Best attractions in Innsbruck: Top 24
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By carefully studying this rating, you will learn what every tourist should see in Innsbruck. In compiling the review, we have chosen only the most visited and significant sights of Innsbruck - those with which your trip to the hospitable Austrian city will be unforgettable.
What to see in Innsbruck first?
To list all the interesting places in Innsbruck could be endlessly long. Therefore, in this article we have included only the most popular tours in Innsbruck -those that have earned rave reviews and numerous recommendations of travelers:
1. Hofburg Imperial Palace
Just like many other sights in Innsbruck, the medieval imperial castle and the federal state of Tyrol are inextricably linked. The construction of the castle began at the behest of the Tyrolean Count Sigmund the Rich. Later members of the Archduke’s family expanded the holdings. The castle was transformed into a Rococo palace by Maria Theresia. On her orders, the hall where the Empress’ husband died was rebuilt into a chapel. Today there is a museum with luxurious interiors on the territory of the castle. The complex includes an extensive park zone. Even if your trip is short, be sure to make time to visit this palace.
Official website: http://www.hofburg
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2. Ambras Castle
A 16th century object of both historical and architectural value. The interior furnishings feature art objects once owned by Duke Ferdinand, beautiful furnishings and painted vaults. Guests are invited to view a splendid collection of weapons, knight’s armor, ancient musical instruments and medieval scientific devices.
Official website: http://www.schlos
3. Maria Theresa Street
If you don’t know what to see in Innsbruck in 1 day, come to the main street. There are many restaurants, stores, and old “mansions” dating back to the Baroque period, including Trapp Palace and Gump Castle. The Arch of Triumph, the Chapel of St. George, and the best hotels in Innsbruck. You can combine shopping and sightseeing.
4. Arc de Triomphe
Construction of the structure began in honor of the wedding of the heir to Maria Theresia in 1765. Before the wedding, however, Maria Theresia’s husband Franz I died. Therefore, the Arch of Triumph in Innsbruck has two sides - the southern celebratory side and the northern mournful side. The appearance of this arch copies the design of the Roman arch: there are bas-reliefs depicting representatives of the Habsburg family, as well as the coats of arms of Austria. Nearby stands the column of St. Anne with the figure of the saint on top - a monument of the early 18th century, created in memory of the expulsion of the Avar army from the city.
5. Helblinghaus Mansion
The chic rococo building from the 15th century is located in the central part of the city. The façade of the mansion, formerly Gothic, is now decorated with stucco. See the house from the inside you can not. As well as some other architectural sights of Austria this one is privately owned. But you can look at the walls of the historic building as long as you want and for free.
Take a look at the wonderful views of Innsbruck in this beautiful video!
6. The House with the Golden Roof
If you want to see the best sights of Innsbruck for free, come to this old, colorful building. The classic Austrian-style building stands out for its unusual façade and remarkable balcony with a gold-colored roof. A bay window was added to the former residence of Friedrich the Fourth by order of Emperor Maximilian the First. The house with more than 2,500 gilded copper roof tiles is open to tourists: the Maximilian Museum is located inside. There is a fee to enter the museum itself.
7. The city tower
A 15th-century building that was intended to monitor the border and the entire territory of Innsbruck. Inside the tower also once served members of the city government. In the 20th century the authorities carried out a major restoration of the structure. Now at the top level of the tower is an observation deck, which offers wonderful views of the city. It is possible to get up to it, overcoming 150 steps.
8. St. James’s Cathedral
The majestic Baroque temple was built on the site of a former Gothic church. The architectural masterpiece took about seven years to build. Inside is the tombstone of Archduke Maximilian the Third (work of Gras) and the famous flesh of the Virgin Mary (by L. Cranach). The interiors are decorated with stucco decorations and ceiling frescoes. The atmosphere of the halls is solemn and peaceful.
9. Basilica and Monastery of Wilten
The sights are a huge hit with pilgrims from all over the world. According to legend, on the site where the church and basilica now stand, the ancient Roman wars worshipped an icon of Our Lady. The halls of the sanctuaries are decorated in light pastel shades. There are both rich Rococo moldings and gilded elements typical of the Baroque trend.
10. Hofkirche
As conceived by Emperor Maximilian the First, the building was to be a political memorial to the Roman Empire, of which the Habsburgs were the successor. The construction work lasted for eight decades and was completed under Ferdinand the Second. Guides in Innsbruck will tell you many fascinating facts about the history of the funerary complex. A guided tour of the church is more interesting. One of the treasures of the Hofkirche is the antique organ created by Ebert. The uniqueness of the musical instrument lies not only in the incredibly powerful sound and sheer size. But also in the fact that it is one of the few instruments in the world that has survived to this day in its original form.
Official website: http://www.tiroler
11. Tyrol Folk Art Museum
By visiting this complex, you will learn about the history and traditions of the Tyrolean population. The exhibits include furniture, crockery, clothing and other objects that create the atmosphere of a bygone era. The date of opening of the museum itself is the end of the 19th century.
