Discover Innsbruck in winter and summer
9 tips for your visit to Innsbruck
1. House with the Golden Roof
As the capital of Tyrol, Innsbruck is best known as a winter sports resort. But the city is much more than a pit stop for skiers. Since the 15th century, when Emperor Maximilian I moved his court here, Innsbruck has been a political and cultural centre. As such, you will find stunning medieval architecture in the Renaissance and Baroque styles. Visit, for example, the spectacular Gothic Hofkirche and the House with the Golden Roof, built for Maximilian I's wedding and loved for its striking loggia with thousands of gilded copper roof tiles.
2. Schloss Ambras
Castle enthusiasts will get their money's worth in Innsbruck. The showpiece is Schloss Ambras, which towers high above the city. The complex was built in the 16th century for Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol, one of the most important collectors of the Habsburg family who turned it into a centre of art and culture. Insider tip: at the front of the castle is a maze that leads to a small pavilion. From here, follow a small path through the forest that will bring you to a mini waterfall.
3. Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum
This is a cultural temple from the time of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Grab a tablet at the entrance and discover the impressive stories behind its art and archaeology collections.
3. Follow the river Inn
Innsbruck literally means 'Bridge over the Inn', so the city owes its existence to the river. There are cycling and footpaths on both sides of the river and you will find locals doing their daily workout there. For example, the approximately seven-kilometre route to the village of Rum, which runs along both banks, is very enjoyable. One of the liveliest stretches is the river promenade opposite the University of Innsbruck, where students and lovers enjoy the sunshine on the balustrades and benches.
4. Treibhaus
Innsbruck's cultural in-crowd gathers in the striking octagonal tower of the Treibhaus. Concerts, theatre or just a beer in the lively café: a visit to this hotspot should be on your to-do list for Innsbruck. You will also find the city's, or even the country's finest smoking room: a classic cast-iron greenhouse.
5. Markthalle
Are you a food fanatic? Then start at the doors of the Markthalle. This indoor food market by the river Inn is a microcosm of Austrian cuisine. Be sure to visit Achleitners Nudelmanufaktur, which specialises in delicacies from the Tyrol region, including 25 types of tortellini. At Hörtnagl, stock up on regional sausages and other meats, while you need to go to the Tiroler Schmankerl-Alm stand for mountain cheeses.
6. Crema
For a nice cup of coffee, walk into town and pop in at Crema. Owner Julia also makes all the cakes and other sweets on display. This is also the right place for delicious sparkling beverages!
7. Ski jump Bergisel
The ski jump Bergisel, with its futuristic design by architect Zaha Hadid, has in no time become one of the city's icons. A beaten path? Yes, but where else can you have breakfast or dinner while the city stretches out before you and skiers whizz down a ski jump at roaring speed? The ski jump is open all year round and displays the history of ski jumping on panels in the stadium.
8. Paraglide over the Alpen
From the centre of Innsbruck, the cable car takes you straight into Karwendel, Austria's largest nature park. With panoramic views over the city on one side and the peaks of the Alps on the other. 'Paragliding in Innsbruck is breathtaking,' says pilot Raimund Kienast, who organises daily tandem jumps for local company Mountain Fly. 'Precisely because of the combination of city and nature unfolding under your feet.' Sit back and relax!
9. Hotel aDLERS
One of the best places to eat or have a drink in the heart of the city is Hotel aDLERS. The rooftop terrace, overlooking the entire city centre, is phenomenal. Especially when, at the end of the day, the sun slowly but surely disappears behind the mountains that surround Innsbruck like a solid wall.
Travel easy and comfortable by train
Innsbruck is easy to reach by train from the Netherlands. ICE International takes you from Amsterdam Central Station, with 2 changes to Innsbruck. Do you prefer travelling at night? Then a Nightjet is the way to travel quickly and comfortably to the heart of Innsbruck. You book Innsbruck from € 35 one-way with Nightjet or € 38 one-way with ICE International
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