I DO NOT WANT TO GO TO AUSTRIA. BUT IF YOU DO, I WILL PASS ON THIS E-MAIL THEY SENT ME.
NOTE: I AM NOT RECOMMENDING ANY OF THIS!
3 Days: Innsbruck
Get to know the Capital of the Alps – while enjoying stunning mountains, magnificent architecture and fascinating imperial history.
Maria Theresien Street i
Imperial Palace in Innsbruck
Innsbruck on the map
No exploration of Innsbruck is complete without the 72-hour Innsbruck Card, which grants entrance to practically all of the city's museums and sights, free use of public transport and scenic tram rides, a shuttle to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds and a return trip on all seven cable cars in the surrounding mountains. Also included: a guided city tour (in English; tour leaves daily at 2 p.m.), and use of the Sightseer hop-on, hop-off bus. The Innsbruck Card is available for EUR 47 (half-price for kids 6-15) and can be purchased online here.
Day 1
Morning
To stroll through Innsbruck's magnificent Old Town is to immerse yourself in eight centuries of Alpine history. Start your day at Innsbruck’s great landmark, the Golden Roof, famously covered with precisely 2,657 gilded tiles and overlooking the main square. Climb the 148 steps to the viewing platform of the 15th century City Tower. For hundreds of years, tower guards stood on this very platform, announcing the time of day and alerting the town of fires and other danger.
The quaint, narrow alleys of the Old Town also house many small boutique stores offering handcrafted Tyrolean products -- great for souvenirs.
In the 15th century, the Habsburg family ruled its empire from Innsbruck’s Hofburg Imperial Palace. Visitors today can tour the palace's Imperial Apartments and exhibitions, then stop at the adjacent Hofkirche Court Church, where one of Tyrol's most important cultural monuments is on display: 28 larger-than-life bronze figures, which surround the 16th century tomb of Emperor Maximilian I, representing both his heroes of antiquity and his ancestors. While at the Hofburg, stop for delicious coffee and cake at the legendary Café Sacher Innsbruck.
Afternoon:
One of Austria’s top attractions is the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, a short drive beyond Innsbruck at the famed company headquarters, in Wattens.
Take the shuttle bus (included with the Innsbruck Card) from the Innsbruck Congress next to the Hofburg Imperial Palace at 12:44 p.m. and head to this mesmerizing world of crystalline wonders. Originally opened in 1995 to mark the centennial of the company’s founding, the Swarovski Crystal Worlds recently completed a spectacular expansion. Internationally recognized artists, architects and designers have created a truly wondrous world of crystal here.
With its new play tower for kids and spectacularly landscaped gardens -- the new Crystal Cloud features 800,000 hand-mounted crystals -- the Swarovski Crystal Worlds are fun for the whole family. And of course the Swarovski Crystal Worlds store offers an equally exciting shopping experience. Be sure to take advantage of VAT tax-free shopping on purchases over EUR 75. The last shuttle back to Innsbruck takes half an hour, and leaves at 5 p.m..
Evening:
After your return to the city, head back to the Old Town for a traditional Tyrolean dinner. The restaurant at the Ottoburg, within a former medieval defence tower, is a culinary hot spot – housed in the oldest building in Innsbruck.
If you come to Innsbruck in July, don’t miss out on the Promenade Concerts, starting daily at 7.30 p.m. in the courtyard of the Hofburg Imperial Palace. These free concerts showcase Innsbruck's special brass and regional musical traditions with a memorable program.
Day 2
Time to climb the mountain. It's spectacularly easy to enjoy the Alps in Innsbruck. The mighty Nordkette mountain range is a must-see, and it only takes 20 minutes to go up to 6,500 feet from the Old Town. Take the funicular, designed by star architect Zaha Hadid, followed by the Nordkettenbahn cable car and you'll reach the Seegrube and its fantastic views of the city below. Then, continue on to the Hafelekar station. From here, a 10-minute hike will take you up to the 7,500 feet Hafelekar summit. The trail is fit for beginners, but appropriate shoes and clothing are a must.
