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Jan
10
Innsbruck Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Austria
A trip to Innsbruck
Innsbruck is the capital of the Austrian Tyrol region and is one of the most charming cities in Europe. With a mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, a lovely old town and some spectacular Alpine scenery, Innsbruck attracts tourists worldwide, who can reach this quaint destination via the city’s international airport. From the city, it is only a 30-minute drive to the Italian border and 45 minutes to Germany, placing Innsbruck conveniently in the centre of southern Europe.
Flights to Innsbruck
Travelling to Innsbruck by air is convenient, with the city’s international airport located about two miles from the city. There are regular scheduled flights from all main Austrian destinations and a number of flights from London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris and Zurich as well as chartered flights to several German cities. All flights to Innsbruck Airport are handled by Tyrolean Airlines and Austrian Airlines, though some foreign carriers charter flights here in the high season. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Innsbruck try Thomas Cook. Frequent shuttle buses run from the airport to the city centre.
To get around Innsbruck, you will find plentiful public transport options including trams and buses. Visitors should be aware, however, that the buses can be tricky to negotiate. Special bus lines such as The Sightseer (TS) provide service to various tourist draws including Alpenzoo and Ambras Castle. The old town is a pedestrianised area, which makes sightseeing on foot here a real pleasure.
Innsbruck
Sightseeing in Innsbruck
With an overabundance of highlights, it isn’t easy for visitors to decide where to start sightseeing in Innsbruck. A major attraction in the picturesque old town is the early 16th century Golden Roof, a dazzling piece of architecture and Innsbruck’s most charismatic landmark. Ambras Castle is placed in acres of scenic gardens and beautiful forests and houses an appealing collection of armaments. A notable Baroque architectural masterpiece is the Cathedral St Jacob, renowned for its magnificent treasured paintings.
The unique Alpenzoo is home to over 800 animals which are indigenous to the surrounding region, making it one of the world’s most comprehensive selections of alpine creatures. Another must-visit for both adults and children is Swarovski Crystal World with its jaw-dropping crystal fantasies such as a crystal waterfall, crystal theatre and crystal dome.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Innsbruck boasts around 200 cafés and restaurants; therefore dining is never a problem here. Everything from international cuisine to traditional Tyrolean fare is served, and there are numerous interesting places where visitors can sample authentic Innsbruck cuisine. For a quick bite, don’t miss out on the excellent sausage stands (wuerstelstandl).
As the cultural hub of Tyrol, Innsbruck offers a great variety of entertainment after sunset. In winter, there is a booming après-ski scene, while summer sees several fun events and outdoor concerts. The city’s nightlife is affected by its great number of students, with everything from beer halls and yodelling to wine taverns and techno discos on offer. If you like gambling, the Spielcasino in Seefeld has roulette, blackjack and baccarat. For fans of more serious entertainment, Innsbruck provides an astounding selection of theatrical and musical performances.
Fun by day – shopping and activities
Innsbruck presents a wide range of shopping options, from all kinds of odd local goodies to upscale international clothes and accessories. Further leisure activities include hiking, skiing, ice-skating, ski jumping and more.
For relaxation, head for the Alpine, Botanical or Hof gardens, where you can stroll in tranquil settings and enjoy the local foliage. Nordpark offers excellent mountain biking in the summer and decent skiing in the winter.
Daytrips
Though Innsbruck has many interesting places to visit, daytrips to the surrounding area should not be overlooked. Sightseeing tour buses ply Salzburg, Munich, and Bavarian castles, but local activities are numerous and highly interesting.
Located in the heart of Tyrol, in Inn Valley, Innsbruck is a good launching point and renting a car is an excellent option to explore the many charms of the area. Public transportation is also widely available and efficient, though it often takes more time to travel this way.
On the outskirts of Innsbruck lies the Ambras Castle. Featuring an exceptional Renaissance style, it is an unusual building to be found in this region and therefore well-worth a visit.
The region is loaded with pretty towns, such as Hall, proud of its mining past, and Schwaz, with its late Gothic parish church and its late-medieval and Renaissance city centre. Rattenberg and Alpbach are also to be included on a daytrip from Innsbruck.
In winter, daytrips also include ski resorts located around Innsbruck. Popular spots are Stubaital and Neustift. Excellent slopes are also to be experienced in the Ötzal Valley. In summer hiking trails open up in the huge mountain ranges surrounding Innsbruck.
Must-see attractions
The Hofburg (Imperial Palace) has Baroque and Rococo styles and nearby you will be stunned by the Baroque extravaganza of St James’ Cathedral (Dom St Jakob). Other places of worship to be visited include the Imperial Church (Hofkirche).
You can also stroll along Herzog Friedrich Strasse and enjoy the many sights of Baroque façades. The city centre is loaded with architectural gems and historic buildings. The Stadtturm (on Herzo Friedrich Strasse 21) was completed in 1450 and provides tourists with a splendid view of the nearby mountains and the old town.
The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) built in Gothic style is a nice place to discover while wandering downtown Innsbruck. The Alpenzoo is a haven for animals and a great place to visit with kids. Located on Weiherburggasse, it is also the highest zoo in the world, being located at 727 metres above sea level.
Best time to go
With moderate weather, Innsbruck is a nice place to come all year round and each season has its own characteristics. Depending on what you are expecting from Innsbruck, you should pay attention to the time of year you are heading to the capital of Tyrol.
Summertime is great for outdoor activities and dry weather, especially in early summer. If you are planning to enjoy the ski slopes, you should of course plan to travel to Innsbruck in winter. Together with snowfall, the region also has lots of sunshine.
Rainy day suggestions
When it’s raining outside, you will still have lots of things to see. Innsbruck is loaded with museums, such as the Tyrol Landesmuseum Ferdinadeum presenting natural sciences and Gothic art.
Another acclaimed venue is the Swarovski Crystal Worlds on Kristallweltenstrasse 1. Opened in 1995, it tells visitors all they want to know about Swarovski Crystal and its outstanding designs.
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