Sights to See
The following is a curated list of sights that all travellers should have the chance to visit while in Innsbruck…
Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen
Rennweg 3, 6020 Innsbruck
The Nordkettenbahnen Mountain Range is visible from almost anywhere in Innsbruck. The range rises high above the city and provides a majestic Alpine backdrop for this picturesque city. The Innsbruck Nordkettenbahnen funicular and cable railway provides a spectacularly scenic method to whisk you up the mountains to 2334m so that you can experience the magic of the mountains firsthand.
The journey to the top involves three stages. The funicular, designed in a futuristic curved style by starchitect Zaha Hadid, begins conveniently in the centre of the Old Town, beside the Innsbruck Congress House. From here you can take it up to Hungerburg, a small town on the edge of the mountain overlooking Innsbruck. From Hungerburg, you can take the first cable car up to Seegrube (1905m) and then the second cable car on to Hefelekar (2334m). As you climb, the cable car passes over pristine alpine forest and the views become more and more spectacular. Residents and visitors alike flock up the mountains all year round for pursuits such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, hang gliding and climbing. The incredible views from the top and the adventurous journey itself make the Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen a must do for any visitor to Innsbruck!
Tickets are €38 for a return journey: Innsbruck to Hefelekar to Innsbruck.
The Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen is also included with the Innsbruck Card, which costs €49 for 24 hours and includes entry into many attractions in Innsbruck.
Bergisel Ski Jump
Bergiselweg 3, 6020 Innsbruck
The Bergisel Hill, just south of the city has featured a ski jump since the 1920s. A winter sports hub, Innsbruck famously hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976 and ski jumping continues to be a source of pride for the Innsbruck people. In 2002 a new ski jump, designed by starchitect Zaha Hadid opened and the futuristic, sculptural design has become a symbol of the city. Today you can climb the 455 steps or take the inclined elevator to the top of the jump where there is a viewing platform and restaurant – both with breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. It is quite a unique experience to be able to visit a ski jump so close to a city. If you’re lucky you might even be able to watch ski jumpers practising. If you’re visiting in winter, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the Four Hills Tournament or Ski Jumping World Cup and the festive atmosphere that surrounds them!
Tickets to use the elevator are €10.
Goldenes Dachl (The Golden Roof)
Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, 6020 Innsbruck
The Golden Roof, or Goldenes Dachl, is one of Innsbruck’s most famous sights. The Golden Roof itself belongs to a balcony, or more precisely an oriel window, with a roof topped with 2657 gilded copper tiles, attached to an early 15th century building in the centre of the Old Town. The Golden Roof was built in 1496 by Emperor Maximilian I to celebrate his marriage and acted as a royal box from where he could observe the festivities held below in the central square. Along with the sparkling roof tiles, the elaborate balcony is also adorned with motifs representing Maximilian I, his two wives and dancers.
There is a small museum on site documenting the life of Maximilian I along with the history of the balcony. Six of the original painted relief panels can also be seen up close. The originals having been replaced with replicas during the last century. The highlight of the museum is gaining access to the balcony itself, where you can observe the crowds below as Maximilian I once did.
Tickets to the museum are €2.50.
Hofkirche
Universitätsstraße 2, 6020 Innsbruck
The Hofkirche, Court Church, was built by Ferdinand I in 1563 to memorialise the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, who died in 1519. Situated between the Imperial Court and the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum in the heart of the Old Town, the Gothic style church is famous for its 28 intricate bronze statues known as the “Black Men”. The 28 statues, depicting both men and woman, represent members of Maximilian’s family including his two wives, along with religious figures and members of other European royal families. There is even a statue depicting the legendary King Arthur, said to be a hero of Maximilian! Maximilian I is in fact buried at Wiener Neustadt in Vienna and these statues were to accompany him there. Unfortunately, due to their size and weight the statues were unable to be interred with him so Ferdinand I built this church as a cenotaph complete with an empty tomb to be guarded by the statues. The elaborate black marble tomb lies in the centre of the church and is said to be one of the greatest examples of German Renaissance sculpture. The church is also known for its ornate red marble columns along with its 24 marble wall reliefs that depict important moments from Maximilian I’s life.
Tickets to enter the church are €8. You can purchase a combined ticket for €12 that also includes entry to the Tyrolean State Museum Ferdinandeum, Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, Museum in the Armory, Tyrol Panorama and Kaiserjäger Museum.
Entrance is included with the Innsbruck Card.
Explore the Old Town
One of the highlights of any trip to Innsbruck is to wander through the lovely Old Town streets. Stroll along the cobblestones and gaze at the beautifully preserved houses and shopfronts with their unique Tyrolean architecture and design. Follow the winding laneways and explore the quaint squares. Meander along Maria-Theresien-Strasse, the pedestrianised shopping street, and peruse the countless boutiques, galleries and shops and when you’re in need of a rest, pop into one of the cosy coffee shops or pubs for a drink. The Old Town of Innsbruck is full of wonderful museums, churches and historic sights, all clustered into a compact, walkable area. The mighty Nordkette Mountains rise high above the city, providing a spectacular Alpine backdrop to your exploration, making it an enchanting city to explore on foot.
