Innsbruck: Sights, Highlights and Nearby Day Trips

If you would like to admire the Alpine mountains while also visiting one of Austria’s most beautiful cities, you should put Innsbruck on your list. The city offers a unique view of the Alps and blends seamlessly into Austria’s stunning natural scenery. 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.

City Sights

Innsbruck Nordkette

The Nordkette rises above Innsbruck and reaches an altitude of 2,300 metres. It is a place that invites you to linger and rewards you with unforgettable views. However, the panorama is not the only reason to visit the Innsbruck Nordkette—there is also a wide range of activities at 2,300 metres. You can easily reach the Nordkette via the Nordkette cable car and, within about 30 minutes, you will be in Austria’s mountain landscape rather than the city centre. Once at the top, you can go hiking, climbing, or simply enjoy the scenery. If you visit Innsbruck in winter, the Nordkette is also a great place to head into your next ski or snowboard adventure.

Golden Roof

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 is also characterised by stylish frescoes and relief decorations, making it—together with its shimmering gold—a true 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 for some, even one of Austria’s most famous). It houses a museum where you can view the original reliefs, which were replaced by copies in 1952 to protect them from damage.

Imperial Palace (Hofburg Innsbruck)

The Imperial Palace 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 Guards’ Hall, the Giant Hall and the Council Chamber. By the way, the Giant Hall is considered the most important ceremonial hall in western Austria and reflects Habsburg remembrance 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 among the palace’s highlights. They include, among other rooms, a beauty salon, several bedrooms, a dressing room and a writing room. You should also visit the chapel and the heraldic tower.

Ambras Castle

Ambras Castle is a very popular attraction for visitors to Innsbruck and is associated with a remarkable love story. The castle was a gift of love from Archduke Ferdinand II to the daughter of a merchant from Augsburg, who did not match his social rank. Their wedding, marriage and children therefore had to be kept secret. However, it is not only the story that makes Ambras Castle worth visiting, but also its treasure-filled chambers. The castle houses collections assembled by Ferdinand II, who preserved them in a museum and thus made his treasures accessible to the public. For this reason, the museum is 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 renowned for her architectural masterpieces. The structure consists of an in-run 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 by its individual elements. Fans of the Olympic Games may recognise the venue: in 1964 and 1976, the Bergisel Ski Jump was part of the Winter Olympics. It is also a key stop of the Four Hills Tournament. However, even if you are not a ski-jumping enthusiast, a visit is worthwhile: the site offers sweeping views and invites you to enjoy a warming coffee. Be sure not to 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 that stand guard inside. Life-size, they surround the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I and leave a lasting impression. A special detail is that eight of these “black men” are actually women. Moreover, the tomb is an empty cenotaph—the emperor’s remains are 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 led thousands of Tyroleans in 1809 against Napoleonic troops. He was executed, but his legacy has endured. The Hofkirche is also the final resting place of other companions such as Josef Speckbacher, Joachim Haspinger and Kajetan Sweth.

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

Maria-Theresien-Straße

Maria-Theresien-Straße is Innsbruck’s best-known boulevard and often forms the backdrop of travellers’ souvenir photos. The street invites you to stroll and shop and impresses with a unique view. Walk past the splendid Baroque buildings and enjoy the distinctive city panorama. A particularly worthwhile stop is Palais Gumpp, today the seat of the provincial government, with its imposing appearance. Other highlights along Maria-Theresien-Straße include the Annasäule (St. Anne’s Column) and the Triumphal Arch.

Things to See Nearby

Swarovski Crystal Worlds

The sparkling Swarovski Crystal Worlds are just a short distance from Innsbruck and can also be reached by shuttle from the city. Be amazed by this unique experience area and discover the internationally famous Swarovski crystals. The Crystal Worlds are not only interesting for admirers of beauty—there is also plenty for children. The play tower, the intricate labyrinth and the carousel, in particular, are sure to light up children’s eyes. The Crystal Worlds are a wonderful destination for families.

Right at the entrance, you are welcomed by the Giant, which contains various exhibitions known as the 18 Chambers of Wonder. There you can explore artistic installations and, among other highlights, a chamber where snow falls all year round. Naturally, you can also take home a souvenir from the Swarovski store. For a break, the café and restaurant “Daniels Kristallwelten” is an excellent option.

Hiking Adventure: Mühlauer Klamm Gorge

Follow this mysterious gorge and feel transported into a world of legends where witches and devils seem less than unrealistic. The Mühlauer Klamm is known for its stories and draws you into a different atmosphere. Right at the start of the hike, you will encounter references to the devil. The bridge in the area was named after a pig and is associated with the devil’s schemes. In the past, Innsbruck was often threatened by avalanches, which 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 would belong to the devil. The residents, however, outwitted him by sending a pig across first—hence the bridge’s name, “Schweinsbrücke” (Pig Bridge).

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

Best Time to Visit

A trip to Innsbruck is worthwhile all year round, as the city offers something for every season. In summer, you can easily combine hikes with a city break and enjoy wonderful views over the city. In spring and winter, you can head up into the mountains to explore the ski slopes or follow the Four Hills Tournament with enthusiasm. If you would like to avoid the busiest times, it is advisable to travel in the shoulder season and not during school holidays.

The DMC Team Wishes You a Pleasant Trip

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