Best Things To Do in Innsbruck

Innsbruck is not only the capital of Austria's Tyrol, but also one of the country's best destinations for exploring the Alps, winter sports and discovering some of the region's most outstanding panoramic views. However, it is also a destination with a wealth of cultural attractions to complement your experience.

Some of the best things to do in Innsbruck include visiting the Golden Roof, touring Ambras Castle, seeing the Bergisel Trampoline Jump, enjoying the local cuisine and gazing out over the 2300m high surrounding Alps, which you can reach via the Nordkette cable car.

The Golden Roof is undoubtedly Innsbruck's most iconic attraction. This structure is located in the heart of the old town and is famous for its shimmering roof covered in golden copper tiles, which glistens in the alpine sunshine. Built in the late 15th century, the Golden Roof was ordered by Emperor Maximilian I as a way of commemorating his marriage to Bianca Maria Sforza and celebrating the Holy Roman Empire.

The Golden Roof itself consists of a belvedere with a decorated balcony, covered by 2,657 golden copper tiles, from which it gets its name. From this balcony members of the imperial court could watch tournaments, parades and other public events held in the central square. The reliefs that decorate the underside of the roof depict both scenes of court life and humorous images.

In addition to its historical significance, the Golden Roof has become a cultural and tourist symbol of Innsbruck. The building now houses a museum with exhibitions on the life of Maximilian I, the history of the city and the influence of the Holy Roman Empire on the region. From the balcony, visitors can also observe tradition and enjoy panoramic views of the old town.

You can visit the Golden Roof on your own, but if you choose to book a guided tour of Innsbruck, one of the stops will include a tour of the Golden Roof and the square in front of it.

Situated in the hills surrounding Innsbruck, Ambras Castle is one of the oldest and most prominent buildings in Austria. Here you can explore a number of fascinating exhibits, such as the Chamber of Art and Curiosities, located in the basement of the castle, which is one of the first documented museums in Europe and houses a variety of objects ranging from armour and weapons to natural curiosities.

Another of the castle's main attractions is the Habsburg Portrait Gallery, which contains more than 200 portraits of the members of this powerful dynasty that dominated Europe. The paintings, many of them by the great masters of the time such as Rubens and Velázquez, offer a window into the history and legacy of the Habsburgs.

Personally, I recommend you book a tour of Ambras Castle to delve deep into the past and discover the landscaped gardens where you can stroll at your leisure. These Renaissance gardens, with their fountains, statues and terraces, are the perfect place to relax after a visit to the interior collections.

The Bergisel Ski Jumping Trampoline is one of Austria's most important sports facilities, known for its futuristic design and for hosting world-class ski jumping events. This structure combines modernity and functionality in an unbeatable natural setting. The trampoline, which stands on its namesake hill, offers exceptional panoramic views of the city of Innsbruck and the surrounding Tyrolean Alps.

During a visit to the Bergisel Trampoline you can explore both the avant-garde architecture and the history of the sport of ski jumping in the region. One of the main attractions is to climb the trampoline tower, where you will find an observation deck offering unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape.

Also, at the top of the tower you'll find a stylish panoramic café, where you can take a break while enjoying the view of the snow-capped mountains and the Inn River Valley. When you book tickets for the Bergisel Trampoline, you can also visit the restaurant at the bottom of the café.

The trampoline is also famous for its Winter Olympic Games legacy, having hosted ski jumping competitions in both 1964 and 1976. In addition, each year, the trampoline hosts the prestigious Four Springboards Tournament, one of the most important events in the ski jumping calendar.

One of the best experiences Innsbruck has to offer is the panoramic views, which you can discover from the top of its mountains. Just a few minutes from the historic centre, you can climb to an altitude of 2,300 metres thanks to the local cable car, which transports visitors up to the peaks of the Nordkette mountain range.

At the top you can enjoy several observation decks, such as the popular Hafelekar, which offers 360-degree views. From here you can see the city of Innsbruck at your feet, surrounded by snow-capped alpine mountains in winter and lush greenery in summer. To the north, the view extends to the Karwendel Nature Park, a vast protected area that is home to a rich biodiversity.

In addition to the views, the top of the Nordkette offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy. In winter, it's a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, while in summer you can explore the alpine trails that start from the highest points, offering routes for beginners and more experienced hikers alike.

One of the best ways to get to know a destination is to enjoy its gastronomy, and in Innsbruck you can connect with Tyrolean culture through its cuisine, which is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Alps. The region's authentic flavours reflect its history and natural environment, with Austrian, Bavarian and Italian influences.

Among the most famous dishes to try in Innsbruck is tiroler gröstl, a mixture of potatoes, beef or pork and onions, all sautéed and topped with a fried egg. This dish is traditionally eaten by farmers and is perfect to enjoy after a day exploring the mountains. Another local favourite is käsespätzle, a homemade pasta dipped in melted cheese and crispy onions that, as you can imagine, is a calorie bomb - but a day is a day, especially after a great tour of the city.

Also, don't miss the speckknödel, which are meatballs served in both soup and salad. On the other hand, sweet lovers will also find their place in Innsbruck and can try typical delicacies such as apfelstrudel, a warm apple pie with sultanas and cinnamon, or kiechl, a fried dough that can be served with jam or sauerkraut, depending on whether you prefer something sweet or savoury.

