Innsbruck is a city that is located in Western Austria that is renowned for its various outdoor activities and lush vegetation. The city offers you a mix of both historical and modern influence where you can witness magnificent structures like Ambras Castle and Hofkirche that offers you a glimpse of the glorious past, whereas the modern marvels such as Bergisel Ski Jump will help in experiencing an enthralling experience.
The vibrant city is also the capital of the Alps and offers the visitors with a myriad of possibilities that helps them gain an amazing experience throughout their trip. In the year 1239, Innsbruck officially received its town charter and during the 15th century it became a cultural and political center.
Here is the list of the top 15 places that you must visit on your trip to Innsbruck, as it will offer you an unforgettable experience. Ensure including the following places to your itinerary to avoid missing the fun and wonderful views:
- Hofkirche Innsbruck
- Swarovski Crystal Worlds
- Old Town Innsbruck
- Ambras Castle
- Hofgarten
- Tirol Panorama Museum
- Glockengiesserei Grassmayr
- Natterer See
- Audioversum
- Bergisel Ski Jump
- The Hofberg
- Nordkettenbahnen
- Tyrolean State Museums
- Maria-Theresien Platz
- Seefeld
Table of Contents
Places to Visit in Innsbruck
Hofkirche Innsbruck
Hofkirche is the most important art monument of Tirol, being the magnificent black marble tomb of Emperor Maximilian I, which is surrounded by 28 large bronze statues. This destination is also called “Black Men Church”, however, there are 8 women present who were the role models, ancestors and relatives of the emperor and helped in expressing the imperial awareness of power. The emperor statue can be seen kneeling in front of the altar representing eternal adoration.
This destination has been made by some of the popular artists, such as Alexander Colin, Peter Vischer the Elder and Albrecht Durer. This church was built in the 16th century by Emperor Ferdinand as a tribute to his grandfather. The 24 reliefs present in the church illustrate the life events of Maxmillian starting from his marriage to Mary of Burgundy to his defeat of the Venetians.
Address
Universitätsstrasse 2, 6020 Innsbruck
Timings
Monday to Saturday (9 AM to 5 PM) and Sunday and Public Holidays (12:30 PM to 5 PM)
Highlights
- €14 for adults, €11 for seniors, students and groups of over 10 persons.
- The church stays open all round the year
Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Swarovski Crystal Worlds is one of the beautiful attractions of Innsbruck that attracts many tourists to reach this destination during their trip to Innsbruck. The dazzling crystal installations and art that are on display were created by some of the great artists around the globe. Moreover, there are also a lot of fun activities for families and children that will help in increasing the interactivity and engagement.
There is 18 chambers of wonder inside the head of the giant, where you can find Silent Light, where you will encounter snow throughout the year, Art of Performance chamber, which highlights the Swarovski history in Hollywood and also a store from where one can purchase souvenirs
Address
Swarovski Kristallwelten, Kristallweltenstraße 1 Wattens, Österreich
Timings
Monday to Sunday ; 9 AM to 7 PM
Highlights
- You can also visit the cafe and restaurant “Daniels Kristallwelten” that will offer you attractive patisserie offers.
- You can also spend your time at Yayoi Kusama, which is the only permanent infinity mirror room around the world.
- The crystal cloud and giant head waterfall is highly admired by the visitors.
Old Town Innsbruck
The Old Town at Innsbruck is full of history and culture as you can witness the places that were built in the past. While walking past the street you can spot the Baroque and Gothic architecture present everywhere. You can also attain an idea of the rich history of Innsbruck by observing the Folks Art Museum, the Imperial Palace and Golden Roof.
This Golden Roof is the iconic landmark of Old Town and has over 2600 fire gilded copper tiles and was made to mark the marriage of Emperor Maximilian I to Bianca Maria Sforza. There are also small souvenir shops, exclusive brands and specialist shops.
Address
Herzog-Friedrich-Straße, 6020 Innsbruck
Timings
Monday to Sunday ; 24 hours
Highlights
- Herzog Friedrich Straße is the main street of the Old Town where you can spot the Rococo and Baroque style architecture.
- Some of the iconic buildings of Old Town are St. James Cathedral, City Tower, Court Church and Imperial Palace.
