Innsbruck Top 17 Attractions - with maps and photos

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Innsbruck is the centre of the Tyrol province and one of Austria's most famous cities. Named after the Inn River, the alpine town is a real paradise for nature lovers. In winter, skiers and snowboarders, and summer, hikers take over the countryside.

Due to its location and environment, Innsbruck is a popular destination, where those who want to relax and rest can easily find suitable programs for themselves. We are now trying to help you with this, as we have gathered all the main sights and the best programs around Innsbruck.

Map

Below, you can see where is Innsbruck located in Austria.

Attractions in Innsbruck

#1 The Golden Roof

Goldenes Dachl

The Golden Roof is a symbol of Innsbruck. It was built at the end of the 15th century, during the reign of the German-Roman emperor Miksa I., after marrying Maria Sforza Bianka. The royal couple loved to watch the various festivities from here, and the shadow over their heads was provided by a balcony roof laid out of gilded plates. The roof consists of 2657 gold panels.

There is also a small museum in the building, which is open every day except Monday. Although this is not an attraction where you can spend hours, it is worth paying a visit if you are in Innsbruck.

• Every day except Monday, from 11:00 to 17:00
• Admission is around 3 euros per person
• Address: Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

#2 Ambras Castle

Schloss Ambras

In the second half of the 16th century, Ambras Castle was the headquarters for the Austrian Archduke Ferdinand II. The Spanish Hall is the most famous part of the Renaissance castle, where classical music concerts are held regularly.

In the building, you can see a wide collection of weapons and armor, and the castle also preserves a significant collection of art treasures, especially paintings and sculptures.

There is a huge English garden around the castle, where it is also worth taking a walk because the building offers an impressive view from the outside as well.

• Every day from 10:00 to 07:00
• Adult admission: 12 euros / Student under 25: 8 euros / Under 19: free
• Website
• Address: Schlossstrasse 20, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

#3 Bergisel Ski Jumping Center

You should go to the Bergisel ski jumping centre not only if you were born with skis on, but also if you are not so fond of skiing. The architectural masterpiece also functions magnificently as a lookout tower; the panorama that opens from above is simply fabulous.

The place also holds a sports historical significance, as it has hosted the Winter Olympics twice before it even gained its current form. When there is no competition or the competitors are not training here, they regularly have ski jumping demonstrations on the track.

Interestingly, battles were fought here even before the place became a sports facility. At the beginning of the 19th century, the Tyrolean peasants clashed with the French and Bavarian occupiers and chased them away.

• Address: Bergiselweg 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

#4 Hofburg and Hofgarten

The most famous attraction in the Hofburg district is the imperial palace, having the same name.

The three-story, Rococo-style building was erected in the 15th century and then renovated during the reign of Maria Theresa, and it was then that it gained its pomp. Each room is furnished with contemporary furniture, you can see the conditions in which the nobility has lived here.

Not far from the palace you will find a huge garden which locals call by the name Hofgarten. This park is a perfect alternative if you want to escape the crowds. It is a huge, peaceful, and quiet place with colourful flora, hundreds of years old trees, small lakes, and a playground.

If you are in the area, it is worth visiting the church (Hofkirche) next to the palace.

• Address: Kaiserjagerstrasse, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

#5 Wilten Basilica

Wiltener Basilika

In one of the southern districts of Innsbruck, Wilten, you can find one of the most beautiful and well-known buildings in the city, the Wilten Basilica. The original church was built in 1259, and it stood until 1751 when it was demolished, and the current parish and basilica were put in place.

The church, built-in 1756 and in the Rococo style, also preserves something of its ancient nature, as under the main altar you can see a 14th-century statue of Holy Mary made of sandstone. Also, the richly decorated interiors, paintings, icons, and sculptures are also worth admiring indoors.