Booking a food tour in Innsbruck is a great way to discover these flavours, but you can also opt to tour the city's restaurants and cafés on your own.

The Innsbruck Alpine Zoo is a unique attraction that offers you the opportunity to explore the native fauna and flora of the Alps in a natural and educational environment. Situated on a hillside 750 metres above sea level, this zoo is the highest zoo in Europe and is home to a wide variety of species that live in the Alpine mountains.

If you decide to buy tickets for the Alpenzoo you can discover more than 2,000 animals of some 150 different species, all native to the Alpine region. Highlights include the lynx, brown bear, golden eagle and the Alpine ibex, a species of mountain goat that is a symbol of the European mountains. In addition, the zoo houses birds of prey, freshwater fish and a variety of reptiles and amphibians.

The zoo tour is designed so that visitors can learn about the species in their natural habitat while walking along paths surrounded by alpine vegetation. The zoo also features interactive areas and educational exhibits ideal for children, as well as viewing platforms that allow you to discover the nearby mountains.

Innsbruck is not all about alpine beauty. It is also home to St. James' Cathedral, which is one of the city's most important architectural gems and a testament to the region's religious history. Built in the baroque style, the cathedral has an imposing façade and twin towers that are an iconic symbol of the city.

The interior of Santiago Cathedral is lavishly decorated with frescoes, stuccoes and gilded details. One of the most celebrated elements of the interior is the painting of the Virgin Mary, known as Cranach's Madonna, a work by Lucas Cranach the Elder. This painting, dating from the 16th century, attracts pilgrims from all over Europe who also often marvel at the church's marble high altar.

In addition to its artistic details, the cathedral is known for its great organ, built in 1904, which is still used for official ceremonies and concerts. During your visit you will be able to distinguish the perfect acoustics of the space, especially if you have the opportunity to attend one of the sacred music recitals that are often held in the cathedral, especially during the Christmas season.

The location of Santiago Cathedral, right in the heart of the old town, allows visitors to explore other nearby attractions without too much difficulty. The Hofburg Imperial Palace and Maria-Theresien-Strasse, one of the city's main avenues, are just a short walk away.

The Hofburg Palace in Innsbruck is one of the most important buildings in Austria, with a history dating back to the 15th century. Originally built as a medieval fortress, the palace was extended and transformed into an imperial residence during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa in the 18th century. The building features a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and now houses a museum.

A visit to this palace will give you an insight into the life of Austrian royalty. The palace has several rooms and chambers that have been restored to their former splendour, including the Hall of Giants, one of the largest and most luxurious halls in Austria, decorated with ceiling frescoes and portraits of the Habsburg family.

The palace museum traces the history of the Habsburgs and their relationship with Innsbruck. Through interactive exhibits and historical artefacts you can learn about the influence of this dynasty on European politics, as well as about everyday life at the imperial court.

On the other hand, one of the most moving areas is the one dedicated to Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sissi, who spent time at the palace and whose legacy lives on in the country.

Booking tickets for a Tyrolean show in Innsbruck is a unique opportunity to experience the culture and traditions of the Austrian Alps through an indigenous experience filled with music, dance and colour. These folklore shows have become one of the region's most popular attractions, proudly showcasing Tyrolean heritage in an energetic format.

Throughout the year, visitors have the opportunity to witness these typical shows at various venues in the town, such as the traditional Alpensaal or at some of the traditional restaurants that organise special evenings with this type of entertainment.

The essence of a Tyrolean show revolves around the traditional music of the region, with the characteristic Schuhplattler, an energetic dance in which the dancers beat their shoes and thighs to the rhythm of Alpine music, generating a joyful and contagious atmosphere. This dance, which has its roots in the rural celebrations of the area, is accompanied by instruments such as the accordion, trumpet and Zither.

In addition to music and dance, Tyrolean shows also include a performance of traditional costumes, such as Lederhosen for men and traditional Dirndl dresses for women, adding to the authenticity of the experience.

The Tyrol Panorama Museum in Innsbruck offers a unique experience for those interested in the history, culture and landscape of Tyrol. It is located on Bergisel Hill and houses the gigantic panoramic mural that gives the museum its name, a masterpiece depicting the Third Battle of Bergisel in 1809 where the Tyroleans fought for their freedom under the leadership of local hero Andreas Hofer.

The heart of the museum is the Innsbruck Panorama, a 1,000 square metre circular canvas that envelops visitors in a three-dimensional representation of the famous battle. This work, created in 1896, is one of the few remaining panoramic paintings in Europe, and its enveloping format creates the illusion of being at the centre of the battlefield.

The meticulous details of the landscape, soldiers and citizens transport visitors to the historical moment, providing an immersive experience that stands out for both its artistic value and its historical narrative.

In addition to the famous mural, the Tyrol Panorama Museum also offers exhibitions that explore other important aspects of Tyrolean identity, from religion and politics to popular culture and Alpine traditions. Through historical objects, artefacts, photographs and documents, you can delve into topics such as Andreas Hofer' s role in the Tyrolean rebellion, life in the Alps and the political transformations of the region over the centuries.