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.
History of the city tower
The city tower was built between 1442 and 1450 in the late Gothic style and was part of Innsbruck’s old town hall. With a height of 51 meters, the city tower still dominates the cityscape of Innsbruck today.
The lower part of the tower is made of solid stone. It is six storeys high and is divided into sections by cornices. The upper part of the tower is narrower and octagonal. Four semi-circular bays dominate the picture. The tower originally had a Gothic spire. This was converted into a Renaissance onion dome in 1560. This eye-catching helmet is still a popular landmark in the town today.
The city tower of Innsbruck was originally used to protect the city from danger. From 1529, the tower guards sat on their lookout point day and night. From the walls and windows of the tower, they had an excellent view of the city and the surrounding mountains. One of the central tasks of the tower watchmen was to call out the hours. They also warned the townspeople of fire or other dangers. This task came to an end in 1967 and the last tower keeper left the tower dwelling. She had not had to call out the time for a long time. The tower was fitted with a clock in 1603. There were no longer any dangers from approaching enemies; only occasionally in the event of fires was her work still that of the original job description.
In the Middle Ages, the lower section of the town tower served as a town prison. The barred windows on the first two floors are still a reminder of this today.
The town tower today
Today, the tower is a popular tourist attraction. It is accessible via a spiral staircase with a total of 133 steps. The viewing platform is at a height of 31 meters.
I find the spiral staircase very special. Two spiral staircases have been built so that visitors going up and down don’t meet. A very pleasant solution.
Those who climb the stairs are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the old town, the River Inn and the surrounding Alps. Especially on a clear day, the view should extend far into the Inn Valley and as far as the impressive peaks of the Karwendel mountains. Unfortunately, the view was not that good during our visit. But it was still worth it!
The view of the city and especially of the Golden Roof from above is fantastic. I found that the shiny roof is almost more impressive from up there than when you’re standing in front of it.
If you need more information high up on the tower, you will find an old-fashioned-looking phonomat. After inserting money, select the desired language and you’ll be told all sorts of things!
In my opinion, you shouldn’t miss a visit to the tower! You can only rave about the view of the mountains.
Good to know
What is the city tower of Innsbruck?
The city tower of Innsbruck is one of the most famous landmarks of the Tyrolean capital and is one of the most important historical buildings in the city. It is located in the heart of Innsbruck’s old town, right next to the famous Golden Roof.
How old is the city tower?
The town tower was built between 1442 and 1450.
How high is the city tower?
The city tower is 51 meters high in total.
How many steps does the tower have and is there an elevator?
The viewing platform is 31 meters high and can be reached via 133 steps. There is no elevator.
Is the city tower accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Due to the many steps and the lack of an elevator, the city tower is unfortunately not barrier-free. Visitors with limited mobility should take this into account when planning their visit.
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