• Address: Pastorstrasse 694, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
• Website

#6 Maria Theresa Road

Maria-Theresien Strasse

This road is Innsbruck’s perhaps most famous street, where you can spend hours without even noticing that you have been on the same street all along. Here, each building has its history. There are several sights on the street:

• St. Anne's Column (Annasaule)
• The triumphal arch, Triumphpforte

St. Anne's Column

Annasaule

The huge monument stood directly in front of the Town Hall (Rathaus) and was built in 1706 to commemorate the victory of the clash against Bavarian troops 3 years earlier. The decisive battle was fought on St. Anne's Day. There are several statues on and around the column, such as that of the Holy Mary or St. George, the patron saint of Tyrol.

The triumphal arch, Triumphpforte

Heading south on Maria Theresa Road, the Triumphpforte, built as the Roman triumphal arches, is almost at the end.

The attraction was built in 1765 by the name-giver of the street to commemorate the marriage of his son, Leopold (later Emperor Leopold II) and the Spanish Mary Ludovika. On one side, it captures the moments of the engagement, while on the other, it shows Emperor Francis I.

• Address of St. Anne's Column: Maria-Theresien-Strasse 18, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
• Address of the Arc de Triomphe: Leopoldstrasse 2, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

#7 Alpine Zoo

Alpenzoo Innsbruck

You will find the highest zoo in Europe in Innsbruck. The zoo, which is about 700 meters above sea level, has more than 2000 animals.

A particularly large number of animals live here, whose natural habitat would also be much above sea level. There are about 150 species here that are native to parts of the Alps.

For families and travelers with children, visiting the zoo can be a very exciting experience, there is a huge playground, where everyone from the youngest to the oldest children can find the right entertainment.

The experience can be completed by the train leading to it. Although not far from the city centre on foot, the zoo can be reached with the Hungerburg more quickly.

• Adult: 12 euros / child: 6 euros
• Address: Weiherburggasse 37a, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

Attractions near Innsbruck

#8 Hall in Tirol

"Hall in Tirol" is a small town near Innsbruck. It is 5 kilometres away, and it has only 13000 inhabitants. The city's name appeared in writings as early as 1232, and its present name has been used since 1256.

Perhaps the most interesting fact about the city is that here you can find the world’s first automatic minting machine, which was used as early as the 16th century in Hall.

The town by the Inn River was one of the most important cities in the Habsburg Empire. Plenty of churches and church buildings have been built throughout history, many of which can still be found today. The military station built during the Habsburg period was bombed during World War II, but fortunately, the rest of the city remained untouched.

Burg Hasegg, Hall in Tirol

The city’s most famous building is the Burg Hasegg, which also houses the Hall Mint Museum.

• Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 to 17:00 (closed on Mondays)
• Last guided tour: at 16:00
• Adult ticket: 12 euros
• Website
• Distance from Innsbruck: 5 km

#9 Bridge of Europe

Europabrücke

At first glance, it’s just a normal bridge, and it is not the structure itself that is so impressive, rather than the environment in which it is located.

The Bridge of Europe is a 777-meter-long valley bridge 190 meters above the Wipp Valley. On one hand, it has been the highest bridge in Europe for a long time, and on the other hand - and this has not changed - you can have an incredible view from here.

The bridge is part of the road when travelling by car between Italy and Germany.

Of course, the view can really be admired on the passenger side, but if you are traveling with at least one person, there is a solution to it. Someone drives on the way there, and the other is driving on the way back, so everyone can get a little lost in the view.

Tip: if you want something really extreme, you have the opportunity to take part in bungee jumping from the bridge. The bridge offers the 5th highest bungee jumping point in the world.

• Address: Brennerautobahn, 6143 Sconberg im Stubaital, Austria
• Website

#10 Hafelekar peak - Nordkette Mountain

Nordkettenbahn - Nordkette cable car

Nordkette is a mountain close to the city and is part of the Karwendel Nature Park in the Alps. There are many ways to get to the mountain, but it will undoubtedly be most exciting if you go by cable car or a lift. The view speaks for itself.

