10 Best Things to do in Innsbruck, Austria for A Perfect Vacation

The land of alps and lakes, Austria never fails to enchant you. Among its beautiful towns, Innsbruck definitely stands out. Bound to enthral you with its beautiful mountains and ski resorts, Innsbruck is known as winter sports haven. Also, home to a number of historical sites there is quite a things to do in Innsbruck.

10 Top Things to Do in Innsbruck, Austria

1. Nordkette – take a scenic cable car ride atop the Alps
2. Ambras Castle – 16th-century site for the Art lovers
3. Visit the charming Altstadt von (Old town)
4. Admire the Hofburg (Imperial Palace)
5. Witness the Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal World)
6. Check out the Goldenes Dachl (the Golden Roof!)
7. Visit the Tyrolean Folk art museum
8. Witness top Athletes at the Bergisel Ski Jump
9. Visit the Alpine Zoo and get up close with animals
10. Relax and feel close to nature at Hofgarten (Garden near Hofburg Palace)

1. Nordkette – take a scenic cable car ride atop Jewel of the Alps

One of the world’s most scenic cable car rides, Nordkette takes you on a 20-minute journey to Paradise. There are lots of stops during the journey, which allows you to get down and admire the panoramic 360-degree alpine landscape. Catch some jaw-dropping views of Karwendel national park and Innsbruck city during this ride and its stops. Also, this connection offers connectivity to the Ski slopes for enthusiasts – and for viewers alike. Surely, a must-do among things to do in Innsbruck.

Opening hours:
Hungerburg funicular: Mon – Fri from 7:15 – 19:15 Hrs; Sat, Sun + Holidays 08:00 – 19:15 Hrs, runs every 15 minutes.
Seegruben cable car: Daily 08:30 – 17:30 Hrs, runs every 15 minutes.
Hafelekar cable car: Daily 09:00 – 17:00 Hrs, runs every 15 minutes.

Ticket cost:
38 Euros for Adult (Round trip)
30 Euros for Child (Round trip)

2. Ambras Castle – 16th-century site for the Art lovers

A classic piece of Renaissance, visit this place to get a feel of real Neo-gothic architecture. With the scenic backdrop of Tyrolean hills, the castle is submerged in history. Originally built over a 10th-century structure in the 16th century the castle was a seat of power. Look forward to beautifully preserved artefacts in a splendid architectural heritage.

Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 17:00 Hrs, every day. Closed in November.

Ticket cost:
12 Euros for Adults
Kids below 19 yrs free
Discount on Family/group of 10 Adult

3. Visit the charming Altstadt von (Old town)

Get a real feel of charming art deco style buildings and beautiful alleys as you make your way around the old town. Apart from Gothic architecture, there is also an upmarket shopping area in the vicinity that is worth checking out. So if you want to see and feel the old world charm of the beautiful city, taking a stroll around Altstadt is surely one of the must-dos from things to do in Innsbruck.

4. Admire the beauty of Hofburg (Imperial Palace)

Among the charming buildings of Innsbruck, Hofburg definitely deserves a visit for its imposing facade and collections it beholds. It is one of the three major cultural buildings in Vienna apart from Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. Apart from this, there are also a lot of exhibitions and events happening regularly in this venue from time to time.

Opening hours: Daily 09:00 – 17:00 Hrs, every day.

Ticket cost:
Imperial Apartments – 8 Euros for Adults, Teens and Children free
AlpineClub Museum exhibition – 4 Euros for Adults, Teens and Children free
Combined Tickets- 10 Euros for Adults, Teens and Children free

5. Witness the Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal World)

One of the most surreal experiences in Austria, the Swarovski Kristallwelten was created by André Heller showcasing crystal glass. Located in Wattens, the complex has an art museum, restaurant and a retail area where you can buy Swarovski crystals. Do check out the Chamber of Wonders where internationally acclaimed artists have showcased their works.

Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 19:00 Hrs, every day. Closed in November.

Ticket cost:
19 Euros for Adults
Kids below 6 yrs free
7.5 Euros for 6-14 years Children

6. Check out the Goldenes Dachl (the Golden Roof!)

A Landmark structure in Innsbruck, it is the city’s most famous symbol and probably the most visited attraction. Completed in the 15th century, it was adorned with 2,657 copper tiles to mark the wedding of Emperor Maximilian to Bianca Maria. The entire building and its Oriel windows are decorated by murals and sculpted reliefs.

7. Visit the Tyrolean Folk art museum

Considered as one of the best regional folk art museums, the Tyrolean landmark boasts of an impressive collection. The museum is located in the historic Altstadt section which by itself is an art. You can look forward to viewing a lot of important cultural artefacts like handicrafts and traditional costumes from the Tyrol region. Also, you can visit the Court Church which is adjacent to the museum and is the biggest Imperial cenotaph in Europe.

Opening hours: Daily 09:00 – 17:00 Hrs, every day.

Ticket cost:
11 Euros for Adults
Kids below 19 yrs free

8. Witness top Athletes at the Bergisel Ski Jump.

A winter sports haven, the Bergisel Ski Jump boasts of a stadium with a capacity of 26,000 people. The stadium plays host regularly to major winter sports events annually and is an important venue of FIS Ski Jumping World Cup. Whether you are new to winter sports or an avid enthusiast, a visit to this stadium is recommended among things to do in Innsbruck. There is also a viewing terrace and tower top cafe for you to indulge in.

Opening hours: Daily 09:00 – 17:00 Hrs, every day.

Ticket cost:
9 Euros for Adults
Kids below 6 yrs free
4 Euros for 6-14 years Children

9. Visit the Alpine Zoo and get up close with animals

If you are looking to find some child-friendly activities during your stay visiting the Alpine Zoo is a good option. Being one of the few high altitude zoos, the ride in Hungerburgbahn to reach it also is very scenic. Home to a wide variety of animals like Brown Bear, Lynx, wolf, golden eagle etc. It can be a very welcome break if you are looking at an offbeat place to visit among things to do in Innsbruck.

Opening hours: Daily 09:00 – 17:00 Hrs, every day.

Ticket cost
(With Hungerburg funicular):
€17 for Adults
€13.00 Youth (born between 2001 and 2003)
€9.00 Child (born between 2004 and 2013)
€2.50 Child (born between 2014 and 2015)

10. Relax and feel close to nature at Hofgarten (Garden near Hofburg Palace)

After you are done visiting the sights and sound of the beautiful city, head out to Hofgarten for finding some peace. A beautifully maintained garden Hofgarten covers a protected area of 10 acres in the historic old town. The garden has a set of mature trees, ponds and child play area where you can relax and unwind.

So while planning your next trip to Innsbruck ensure to tick these places of your bucked list. There are a lot of scenic towns and charming village across Austria. To plan and book Austria packages and add all these beautiful places, do check out Pickyourtrail and build you Austria itinerary.