Must see attractions of Innsbruck - the urban island in the heart of the alps

Innsbrucks unique characteristics and location inbetween mountain ranges make it a phenomenal place where metropolitan culture meets alpine nature. Apart from its proximity to mountains and its easy accessability through cable cars the city has a rich history spanning over more than a millenium and vibrant street life - during the day and at night. 

Old Town with the Golden Roof and City Tower

In the heart of Innsbruck’s Old Town, 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles cover its most famous landmark, the Golden Roof. The gilded oriel with balcony was built around 1500 at the request of Emperor Maximilian I. Today, it is considered one of the most important symbols of the Habsburg Monarchy.

Market Square with the Mariahilf Facade

One oft he most scenic spots of Innsbruck and certainly the most instagrammable ist he market square with ist views oft the Mariahilf houses. Visitors love taking photos with what is considered Innsbruck’s most beautiful facade as a backdrop. On clear days, the Brandjochspitze mountain rises picturesquely behind it. Meanwhile, especially in spring, many young locals enjoy soaking up the sun on the square or sipping an Aperol at the Marktbar.

Cathedral of St. James and Cathedral Square

The Cathedral of St. James (Dom zu St. Jakob) is Innsbruck’s cathedral and the bishop’s seat. The square in front of the church features a green area with trees and benches. Several cafés line the edges of the square, offering views of St. James’s Cathedral — making Cathedral Square one of the most charming places in the city center.

Imperial Palace & Court Garden

Located at the edge of the Old Town, the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) was originally built as a medieval fortress and later expanded into a palace. Until the end of the monarchy in 1918, it served as a residence for local rulers and members of the dynasty. Highlights of the Hofburg include the Guard Hall, the lavish “Inner Apartment” designed for Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), and above all, the Giant’s Hall. The palace has been restored several times in recent decades and is now one of Tyrol’s most impressive museums.

Court Church & Museum of Tyrolean Folk Art

The modest exterior of the Court Church (Hofkirche) is deceptive, as it houses something truly unique: an empty sarcophagus guarded day and night by giant bronze figures.

Maria Theresia Street

Named after Empress Maria Theresa, this broad pedestrian zone offers plenty of space for outdoor restaurant seating, cafés, shops along the facades, and various open-air events year round.

From the Hungerburg to the Seegrube and Hafelekar

The Nordkette mountain range, with its Hafelekar peak, perfectly represents Innsbruck’s unique combination of alpine nature and urban life. Just behind the Hofburg, you’ll find the station for the funicular railway to the Hungerburg. From there, a cable car takes you up to the Seegrube at almost 2,000 meters, and then further up to the Hafelekar at over 2,300 meters. From the Hafelekar summit, only a few minutes from the top station, you can enjoy a breathtaking view over Innsbruck.
A little tip: you won’t be alone up there — the site is heavily promoted by the city and very popular with day-trippers. So, it’s best to go early!

Patscherkofel Cable Car

If the Nordkette feels too crowded, the Patscherkofel mountain to the south of Innsbruck is a great alternative. Although not quite as close, it still offers wonderful views of Innsbruck and the surrounding villages. From the top station begins the Zirbenweg, a scenic and popular hiking trail that runs along the tree line to the base of the neighboring Glungezer mountain. At the end of the trail, you can stop at the Tulfeinalm cabin, then take the Glungezer cable car back down to the valley. From there, a bus returns to Innsbruck. Alternatively, you can hike to the Patscherkofel summit in about an hour, where you’ll find a cozy summit restaurant and a 360-degree panoramic view — along with the visible transmission mast seen from the city.

Ambras Castle

Built in the Middle Ages, Ambras Castle was transformed into a magnificent Renaissance palace by Archduke Ferdinand II. Over the centuries, it served many purposes: a residence of Habsburg nobility and local rulers, a military barracks, a hospital, and a hunting lodge. The first museum at the castle opened as early as 1880. Today, both the museum and especially the castle park are worth visiting. The park is not only steeped in history but also serves as a popular recreation area for Innsbruck’s residents.

