Cityscape of Innsbruck in Austria photo via Depositphotos
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Top 15 Best Things to Do in Innsbruck, Austria

What are the top tourist attractions in Innsbruck?

Innsbruck Bucket List: Best Activities and Amazing Places to Visit in Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and the fifth-largest city in Austria. On the River Inn, at its junction with the Wipp valley, which provides access to the Brenner Pass 30 km (18.6 mi) to the south, it had a population of 132,493 in 2018.

It is the capital of the Alps, worth to be visited, especially to those nature lovers. It has a nice city center and impressive mountains in the background. If you are not planning your vacation in Innsbruck in summer: in winter, you can set off from the City to thousands of kilometers of slopes in the area.

Generally, Austria is a very safe country to travel to. According to some sources, Austria is ranked 3rd on the list of safest and most dangerous countries globally. Still, never let your guard down in a strange land. Visit some tourists spot:

Admire the interior and lovely City of Altstadt von Innsbruck (The Old Town)

Cityscape of Innsbruck in Austria photo via Depositphotos
Cityscape of Innsbruck in Austria photo via Depositphotos

Explore the beautiful City with many hundred-year-old buildings, narrow streets, and medieval towers in the mountains’ background. Small enough to walk it easily.

A collection of small streets bordered by beautiful, mostly painted buildings, an absolute pleasure to visit. Designed for busloads of tourists, without them, all amenities are in disrepair, especially toilets.

Escape out of the City by going to Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen

Innsbrucker Nordkette cable car in Austria photo via Depositphotos
Innsbrucker Nordkette cable car in Austria photo via Depositphotos

The view is just breathtaking, and it is an excellent way of “exposure therapy” for someone with a fear of heights. It is cooler than in the City, and clouds may block the view. Getting rewarded by the breathtaking 360° view leaves a lasting impression, with Innsbruck on one side and Tyrol’s most extensive conservation area on the other.

The Nordkette is part of Austria’s largest nature park, the Karwendel Nature Park, and can be reached directly from Innsbruck city center in just a few minutes! You may consider going early so you can avoid possible crowds.

Wander in the Glorious Scenery in Ambras Castle

Ambras Castle or Schloss Ambras Innsbruck is a castle and palace located in Innsbruck, the capital city of Tyrol, Austria photo via Depositphotos
Ambras Castle or Schloss Ambras Innsbruck is a castle and palace located in Innsbruck, the capital city of Tyrol, Austria photo via Depositphotos

Ambras Castle is a Renaissance castle and palace located in the hills above Innsbruck, Austria. It presents the rare collection of Archduke Ferdinand II.

It is considered one of the most popular tourist attractions of Tyrol; Ambras Castle was built in the 16th century on the spot of an earlier 10th-century castle.

The beautifully preserved romantic Renaissance-style castle includes Europe’s oldest arts, armories, and books. Glamorous walls can take you in time flies.

Amazed in the famous and biggest Hofburg Imperial Palace

Hofburg Imperial Palace photo via Depositphotos
Hofburg Imperial Palace photo via Depositphotos

The Hofburg Palace is a must-see when visiting Vienna. The Hofburg is the President of Austria’s official residence and workplace and was formerly the Habsburg dynasty’s principal imperial palace.

It carries a rich culture and history, waiting to be explored. The Habsburg emperors built their imperial forum into one of the most luxurious locations, and now it stands as the official seat of the Austrian President. It is as vast as it is old. For more than 600 years, the Habsburg Emperors ruled at the Imperial Palace.

Today, Hofburg layout across more than 30 buildings, 2,600 rooms, and squares, equalling 34 soccer fields in size! A super big place. Appeal to you the medieval, renaissance and baroque, art, and social places and events.

Stroll in riding Nordkettenbahnen, Hungerburg Funicular or Nordpark Cable

Innsbrucker Nordkette cable car in Austria photo via Depositphotos
Innsbrucker Nordkette cable car in Austria photo via Depositphotos

They are all part of the same cable car network on the same mountain. The Hungerburg funicular takes you to the point from which the Nordkettenbahn cable car departs. There are two legs to the cable car, requiring a change halfway.

