Innsbruck
You can travel to Innsbruck in comfort with bus 504, which is included in the guest card and departs every 15 minutes from Hall in Tirol. The provincial capital, located just 10 km away, offers not only shopping, culinary delights, and culture but also breathtaking mountain views and nature experiences.
In Innsbruck’s Old Town, which is over 800 years old, the traces of the Middle Ages are ever-present. Its most important sights are witnesses to the city's impressive history, in which the Habsburgs played a major role.
The Golden Roof, for example — the magnificent oriel of Emperor Maximilian I — once towered over knightly tournaments. Lavish celebrations were held at the Imperial Palace, and Ambras Castle became a splendid focal point where noble families resided when they visited the city. Until the 20th century, a watchman stationed at the City Tower warned of fires, storms, and enemies.
The city captivates not only with its history but also with modern architectural highlights that blend effortlessly into the alpine cityscape — such as the Hungerburgbahn station designed by Zaha Hadid.
Best of Innsbruck:
The Golden Roof: Let’s start with Innsbruck’s most famous landmark – 2,657 fire-gilded copper shingles cover the Golden Roof. The roof itself, a magnificent oriel with a balcony, was built around 1500 at the request of Emperor Maximilian I.
The building houses the Golden Roof Museum. During the museum tour, a stop at the oriel is a must – from here, visitors can enjoy a view of the bustling Old Town, just as Emperor Maximilian once did.
Younger visitors will also have fun: with the museum’s Puzzle Rally, the visit becomes an exciting adventure.
Imperial Palace & Court Garden: One of the most significant buildings of the Habsburg dynasty, the Imperial Palace preserves the legacy of Empress Maria Theresa. In the 18th century, she gave the palace its current appearance — in the style of a “little Schönbrunn of the Alps.” Covering 5,000 square meters, it features 400 rooms spread across four floors.
Directly adjacent to the palace lies the Court Garden, which still contains plants dating back to Maria Theresa’s era. Since the 19th century, this protected historic park has been open to the public and remains a beloved urban oasis to this day.
Court Church & Museum of Tyrolean Folk Art: The plain exterior may be deceiving — the Court Church is truly one of a kind. Originally built in 1563 as a memorial church for Emperor Maximilian I, it houses his (empty) sarcophagus, which is guarded by 28 large bronze statues, known locally as the “Schwarzenmander” or “black men.”
Right next door, the Museum of Tyrolean Folk Art focuses on traditional craftsmanship, religious folk art, intricately paneled parlors, nativity scenes, and festive costumes.
Maria-Theresien-Straße: This is the heart of Innsbruck. Historic squares and venerable buildings meet modern architecture in perfect harmony.
Take a stroll and enjoy the inviting city cafés, the window displays of countless shops, the stunning view of the Nordkette mountain range, and the historical charm that tells the story of the city.
TOP OF INNSBRUCK: The Nordkette, a mountain range of the Karwendel, rises to the north of Innsbruck and is the city’s closest ski area — a paradise for athletes and nature lovers alike. With the Seegrube and Hafelekar stations, the Nordkette perfectly represents Innsbruck’s unique blend of alpine adventure and urban lifestyle.
The cable car takes visitors from the Old Town via the Hungerburg (860 m) to the Seegrube (1,905 m) and finally to the Hafelekar (2,334 m). From there, it's just a short walk to the summit cross, where breathtaking panoramic views await.
For a delicious break, stop by the Top of Innsbruck restaurant or the Seegrube Restaurant — both are open during lift operating hours.
Alpenzoo Innsbruck: One of the stops on the way to the Hafelekar is the Alpenzoo. Located at 750 meters above sea level, this zoo covers just over 10 hectares and features naturalistic enclosures, terrariums, and aquariums for around 2,000 Alpine animals representing approximately 150 species.
The Alpenzoo is the only zoo in the world with such an impressive collection of Alpine wildlife. It proudly looks back on several world-first breeding successes — including the Eurasian otter — along with many other remarkable breeding achievements.
Whether young or old, the Alpenzoo is definitely worth a visit.
Bergisel Ski Jump & Tirol Panorama: The historic Bergisel, a 750-meter-high hill overlooking Innsbruck, was the site of several battles in 1809 under the leadership of Andreas Hofer. It was here that Tyrolean riflemen successfully drove off Bavarian and Saxon troops led by the French. The uprising, led by Hofer, is vividly brought to life in the Tirol Panorama. This 1,000-square-meter, 360-degree panoramic painting immerses visitors in the dramatic scenes of the Tyrolean struggle for freedom.
Since 2002, the new ski jump has stood proudly atop Bergisel as an architectural landmark of Innsbruck. Each year, it serves as one of the venues for the prestigious Four Hills Tournament in ski jumping.
But the ski jump isn’t just for athletes — a fast elevator takes visitors up to the panoramic restaurant, where a viewing terrace offers stunning 360-degree views over Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains.
