Best known for its winter sports and summer hikes, Innsbruck is also home to many historical sites that can be visited all year round. Read on to discover our top things to do in Innsbruck and the scenic Tyrol region.
Top places to visit in Innsbruck
From medieval castles to breathtaking mountain hikes, Innsbruck has a lot to offer. Let’s start by uncovering what to visit in Innsbruck city centre.
Innsbruck city centre
One of the top attractions in Innsbruck is the Goldenes Dachl, a striking golden roof oriel dating to the 16th century. This landmark building was used by the Austrian Emperor Maximilian I to observe festivals and events held in the below square. Today, it’s one of the city’s most famous symbols. Other great places to visit in Innsbruck include the imposing Hofburg Old Imperial Palace and the distinctly baroque 18th-century Innsbruck Cathedral.
Castles near Innsbruck
There are four castles in the vicinity of Innsbruck. The closest, Schloss Ambras, is just under a 10-minute drive away from the city centre. This Renaissance castle is perched off a hill above the city, and offers stunning views over the valley. Other castles include Martinsbühel Schloss, about a 20-minute drive away, the ruins of Burgruine Thaur, also 20 minutes away, and Schloss Büchsenhausen, right in the city centre.
Hikes in Innsbruck
Surrounded by the stunning peaks of the Tyrolean Alps, Innsbruck offers plenty of hiking paths suited to all levels. For a gentle, easy hike suitable for families with small children, opt for the Wildsee Loop hike, offering serene views over lakes and woods. Intermediate-level hikers won’t want to miss the Blick in die Klamm hike, where you can visit a 25-metre-high waterfall. Finally, for the hiking pros, there are plenty of mountain hikes near Innsbruck including the Seefelder Joch and the Blick auf die Isar hikes.
Skiing in Innsbruck
There are plenty of world-class ski resorts near Innsbruck. There are nine ski resorts around the city centre, that all form part of the Olympia SkiWorld complex. This includes the family-friendly slopes of Rangger Köpfl and the expert black ski pistes of the Stubai Glacier, a staggering 3,210 metres above sea level. Other places to visit near Innsbruck for skiing include the Axamer Lizum ski resort, about a 30-minute drive away from the city centre; or the Kühtai ski resort, Austria’s highest slopes, about a 45-minute drive away.
Innsbruck food & drink
When visiting Innsbruck, trying the local Tyrolean food is a must. From Tiroler Gröstl, a dish of potato fry-up with bacon, onion, and fried eggs, to the traditional apfelstrudel, a delicious dessert made with apples – Austrian food has a lot to offer. In winter, go for hearty dishes like Tiroler Speckknödel, typical Austrian dumplings served with butter and speck. In summer, opt for a platter of local cold cuts like the Alpkäse, Tiroler Graukäse and Tiroler Bergkäse cheeses served with Tiroler Speck and sauerkraut. As for typical Austrian drinks, in winter you can’t go wrong with a delicious hot chocolate with whipped cream. Need a refreshing drink after your hike? Go for locally produced apfelsaft (apple juice) which is usually homemade.
Shopping in Innsbruck
There are plenty of shopping destinations in Innsbruck, catering for all styles and budgets. Head to the Maria-Theresien-Strasse in the picturesque Old Town for fashion boutiques, local produce gastronomies, and shops selling arts and crafts. Alternatively, if you’re after an indoor shopping experience (particularly useful when it’s cold outside!) head to any of the city’s shopping centres including the DEZ Innsbruck, Kaufhaus Tyrol, and Sillpark shopping malls.
Festivals and events in Innsbruck
Looking for typical things to do in Innsbruck? Plan your trip around one of the many religious and cultural festivities or sports events. Here’s some of the best events to attend, according to the season:
Autumn events in Innsbruck
As the leaves change from green to auburn, Innsbruck turns into a picture-perfect postcard. Make the most of this season by attending one of the many harvest festivals starting from the 1st of October. Another great event is the Alpine Folk Music Festival in September.
Winter events in Innsbruck
Visiting Innsbruck during the winter ski season? If you’re travelling between November and December, make the most of the typical Christkindlmärkte Innsbruck Christmas Market in Landhausplatz square. Other fun events in Innsbruck include the Igls Bobsleigh Rides, usually held between December and late February, and the tantalising East Tirol Krampus Run, where locals dress up as devilish horned creatures called ‘Krampus’ and parade around the streets.
Spring events in Innsbruck
Looking for things to do in Innsbruck in spring? If you’re a fan of jogging, join the Alpine Trail Run Festival in April for some sports-filled fun. Alternatively, take part in the Maypole Festival, which occurs annually on the last day of April. You’ll join locals dressed in traditional Tyrolean clothing in folklore dances, feasts, and street parties.
Summer events in Innsbruck
For those visiting the region in summer, there are plenty of exciting outdoor festivals. Music fans won’t want to miss the Tanzsommer festival held annually in mid-July. Alternatively, enjoy free music concerts ranging from classical to contemporary at the Frühschoppen Konzert festival, held in the nearby town of Igls, only a 15-minute drive away from Innsbruck city centre.