The new Hungerburgbahn is a hybrid funicular railway built in 2007 and is positioned in Innsbruck, Austria, as part of the Nordkettenbahnen. Runs from the underground station Congress via station Löwenhaus and station Alpenzoo to the endstation Hungerbrug. The design of these 4 stations was made by the Irakese designer Zaha Hadid.

From Station Hungerburg, you can travel further up the mountain with the Seegrubebahn to 2000m and even further up to the Hafelekar Peak with the Hafelekarbahn at 2334m.

Terrifying run down the ramp on Bergisel Ski Jump

he Bergisel ski jump stadium photo via Depositphotos
the Bergisel ski jump stadium photo via Depositphotos

Bergisel Ski Jump is a stadium that has a capacity of 26,000. It is a ski jumping hill located in Bergisel in Innsbruck, Austria. Bergisel Ski Jumping hill is one of the prominent landmarks in the City of Innsbruck.

The 47 meters tall tower is located on the outskirts of the City. It has beautiful panoramic views of the City. Its sweeping lines and minimalist aesthetics create a sense of graceful, high-speed motion, reflecting a ski jump’s dynamic sensation in a monumental structure.

Fascinate in the beauty of Swarovski Kristallwelten

Swarovski Kristallwelten photo via Depositphotos
Swarovski Kristallwelten photo via Depositphotos

The Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Swarovski Kristallwelten) is an experience attraction for the crystal glass manufacturer Swarovski.

It consists of a park, art museum, retail area, and restaurant. Enjoy a world of fantasy with a mix of culture, aesthetics, and entertainment.

Observe the animals in Alpine Zoo

A Brown Bear (scientific name is Ursus Arctos) in Alpine Zoo photo via Depositphotos
A Brown Bear (scientific name is Ursus Arctos) in Alpine Zoo photo via Depositphotos

The Alpine Zoo is a conservation place for various species. It provides a home for birds of prey, chamois, and marmots. Visitors can observe these animals up close, which is a highlight for the entire family and is well worth visiting adults! Different animals from the Alpine Zoo have offspring every year.

Most animals are born between April and June, so summer is the best time to visit if you want to watch them jumping around and discovering the world. The farm animals in the visitor barn sometimes even have offspring in winter.

The Alpine Zoo is open year-round – some of the animals, such as reptiles, amphibians, and marmots, sleep through the winter, but most are wide awake and just as interesting in colder months.

Be blessed Inside the Cathedral of St. James.

Cathedral of St. James in Innsbruck, Austria by Bede735c via Wikipedia CC
Cathedral of St. James in Innsbruck, Austria By Bede735c – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC

Feel the presence of the Lord inside the Cathedral of St. James. Innsbruck Cathedral or the Cathedral of Innsbruck is the main Catholic Church of the City.

It is a masterpiece of Christian art in Sibenik. This sacred place of history, identity, and unity is cautioned by structural problems and the worsening of the elaborate interiors. It also gives us a responsibility to live as Jesus taught us.

Explore the history in Tirol Panorama

Tyrol Panorama Museum by Rosco Diskussion via Wikipedia CC
Tyrol Panorama Museum By Rosco (Diskussion) – Self-photographed, Copyrighted free use, CC

Tirol Panorama is a museum in Innsbruck. It is important because it houses the Innsbruck Giant Panorama Painting.

The huge and historic 360-degree cyclorama not only helps to retrace the dramatic events unravel amidst the impressive scenery of the Bergisel but is also remarkable in its artistic qualities.

It is accentuated with bullet shredded trees, cannons, and war-torn land, giving the viewer the perspective of being in the battle.

