Nordkettenbahn (Cable Car)
Visiting the Nordkette is different from visiting just another mountain range. For starters, this is one of the most accessible mountain ranges ever… and probably represents the single chance of conquering a peak to the thousands of people who are not climbers, hikers or particularly fit. In the Nordkette Cable Car the intelligent, technologically superior and aesthetic use of lifts, funicular and cable cars has made the mountains accessible to the masses.
The Innsbruck cable car trip or the Nordkettenbahnen comprises of 3 separate cable cars; Hungerburgbahn (funicular), Seegrubenbahn and Hafelekarbahn (both Gondolas) and they take guests from the city centre to the Hafelekar (top of Nordkette) in 3 stages. For tourists, the Nordkette journey Is an experience of a lifetime… many fall in love with it and keep returning to see the incredible partnership of natural beauty and technology. For locals the Nordkette mountain area is one large playground… accessible and enjoyable for all. During your cable car ride, you will be surprised to see a huge number of mountain bikers, snowboarders and skiers.
One of the most brilliant things about the Nordkette cable stations is their architecture… a unique design of fluidity inspired by nature and created by star designer and architect Zaha Hadid. The stations look almost like floating glaciers with soft (almost fluid shape) that are contoured with intelligent use of ice. The result is a kind of snow and light artificial landscape that has visitors clicking away endless photos of the buildings.
The entire cable car route is wheelchair/ stroller friendly apart from the last short hike up to the mountain top!! There are so many activities you can do in the Nordkette region that you will be spoilt for choice… apart from the cable car ride, there is a popular ski resort, climbing arena, kid’s zone, zoo, shops, restaurants and even a museum. The Nordkette is part of the largest nature reserve in the world so this is one of the most ecologically rich regions you will ever visit.
Read: Cable Car Ride in Innsbruck and What to Expect.
Hofkirche, The Court Church
Prettily perched on the fringes of Innsbruck and sandwiched between the Museum of Tyrolean Regional Heritage and the Imperial Court… there is the grandest monument of Austria i.e. the Hofkirche Court Church. Also called the Black Men church because of the 28 larger than life black bronze statues that sit inside… the church is also filled with priceless artefacts and great displays of art.
The leading artists of that era like Albrecht Durer, Peter Vischer (Elder) were involved in the church building project that spanned decades and was financed generously by Maximilian-I and Ferdinand-I (Maximilian’s son) and grandson. Emperor Maximilian had grand visions of how he should be commemorated after his death and the huge intricately embellished marble tomb at the centre of the church is a testimony to the fact that his wishes were granted.
Unfortunately, the tomb is just a beautiful shell as Maximillian’s remains still lie elsewhere. The 28 marble statues of real and mythical ancestors and relatives of Maximillian are definitely the highlight of the church but there are other attractions too like the Silver Chapel, tombs of freedom fighters and a gorgeously designed altar. The architecturally lauded church is said to be the best example of the German Goth Renaissance style. The church still host’s magnificent concerts which feature the Ebert Organ of the Renaissance period… you would be lucky to catch one in action.
Read: Complete information about Hofkirche Court Church.
Bergisel Ski Jump
With a distinctly modern design and a silver almost UFO-like colour scheme, the Bergisel ski jump is one of the most picturesque symbols of Innsbruck. The tower rises about 50 meters above the Bergisel peak and was designed by the late Zaha Hadid after her firm won a global competition for redesigning the ski jump. New sports installations, a viewing platform with 360-degree views of the mountains and multiple restaurants and cafes make the Bergisel Ski jump one of the most entertaining attractions of Innsbruck.
It’s easy to reach Bergisel Ski jump by bus, tram (line 1 and 6) and the STB apart from the sightseer bus. Even if you aren’t a skiing fan, the monument is worth visiting for its design features alone… this is probably the most fantastically designed ski jump in the world. The Bergisel offers an experience that’s unlikely to be found in any city of the world as most ski hotspots are far away from urban zones… this makes it all the more visit-worthy.
Read: Bergisel Ski Jump and what can you see and do there.
Hofburg Imperial Palace
With many centuries of Imperial history behind it, The Hofburg went from being just a group of medieval houses and plots to a Goth Castle to the expensively reinvented and redesigned residence for one of the most prominent royal families of Europe…the Habsburgs. The Innsbruck Hofburg is hailed as one of the 3 major historic monuments in Austria along with the Vienna Hofburg and the Schonbrunn Palace.
From the 13th to the 19th centuries the Hofburg Imperial Palace has seen many renovations, refitting’s and refurbishments as each king (and his queen) brought in their tastes and only recently in the 20th century it was turned into a museum. Bearing the distinctive imprint of Austria’s Mother ‘Maria Therese’, the Habsburg has pure gold and silver utensils, tapestries of rare silks and damasks, gleaming chandeliers and tableware and flaunts the styles preferred by the royals in the 17th to 19th centuries.