A cable car and a lift can help you ascending:

• Cable car from Innsbruck -> Hungerburg (860 m)
• Lift from Hungerburg -> Seegrube (1905 m) -> Hafelekar (2256 m)

On the way up, the lift stops several times, where you can get off. You should take advantage of this opportunity because at each stop you can meet different attractions, as well as restaurants if you get hungry on the way up. On this route, you can also reach the Alpine Zoo.

Getting out on the way to reaching the top, there are countless hiking trails waiting for you. You can do shorter ones with children; if you want to hike all day, it will not be a problem either.

The top can be reached in just 20 minutes without stopping, but in this fantastic environment, it is very easy to spend hours looking at the view. The terminus is the Hafelekar peak at an altitude of 2300 meters.

• Cable car opening hours: 08:00 - 19:00
• Lift opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00
• Admission:  10 - 43 euros
• Address: Rennweg 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
• Website
• The summer season runs from late April to late October
• The winter season starts in mid-November

In early November and mid-April, the lifts and cable cars will shut down for 2-2 weeks because of maintenance work.

#11 Obernberger Lake

Obernberger see

The romantic alpine lake, surrounded by forest, is located at an altitude of 1590 meters. The lake is not only fabulous, but it is also the largest lake in Tyrol. The lake's deepest point is 13 meters, and the area covers 16 hectares. The lake is nourished by an underground source of the same name.

One of the most interesting sights at the lake is the chapel, built-in 1935, to which the path is through a romantic wooden bridge.

There are many hiking trails around the lake. One of the most spectacular and easiest - so we recommend it with kids: try to walk around the lake, or at least walk along the shore.

By the end of spring, the lake has its highest water level, resulting in huge, contagious water. It is worth knowing that the lake was actually torn into 2 parts thousands of years ago, which can also be seen at low water levels.

• Address: 6157 Obernberg am Brenner, Austria
• Distance from Innsbruck: 50 mins / 45 km

#12 Baggersee Lake

Baggersee Rossau

Baggersee is the second largest lake in the area. Around the lake, you can find the right distraction for yourself all year round. In summer you can swim in it, and not only because it is allowed, but also because the water is crystal clear and can even warm up to 24 degrees.

You will also find several sports grounds around it, such as volleyball, badminton, table tennis or streetball. Especially in the fall season, when there is more wind movement and fewer people are swimming in the lake - surfers take over the lake.

When there are no people in the water, the wildlife also shows up better, swans and cormorants can also show up.

• Address: 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
• Distance from Innsbruck: 10 mins / 5 km

#13 Falcon Park

Greifvogelpark Telfes im, Stubai

Falcon Park, not far from Innsbruck, is not only a favorite of children but also of adults. In the park, you can meet with different types of birds, where usually 50 specimens live. To name a few species, you can also see hawks, owls, and eagles.

In the park, you can learn more about birds, their surroundings, and their habits. Moreover, if you want to see how a falcon can reach a speed of 330 km / h, you can also watch the flight demonstration.

The park was founded almost 40 years ago by Mathias Premm and he still runs it to this day.

• Every day from 11:00 to 17:00
• Flying demonstration: every day at 15:00
• Adult admission: 8 euros / child admission: 5 euros / child under 6 years: free
• Website
• Telephone number: +43 664 34 15 878
• Address: Luimes, 6165 Telfes im Stubai, Austria
• Distance from Innsbruck: 25 mins / 22 km

#14 Innsbruck bike parks

There are two bike parks around Innsbruck.

• Bikepark Innsbruck - distance: 25 minutes by car
• Bikepark Serfaus Fiss Ladis - distance: 75 minutes by car

Both bike parks are ideal for children as well, as they include several routes. Lovers of downhill, masters of tricks, or those looking for a more comfortable family or romantic bike ride will all find something that fits their needs. You can rent bicycles and equipment in both places.

#15 Gorges in Tyrol

There are 14 gorges in the province of Tyrol that are registered with the Austrian Tourist Office and can be visited. Many of them are located close to Innsbruck.

The Tyrolean gorges are all real paradise where you can spend even half a day with children. It is good to know that most gorges can be walked back and forth in 2-3 hours, and their difficulty is considered easy. However, there are, of course, a few that are more difficult.