Also Read: Honeymoon Destinations in Austria
Ambras Castle
Ambras Castle is located on a hilltop, which is a Renaissance castle that once used to be the home of Archduke Ferdinand II. There is also a lower castle that exhibits the ruler’s collection of weaponry and armor. On the other hand, the upper castle has a vast gallery that has the portraits of Tyrolean rulers that were painted by renowned artists like Diego Velazquez and Titian.
It is the first museum in the world which was established 450 years back. There is also an arts and education team present at the castle that will offer you a guided tour throughout the museum to help you gain deep insights on the historical events.
Address
Schlossstraße 206020 Innsbruck
Timings
Monday to Sunday ; 10 AM to 5 PM
Highlights
- You can take a break in between your tour by visiting Cafe and Bistro Ferdinand.
- Free WiFi at the castle for enhancing the visitors’ experience.
- Tickets for adults will cost €12 and entry for children is absolutely free.
Hofgarten
Hofgarten is a beautiful park, which is a must visit place on your trip to Innsbruck. This park is spread over an area of acres, consisting of children’s play area, ponds and trees. This park will disconnect you from the bustling crowd at the streets of Innsbruck. This building has remained of the same size since the 17th century.
The gardens were created between 1613 and 1617 based on an Italian model and was created by Elector Maximilian I. In the year 1780, the garden was opened to the public by Karl Theodor. Hofgarten is surrounded by arcade style passages that offer beautiful scenery and at the center of the park you can find Diana temple.
Address
Rennweg, Kaiserjägerstrasse 6020 Innsbruck
Timings
Monday to Sunday ; 24 hours
Highlights
- You can watch exciting rounds of boules that are played on the side of gravel paths.
- There are also spontaneous concerts that are played at the pavilion.
- You can also visit Munich Residenz which is the largest inner city palace of Germany.
Also Read: Best Castles to Visit in Austria
Tirol Panorama Museum
Tirol Panorama Museum is renowned for having the largest painted work of art in Tirol. The panorama shows the third Battle of Bergisel of 13th August, 1809. The panorama is of the size 1000 square meters that presents the “Scene of Tirol”. The painting was created in the year 1896 and documents different aspects which shape “Myth of Tyrol”.
The historic and huge 360 degree cyclorama helps to retrace the past events that unfold amidst the scenery of Bergisel that helps in highlighting the artistic qualities.
The history of Tirol is explored largely in this museum that are presented by various pictures that are exhibited covering different topics like local culture, anthropology, politics, nature and religion that belong back to the 19th and 20th century.
Address
Bergisel 1-2, 6020 Innsbruck
Timings
Monday to Sunday ; 9 AM to 5 PM
Highlights
- The price for the tickets to the museum will cost €14 that will include Tirol Panorama, armoury, Court Church, Folk Art museum and Ferdinandeum.
- A guided tour will be offered to elaborate the historical events.
Glockengiesserei Grassmayr
People who are interested in historical tours must visit Glockengiesserei Grassmayr to immerse themselves in the historical artifacts. It is a museum as well as a bell foundry which showcases the craftsmanship of Grassmayr company that has been operating the market for over 400 years.
It has been over 14 generations that has perfected and developed the business over the years. This museum was also awarded the “Maecenas Prize” by the Federal Ministry of Culture.
Address
Leopoldstraße 536020 Innsbruck, Austria
Timings
Monday to Saturday ; 10 AM to 4 PM
Highlights
- The bell calculation has been carefully guarded by expanding continuously by research and is passed on to the next generation.
- A new bell is seen at the famous Church of Santa Maria in Venice.
- The largest bell that was made in the bell foundry weighs over 10 tons.
Natterer See
Natterer See is a scenic place that you must visit on your trip to Innsbruck, where you can enjoy the surrounding panoramic vistas as well as indulge into activities like different water sports, swimming, badminton, beach volleyball and table tennis. You can also go for shooting by using crossbow and air rifles, if you are keen at testing your aim.
One can also find accommodation options near the lake, which is also an award winning campsite that offers a number of activities for families and modern facilities. You can also walk the streets of Natterer See and enjoy its family friendly vibe.
Address
Ferienparadies Natterer See, Natterer See 1, A-6161 Natters/Tirol
Timings
Monday to Sunday ; 11 AM to 3 PM
Highlights
- This charming village has a lake with the same name , Lake Natterer See, which is popular during the summer season.