Walk through the 31 meter long Giants Hall filled with splendid portraits of the Habsburgs and look at the marvellous statuary in the Royal Chapel. The Giant’s Hall, Guards Hall and Lorraine Room all reveal unknown facets of the lives of the royals. The Empress Elisabeth apartments / Sisi’s rooms bear testimony to the 19th-century empress and famed beauty (wife of Franz) who inspired a series of merchandise and even postage stamps. The damask and silk coated rooms, spectacular salon and wildly expensive dining room are the results of a massive multi-year restoration that brought back the original 2nd Rococo style splendour of these rooms.
The Hofburg is at the heart of Altstadt and at the epicentre of the political hub and economic veins of the Tyrol region. The excellent multi-language audio guide inside will help you gain important insights into the house of the Habsburgs as well as the stories and conquests of the Tyrol royalty. These are stories and insights that enrich perspectives and bring a deeper understanding of art and politics… precisely why a visit to the Hofburg shouldn’t be missed.
Read: The complete information about The Hofburg Imperial Palace.
Golden Roof
If you actually visit Innsbruck and don’t take a photo atop the Goldenes Dachl then your Innsbruck Photo diary is most definitely incomplete!!! For this is the city’s favourite landmark and has been featured in numerous postcards, documentaries, movies and advertisements. The medieval building featuring 2657 copper gilded tiles and elaborate frescoes and reliefs was built by Nikolaus Turing Elder to mark the 2nd marriage of Emperor Maximilian I.
There is a lot to see in this area… after all, this was prime real estate and the haunt of Tyrolean counts and dukes. Mozart’s House and the Helinghaus are just two of the fantastically designed buildings around and the Town Tower is just steps away. The elaborate building sports a museum inside it and there are lots of multimedia exhibits, documentary shows and maps that present a better understanding of the life of emperor Maximilian I. There is even a play area for kids and a medieval-style ecard sending facility. But the best part is getting up on the viewing area and peering down at the square and getting a fair idea of Emperor Maximilian’s fascination with the view.
The Goldenes Dachl is at the heart of the old town and no matter which walking tour or city tour you take, there always will be a photo stop here. Gawking at the beautiful roof is free but there is a 4 euro fee to access the balcony viewing area and the museum. The Goldenes Dachl is one of those places that’s a magnet for history buffs… there are a lot of stories surrounding it and it’s inextricably tied to the royal lineage of the Tyrol region.
Read: Golden Roof of Innsbruck to have a better idea about the city’s most photographed landmark.
Ambras Castle
The story of the Ambras Castle that proudly looks upon Innsbruck is entwined with the story of an equally glorious prince… Ferdinand II, scion of the powerful Habsburg dynasty. It was the prince who built the lovely Rennaissance version of the Ambras that’s preserved today by calling in the finest Italian architects of the 16th century. Meant as a loving wedding gift for Austrian history’s ‘Merciful Miss’ Philippine Wesler, the Ambras castle was also meant as a beautiful showcase for the king’s growing and meticulously ordered collection of art and valuable objects.
The Ambras collections were recognised as the world’s oldest museum and they were later recognised as Kunsthistorisches Museum family. The ground floor of the upper castle has the Portrait gallery and the illustrious Saint George Altar while the upper two floors have the Spanish Hall, Archduke’s Collection of Science and Art, Glass Collection, Statuary. The lower castle is dedicated to the arms and Armoury collection… also painstakingly curated by Ferdinand.
The beautiful castle also offers a Goth style café, a gift store and is surrounded by a luxuriant garden park. Ambras Park conforms to its original renaissance design but it possesses an English style duck pond, playground, rotundas and waterfalls and even some strutting pigeons!! The castle and park is a favoured family destination and is easily reachable from any part of Innsbruck by tram/ bus and the sightseer bus makes a regular stop here.
Read: All about what to see and do in Ambras Castle.
Swarovski Crystal World
The Swarovski Crystal World stands in the small town of Wattens near Innsbruck and yet it contains massive works of art so meticulously crafted that it rivals any of the great museums of Europe. Step through the head of a green giant who sprouts a waterfall from his mouth and start your journey through the many facets of crystals.
There are 16 meticulously arranged Chambers of Wonders containing works of art and themes shaped of crystals that reflect the tastes and creativity of internationally acclaimed artists and designers. There is the Blue Hall created by Yves Klein that pays an ode to Klein Blue and the Infinity Mirror room with Yayoi Kusama’s Mirror of Grief. The Crystal Dome shimmers with 595 mirrors while the Forest of Eden hides unexpected surprises like Cinderella’s shoe made of crystal.
