Innsbruck: The heart of the Tyrolean Alps
In the middle of the breathtaking Tyrolean Alps lies Innsbruck, a city that captivates travelers from all over the world with its unique charm and impressive natural beauty. Whether for adventurers, culture vultures or those seeking relaxation – Innsbruck offers something special for everyone.
The Alpine metropolis of Innsbruck lies on the River Inn. It is the fifth largest city in Austria and the capital of the Austrian state of Tyrol.
Why should you put Innsbruck on your travel list?
The city and the surrounding region is a true Eldorado for outdoor enthusiasts. The majestic mountains that surround the city are perfect for hiking, climbing and, in winter, first-class skiing. The Nordkette, which can be reached directly from the city via the modern Hungerburgbahn cable car, offers breathtaking panoramic views and is the perfect starting point for numerous alpine adventures.
The old town of Innsbruck enchants visitors with its medieval alleyways and historic buildings such as the famous Golden Roof. But lovers of modern architecture will also get their money’s worth: the Bergisel ski jump, designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, is an impressive example of contemporary design and also offers a fantastic view over the city.
Innsbruck’s cultural diversity is impressive. From the Hofburg, a former imperial palace, to first-class museums such as the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum – the city offers a wealth of cultural treasures.
Innsbruck is also a paradise for gourmets. Tyrolean cuisine, known for its hearty specialties such as Käsespätzle and Tiroler Gröstl, invites you to indulge. Numerous cozy inns and upscale restaurants offer local and international delicacies to please every palate.
After an eventful day in the mountains or the city, the numerous wellness facilities in the region invite you to relax. Luxurious spas and cozy thermal baths offer the perfect balance and allow body and soul to come to rest.
Sights in Innsbruck
Innsbruck's most famous sight is certainly the Golden Roof in the old town. It is not only a landmark of the city, but also an interesting place to learn about the history of Tyrol. Together with the adjacent Golden Roof Museum, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the past and experience…
Sitting in front of the TV, I admire the daring ski jumpers who jump off the Bergisel ski jump every year and always achieve incredible distances. Now it was time to see this ski jump in Innsbruck live.
Ambras Castle Innsbruck is located above Innsbruck. The impressive Renaissance castle was once the residence of Archduke Ferdinand II and is now open to visitors.
Innsbruck's Hofkirche is one of the city's most important must-see sights! For us, the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum is more of an insider tip, even though every visitor to the church actually passes by.
The Innsbruck City Tower is one of the most famous landmarks of the Tyrolean capital. It is located in the heart of Innsbruck's old town, right next to the famous Golden Roof, and offers a magnificent view of the city and the surrounding area.
No visit to Innsbruck would be complete without an experience that literally stands above everything else: A visit to the Top of Innsbruck. The highest point of the Nordketten adventure area is at an altitude of 2,300 meters. This is where breathtaking views, impressive nature and the magic of the Alps come together.
Culinary tips
We went on a tour of the Innsbruck beer scene and took part in a guided tour of the city. The focus was on drinking good beer in Innsbruck - and what can I say - it tasted good!
In the heart of Innsbruck's picturesque old town, in Herzog-Friedrich-Straße, you will find Weinhaus Tyrol, one of the most renowned wine bars in the region. This is not just a place where wine is sold. You can also enjoy a glass of wine in comfort.
The capital of Tyrol uniquely combines traditional Austrian cuisine with modern cuisine and international influences. Whether in rustic inns serving hearty Tyrolean specialties or in elegant restaurants serving innovative haute cuisine - our restaurant tips for Innsbruck offer the right culinary experience for every taste and every occasion.
Hiking in the region
No visit to Innsbruck would be complete without an experience that literally stands above everything else: A visit to the Top of Innsbruck. The highest point of the Nordketten adventure area is at an altitude of 2,300 meters. This is where breathtaking views, impressive nature and the magic of the Alps come together.
Fancy exploring the mountains around Innsbruck? Then the Zimmerbergklamm near Telfs is just the right excursion for you. The gorge trail near Telfs is a wonderful hiking trail.
Stay overnight in Innsbruck
Innsbruck offers its guests many different accommodation options. The Stage 12 Hotel by Penz is definitely one of the most beautiful hotels. It is centrally located, easily accessible, stylish and modern - a feel-good place for us during our time in Innsbruck.
aDLERS Hotel Innsbruck
STAGE 12 Hotel by Penz
MEININGER Hotel Innsbruck Zentrum
Austria Trend Hotel Congress Innsbruck
Hotel Schwarzer Adler Innsbruck
Travel information
How to get to Innsbruck
By plane
Innsbruck Airport is located to the west of the city. The airport has short distances and is very clearly laid out. International destinations such as Amsterdam, London or Manchester and popular destinations in the Mediterranean region are served several times a week. The Lufthansa Group currently no longer flies directly to Innsbruck from Germany. However, there is a Lufthansa bus connection from Munich to Innsbruck, which can be booked directly via Lufthansa.