- You can enjoy Happy Swing which is 66 meters long and will land you at the water, offering an amazing experience.
- Enjoy both international dishes and regional delicacies at the lakeside pizzeria and restaurant with bar. .
Audioversum
Audioversum is an interactive museum in Innsbruck that is seen to captivate the worlds of wondering and listening together. Being a science center, it fascinates visitors from different parts of Austria, as well as foreign countries. In this museum one can focus on profound and subtle aspects of experiment and hearing that helps in evolving new ways of listening carefully and deeply.
One can also experiment with melodies and rhythms that will help in bringing new means of hearing by bypassing your ears via audio lab, games, virtual tours, installations and exhibits. There are also workshops held at this museum that develop an educational and compelling visitor experience for all ages.
Address
Wilhelm-Greil-Strasse 23 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Timings
Wednesday to Monday ; 10 AM to 6 PM
Highlights
- Focusing on auditory stimuli to help in understanding the environment in a better manner.
- The main exhibition held at this museum is “The World of Hearing”, where there are 18 interactive exhibits where visitors can learn, marvel and play
- There is a temporary exhibition held on different themes that are connected with special topics and other senses.
Also Read: Things to do in Austria
Bergisel Ski Jump
Bergisel Ski Jump is a popular tourist destination that mostly attracts adventure enthusiasts. In the year 2001, the ski jump on the Bergisel hill was rebuilt and was constructed under the supervision of Zaha hadid. In the year 2002, the renovation was completed and the exceptional sculpture-like design created a new landmark.
The inclined elevator helps visitors climb a height of 250 meters above Innsbruck within a time frame of 2 minutes. There are also 13 information panels that document the history of the place as well as the development of ski jumping.
Address
Bergisel Weg 3, 6020 Innsbruck
Timings
Monday to Sunday ; 9 AM to 6 PM
Highlights
- Zaha hadid in 2004 received international acclaim, when she was awarded the Pritzker prize for building the bridge.
- 200 years ago, Andreas Hofer fought on the hill for their country’s freedom by leading brave Tyroleans.
- This place is considered to be a modern symbol of Innsbruck Bergisel.
The Hofberg
Hofberg was built during the 15th and 16th century and is considered as Innsbruck’s old castle. One will witness both baroque and rococo style that will win over your heart with its winsome architecture that has been developed over the centuries and can witness them in the large area of 240,000 square meters. Earlier this building used to be an imperial residence,
which was restructured by Empress Maria Theressa in the 18th century. The photo frames and frescoes of the noble family, grand hall, giant painted ceilings and luxurious apartments will help you take a better dive into the luxurious life led by kings in the past.
Hofberg is one of the biggest palace complexes around the globe and at present is a hotspot for events, politics and museums.
Address
1010 Vienna, Austria
Timings
Friday to Thursday ; 8 AM to 6 PM
Highlights
- Hofberg was the seat of the Habsburgs, who were the rulers of Austria till the end of the Second World War.
- In present, this building is used by the Federal President as the official seat of the Austrian Head of the State
- Since 1275 every Austrian ruler made modifications to the building that showcases its 700+ years of architectural history.
Nordkettenbahnen
Nordkettenbahnen offers bewildering 360 degree views of Innsbruck. You can reach the top of the mountain by accessing the cable cars that will take you to the hilltop while offering you mesmerizing views of the surroundings at an elevation of 2256 meters above the sea level.
This destination is an ideal place for day trippers, rock climbers, mountain bikers and hikers, who love to enjoy a thrilling experience on their trip.
There are a number of activities that you can engage in at the top of the mountain, such as hiking trail, mountain biking, climbing, playing at the playground and enjoying foods at the restaurants as well as resting accommodation like huts.
Address
Rennweg 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Timings
Friday to Thursday ; 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Highlights
- The price for a two way ride to Hungerburgbahn will cost €47 for adults and €28.20 for childrens.
- The cable car ride has been certified with “Excellent Austrian Summer Cable car” that ensures high end transport to the mountains.
- One can also get an excellent view of the largest nature park of Austria, Alpenpark Karwendel.
Also Read: Things to do in Austria
Tyrolean State Museums
If you are a history lover then Tyrolean State Museums is a must for you to visit on your trip to Innsbruck and explore the different museums under one umbrella. This museum offers you an extensive art collection at the Hofkirche that will help you learn about the folk culture and art.
