Alternative Sights to See
The following sites are some of the more unique or off the beaten track sights to see in Innsbruck.
Alpine Zoo
Weiherburggasse 37a, 6020 Innsbruck
The Alpine Zoo is located on the south side of the Nordkette Mountain above Innsbruck. This zoo is unique in that it only features animals that are native to the Alps. This does not limit the scale of the zoo however, with over 2000 animals from over 150 species showcased. Mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians including Alpine ibex, brown bears, European otters, snow hares, European bison’s, golden eagles and bearded vultures live in modern enclosures and you are able to get up close and personal with many of the animals. The location of the zoo, on the side of the mountain above the city, also gives the visitor spectacular views over Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains.
The zoo is about 30 minutes walk from the centre of the Old Town, or you can catch the Hungerburg Funicular to the Hungerburg station which takes about 8 minutes.
Tickets are €12 for entrance to the zoo. Alternatively, you can get a combi ticket which includes entrance to the zoo and a return trip on the Hungerburg Funicular for €17.
Entrance is included with the Innsbruck Card.
Dom Zu St Jakob
Dompl. 6, 6020 Innsbruck
Dom zu St Jakob (Cathedral of St James), widely known as the Innsbruck Cathedral, is a beautiful baroque cathedral dating to 1724. A stone’s throw from the Golden Roof in the Old Town, the cathedral features two bell towers and an elaborate dome that soar above the surrounding Old Town buildings. Inside, light streams into the cathedral from large clear windows while soaring pink marble columns project an atmosphere of warmth. The cathedral is a quiet and contemplative space with remarkable stucco work and extraordinary ceiling frescoes that tell the story of the saint and church patron James the Elder. Above the high alter you can see the church’s most prized possession, the Mariahilf painting. Painted by Lukas Cranach the Elder in 1537, the painting is one of the most recognisable images of the Virgin Mary.
Tyrolean Folk Art Museum
Universitätsstraße 2, 6020 Innsbruck
The Tyrolean Folk Art Museum is home to the most significant collection of cultural artefacts from the Tyrol region. Unique Tyrolean cultural artefacts have been collected since 1888 and since 1929 have been showcased in a former Franciscan monastery located next to the Hofkirche in the heart of the Old Town. The museum features a plethora of artefacts, the oldest dating to the Middle ages, though there is a focus on items for the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Artefacts include religious artworks, traditional furniture, tools, pottery, glassware, costumes and objects used for customs and festivals. The focus is not so much on famous works, but those items and objects used by the people of Tyrol throughout history. Of special significance are 14 reconstructed wood panelled rooms from Tyrolean farms and houses dating from the Gothic, Renaissance, Barque and Rococo periods.
Tickets to the museum are €12 which also includes access to the Hofkirche, Tyrolean State Museum Ferdinandeum, Museum in the Armory, Tyrol Panorama and Kaiserjäger Museum.
Entrance is included with the Innsbruck Card.
Hofgarten
Kaiserjägerstraße, 6020 Innsbruck
Opposite the Hofburg (Imperial Palace) on the edge of the Old Town you can find the delightful Hofgarten park. Originally designed in the 15th century and reserved for members of the imperial court, today the Hofgarten is a popular green space loved by residents and visitors alike. Spread over 10 lovely green hectares, the park offers a respite from the crowds and is the perfect spot to sit, relax and recharge before heading out for more sightseeing. There are plenty of mature trees, winding walking paths, ponds, an outdoor chess board and children’s playground along with a pavilion for concerts.
The Hofburg
Rennweg 1, 6020 Innsbruck
The Imperial Palace, known as the Hofburg, was built during the 15th century and was initially used as a palace for the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I. Located in the heart of the Old Town, the palace encompasses a grand collection of buildings that showcase the power and wealth of the former Emperor. During the mid 18th century the palace underwent extensive renovations under the direction of Maria Theresa into a late Baroque style. The palace has been extensively refurbished and revitalised and today is considered one of the three most important historic buildings in Austria. You can tour the opulent and lavishly decorated palace rooms including the Giant’s Hall, Imperial Apartments, Chapel and Galleries. The spectacular rooms feature period furniture, tapestries, artworks, stunning marble floors and beautiful ceiling frescoes.
Tickets to the palace are €9.50.
Entrance is included with the Innsbruck Card.
