28.04.2025.
In the colourful ambiance of Innsbruck, you can discover the majestic presence of the Tirol’s mountains. Having a fantastic location between Munich and Italian towns like the enchanting Bressanone, you cannot miss Innsbruck.
Although the charming Old Town takes only a few hours, there’s plenty to see, from mountain peaks to amazing palaces. With its historical treasure, Innsbruck offers beautiful architecture that you can hardly squeeze in one day.
Innsbruck is an amazing alternative to the popular ski and hiking places like St. Anton am Alberg. After the fairy vibes of Salzburg, Innsbruck might not take your attention but it’s quite so idyllic.
Let’s indulge into the pretty atmosphere and give you awesome reasons to visit.
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Old town of Innsbruck
Visiting the Old town is easily manageable in a few hours, but let’s plan the structure to see it more deeply. In its charming streets all you want is to admire the architecture and enjoy the atmosphere.
Strolling around Innsbruck while curiosity drives you to the nearby souvenir shops is like setting in the world of fantasy.
Where Maria-Theresien Strasse and Old town meet, starts the feast to the eyes. You might even see some street performances but Innsbruck alone will capture the marvels.
Visit the City Tower with the amazing views of Innsbruck
While sweetly meandering through the cobblestone streets, the City Tower will frame your images of Innsbruck. Seeing the city with new eyes follows your efforts to climb the 148 steps. With the fantastic panoramic views, you’ll see the Golden Roof straight ahead.
Dating back to the 15th century, it once had a dominating role in Innsbruck. As the spiral staircase unveils your Innsbruck views, it’s worth catching these picturesque images.
Golden Roof, the symbol of Innsbruck
Even more than City Tower, the Golden Roof will catch your attention with its golden nuances. From the outside, it’s not actually a roof but a fantastic balcony.
Inside the Golden Roof Museum, you’ll see the stunning reliefs from the Gothic and Renaissance time. Speaking of its own history, the Golden Roof once served to commemorate Emperor Maximilian’s wedding to Bianca Maria Sforza. Built in the 15th century, the couple used the balcony to enjoy festivals and events on the square.
Get your picture postcard at the river bridge
The best way to capture the memory of Innsbruck is going to the Inn Bridge (Innbrucke), from where the city got its name. Having the pastel-coloured buildings in the background will let you marvel the beautiful mountains. Being one of the most famous photo spots in Innsbruck, you’ll have a reason to explore the city deeper.
Palaces and museums of Innsbruck
The Ambras Castle
Visiting the Ambras Castle is the top attraction in the city, being one of the oldest in the world. Taking its roots all the way to 11th century, the castle captures a secret love story as a gift.
Though a bit away from the historical center, the Ambras Castle offers an impressive treasure. Marvelling the various glasses, armour, paintings and more will let you fill your day. Within the Castle, the Spanish Hall covers the most stunning Renaissance heritage in Austria.
Nestled inside the picturesque forest, it’s slightly tricky to find the castle after your tram ride.
Getting your online ticket is an alternative to the best solution to pay the entrance- your Innsbruck Card.
Hofburg Palace
Located in the heart of Innsbruck, visiting the Hofburg Palace gives a slice of the royal lifestyle. Finished in the 1500s, the Maria Theresa gave it a final reconstruction in Baroque style in the 18th century. Even the Empress Sissi stayed here, which speaks of her mountainous stories.
The Palace is much more impressive inside than outside, particularly the Giant’s Hall and its ceiling frescoes.
Museum of the Tyrolean Folk Art
Located close to the Court Church, this interesting museum displays various carnival masks, handicrafts and costumes. Some of them can be a bit scary, but afterwards you can enjoy a lovely garden. It’s the same entrance as the Court Church, which you can also visit from a secret passage in the museum.
The Top of Innsbruck- Nordketten mountain
If you’re fancy about the mountain views, the Top of Innsbruck awaits you after several cable cars. You’ll need about an hour to reach the highest point from the central Innsbruck.
