Innsbruck is the state capital of Tyrol state in Austria. The city is situated on the banks of river Inn between the Wipp Valley in the Karwendel Alps. The name of the city means “Bridge over the Inn”. Among best things to do in Innsbruck, Austria include skiing, historical buildings, art galleries, museums, boat cruise, hiking and mountaineering. The city is one of the top destinations in the country for skiing, snowboarding and mountaineering. It has hosted Winter Olympics, Winter Paralympics and Winter Youth Olympics. Ski resorts are some of the most popular Innsbruck tourist attractions.
The wilderness around the city is also quite popular for nature lovers. Some of the best places to visit in Innsbruck are tucked away in the Alps. There are wonderful hiking trails and mountain treks to explore. There are also a few quaint hidden gems in form of churches, lodges and cabins to explore in the mountains during Innsbruck travel.
The city has had several centuries of history to be explored. Some of the top historical things to see in Innsbruck include churches, palaces, old residents, government buildings, columns, watchtowers and triumphal arch. You also get to see several interesting museums among Innsbruck attractions including one dedicated Bells. The city is also known for some amazing art galleries and art museums dedicated to various periods of history. You should especially check out art museums and cultural museums dedicated to Tyrolean culture while exploring Innsbruck tourist places. There are also old neighbourhoods where you can still find buildings as old as medieval times among Innsbruck sightseeing places. You will get to see beautiful works of baroque and Gothic architecture in these places.
The Best 25 Tourist Attractions to Visit in Innsbruck in 4 Days (Trip Itinerary)
Day 1
1. Imperial Palace (Hofburg Palace)
This palace was first built under the reign of Emperor Maximillian I in 1500s. The palace tells the story of several years of culture and politics of the region. It is among the best places to visit in Innsbruck to begin with. You will need at least 2 hours to explore this place.
2. Court Garden (Innsbrucker Hofgarten)
This English landscaped garden is about 600 years old. This recreational park is the venue for several top things to do in Innsbruck Austria. You would need about 30 to 45 minutes to explore this place.
3. Hungerburgbahn Funicular
This quaint little railway line takes you along for ride through the mountains of Nordkette. The best time to visit Innsbruck for this experience is post monsoon when the nature is at its full glory. The ride lasts for about half an hour.
4. Alpine Zoo Innsbruck (Alpenzoo)
This zoo has several animals brought in from various different countries around the world. It is among the most popular Innsbruck tourist attractions for families. You would need at least an hour to explore this place.
5. Nordkette Cable Car (Nordkettenbahn)
Another great experience to be had amidst the mountains. This cable car takes you atop the mountain for a wonderful sight. This view is included among the most beautiful things to see in Innsbruck. You will need about 2 hours for this experience.
Day 2
1. Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
This building is included among Innsbruck attractions for having a copper gilded tile roof which looks like it has been adorned with gold. You need no more than 10-15 minutes to see this building’s roof.
2. Innsbruck Cathedral / Cathedral of St. James (Dom zu St. Jakob)
Also known as St. James Cathedral, this monumental structure was built in the 18th century. It is known for its iconic baroque style architecture. It is one of the most beautiful buildings to see during Innsbruck travel. You would need 30-45 minutes for this cathedral.
3. Altstadt Innsbruck
This old town district of the city is one of the best places for Innsbruck sightseeing. You will see several medieval buildings and even a few interesting works of gothic and baroque style of architecture. You would need about an hour to explore this building.
4. Court Church (Hofkirche)
This church is known for its wonderfully designed interiors. The church was first built in 1533 under Emperor Ferdinand I. You would need about 2 hours to explore various aspects of this church when you visit Innsbruck.
5. Tyrolean Folk Art Museum (Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum)
This museum is dedicated to ancient art from Tyrolean, the state of which Innsbruck is a part of. It is among the most culturally important Innsbruck sights. You would need 2 hours for this museum.
6. Tyrolean State Museum (Tiroler Landesmuseum)
This museum also focuses on the Tyrolean culture, but it reveals several other aspects such as traditions, lifestyles, politics and more alongside art. It is again among culturally interesting places to see in Innsbruck. It will take you 2 hours to tour this museum.
7. Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche Innsbruck)
This 17th century church is among Innsbruck top attractions for its history, baroque style design as well as having the largest bell in the country. You would need an hour or so for this church.
Day 3
1. Helbling House (Helblinghaus)
This 15th century building is a must see in Innsbruck. It is known for its gothic architecture along with baroque facade. You won’t need more than 15-20 minutes for this building.
2. Town Hall Tower (Stadtturm)
This 15th century watchtower is one of the most popular tourist places in Innsbruck. The tower offers great view of the old town area and its gothic architecture. You would need about half an hour for this place.
3. Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Swarovski Kristallwelten)
This museum focuses on the history, products and stories of the Swarovski brand, one of the most well known jewelry brands in the world. It has also become popular among Innsbruck sightseeing places. You would need about an hour for this place.
4. St. Anne’s Column
This column was built with Red Kramsach marble and is designed like a sculpture. You wouldn’t need more than a couple of minutes to admire it.
5. Maria-Theresien-Straße
Named after Empress Maria Theresa, this area has 700 years of history. It is known for numerous historical buildings which are very well preserved. It is among the best places to visit in Innsbruck as a strolling street. You would need about an hour for this street.
6. Audioversum – ScienceCenter
This science museum is dedicated to sound. The history of discoveries concerning sounds, equipment created to study and use sounds and more. You will need about an hour for this place.
7. Triumphal Arch (Triumphpforte)
This arch gate was built in honor of Archduke Leopold’s wedding in 18th century. It is known for its wonderful design and is one of the most wonderful Innsbruck tourist attractions. You would only a few minutes to admire it.
8. Grassmayr Bell Museum (Grassmayr Glockenmuseum)
This Innsbruck attraction is dedicated to the history of bells and various types of it as they evolved in several places. You would need an hour for this museum.
Day 4
1. Bergisel Ski Jump
One of the most fun things to do in Innsbruck is Ski Jumping. This hill also offers several other activities and is also known for its historical and cultural significance. You can easily spend a couple of hours at this place.
2. Tyrol Panorama Museum (Tirol Panorama mit Kaiserjägermuseum)
This museum exhibits large panoramic paintings regarding the 1809 Tyrolean Rebellion. These paintings are among truly impressive things to see in Innsbruck. You would need about 2 hours for this place.
3. Wilten Basilica (Wiltener Basilika)
This Basilica is renowned for being home ground of Wilten Boys Choir. It is also known for its Rocco style interiors. You would need about half an hour for this church.
4. OlympiaWorld
This huge sports complex focuses on a variety of sports and can be an interesting addition to Innsbruck travel. This stadium has severed home to 3 olympic events. You would need an hour or so for this sports complex.
5. Ambras Castle (Schloss Ambras)
This 16th century castle is known among Innsbruck sightseeing places for its great history as well as architecture. You would need about 2 to 3 hours to explore this castle.
If you are looking for more Innsbruck sights and activities, check out the sections below.