Official website: http://www.tiroler
12. Grassmire Bell Museum
The original museum center is still owned by the Grassmayr family, whose members have been casting since the 16th century. Visitors to the complex are invited to view hundreds of stunning examples of all kinds of bells of all sizes. And see how skilled craftsmen pour the molten metal into molds.
Official site: https://www.grassmayr.
13. Ferdinandeum Museum
The collection of exhibits (numerous artifacts from the Middle Ages and the heyday of the Roman Empire) is housed in an ancient mansion. The center itself was named in memory of the Archduke of Austria, the collector and patron of the arts Ferdinand the Second, and now highly respected in the city.
Official website: http://www.tiroler-landes
14. Panorama Tyrol Museum
The museum complex is located on a hill: the one where, at the beginning of the 19th century, the army of Napoleon met with a handful of Tyrols and was defeated, despite its impressive numerical superiority. The exhibit is dedicated to the feat of heroes.
Official website: http://www.tiroler-landes
15. Swarovski Crystal Museum
Not far from the city border another unusual museum was opened, which used to serve as a factory for TM Swarovski. The collection is an installation of world famous crystals, created by the most famous designers. The appearance of the territory is very unusual - the head of the giant with eyes of green crystals. The museum itself is the “underground kingdom” of this character, in which his treasures are hidden.
Official site: https://kristallwelten.
16. Anatomical Museum
Far from the best option for where to go in Innsbruck with children. But for adult tourists a visit to this museum is recommended. The exhibits talk about practical dissection. The exhibits are “soft” specimens showing the internal “performance” of the organs of the human body, the skeleton of the tallest Austrian, ancient skulls decorated with monograms and floral ornaments.
Official site: http://www.anatomie
17. The Alpine Zoo
The 1960 zoo with several thousand inhabitants is open in the highlands. Some of the inhabitants here are on the verge of extinction. In addition, there are the “usual” fauna of the Alps: sheep, cows and goats. In addition to viewing the territory and getting to know the animals, it is possible to listen to research and educational programs.
Official website: https://www.alpenzoo.
18. Botanical Garden of the University of Innsbruck
University of Innsbruck. Innsbruck is an old city that is rich not only in architecture, but also in natural masterpieces. The botanical garden, spread over two hectares of land, was established at the end of the 18th century. In those early years, the first garden of stones on earth was made on the territory. It is worth coming here, for example, for several hundred different species of cacti. The total number of plants is about 5,000 specimens. You do not need to buy a ticket to walk around the garden. Just like many other attractions in Innsbruck, this one is free for tourists and citizens. However, if you want to see the plants in the greenhouses, you will still have to pay for admission.
Official website: https://www.uibk.ac
19. Park Hofgarten
In the 15th century there was an imperial kitchen garden in what is now the park area, from which herbs and vegetable crops were brought to the table of the monarchs. Centuries later, the vegetable garden was improved, turning it into a beautifully landscaped park in the traditional English style. Now there are pavilions, alleys and flowerbeds. Especially valuable are the trees planted personally by Maria Theresa.
Innsbruck sights: what else to visit in Innsbruck?
We have told you about the main attractions of Innsbruck briefly. However, this is by no means a complete list of what you should definitely visit in Innsbruck. In addition to these sites, take time to see:
20. Café Sacher
One of the most famous cafes in the city and all of Austria. Opened in the imperial palace at the end of the 20th century. The name of the place was given by the legendary chocolate cake Sacher. About seven years ago, the institution was restored and the walls received a pleasant golden hue. When you arrive here, order a delicious coffee and a classic Zacher dessert. Keep in mind that it’s worth reserving a table in advance. Often, the whole queue is gathered before the entrance to the famous cafe.
Official website: https://www.sacher.com
21. The “Bergisel” ski jump
A ski jump that dates back to 1925. Three times it was used for lighting the Olympic flame. At the beginning of the 21st century it underwent a complete restoration. In addition to viewing the ski jump, guests can climb to the observation deck and visit the panoramic restaurant. You can use the stairs or cable car to climb.
Official website: http://www.bergisel
22. Funicular “Hungerburgbahn”
A modern construction (renovated in 2005), designed by Z. Hahid, and connects the Hungerburg district and the central part of the city. On the way the cabins make four stops. The last point of the Hungerburgbahn is at an altitude of just under one thousand meters.
23. The “Nordkettenbahn” cable car
The cable car takes you to more than 2300 meters above sea level - to Hafelekar Peak. From the comfort of the cabin you can admire incredible panoramas of the Grossglockner peaks, the town and the valley of Obérez-Intal. The ride is recommended not only for those who want to ski on the slopes, but also for everyone who enjoys the incredible views of nature.
Official website: https://www.nordkette
24. Riverfront Inn
The waterfront Inn has an original development. The waterway divides the city area into two zones: with the river and the slopes of the Alps and colorful buildings. In addition, on the left bank is the historic center of Innsbruck and its ancient architectural monuments.
We will be glad if the sights of Innsbruck, pictures with names and descriptions of which you found in this article, managed to arouse your interest and you will want to visit them personally. Read also about best sights of Salzburg and get inspired for your further journey around Austria.