Bus line F, which runs approximately every 15 minutes during the week, provides easy access to the main train station and the city center.
By train
Innsbruck has several train stations. The Westbahnhof, Hötting station and the Allerheiligenhöfe and Kranebitten stations are located in the city area. The most important station is the main station, which is located to the east of the city center.
Trains run from the main station to the region and to international destinations. For example, Zurich is served several times a day and there is a train to Munich every two hours.
The ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) also offers several night train services to Innsbruck. The Nightjet, for example, travels to Amsterdam, Hamburg and Düsseldorf.
By bus
The central bus station is located directly at Innsbruck main station. From there, regional buses travel to the region, for example to Unterinntal, Wipptal or Zillertal. The long-distance buses that connect Munich with Innsbruck also stop here.
The provider Flixbus travels to Innsbruck from all over Europe. The buses stop in Südbahnstraße.
By car
Innsbruck can be reached via the Inntal Autobahn A12 and the Brenner Autobahn A13. Please note: In Austria, the highways are subject to tolls!
If you prefer a toll-free approach, you can take the B171.
On the road in Innsbruck
Public transportation
Innsbruck and the surrounding region can be easily explored by public transport. Bus lines and the S-Bahn connect the surrounding towns with the city.
Buses and streetcars, known as streetcars in the city, run in the city.
Between 11 p.m. and around 5 a.m., night bus lines run every hour.
Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at bus stops and directly from the driver.
By cable car
The “Hungerburgbahn” funicular has its valley station at the Congress near the old town. From there it goes up to the Hungerburg.
The Innsbruck Nordkettenbahnen can be reached with the Hungerburgbahn or bus line J. It runs in two sections to the Seegrube and the Hafelekar.
Tickets are available at the stations. If you use an Innsbruck Card, an ascent and descent is included.
By bike
The city has well-developed cycle paths and cycle lanes. Cycling is ideal for covering the shorter distances in the city.
The city bike rental system is also available for vacationers.
By horse-drawn carriage
The Fiaker is a horse-drawn carriage. This means of transportation is actually only used by tourists if they want to experience a city tour.
On foot
Large areas of the old town are pedestrian zones.
Parking in Innsbruck
The parking situation in Innsbruck city center is poor. All parking spaces in the city center are metered and there are no more free public parking spaces. The costs vary depending on the parking zone and you have to buy a parking ticket. The fees are paid at machines on the roadside and the parking ticket is clearly visible behind the windshield. The maximum parking time is 180 minutes.
Parking is free on Sundays, Saturdays (from 1 pm) and at night between 9 pm and 9 am.
Parking areas marked in white may only be used by residents with special permits.
There are several paid parking garages near the Old Town, for example
- Altstadtgarage
Innrain 4 , 6020 Innsbruck - Train station garage
Südtiroler Platz 3-5 , 6020 Innsbruck - Tyrol department store
- Congress parking garage
It is better to leave your car in the Park & Ride parking lots outside the city center. From these parking lots you can easily reach the city center by public transport. The P&R Tivoli, for example, offers a fixed daily rate (as of 2024 €18), which allows additional use of public transport into the city for up to 5 people. Parking times: Mondays to Fridays between 06:00 and 21:00 and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 06:00 to 19:00. When entering the parking garage, take the parking ticket. After parking, insert this ticket at the machine to activate the P&R function and pay immediately. You can then use this ticket to take the bus into the city center. To leave in the evening, the ticket must be inserted at the barrier when leaving.
Best time to visit
The favorable climatic situation of the mountain city of Innsbruck is due to its location between the surrounding mountain ranges and in the wide trough valley of the Inn. Innsbruck is protected from the Atlantic lows coming in from the north by the northern range of the Karwendel with the Hafelekar. The south-facing valley opening of the Wipptal is open to the sun and the warm south foehn.
Spring (March to May)
In spring, from March to May, nature in Innsbruck comes back to life. Temperatures gradually rise from 5°C in March to up to 20°C in May. With an average of 10 to 14 rainy days, there can be occasional rainfall, but the fresh mountain air and blooming landscapes make this time of year ideal for hiking and cycling tours.
Summer (June to August)
Summer, which lasts from June to August, brings the warmest temperatures, ranging from 15°C to 28°C. Although there is an average of 15 to 16 days of rain, the warm temperatures are perfect for mountain hikes and outdoor activities. The long summer days provide ample opportunity to enjoy the region’s breathtaking nature and cultural events.
Fall (September to November)
Autumn, from September to November, transforms the surroundings into a colorful spectacle. Temperatures cool down, from 14°C in September to around 4°C in November, and the number of rainy days decreases slightly. This time of year is particularly attractive for photographers and nature lovers who want to experience the autumnal beauty of the Tyrolean Alps.
Winter (December to February)
Winter, which lasts from December to February, is the high season for winter sports enthusiasts. With temperatures ranging from -4°C to 5°C and an average of 7 to 8 days of rain, Innsbruck offers ideal conditions for skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities. The snow-covered mountains and the festively decorated city create a magical atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the world.
