Innsbruck: Highlights and day trips

If you want to admire the Alps while also visiting one of Austria’s most beautiful cities, you should add Innsbruck to your list. The city offers a unique view of the Alps and blends seamlessly into Austria’s impressive natural landscape. Be sure to take unforgettable photos here. Below, we provide an overview of the most interesting sights in the city and nearby excursion destinations. Let Innsbruck surprise you.

Sights in the city

Innsbruck Nordkette mountain range

The Nordkette rises above Innsbruck and reaches an altitude of 2,300 meters. It’s a place that invites you to linger and rewards you with unforgettable views. But the panorama isn’t the only reason to visit Innsbruck’s Nordkette: at 2,300 meters, there is also a wide range of activities on offer. You can easily reach the Nordkette via the Nordkettenbahn and, within around 30 minutes, find yourself in Austria’s mountain scenery instead of the city center. Once you arrive, you can hike, climb, or simply enjoy the view. If you visit Innsbruck in winter, the Nordkette is also a great place to start your next ski or snowboard adventure.

Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)

This landmark truly lives up to its name and delights visitors with the 2,657 gilded copper shingles that cover the roof. The architectural masterpiece also features stylish frescoes and relief decorations and—together with its shimmering gold—is a real highlight of the Old Town.

The building dates back to around 1500. To this day, the Golden Roof is considered Innsbruck’s best-known attraction (and by some even one of Austria’s most famous). It houses a museum where you can see the original reliefs, which were replaced by copies in 1952 to protect them from damage.

Imperial Palace (Hofburg Innsbruck)

The Hofburg in Innsbruck looks back on a long history and has also been part of the city since around 1500. Particularly worth seeing are the various state rooms, such as the Guard Hall, the Giant Hall, and the Council Chamber. The Giant Hall, by the way, is considered the most important banqueting hall in western Austria and reflects Habsburg commemorative culture. In the Council Chamber you can discover three orders: the Order of St. Stephen, the Order of the Golden Fleece, and the Teutonic Order. In addition to the state rooms, the imperial apartments are also among the Hofburg’s highlights. These include, among other things, a beauty salon, several bedrooms, a dressing room, and a writing room. Also visit the chapel and the coat-of-arms tower.

Ambras Castle

Ambras Castle is a very popular sight for Innsbruck visitors and is associated with a remarkable love story. The castle was a gift of love from Archduke Ferdinand II to the daughter of an Augsburg merchant, who did not match his social rank. Their wedding, marriage, and children therefore had to be kept secret. But it’s not only the story that makes Ambras Castle worth seeing—its treasure-filled rooms do as well. The castle houses collections that Ferdinand II assembled and preserved in a museum, making his treasures accessible to the public. The museum is therefore often considered the first museum in the world. Let Ambras Castle enchant you.

Bergisel ski jump

The Bergisel ski jump was designed by architect Zaha Hadid, who is internationally known for her architectural masterpieces. The facility consists of a run-in track designed like a bridge, a tower, and a tower head made of steel, and has been part of Innsbruck since 2001. It is often described as a kind of sculpture formed from its individual elements. Fans of the Olympic Games may recognize the venue: in 1964 and 1976, the Bergisel ski jump was part of the Winter Olympics. It is also a key stop on the Four Hills Tournament. But even if you’re not a ski-jumping fan, it’s well worth a visit: the complex offers wide views and invites you to enjoy a warming coffee. Don’t miss the Panorama Café.

Court Church (Hofkirche)

The Hofkirche in Innsbruck is also known as the “Schwarzmander Church”—named after the 28 black bronze figures standing guard inside. Life-size, they surround the cenotaph of Emperor Maximilian I and leave a lasting impression. One special detail: eight of these “black men” are actually women. In addition, the tomb is an empty cenotaph—the emperor’s mortal remains lie in Wiener Neustadt. Due to their weight, the bronze figures could not be transported there.

The Hofkirche is not only known for Maximilian I’s symbolic tomb, but also for the freedom fighter Andreas Hofer, who in 1809 led thousands of Tyroleans against Napoleonic troops. He was executed, but his legacy remained. The church also contains the graves of other companions such as Josef Speckbacher, Joachim Haspinger, and Kajetan Sweth.

Beyond these stories, the Hofkirche is also worth visiting for the Silver Chapel. Archduke Ferdinand II—the one who gifted Ambras Castle to his beloved—also rests here. His beloved Philippine Welser is likewise buried in the chapel. Inside you will see a magnificent silver altar and an organ whose pipes are made entirely of wood.

Maria-Theresien-Straße

Maria-Theresien-Straße is Innsbruck’s best-known promenade and often serves as the backdrop for souvenir photos. The street invites you to stroll and shop and impresses with a unique view. Walk past the magnificent Baroque buildings and enjoy the special city panorama. A particularly worthwhile stop is Palais Gumpp, now the seat of the provincial government, with its imposing appearance. Other highlights along Maria-Theresien-Straße include the Anna Column and the Triumphal Arch.

Things to see in the surrounding area

Swarovski Crystal Worlds

The sparkling Swarovski Crystal Worlds are located not far from Innsbruck and can also be reached by shuttle from the city. Let yourself be inspired by this unique world of experiences and discover the internationally famous Swarovski crystals. The Crystal Worlds aren’t only interesting for admirers of beauty—there’s also plenty for children to experience. The play tower, the artistically designed labyrinth, and the carousel in particular are sure to make children’s eyes light up. The Crystal Worlds are a wonderful excursion destination for families.

Right at the entrance you are greeted by the Giant, which houses various exhibitions—the 18 Chambers of Wonder. There you can discover artistic installations and, among other things, experience a chamber where it snows all year round. Of course, you can also pick up a souvenir at the Swarovski store. For a break, the café and restaurant “Daniels Kristallwelten” is an excellent option.

Hiking adventure: Mühlauer Klamm

Follow this mysterious gorge and feel transported into a world of legends where witches and devils don’t seem all that unrealistic. The Mühlauer Klamm is known for its stories and draws you into a very special atmosphere. Right at the beginning of the hike, you’ll encounter references to the devil. The bridge in this area was named after a pig and is linked to the devil’s schemes. In the past, Innsbruck was often threatened by avalanches that repeatedly destroyed the bridge. According to legend, the devil offered to rebuild it—if the people of Mühlau would help him with a trick. The catch: The first soul to cross the bridge was to belong to the devil. However, the villagers outsmarted him by sending a pig across first. That’s where the bridge got its name: “Pig Bridge” (Schweinsbrücke).

The hike through the Mühlauer Klamm starts at the western end of the Schweinsbrücke in the Mühlau district and leads through the gorge. Along the way, mystical names mark the highlights, such as the Devil’s Pulpit (Teufelskanzel) or the wooden bridge to the “Witches’ Kitchen” (Hexenkuchl). The cave bears this name because of old stories reporting witch sightings. In addition to these spots, you can admire small waterfalls and the avalanche area of the gorge along the route.

Best time to travel

A trip to Innsbruck is worthwhile all year round, as the city has something to offer in every season. In summer, you can combine hikes perfectly with a city trip and enjoy wonderful views over the city. In spring and winter, you can head up into the mountains to explore the ski slopes or enthusiastically follow the Four Hills Tournament. If you want to avoid the busiest times, it’s best to travel in the off-season and not during school holidays.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a wonderful trip to Austria and lots of fun on your exploration tour through Innsbruck. Please inform yourself in advance about the toll regulations in Austria. You can find more information about the toll in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to plan your trip more easily and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us anytime by email.