From this vantage point you'll appreciate the sheer beauty of the surrounding views. Looking north you will see the Alpine Park Karwendel, the largest nature park in Austria. To the south you’ll see the city of Innsbruck, nestled between the Austrian Alps and you will now understand why it is called the Capital of the Alps. For lunch, head back down one section to the Seegrube restaurant, featuring traditional local food served with stunning views.
Afternoon:
Upon heading back down, stop at the Alpenzoo (Alpine Zoo), one of the stops of the Nordkettenbahn cable cars and the highest altitude zoo in Europe. Home to more than 2,000 animals and 150 species, this unique park is a great way to see the animals native to the European Alpine region.
Evening:
Just down from the Alpine Zoo is one of the best spots to dine in all of Innsbruck, the acclaimed Alfred Miller’s Schöneck Inn. A picturesque restaurant set in a former imperial hunting lodge, the Michelin-starred restaurant features wood paneling, an enchanting garden and great views over Innsbruck. The Schöneck has been one of Innsbruck's leading restaurants for years. Start with an elderflower champagne cocktail then sit back, enjoy the meal and let your impressions of the day sink in.
Day 3
Morning
Make your third day a day of Innsbruck treasures – starting with a visit to the district of Wilten, for a look at the Basilika of Wilten. Originally built in 1259, it's one of the most splendid houses of worship. It was completely rebuilt in the 18th century in Rococo style.
A short distance from the Basilika is the Grassmayr Bell Foundry and Museum, where the Grassmayr family first started making church bells in 1599. The bells are exported throughout the world. Learn about the fascinating process of bell making -- and ring some of them yourself.
Next, head to the Bergisel. It was here, in the 19th century, that fierce military battles were fought between the proud Tyroleans supporting Austria, and the Kingdom of Bavaria, loyal to Napoleons France. To this day, the people of Tyrol have a strong sense of independence.
Visit the Tirol Panorama Museum, home to one of the few remaining 19th century panoramic – not to mention gigantic -- paintings showcasing that struggle for freedom.
Towering above the Bergisel is one of the most stunning architectural wonders in all the Alps: the Zaha Hadid-designed Bergisel Olympic Ski Jump Tower. Ski jumping has a long tradition here, both during the winter Olympics of 1964, 1976 and 2012, and during high-profile yearly competitions. Seize the opportunity to experience firsthand the awe-inspiring jumping platform. The SKY restaurant at the top of the ski jump tower makes for a perfect lunch break.
Afternoon
Don’t leave Innsbruck without a visit to the romantic Ambras Castle, perched picturesquely on a hillside of the city. Built in the 16th century, it´s divided into a lower and an upper castle, and set in the remains of a medieval fortress. This was the emperors’ favorite residence and the center of his court´s cultural life.
The lower castle was planned and constructed by the emperor as a museum for his various collections, including arms and armor, art and books, all of which can be seen today. The real gem of the castle is the chamber of arts and curiosities. It is a collection encompassing the entire knowledge, which was available at that time including exotic objects such as coral, ivory, a rhinoceros horn and other artifacts brought back to Europe by early explorers from all over the world.
The upper part of the palace houses the Habsburg´s Portrait Gallery, a renowned collection of works by Lukas Cranach, Anton Mor, Tizian, Van Dyck, Diego Velásquez and other greats. Two other precious features are the George´s Altar of Emperor Maximilian I and the 16th century bathroom of Philippine Welser. For your journey home take the tram-line 6 from the Ambras Castle back to the city center. It departs every hour at .04 and takes you through the scenic hills and forests in the south of Innsbruck.
Evening
If you are interested in a very traditional evening show featuring yodel-songs and folk dances, book a ticket for a “Tyrolean Evening”. A traditional Tyrolean dinner is served at 7:30 pm at the Gasthaus Sandwirt. The show itself, which has been performed by the Gundolf family for over 50 years, starts an hour later. Tickets are available daily from April to October and can be booked online, with a special discount available for holders of an Innsbruck Card.
All locations are accessible via the Innsbruck Sightseer bus, included in your Innsbruck card.