• Kundlerklamm gorge Distance from Innsbruck: 40 minutes
• Wolfsklamm Gorge Distance from Innsbruck: 45 minutes
• Leutascher Geisterklamm Gorge | distance from Innsbruck: 50 minutes
• Gleirschklamm Gorge | distance from Innsbruck: 50 minutes
• Tiefenbachklamm Gorge | Distance from Innsbruck: 50 minutes
• Rosengartenschlucht Gorge | distance from Innsbruck: 50 minutes
• Kaiserklamm Gorge | distance from Innsbruck: 55 minutes
• Zammer Lochputz Gorge | distance from Innsbruck: 60 minutes

#16 Weidachsee fishing lake

If you enjoy fishing and taking your rod everywhere, you cannot miss Lake Weidachsee while visiting Innsbruck. The lake is already mentioned in Emperor Maximilian's book, a famous fisherman's book in 1500.

The fishing lake covers an area of ​​4.5 hectares; mainly, there are trout and rainbow trout.

• Swimming in the lake is forbidden.
• From April to October, every day: 07:00 to 17:00
• Address: Weidachsee 6105, Austria
• Distance from Innsbruck: 50 minutes / 40 km

#17 Grawa waterfall (Grabafall)

Grawa is the widest waterfall in the Eastern Alps. Due to its spectacular view, this waterfall is the main attraction in the Stubai valley (Stubaital). The waterfall can reach 85 m in width (in July) when it has the most water coming from the surrounding area.

You can find a nice restaurant at the bottom of the fall, however, if you want, you can even go closer. There are family-friendly, wooden viewpoints 5 mins from the restaurant. Here find sunbeds, wooden chairs to relax, and enjoy the areaás fresh air.

Tipp: this is a must if you are with children, as the hiking path is easy (non-technical), and the kids will enjoy discovering the woods using the hidden wooden paths.

Approaching the waterfall

• Address: L232, 6167 Neustift im Stubaital, Austria
• Distance: 45 mins / 42 km

History of Innsbruck

According to some historical fossils, the city was already inhabited in the Stone Age. The same is shown by the remaining sources of information from before the Roman Empire.

It came into the hands of the Andechok family in 1180 and was acquired by the Counts of Tyrol in the middle of the 13th century. Its importance in historical times was because the easiest ways to get through the Alps crossed the city, so it had to face heavy traffic.

It had already become a political centre in the 15th century. It was one of the most important residences of the Austrian royal families, thanks to which, in addition to the fantastic nature, you can also see special architectural wonders in Innsbruck.

Weather

In the summer months, the average maximum temperature is very pleasant, around 24 degrees, but in the evenings it is usually only around 11-12 degrees. You may want to take care of layering throughout the year. The spring-summerlike weather lasts from May to September, however, the majority of rainfalls happen also in this period, mainly in July.

The winters are not so cold; in a freezing January, the average minimum temperature does not go below -5 degrees, so the cold is bearable with warm clothes.

Geographical features

Innsbruck has great geographical features. The Alps are within a stone’s throw, as is the Inn River (the city got its name from the river).

It is also worth coming here because you can start a small European tour from here. Germany is only 32, Italy is 40, and Switzerland is also only 110 kilometers away. But still, why would you think of leaving for another country right away when the local attractions are just waiting for you to explore them?

Summary

The centre of Innsbruck is rather strong in historical sights; we are talking about the Maria Theresa Road and its surroundings. More exciting programs come to the fore in the suburbs and across the border from Innsbruck, such as the Alpine Zoo, the Bergisel Ski Jumping Center, or the Nordkette Cable Car.

Anywhere you go, you will find yourself in beautiful surroundings, which is true for the city's centre as well. There are plenty of green areas where you can have a good walk or just sit on a bench and listen to the sounds of nature.

We hope you found the summary useful. If so, save this link for later or share it with your friends. Have a nice trip! ❤️