Bergisel Ski Jump and Tirol Panorama

South of the Wilten district lies the Bergisel hill, only 750 meters high but known for two very different reasons.
Firstly, it was the site of several battles in 1809 during the Tyrolean Rebellion against Napoleon’s French troops. The Third Battle of Bergisel was immortalized in 1896 on a 1,000-square-meter panoramic painting depicting 15,000 French and Bavarian soldiers and the rebellious Tyrolean farmers led by Andreas Hofer (who, in reality, was not present at the battle). Today, the painting can be seen at the Tirol Panorama Museum at Bergisel.
Secondly, sports fans know Bergisel for its ski jump, visible from across Innsbruck and one of the venues of the Four Hills Tournament. The site also has a rich history: ski jumping competitions have been held here for nearly a century, and the 1964 and 1976 Olympic Games were inaugurated here. Today, the ski jump is a popular city attraction, featuring a panoramic café at the top of the tower.

Swarovski Crystal Worlds

To celebrate its 100th anniversary in 1995, Swarovski commissioned multimedia artist André Heller to create the now world-famous Crystal Worlds in Wattens. This extraordinary place of imagination, art, and playfulness has since become the second most visited attraction in Austria.

Walk 1

Alpine-urban perspectives – city and mountain in one tour

Highlight: like Romy Schneider in “Sissi – The young empress”: Enjoy the spectacular view from the Hafelekar (2.334 meters) down to the city of Innsbruck

Walk 2

Deep canyons, high jump

Highlight: Feel, how close city and vast nature are to one another

Plus: Zaha Hadid’s Bergisel ski jump with airy views

Walk 3

Special Tour for the Christmas time

Highlight: View over the city from the Hungerburg Christmas market

Walk 4

Maximilian, Sisi & co – walk through history

Highlight: To get to know the golden roof and his secrets and experience a piece of European history

Walk 5

Experience the young Innsbruck

Highlight: In the middle of the city and still pure relaxation: the Baggersee

Walk 6

Discover Innsbruck’s modernity

Highlight: A bank as an impressive exhibition area for modern art or a tourist information center that combines the renaissance and the latest technology

Walk 7

Get to know Innsbruck from its authentic side

Highlight: Take a look behind the scenes of the famous Mariahilf-row of houses and see Innsbruck through Albrecht Dürer’s eyes

Spectacular

From zero to a hundred in ten seconds

HEARTBEAT: SIT AT THE STARTING POSITION OF THE BERGISEL SKI JUMP

What a thrill! What it is like to sit on the notorious bar and look down can be experienced by the brave themselves on the Bergisel ski jump during a special guided tour.

ADRENALIN PUR: BUNGY JUMPING FROM THE EUROPA BRIDGE

5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Bungy! Jump headfirst from the Europa Bridge and enjoy the madness of free fall.

BOB RIDING IN THE CHANNEL OF ICE IN IGLS

Ready, set, go! In summer and in winter there is a thrill for non-professionals when they go down the steep curves of the Olympic bobsleigh run- with you is of course an experienced pilot.

THRILLING BIKE ADVENTURES

For passionate gravity bikers, Innsbruck has varied trails for every taste on both sides of the city. In the north the legendary Nordkette Single trail is one of the most difficult trails in Europa and takes most bikers to their limits! And in the south with a total of five routes - downhill fun guaranteed for all skill levels.

DRINKS AND A SPECTACULAR VIEW

Enjoy the aperitif in the circular bar 360° on the 7th floor of the town hall with a view of the mountains.

“The Penz” with its American bar on the 5th Floor.

ROCK ‘N ROLL IN THE ALPS – HARD ROCK CAFÉ

Since then, on the Maria-Theresien-Straße American classics are served with rock and pop music. Vegan and local dishes can also be found on the menu.

UNDERGROUND – TRIBAUN

The long bar with lots of taps and open craft beer from all over Europe.

DINING – A CULINARY CROSS SECTION

EXQUISITE SCHÖNECK

Two Gault & Millau toques.

WEISSES RÖSSL – TYROLEAN CUISINE WITH TRADITION

Modern restaurant kitchen with light and home-style food in cosy dining rooms.

DIE WILDERIN – AUTHENTIC & VARIED

One Gault & Millau toque.

CASUAL AND YOUNG – MACHETE BURRITO KARTEL, KATER NOSTER

Two refreshing gastronomy concepts.

THAT IS THE TASTE OF ITALY – DIE PIZZEREI

The restaurant serves delicious pizza as well as many other authentic Italian dished.

VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN – OLIVE AT WILTENER PLATZL

Lovers of creative vegetable dishes get their money’s worth, at noon or in the evening.