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Recommend
Print
Location
Innsbruck Tourismus
Burggraben 3
6020 Innsbruck
Telephone: +43-512-59850
office@innsbruck.info
NOTE: I AM NOT RECOMMENDING ANY OF THIS!
3 Days: Innsbruck
Get to know the Capital of the Alps – while enjoying stunning mountains, magnificent architecture and fascinating imperial history.
Maria Theresien Street i
Imperial Palace in Innsbruck
Innsbruck on the map
No exploration of Innsbruck is complete without the 72-hour Innsbruck Card, which grants entrance to practically all of the city's museums and sights, free use of public transport and scenic tram rides, a shuttle to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds and a return trip on all seven cable cars in the surrounding mountains. Also included: a guided city tour (in English; tour leaves daily at 2 p.m.), and use of the Sightseer hop-on, hop-off bus. The Innsbruck Card is available for EUR 47 (half-price for kids 6-15) and can be purchased online here.
Day 1
Morning
To stroll through Innsbruck's magnificent Old Town is to immerse yourself in eight centuries of Alpine history. Start your day at Innsbruck’s great landmark, the Golden Roof, famously covered with precisely 2,657 gilded tiles and overlooking the main square. Climb the 148 steps to the viewing platform of the 15th century City Tower. For hundreds of years, tower guards stood on this very platform, announcing the time of day and alerting the town of fires and other danger.
The quaint, narrow alleys of the Old Town also house many small boutique stores offering handcrafted Tyrolean products -- great for souvenirs.
In the 15th century, the Habsburg family ruled its empire from Innsbruck’s Hofburg Imperial Palace. Visitors today can tour the palace's Imperial Apartments and exhibitions, then stop at the adjacent Hofkirche Court Church, where one of Tyrol's most important cultural monuments is on display: 28 larger-than-life bronze figures, which surround the 16th century tomb of Emperor Maximilian I, representing both his heroes of antiquity and his ancestors. While at the Hofburg, stop for delicious coffee and cake at the legendary Café Sacher Innsbruck.
Afternoon:
One of Austria’s top attractions is the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, a short drive beyond Innsbruck at the famed company headquarters, in Wattens.
Take the shuttle bus (included with the Innsbruck Card) from the Innsbruck Congress next to the Hofburg Imperial Palace at 12:44 p.m. and head to this mesmerizing world of crystalline wonders. Originally opened in 1995 to mark the centennial of the company’s founding, the Swarovski Crystal Worlds recently completed a spectacular expansion. Internationally recognized artists, architects and designers have created a truly wondrous world of crystal here.
With its new play tower for kids and spectacularly landscaped gardens -- the new Crystal Cloud features 800,000 hand-mounted crystals -- the Swarovski Crystal Worlds are fun for the whole family. And of course the Swarovski Crystal Worlds store offers an equally exciting shopping experience. Be sure to take advantage of VAT tax-free shopping on purchases over EUR 75. The last shuttle back to Innsbruck takes half an hour, and leaves at 5 p.m..
Evening:
After your return to the city, head back to the Old Town for a traditional Tyrolean dinner. The restaurant at the Ottoburg, within a former medieval defence tower, is a culinary hot spot – housed in the oldest building in Innsbruck.
If you come to Innsbruck in July, don’t miss out on the Promenade Concerts, starting daily at 7.30 p.m. in the courtyard of the Hofburg Imperial Palace. These free concerts showcase Innsbruck's special brass and regional musical traditions with a memorable program.
Day 2
Time to climb the mountain. It's spectacularly easy to enjoy the Alps in Innsbruck. The mighty Nordkette mountain range is a must-see, and it only takes 20 minutes to go up to 6,500 feet from the Old Town. Take the funicular, designed by star architect Zaha Hadid, followed by the Nordkettenbahn cable car and you'll reach the Seegrube and its fantastic views of the city below. Then, continue on to the Hafelekar station. From here, a 10-minute hike will take you up to the 7,500 feet Hafelekar summit. The trail is fit for beginners, but appropriate shoes and clothing are a must.
