What to do in Innsbruck?

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Innsbruck is a city rich in heritage, featuring its imperial history, alpine traditions, and stunning natural sites. A visit to Innsbruck is essential when planning a trip or road trip in Tyrol! From the snow-capped peaks of Nordkette to the curiosities of the old town like the Golden Roof, the imperial palace, and Ambras Castle, there's no shortage of activities! If you're unsure what to do in Innsbruck, here's a list of must-see attractions during your stay!

Once the residence of the Habsburgs, the imperial palace in Innsbruck has been rebuilt in Baroque style and reveals beautiful architecture typical of the imperial era! While exploring the building's interior, you can admire sumptuous rooms such as the Giants' Hall, which houses spectacular frescoes and impressive chandeliers, the Guard Hall, and the apartments of Empress Sissi. There are also exhibitions about the Habsburg dynasty, particularly the life of Empress Maria Theresa. The Hofburg Palace in Innsbruck is one of the most important cultural sites in Austria and the Tyrol region

The entrance ticket for the imperial palace in Innsbruck costs around €10 per person, and entry is free for children under 19 years of age. Guided tours are also organized daily (except Sundays) at 2 PM to discover the highlights of the Hofburg. All the information can be found on the official palace ticketing site! Additionally, know that entrance to the palace is included with the Innsbruck City Card!

If you plan to spend several days in the capital of Tyrol, consider looking into the Innsbruck City Card, which can save you money and offer some benefits! Available from €59 per person, this card gives you free access to most of Innsbruck's best museums, sites, and attractions. Plus, you can also enjoy access to public transport: cable cars, shuttles, sightseeing buses... You can choose a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour option based on your needs and explore major sites like the Golden Roof Museum, the imperial palace of Innsbruck, the Alpenzoo Innsbruck-Tyrol, Ambras Castle, the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens...

For more information about this pass, click here!

Accessible by funicular from the center of Innsbruck, Nordkette is a mountain range that offers breathtaking scenery and a panoramic view of the Austrian Alps! ️ If you're in the mood for hiking in Tyrol, skiing, biking, or simply enjoying a coffee with a view, Nordkette is an exceptional place to discover another side of Innsbruck. For the more adventurous, several climbing zones are available for daring visitors! ‍♀️

The Nordkette cable car stations are open from June to September:

To save time, you can already book a round trip ticket for the cable car This will take you to the summit of Innsbruck, which rises to 2,300 m, with a direct connection from the city.

This is the iconic symbol of Innsbruck! Located in the heart of the old town, the Golden Roof is a balcony adorned with 2,600 golden tiles that attracts all eyes! Commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I to celebrate his marriage, it embodies the opulence of the era.

For a good viewpoint, step back on the square and capture your best photos with the beautiful colorful facades of the historic center. Beyond its beauty, a small museum will also tell you the history and significant events related to this building.

For your information, a visit to the Golden Roof costs about €5.50 per person, but if you really want to discover the most beautiful places in the city, I recommend the private guided tour with a local guide starting at €48 per person, for 2, 3, or 4 hours.

To reserve your guided tour of Innsbruck, click here.

Located in the imperial church Hofkirche, the mausoleum of Emperor Maximilian I is a magnum opus of Austrian heritage! It was built to honor him as he embodied the Holy Roman Empire and houses no less than 28 life-size bronze statues surrounding his tomb. They represent members of the imperial family and ancestors and are referred to as the black figures. Although the emperor is buried in Vienna, the capital, this mausoleum represents his legacy and influence in Tyrol.

The Tyrolean Folk Art Museum is located next to the imperial church in Innsbruck. It's a fun activity idea to learn more about the traditions and folklore of Tyrol! The museum displays a large collection including traditional costumes, furniture, handicrafts, and numerous religious sculptures. One of the most interesting sections of the Innsbruck museum is the wooden parlors, which recreate authentic living spaces from the 16th to the 19th century, representing the old Tyrol.

If there is one activity I recommend if you're unsure what to do in Innsbruck, it's the Swarovski Crystal Worlds visit in Wattens Whether with family, friends, or as a couple, discover all the secrets of Swarovski crystals and enter a magical world filled with exhibitions and attractions. You will also have the opportunity to admire the Giant's Gardens and the Crystal Cloud, consisting of 800,000 hand-mounted crystals! If you're traveling with children, they can have fun in the outdoor playground. For a one-day entry ticket, the price is €23 per adult and €7 per child.

Click here to buy your tickets for the Swarovski Crystal Worlds.

A Renaissance jewel located south of the center of Innsbruck, Ambras Castle was the residence of Archduke Ferdinand II and is renowned for housing beautiful collections of art and various objects.

Often considered one of the oldest chambers of wonders in Europe, the castle's interior contains rooms adorned with frescoes and sculptures such as the Portrait Gallery ️ which exhibits paintings by great masters, while the armory houses historical military equipment.

The Spanish Hall is a grand ballroom with a richly decorated ceiling and colorful frescoes. After touring the palace, don't forget to stroll through the castle gardens, which offer a beautiful view of Innsbruck. For a ticket to Schloss Ambras, expect to pay around €14 per person. Entry is free for those under 18 years of age.

Click here to book your entrance to Schloss Ambras.

If you plan to visit Innsbruck in winter or go skiing in the Austrian Alps, know that the Bergisel ski jump is iconic! ⛷️ This impressive site was designed by architect Zaha Hadid and offers spectacular panoramic views of Innsbruck and the mountains. If you come in winter, you might witness a ski jumping competition in Austria, but know that the site is worth a visit in any season as it also features a panoramic restaurant, the Bergisel Sky

For those who have seen all there is to do and see in Innsbruck, you can also escape the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting the Karwendel Alpine Park! It is one of the largest parks in Austria, covering an area of 737 km², practically encompassing the entire Karwendel massif. You can see a diverse range of flora and fauna such as marmots, chamois, and even eagles! There are several trails accessible at all difficulty levels, and you can also go mountain biking and have picnics.

To get to Innsbruck from France, flying is the best option. From Paris, expect about a 2-hour flight since Innsbruck has its own airport. It is located just 15 minutes away from the city center by car or by bus using line F. If you are traveling from Austria, Switzerland, or Germany, there are direct connections to the Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof central station, why not?

To see available flights to Innsbruck, click here.

If you are on a road trip in Austria, Innsbruck is accessible via the A12 motorway, which runs through Tyrol. However, be aware that when driving on motorways or fast lanes, you will need to pay a fee in the form of a vignette. They are available at gas stations, tobacco shops, and service stations near the border

And that's it for this article! Now, I think you know everything about activities to do and things to see during your stay in Innsbruck. If you're unsure what to do in Austria, I encourage you to continue your journey by discovering the best activities to do in Vienna, and also read my article to find out where to stay in Vienna! I just wish you a great trip!