Ski-ing is probably what most people enjoy when they think of Austria, and you would not be wrong in wanting to head to those fantastic ski fields.

As we were heading from Czechia at this point of our journey, we decided to visit Innsbruck because it was not too far in distance, and we wanted to visit a town in Austria as we had never been to Austria before.

We stayed at the Grand Hotel Europa which was located right near the main railway station. We deliberately chose this hotel because of its location, as we were hopping on a train for our next destination. It really was the ‘grand’ hotel and it was in easy walking distance to the main tourist attractions. The rooms were spacious, the staff always helpful and the food was excellent.

Enjoy your time in this lovely city and check out some of the below on your travels.

  1. Altstadt von Innsbruck or Old Town – this is the most famous part of Innsbruck with many buildings being over 500 years old. It may be full of cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops, but it is a lovely area to wander around. Just located at one end of the street where the Golden Roof is located is the most amazing Swarovski shop. A must for any shopper, even if it is to only take in the amazing crystal chandelier inside. Keep looking up otherwise you will miss some of the most wonderful architecture for this part of the world.
  2. The Golden Roof – built by Emperor Maximilian it is quite the spectacular sight. There are some 2,600 fire-gilded copper tiles adorning the roof just in case you were curious. But it is not just the Golden Roof that draws the crowds as the structure underneath it holds many unusual items, such as a bare backside, small men with twisted limbs, and Emperor Maximilian with his two wives.
  3. Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen – take the Hungerburg Funicular up to Nordkette which takes about 20 minutes. You will change from the funicular to the cable car at Seegrube station and continue to the top of the mountain. The views are spectacular over Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains. However, it is very cold up there so make sure you take a warm jacket! You will be just a little in awe of the modern cable car stations and the efficiency of the experience.
  4. Ambras Castle – this is well worth a visit and is easily accessed by tram. It is not just a beautiful building and gardens, but some great exhibitions are held here. Check it out online to see if this should be on your agenda. Museums are not everyone’s cup of tea.
  5. Bergisel Ski Jump – if you catch the red tram line it will take you past the ski jump where you will be able to get a great view of it. We rode the tram to the end of the line, hopped off and had a wander around, then caught it back into town again. It was a really interesting journey.
  6. The Hofkirche – located not far from the Golden Roof this Gothic Church is well worth a visit. It is home to the tomb of Emporer Maximilian. One of the most interesting aspects are the many black manders that stand guarding the cenotaph of the Emperor.
  7. Maria-Theresien Strasse – the shopping strip, which has so much to offer. There are some wonderful shops in this area, and some of the best boot shopping for women, if you are interested in buying quality boots.
  8. Innsbruck Information Centre – located just near the Golden Roof there is a tower you can climb in the information centre which gives you great views over the city and the streets in the Old Town. Well worth the effort to get some great photos of the area.

Travel Tips

  • Make sure you include a trip to the top of Nordkette. There are some spectactular views to be had.

Travel Alerts

  • We felt perfectly safe in Innsbruck both during the day and at night. We have no travel alerts for this city.

Travel Adventures

  • Swarovski Kristallwelten – if you have time visit this great display of Swarovski crystal. It is about a 20 minute drive from town, but only Swarovski could create such a magical and interesting tourist attraction. Well worth the visit.
  • Hofburgh Imperial Palace – the official residence of the President of Austria. It is probably well worth a visit, although we did not have time to include this on our itinerary.