Offering a seamless blend of history, culture and panoramic alpine scenery, Innsbruck is the one-stop destination to experience bustling city life one day, then peaceful mountain hikes the next.
With so much to see and do in the Capital of the Alps, the destination has put together the Innsbruck Card.
This all-access pass unlocks the best of the region, including free entry to 22 museums and attractions, complimentary use of public transport, and a return journey on selected lifts and cable cars.
Available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, it ensures a seamless and value-packed city break.
Unmissable Attractions
From sparkling outdoor cloudscapes to dazzling crystals in the museum, Swarovski Crystal World’s is perfect for all the family. Prepare to be enchanted by these glittering chambers of wonder. There’s even a play tower facility, perfect for keeping the kids entertained.
For visitors wanting a panoramic view of the city, take the Nordkette cable car up to 2,356m to the top of Innsbruck. Architecture fans will be intrigued to know that the renowned Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid designed the Hungerburgbahn stations, to whisk visitors to the top of the Nordkette mountain.
Whilst you’re at the top, why not dine with a view at Seegrube panorama restaurant before embarking on the return journey, with a stop-off before the city to the Alpine Zoo – home to 2000 individuals from the animal kingdom.
A short trip across the city will allow you to venture to the Bergisel Ski Jump, another Hadid masterpiece. Having hosted the Winter Olympics three times at the 1964, 1976 and at the Youth Olympic Games in 2012, the magnificent landmark now features a restaurant and regularly hosts ski jump competitions.
Step into Innsbruck’s History
Step into Innsbruck’s past and visit the famous Golden Roof, a landmark created to mark Emperor Maximilian I’s wedding back in 1500. Visitors can learn more about Emperor Maximilian I and his impact on the city at the Golden Roof Museum.
The Hofburg Imperial Palace, once home to the powerful Habsburg dynasty, showcases lavish state rooms and imperial apartments, providing a glimpse into centuries of Austrian history.
Nearby, The Hofkirche church offers awe inspiring, larger than life, bronze statues of historical figures, making it one of Innsbruck’s most striking attractions.
And just a short trip away, Ambras Castle stands as a Renaissance landmark, featuring an extensive collection of art, armour, and rare artifacts from Archduke Ferdinand II’s personal collection.
Swap City for Nature
The Patscherkofelbahn gives access to Innsbruck’s ‘home’ mountain, an Olympic destination with views of more than 400 peaks. It’s the perfect location for a leisurely mountain walk.
Take in the sights of the Alpine Garden, Austria’s highest botanical garden, and home to a stunning array of treasures, with edelweiss, gentian and auricula growing alongside exotic mountain flora from the Himalayas.
Stunning views can also be enjoyed from the sun terrace of the Das Kofel restaurant, located at the mountain lift station of the cable car.
This is a popular starting point for a number of hiking routes, taking in landmarks including the Kurpark spa gardens, mountain huts and refreshment points, as well as the Patscherkofel summit.
Colette Verra, Innsbruck Tourism Marketing Manager Said: “Innsbruck is perfect for a summer holiday, and visitors can effortlessly transition from exploring historic city streets to walking in the Alpine mountains.
“With the Innsbruck Card, explorers have over 22 attractions to visit and can discover the city with our convenient and reliable public transport, free of charge, as well as enjoy a free guided walk program.”
“For those staying two nights or more in partner establishments, the free Innsbruck Welcome Card provides access to public transport around the city, making it easy to step from shopping, dining and relaxing in the urban center to hiking, cycling and swimming in the stunning Alpine landscape.
More information about the Innsbruck Card and the Innsbruck Welcome Card, including prices and what is included, is available online at www.innsbruck.info/innsbruckcard
Image credit: Patscherkofel - Summit © Innsbruck Tourismus Eye5 - Jonas Schwarzwälder