numerous sightseeing spots, including the Goldenes Dachl, a landmark from the 1500s adorned with glistening fire-gilded tiles, and a museum inside.
For breathtaking views of the Alps, climb the 148 steps of the Stadtturm, the city clock tower constructed in 1450. Reaching 167 feet above the city, the climb is sure to leave you famished for a satisfying lunch, perhaps some Hauspfandl (filet of pork with garlic, caraway, brandy, green beans, bacon, and spaetzle) at Weisses Rössl, a popular hotel restaurant conveniently located in Innsbruck’s city center.
If climbing is your passion, you can also ascend the 455 steps of the Bergisel Ski Jump Tower, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid in 2001. At the top, along with a 360-degree view of the Tirol mountain scenery, there is a restaurant to replenish your energy. Alternatively, you could take the funicular, but where’s the thrill in that? The Innsbruck card includes this attraction.
The Imperial Palace, completed in 1465, serves as a stunning example of gothic architecture, featuring a heated banquet hall, which became one of the most significant residences for the Habsburgs and a crucial cultural monument outside of Vienna.
Tyrolean State Museums provide insights into the arts and crafts of the cultures that have inhabited the Austrian Alps. The Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum located on Museumstraße 15 holds artifacts reflecting over 30,000 years of history. The Zeughaus was the former weapons depot of Emperor Maximilian I and recounts Tyrol’s archaeological significance, including silver mining, salt extraction, tourism, and contributions during the World Wars. Also, do not miss the Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum, which showcases mountain folk art, from miniature nativity scenes to traditional costumes.
Innsbruck’s Alpine Zoo is the highest zoo in Europe, featuring over 150 species of alpine animals. If your visit includes a Thursday night, enjoy a special evening tour guided by biologist Dirk Ullrich, providing captivating information about the Alpine animal kingdom. These tours take place every Wednesday at 6 p.m., with the meeting point at the beaver enclosure, complimentary with the admission fee.
Finally, for those intrigued by ornate imperial tombs, the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I (1459-1519) is a must-see, located inside the Hofkirche or Court Church. The tomb is adorned with 28 larger-than-life bronze statues, known locally as the “Schwarzen Mander” (“black men”), representing the Emperor’s relations and role models.
The Innsbruck Card
The Innsbruck card offers free entrance to all museums and visitor attractions, alongside several transportation benefits, including five hours of complimentary bicycle rental. The card is available in one, two, and three-day options. Although it may seem pricey, it becomes more economical when multiple days are chosen, as experiencing all the card offers in a single day would be challenging.
For travelers who appreciate independence yet prefer a planned day, consider a package that includes dinner, a slice of famous sachertorte at Café Sacher Innsbruck, and an evening meal at Goldener Adler Restaurant, a well-regarded establishment with loyal local patrons.
Where to Stay
Apart from Weisses Rössl, the four-star Romantik Hotel Schwarzer Adler is conveniently located near the train station and has recently been renovated to include complimentary internet and an airport shuttle service.
You may also want to consider renting a vacation home or apartment for your stay in Innsbruck, as there are numerous vacation rentals available in the area.
Tours
Looking for something special in Innsbruck? Several unique experiences await you, including a Candlelit Mountain Dinner and Gondola Ride or attending a Tyrolian Folk Show.
