Innsbruck at a glance
Capital of Austrian Tyrol, Innsbruck is a charming historic city in the Inn Valley, surrounded by forested mountain scenery. The compact city centre is a delight to walk around and also has an extensive tram system. Innsbruck’s old town is full of ornate baroque mansions, museums and medieval churches, along with the splendid Imperial Palace and the gilded ‘Golden Roof’ pavilion in its central square.
The city is a fantastic option for those wanting to combine culture with outdoor activities, as cable cars and excellent transport links make it easy to visit the nearby mountains for walking and hiking.
The Nordkette funicular in particular takes you quickly straight up into the nearby hills. Back in the city, quaint streets and squares offer plenty of refined cafés, cosy bars and excellent dining options. More of the extensive and exciting Tyrol region or the musical city of Salzburg can also be explored on day trips.
Great for...
✓Walking & Hiking: Innsbruck makes a great alternative base for a walking holiday, combining culture and city life with easy access to the countryside. Cable cars like the Nordbahn cable car take you straight into the hills. Walks in the surrounding woodlands can also be started directly from the city. MP3 player guided city walks are available from Innsbruck’s tourist office.
✓Golden Roof: Symbol of Innsbruck, this glittering monument was built as a royal box for Emperor Maximilian I in 1500 and is covered with almost 3,000 gilded copper tiles and ornately carved.
✓Schloss Ambras: Set in the hills overlooking the city, this 16th century castle was an important royal residence, and now houses an impressive armoury, important art collection, dazzling Renaissance hall and an intriguing ‘chamber of art and curiosities’.
Lifts open: end May-end Oct