A tour of the Chamber of Wonders ends in a huge Swarovski store selling crystal ware, jewellery, and gift items at discounted rates and even tax refunds!! When you are done with the Chamber of Wonders take your kids to the Play tower that combines indoor and outdoor games in an exhilarating mix while its façade sparkles with 160 crystal facets.
Click umpteen photographs of the Xavier Perrol and Andy Cao designed huge crystal clouds that have some 800,000 handcrafted crystals. Lose your way in the green Labyrinth or take a joyride in the crystallised Carousel. Walkers will also love the invigorating walk to the lovely Alpine garden and the Observation Deck that lets them view the beautiful mountains and whole of Innsbruck
Read: Swarovski Crystal World to know all about what to see and do there.
Cathedral of St. James
Commonly referred to as the Innsbruck Cathedral, the Cathedral of St James holds the seat of the bishop in the Diocese of Innsbruck and marks the location of Innsbruck on the St James pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela and thus it has a religiously prominent position. But the world is more impressed by the wonders that lie inside its graceful yet austere façade.
For its interiors contain the best examples of stucco, frescoes, mosaics and artwork by the cream of the artist community of medieval Europe. This isn’t a very big cathedral and the dazzling combination of so many treasures inside the limited space often confuses visitors. The interiors are worth long and revered scrutiny and everything will appear impressive… whether it’s the portrait of revered Maria Hilf with its rotating frame made by Lucas Cranach the elder (the church’s most precious possession) or the ornate tomb of Maximillian III designed by Casper Gras.
The optical illusion enhanced ceiling frescoes by Cosmas Damian Asman, the brilliant stucco work by Egid Asman are till date hailed as the finest creation of the Asman brothers. The cathedral has fascinating lineage… its mention was found first in a treaty of 1180 though its current design conforms to the Baroque style created by Johann Jakob and Johann Georg Fischer in 1724.
The church contains exhibit panels that tell the story of multiple disasters that struck it; bombings, fire, the world war, an earthquake… but each time the cathedral rose up like a phoenix from the ashes. And of course, a visit to the Innsbruck Cathedral is incomplete without a look at The Mariahilfglocke (2nd largest historic bell in Austria) and grand Church organ with its 3729 pipes in the west gallery.
While you are in Innsbruck, you should not miss the chimes of the Innsbrucker Friedensglockenspiel (the largest carillon consisting of 48 bells) which are heard every day at 12.10 p.m.
Read: What to see and do in the Cathedral of St. James.
Maria Theresien Straße
An ode to the illustrious ’Mother of Austria’ Maria Theresien Strasse is filled with old and extremely beautiful buildings and a walk along this street should definitely top your Innsbruck priority list. The redesigned Maria Theresien Strasse combines urbane suave with old-world charm and nature with commercialisation in a clever mix. You will naturally want to hang out, shop and sit and eat in this beautifully designed street and much of this credit goes to the specific character of its design. Brass and granite (4 types of it actually) create interesting squares and networks with the shops, malls and old buildings adding accents.
Come night and the house facades are lit up brightly while the low lights in the centre of the square accentuate the lovely mountain view. The granite paving connects the Triumphal Arch (marking the wedding of Maria Theresa’s son and the death of her husband) to Old Town and encourages long strolls. Right in the middle, there is Innsbruck’s most photographed landmark… St Anne’s Column with its lovely statuary. Turn back here and capture the views of the Nordkette mountains rising up behind the street and framing all the architectural beauty with natural splendour.
There are so many attractions along the street that stopping at all of them can take up the greater part of a day. For art lovers, a stop at the Galerie im Taxispalais (free entry on Sundays) is recommended… after all this is Innsbruck’s main contemporary art venue. The rather attractive glass-covered courtyard in its centre is definitely worth a look. The New Town Hall (Rathaus) which morphed from three medieval townhouses built at the beginning of the 18th century by Johann Martin Gumpp the Elder is a fine architectural specimen.
For shoppers, the fantastically designed malls (Kaufhaus Tyrol and RathausGalerien) bring together an interesting mix of high street, local fashion and premium brands. Dine at the exclusive Orangerie or sip a strong cup of Austrian Café at Hard Rock Café… you will find everything equally delightful. The frequent performances by street musicians and artists who haunt the street add to the eclectic charm of the environment.
Read: Maria Theresien Strasse for detailed information on what to see & do there.
