8 exciting things to do in the picturesque city of Innsbruck

Innsbruck is where towering Alpine peaks meet urban landscape. Wildly romantic, the picture-book city of Innsbruck is not just beautiful & interesting, it is also the largest ski resort in the Alps. And by default, it boasts of a wide range of Winter and Summer activities you can try your hands at. Hand-picked from the list of countless experiences, here are 8 exciting things to do in the picturesque city of Innsbruck.

And for all things planning, you are just a click away!

1. Bask in the glory of Goldenes Dachl

In the heart of old town stands one of Innsbruck’s most recognizable symbols – Goldenes Dachl. While the structure looks like any other colourful building in Innsbruck, Goldenes Dachl earned its landmark status around 1500 when Emperor Maximilian I decorated the roof with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles to mark his wedding to Bianca Maria Sforza.

Catch the glistening shine on the golden roof, spot the balcony beneath the roof from where Emperor Maximilian & other royals would observe festivals & life unfold in the streets, awe at the sculpted reliefs & mural paintings, and capture the decorative facade.

The best time to visit Goldenes Dachl is during the noon when the Sun shines directly overhead.

Address: Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

2. Wander around the Ambras Castle

Perched on the hills at a height of 1,926 feet above the sea level, Ambras is a Renaissance castle and palace in Innsbruck. Originally a medieval castle, the structure was turned into a Renaissance castle on request of the son of Emperor Ferdinand I as a gift to his wife Philippine Welser.

Glance through Europe’s oldest collection of armouries, wander around the Spanish Hall adorned with wood ceiling & 27 full-length portraits of the rulers of Tyrol, and enjoy the aerial views from the castle.

Thanks to the world-famous collections, Ambras Castle is also one of the oldest museums in the world. The attraction is a perfect day-out from the hustle and the bustle of the city.

Address: Schloßstraße 20, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

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3. Feel the history come alive at the Court Church

Built in the 16th century by Emperor Ferdinand I as a memorial to his grandfather Emperor Maximilian I, the Court Church is a gothic attraction in the old town of Innsbruck. The main highlight of the church being the cenotaph decorated with German Renaissance sculpture.

Get close to the empty tomb (cenotaph) of Emperor Maximilian I, admire the life-size sculptures, take the stairs to the Silver Chapel, and get a real sense of history that echoes within the walls of the chapel.

Court Church is also home to two of the oldest organs in the world.

Address: Universitätsstraße 2, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

4. Experience opulence Hofburg

A former residence of the Habsburg dynasty in Innsbruck, the Hofburg Palace is one of the culturally significant buildings in Austria. The opulence hits you when you explore the grand building. Inside this huge palace are also five themed museums – Furniture Museum, Ancestral Gallery, Painting Gallery, Maria Theresa’s rooms, and Empress Elisabeth’s apartment.

Go on an audio tour of the Imperial Palace to understand the history & the lavish lifestyles of the Habsburg family, observe the memorabilia of Maria Theresa & Sisi, be impressed by the intricate detailing on the ceiling, and click mental pictures of the impressive artwork around.

To get the best of the monument, it is best to take a guided tour.

Address: Rennweg 1, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

Interesting read: Virtual tour of fairytale land: 10 best things to do in Austria

5. Make friends with wildlife at Alpenzoo

Set at the foot of the Nordkette mountain range, Alpenzoo is one the highest located zoos in Europe. While the zoo started out like any other zoo, it gained immense popularity after the introduction of endangered species – alpine ibex, bearded vulture, and northern bald ibis.

Follow the meandering paths to catch the animals in their natural habitat, be spellbound by the gorgeous views from the sunlit patio, and dine at the zoo restaurant. For kids, there is a farm where they can play with small animals like ducks, chickens, & turopolje pigs and there is also a nature-themed playground featuring a bear den.

The incredible mountainside setting of Alpenzoo is the icing on the cake.

Address: Weiherburggasse 37a, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

6. Be awestruck by the enchanting views from Nordkette Cable Car

Operating in the state of Tyrol connecting Innsbruck with Nordkette is the most scenically amazing Nordkette Cable car. If there is one experience that you shouldn’t miss out when you are in Innsbruck then it definitely had to be riding on the Nordkette cable car. Designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, the cable car is sleek and sturdy with the best of comfort.

Enjoy the 360-degree views of the alps on one side and Tyrol’s conservation area on the other side, soak in the best of nature on offer, and go on a hiking tour. If you are lucky enough, you might be able to spot the shy wildlife in place.

Nordkette Cable car ride is just a twenty minute away from the Old Town and the fascinating journey will forever be in your memory.

Address: Rennweg 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

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7. Take a picnic to the tranquil oasis of Hofgarten

Bordered by Hofburg, Tyrolean Museum theatre, and Kongresshaus, Hofgarten is a protected park at the edge of the Old Town. The green oasis with its lush landscapes was laid out as a recreational area for the Austrian royalty and their guests. Blooming with over 1,700 different species of plants, a children’s playpark, and a palm house, it is now a wonderful place to go on a picnic to.

Relish the taste of a delicious lunch at the Garden restaurant, lose yourselves to the lovely sight of the flower beds, sunbathe in the wide spaced lawn, unplug from the digital gadgets & just be there in the moment enjoying every bit of the tranquil setting.

Come Summer and you can find temporary exhibits being set up on the grounds of the park.

Address: 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

8. Be blown away by the incredible setting of Bergiselschanze

Always been fascinated by ski jumping and are interested in seeing a ski jumping facility in real? Head to Bergiselschanze. The ski jumping stadium with the capacity of 26,000 is one of the important venues in FIS Ski Jumping world cup.

Stay transfixed at the breathtaking views from the observation deck, admire the aesthetically designed tower, dine at the restaurant all in the while stealing panoramic views of the city below, and click a dozen photographs to showcase in your social profile.

Just to be there in the same spot as the skiers will give you goosebumps and the scenic view is something that you will hold in your memory for a long time.

Address: Bergiselweg 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

Interesting read: The 2018 Bucket List – 50 best destinations you shouldn’t miss out on

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