Relax in Hofgarten

Hofgarten (Court Garden) in Innsbruck, Austria by Bbb via Wikipedia CC
Hofgarten (Court Garden) in Innsbruck, Austria By User: Bbb at wikivoyage shared, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC

Hofgarten is a protected park located on the Altstadt (Old Town) section of Innsbruck, Austria.

At the time, it was one of the most elaborate gardens laid out north of the Alps. The Hofgarten is the first place to be named in T S Eliot’s The Waste Land and symbolizes the dying courts of Old Europe and the empty charms of the aristocratic life.

You can stop in the colonnade and went on in sunlight, into the Hofgarten, And drank coffee, and talked for an hour.

Mesmerize the Beauty of Golden Roof

Famous golden roof in Innsbruck, Austria photo via Depositphotos
Famous golden roof in Innsbruck, Austria photo via Depositphotos

Situated at the heart of the Old Town district, the Golden Roof is the landmark of Innsbruck – the late Gothic oriel with loggia was built for Emperor Maximilian I and is adorned with 2,657 fire-gilt copper tiles.

Reach out and touch the past through a wide range of new technologies and specialist multimedia techniques at the Golden Roof Museum.

Take a look at the interior design of Hofkirche.

The Hofkirche (Court Church) by Bede735c via Wikipedia CC
The Hofkirche (Court Church) By Bede735c – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC

An exciting church with a unique cenotaph of a holy roman emperor. The Hofkirche has a beautiful Renaissance porch, plus a candid and a trio of aisles in the Gothic style. One gallery contains almost two dozen small statues of the saint protectors of the House of Hapsburg.

The wooden organ, dating from 1560, is still operational. This is a gothic church located in Innsbruck built-in 1553 by emperor Ferdinand to mark the memory of his grandfather Emperor Macmillan.

Back the time of the clock by passing by in Tyrolean Folk Art Museum.

Tyrolean Folk Art Museum by Bede735c via Wikipedia CC
Tyrolean Folk Art Museum By Bede735c – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC

The Museum of Tyrolean Regional Heritage in Innsbruck is next to Court Church and contains the most important cultural artifacts from Tirol. The focus has been on arts and crafts and the applied arts, home industries, masks, and Tyrol’s traditional dresses.

Considered one of the most beautiful of its kind throughout Europe, the museum presents a fascinating romp through Tyrolean folk art, from old handicrafts and household items over religious and secular folk art to carnival masks, traditional costumes and 18th-century nativity scenes.

Admire the magnificent Maria-Theresien Strasse

Saint Anne Column in Innsbruck, Austria photo via Depositphotos
Saint Anne Column in Innsbruck, Austria photo via Depositphotos

Take a stroll, do a bit of shopping, meet friends, sit at one of the many outdoor cafés, praise the magnificent Baroque architecture and savor the city street of Maria Theresa, the full name of Maria-Theresien-Straße, one of the primary and busiest streets in the historical center of Innsbruck, the second.

Lined with architectural treasures, a stroll down the street reveals pastel-painted facades, elaborately carved balconies, and beautiful baroque palaces.

Important Reminders:

The official language spoken in Innsbruck is German. However, as English is the second language in the educational system, Austrian citizens understand and speak fluently.
Never mention the Sound of Music. You’d think any proud Austrian would light up at the mention of this iconic film, but plot twist – no Austrian has ever seen it.

  • Don’t be late. …
  • Always say, “hi!”
  • For God’s sake, try their desserts!
  • Speak their language.
  • Swim in the lakes.
  • The ski slopes.
  • Vienna’s nightlife.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit, and experience the wonder of Innsbruck, Austria.

Innsbruck Travel and Tour Packages

To help you plan out your Innsbruck journey, we listed places to visit and other unique activities in Innsbruck, Austria. We also listed some of the best travel deals, tour packages, and excellent flight deals and accommodation.

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of cheap Innsbruck hotels and resorts via Agoda, Booking, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the City.

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Innsbruck, Austria? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, TwitterInstagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

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Written by Team Out of Town

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