Alpenzoo
Enter the Alpenzoo and you will feel that you are entering a hillside garden that seamlessly blends into alpine woods. Built into the side of a hill, the Alpenzoo is involved in numerous conservation projects and plays a critical role in the upkeep and propagation of rare alpine species. There are multiple aviaries, a huge aquarium, separate enclosures for mammals and pets and even a restaurant inside.
Natural-looking water features, rocky slopes, nooks and crannies, kids play areas and restful enclosures all give the Alpenzoo a natural yet comfortable vibe. No wonder, it’s one of Innsbruck’s leading attractions especially for families with kids. The Alpenzoo is reachable via the Hungerburg funicular that leaves from Congress but you can walk to it too… takes about 25 minutes.
Read: About Alpenzoo and What Can You See & Do there
Innsbruck Old Town
The historical heart of Innsbruck i.e. the old town (Altstadt) that looks like it has stepped out of a time capsule. This is the haunt of noblemen, counts and kings of the Habsburg dynasty who loved to build grand extravagant monuments. This was also home to the traders and craftsmen who brought Innsbruck their prosperity… look carefully at the coloured houses that dot its lanes and you will see the name of the trades etched on their facades.
The famous Herzog Friedrich Strasse is the main artery of Innsbruck besides being the principal street of its old town that’s thinly separated from its new town by Egger Lienz Strasse. Probably one of the best places in Austria to take a cultural walk… the old town exudes charm from everyone. The River Inn cuts through Altstadt and the prettiest houses in pastel shades line its banks while its bridge offers picture-postcard views.
Innsbruck’s Altstadt is full of famous historical buildings like Hofkirche, Hofburg, St James Cathedral, Golden Roof and the Tyrolean State Museums. But there are also little publicised monuments like the rather strange fountain Leopoldsbrunnen, Katzunghaus, Helblinghaus and scores of little museums that contain hidden facets of history in their pages.
Small eateries selling pizza and small gelato shops selling flower-shaped gelatos in cones call out to people while horse carriages whip across the cobbled streets. There are so many things to do here that you are never likely to be bored… shopping at Sillpark, picking up fresh strawberries at the Markthall and admiring Christmas trinkets at the annual Christmas market and more.
Read: Innsbruck Old Town know all about what to see and do there.
City Tower (Stadtturm)
The Stadtturm, in many ways, is so much more than a mere attraction. It’s an important part of the awakening confidence and burgeoning wealth of Innsbruck; a period when its citizens decided with renewed faith that they needed to be protected and their welfare should be prioritised. The guards who used to stand to watch over Innsbruck in the Stadtturm announced the times of the day, protected and warned the citizens against invaders and fires while the magnificent onion-shaped roof paid homage to the aesthetic brilliance of Innsbruck.
Nowadays, the preferred activity of tourists is to climb the brilliantly designed double helix-shaped staircase to the viewing platform and admire the panoramic view while walking in the narrow 360 degrees shaped wooden walkway. Not only is the entire Innsbruck town visible from here but you can also see the Inn River, Bergisel Ski jump and even the Nordkette apart from the Patscherkofel Mountain.
Structurally, the Stadtturm is beautiful but quite distinct from the other amazing architecture of Innsbruck. 4 clocks stand on the facades of this tower and exquisitely carved gargoyles keep rainwater from damaging the 51-meter proud tower. The Stadtturm is a stone’s throw away from the Golden Roof and it features on most of Innsbruck’s old town tour/ walk.
Read: City Tower of Innsbruck to know what can you see and do there.
Tyrolean Folk Art Museum
The Tyrolean Volkskunst (Folk-art) Museum is one of the best anthropology museums in Europe and represents the perfect family outing destination. The ancient renaissance monastery converted into a 3 tiered museum has something for everyone. From an extensive collection of cribs to entire reassembled rooms spanning across different eras to a display of regal and peasant traditional attire; the museum covers all aspects of life.
Browse through the rites of birth and death and learn about Tyrolean Voodoo practices at the ‘Precarious life’ section and lose yourself in the memorabilia of everyday life (wardrobes to beds to ladles to chests) in the ‘Study collection’. There is a section featuring a vivid variety of masks and another featuring painstakingly put together miniature nativity scenes. Wooden rocking horses smile out from one room while a row of marvellously designed handcrafted chairs grace another room.
The entry fee includes a handheld device that can be pointed at displays and its description pops up on the screen. A couple of hours spent here yields an intimate look at Tyrolean life between 16th to 18th century and into the way these humans (peasants, working class, royalty) ate, prayed, dressed and lived!!! This is probably why the Folk Art Museum will be of interest not only to history and culture lovers but also to ordinary tourists who will be able to relate to the different facets of life showcased in this unusual space.
Read: All about the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum
A travel addict. Still celebrating the day when he quit his high-profile corporate job to pursue his passion for travel writing.