With the funicular you’ll reach the first stop near Hofburg, passing the fantastic Alpine Zoo. The Hafelekar peak or top of the Nordkette lies at 2334m. Visiting the top point is not necessary as the views are much more impressive at the lower point or Hungerburg.
What will allure you during the journey is the fantastic design of the funicular station, a masterpiece of Zaha Hadid.
Swarovski Kristallwellten
What a fabulous day trip from Innsbruck is the Swarovski Kristallwelten, within 20 km from the city center.
You’ll get a better understanding of the jewelry, making it more alluring. Embraced by the charming park, first you’ll see the gigantic head above the pond. Representing the entrance to the museum, it’s a marvelously hidden building. Inside you’ll find 18 Chambers of Wonder and each highlights a different theme. It’s fascinating to roam among the artistic expressions of jewelry, shaped to inspire even the fashion.
There’s a little labyrinth outside, a fantastic viewpoint and a Moon installation.
Getting to the Swarovski Kristallwelten is easy with the shuttle bus, staying just outside the train station. While booking the museum ticket online (recommended!), you can also get a cheaper bus ticket. Otherwise, with the Innsbruck card, both tickets are included.
See my Instagram reel to get a better impression of this fabulous museum as it’s not only a tourist trap.
Innsbruck during Christmas time
The Advent time in Innsbruck is such a pleasant surprise that you should include in your itinerary. Bursting with fairy-tale atmosphere, the Old Town doesn’t lack the allure of the famous Vienna Advent.
You will be transferred in the storybook with the fantastic characters along the pretty facades, windows and streets.
Starting already 15.11. you’ll have a plenty of time to visit the fabulous Christmas market in Innsbruck.
Unfortunately, it usually lasts only till the 24.12, but Maria-Theresien Strasse will satisfy you with the culinary delicacies even longer. All kinds of strudles are available, though a bit pricey (about 6€).
Be ready for the magic of Innsbruck during Christmas with my Instagram reel.
How long to stay in Innsbruck
One day if enough just to get the impression of the city and enjoy its charm.
If you want to explore further, I would recommend 3 days. Even 2 days will be enough to discover its palaces and mountain views.
Let’s make an example of your 2 days in Innsbruck:
First day:
10h- arriving at Nordketten
11h-visiting the Zoo-optional
13h- strolling around the Old Town and the river
14-15h- visiting the Ambras Palace
Second day:
10h- visiting the Swarovski Kristallwelten/picnic on your own
14h- back in Innsbruck, exploring the Hofburg Palace, Golden Roof and City tower.
Is it worth having an Innsbruck Card?
Yes, totally if you’re not just seeing the Old town. The ticket for the Nordketten cable car is a little bit less than the Innsbruck Card. In this way you can see more for less.
Having the public transportation included in the Innsbruck Card, you’ll get a double win.
You can buy an Innsbruck card online or in the tourist office and enjoy its attractions free of charge. The prices are as follows:
24h- 59€
48h- 69€
72h- 79€
Where to stay in Innsbruck
Marmota Hostel– though a bit away from the city centre, Marmota hostel offers nice breakfast, mountain views and a free travel card;
Hotel Engl– affordable hotel with a fantastic central location and a great buffet breakfast;
Hotel Kapeller Innsbruck– cozy hotel near the Ambras Castle in the quiet atmosphere;
Final thoughts
Innsbruck offers something for every taste, unveiling an incredible charm of the fairy tale. After enjoying Munich and its marvelous Nymphenburg Palace, you will be allured even more on its hiking trips. With the lake views at Tegernsee or Herzogstand, you’ll be ready to discover Innsbruck.
Particularly astonishing during the Christmas time, Innsbruck brings more than famous Advent markets. It’s a city of incredible history where amazing architecture leaves an everlasting impact.
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