From this vantage point you'll appreciate the sheer beauty of the surrounding views. Looking north you will see the Alpine Park Karwendel, the largest nature park in Austria. To the south you’ll see the city of Innsbruck, nestled between the Austrian Alps and you will now understand why it is called the Capital of the Alps. For lunch, head back down one section to the Seegrube restaurant, featuring traditional local food served with stunning views.
Afternoon:
Upon heading back down, stop at the Alpenzoo (Alpine Zoo), one of the stops of the Nordkettenbahn cable cars and the highest altitude zoo in Europe. Home to more than 2,000 animals and 150 species, this unique park is a great way to see the animals native to the European Alpine region.
Evening:
Just down from the Alpine Zoo is one of the best spots to dine in all of Innsbruck, the acclaimed Alfred Miller’s Schöneck Inn. A picturesque restaurant set in a former imperial hunting lodge, the Michelin-starred restaurant features wood paneling, an enchanting garden and great views over Innsbruck. The Schöneck has been one of Innsbruck's leading restaurants for years. Start with an elderflower champagne cocktail then sit back, enjoy the meal and let your impressions of the day sink in.
Day 3
Morning
Make your third day a day of Innsbruck treasures – starting with a visit to the district of Wilten, for a look at the Basilika of Wilten. Originally built in 1259, it's one of the most splendid houses of worship. It was completely rebuilt in the 18th century in Rococo style.
A short distance from the Basilika is the Grassmayr Bell Foundry and Museum, where the Grassmayr family first started making church bells in 1599. The bells are exported throughout the world. Learn about the fascinating process of bell making -- and ring some of them yourself.
Next, head to the Bergisel. It was here, in the 19th century, that fierce military battles were fought between the proud Tyroleans supporting Austria, and the Kingdom of Bavaria, loyal to Napoleons France. To this day, the people of Tyrol have a strong sense of independence.
Visit the Tirol Panorama Museum, home to one of the few remaining 19th century panoramic – not to mention gigantic -- paintings showcasing that struggle for freedom.
Towering above the Bergisel is one of the most stunning architectural wonders in all the Alps: the Zaha Hadid-designed Bergisel Olympic Ski Jump Tower. Ski jumping has a long tradition here, both during the winter Olympics of 1964, 1976 and 2012, and during high-profile yearly competitions. Seize the opportunity to experience firsthand the awe-inspiring jumping platform. The SKY restaurant at the top of the ski jump tower makes for a perfect lunch break.
Afternoon
Don’t leave Innsbruck without a visit to the romantic Ambras Castle, perched picturesquely on a hillside of the city. Built in the 16th century, it´s divided into a lower and an upper castle, and set in the remains of a medieval fortress. This was the emperors’ favorite residence and the center of his court´s cultural life.
The lower castle was planned and constructed by the emperor as a museum for his various collections, including arms and armor, art and books, all of which can be seen today. The real gem of the castle is the chamber of arts and curiosities. It is a collection encompassing the entire knowledge, which was available at that time including exotic objects such as coral, ivory, a rhinoceros horn and other artifacts brought back to Europe by early explorers from all over the world.
The upper part of the palace houses the Habsburg´s Portrait Gallery, a renowned collection of works by Lukas Cranach, Anton Mor, Tizian, Van Dyck, Diego Velásquez and other greats. Two other precious features are the George´s Altar of Emperor Maximilian I and the 16th century bathroom of Philippine Welser. For your journey home take the tram-line 6 from the Ambras Castle back to the city center. It departs every hour at .04 and takes you through the scenic hills and forests in the south of Innsbruck.
Evening
If you are interested in a very traditional evening show featuring yodel-songs and folk dances, book a ticket for a “Tyrolean Evening”. A traditional Tyrolean dinner is served at 7:30 pm at the Gasthaus Sandwirt. The show itself, which has been performed by the Gundolf family for over 50 years, starts an hour later. Tickets are available daily from April to October and can be booked online, with a special discount available for holders of an Innsbruck Card.
All locations are accessible via the Innsbruck Sightseer bus, included in your Innsbruck card.
save to favorites
Recommend
Location
Innsbruck Tourismus
Burggraben 3
6020 Innsbruck
Telephone: +43-512-59850
office@innsbruck.info