You can also immerse into the history of Tirol by the paintings that were drawn back in the Gothic period. The museum was built back in the year 1823 and was named after Archduke Ferdinand and was considered to be the third oldest national museum of the Austro Hungarian empire.
Around the museum, you will find the presence of the past, present and future of Tirol via its art, music, cultural, scientific, historical and archeological exhibits that will help in defining the place of the city in this world. This museum is also considered to be the treasure trove of archaeological finds and artifacts with historical significance.
Address
Museumstraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Timings
Temporarily Closed
Highlights
- The museum offers free entry to both children and young adults below the age of 19 years and above this age limit, €15 will be charged for combined tickets.
- This museum has 6 different partitions namely, The Tyrolean state Museum Ferdinandeum, Museum of Tyrolean Regional Heritage, Court Church, Armoury, Tirol Panorama with the Museum of the Imperial Infantry and Collections and Research Centre.
- The state museum houses artworks of some of the popular artists like Max Weiler, Albin Egger-Lienz, Franz Defregger, Rembrandt and Lucas Cranach the Elder.
Maria-Theresien Platz
Maria-Theresien Platz was named after the queen of Bohemia and Hungary and the archduchess of Austria, Maria Theresa. This museum was built in the middle of the 19th century and was designed by Kaspar von Zumbusch. The royal art collections that have been stored in the museum for such a long time, will make you awestruck.
The area in front of the museum is relatively open and this also helped the city defenders to gain a clear sight of the enemy in the past. It is also considered to be one of the most instagrammable sites of Innsbruck. Some of the beautiful attractions that you will witness near this attraction are Triumphal gateway, a Church and St. Anne’s column.
Address
Maria-Theresien-Straße, 6020 Innsbruck
Timings
Monday to Sunday ; 24 hours
Highlights
- It was a part of the Imperial Forum project and is positioned in between the museums of natural history and art.
- There were plans to create two triumphal arches to connect the two squares (Maria Theresien Platz and Heldenplatz) which could never be completed due to World War I.
- The interior of the museum was designed by Carl von Hasenauer, who made abundant use of marble columns, statues and stairs.
Seefeld
Seefeld is a beautiful small town that is best known for its ski-slopes around Innsbruck. The village itself is exclusive and luxurious and offers their customers with 4-star and 5-star rated property to accommodate. This place is situated at an elevation of 1180 meters above the sea level and is near to the world’s highest ICE railway station. During your visit to Seefeld, you can also explore St. Oswald and Wildsee.
Address
Bahnhofplatz 115, 6100 Seefeld
Timings
Monday to Saturday (8:30 AM to 6:30 PM) and Sunday (10 AM to 1 PM)
Highlights
- Seefeld is considered to be a heaven for cross country skiers that is situated at a high altitude and the perfectly prepared trails wind down from flat plains to dense forests.
- One can visit Seefeld both during the summer season when you can go for hiking as well as in the winter season, when you can enjoy different winter sports such as skiing and tobogganing.
- In the year 1964 and 1976, Winter Olympics were held here and in the year 2012, Youth Olympics was held here.
Also Read: Best Things to do in Innsbruck
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Frequently Asked Question
Is Innsbruck Austria worth visiting?
Yes, Innsbruck is indeed a beautiful city that is worth visiting at any time of the year, where you can witness the unspoilt alpine nature as well as the city trips.
Is 2 days in Innsbruck enough?
2 days is enough only to visit the main highlights of Innsbruck, but in order to enjoy the enchanting parks, shops, cultures, art, local wine and food, 3 days is recommended for stay.
Why do tourists visit Innsbruck?
Tourists visit Innsbruck to experience a ton of outdoor activities as well as spend time amidst the lush vegetation. The 360 degree mountain backdrop, cobblestone streets and pastel color buildings helps in adding charm to the city, which attracts the tourists.
What is the famous street in Innsbruck?
Maria Theresien street is the most famous street of Innsbruck as this street has the remnant of the baroque past of the city, which dates back 700 years. At present this street is dwelled by the aristocratic society and also has some of the popular landmarks, shops and cafes.
Is Innsbruck expensive to visit?
As compared to other parts of Europe, Innsbruck charades moderately, with an average cost of $140 on daily basis.