Things to do in Innsbruck
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Innsbruck
- Golden Roof
- Ambras Castle
- Hofkirche
- Museo Estatal del Tirol
- Museum of Tyrolean Folklore Art
- Hofburg Palace
- Cathedral de Santiago
- Tyrol Panaroma Museum
- Triumph Gate
- St. Anne’s Column
- Burg Hasegg
- Stadtturm
- Art Innsbruck
- Audioversum Science Center
- Helbling House
- Kaiserjager Museum
- Taxipalais Kunsthalle Tyrol
- Basilica di Wilten
- Glockengiesserei Grassmyr
- Armory Museum
- Tyrolean Museum of Railroad History
- Kunstraum Innsbruck
- Kerschbuchhof Chapel
- Hottinger Bild Church
- Grosser Lafatscher
- Schloss Buchesenhausen
- Stift Wilten
- Schloss Ambras
- Museum Stadtarcheologie Hall
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Innsbruck
- Muttereralm Bergbahnen
- Hafelekarspitze Summit
- Mount Glungezer
- Patscherkofel Valley
- Natterer See Lake
- Zirbenwerg Forest
- Mount Birkkarsitze
- Naturepark Karwendel
- Mount Saile
- Mount Schafreuter
- Gleirschklamm Gorge
- Lake Lans
- Mount Grosser Bettelurf
- Mount Reither Spitze
- Mount Martinswand
- Seefeld Plateau
- Grosse Arnspitze Mountain Peak
- Mount Kleiner Solstein
- Frau Hitt Mountain Peak
- Hinterau Valley
- Bagger See Lake
- Mount Harmelekopf
- Rumer Spitze
- Mount Grosser Solstein
- Speckkarspitze
- Vordere Brandjochspitze Mountain Peak
- Laliderer Spitze Mountain Peak
- Pfeiser Spitze Mountain Peak
- Mount Erlspitze
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Innsbruck
- Bergisel Ski Jump
- Alpine Zoo
- Nordkette Cable Car
- Patscherkofel Ski Valley
- Schlick 2000 Ski Center
- Serlesbahnen Mieders
- Ski City
- Innsbrucker Hofgarten
- Olympia World
- Nordkette Ski Slope
- Bergisel Hill
- StuBay Freizeit Center Waterpark
- Innsbruck University Botanical Garden
- Innsbruck Casino
- Reitherjoch Alm
- Nordkette Skyline Park
- Kinderland Rinn Ski Resort
- Rapoldi Park
Shopping in Innsbruck
- Rathausgarten
- Culinarium Old Town
- Kaufhaus Tyrol
- Sillpark
- DEZ Innsbruck
- Ctya Shoppingwelt Vols
- Innalcenter Telfs
- M4 Worgl
- Stadtgalerien
Offbeat Places & Adventure Activities to Do in Innsbruck
- Ski Jumping
- Hiking
- Cable Car Ride
- Trekking
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Boat Cruise
Sightseeing in Innsbruck
- Maria Theresian Strasse
- Europa Bridge
- Altstadt Innsbruck
- Lanhausplatz
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Innsbruck
- Stiftskeller
- Oniriq
- Gasthaus Anich
- Gasthof LAM
- Ottoburg
- Bierwirt
- Himal
- Regiothek
- Ludwig
- Die Wilderin
- Goldenes Dachl
- Die Pizzerei
- Machete
- Sitzwohl
- Victoria’s
- Safran
- Ristorante
- Buzihutte
- Kai
- II Convento
Custom Tours Package in Innsbruck
How to Reach Innsbruck?
By Air
Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport is the largest one in Tyrol state. You can get direct flights to visit Innsbruck from Frankfurt, Vienna, London, Gothenburg, Stockholm, Berlin, Amsterdam, Manchester, Bristol, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Helsinki, Edinburgh, Luxembourg, Moscow, Copenhagen, Dublin, Newcastle, Antwerp and many more cities. You can get buses and cabs to get to places in the city from the airport.
By Road
You can get direct trains for Innsbruck travel from Venice, Zurich, Vienna, Graz, Salzburg and several other destinations from neighboring countries. The bus network is more widespread, but limited to within Austria.
By Water
There are no direct water routes to reach Innsbruck.
Image Reference
- Imperial Palace (Hofburg Palace) – Pixelteufel / Flickr
- Court Garden (Innsbrucker Hofgarten) – glynnismorgan / Flickr
- Hungerburg Funicular – ringelbaer / PixaBay
- Alpine Zoo Innsbruck (Alpenzoo) – Wilhelmus Hengstmengel / PixaBay
- Nordkette Cable Car (Nordkettenbahn) – Keith Ewing / Flickr
- Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) – alfredhofmeister / PixaBay
- Innsbruck Cathedral / Cathedral of St. James (Dom zu St. Jakob) – Richard Franklin / Flickr
- Altstadt Innsbruck – Pixelteufel / Flickr
- Court Church (Hofkirche) – quirkyjazz / Flickr
- Tyrolean Folk Art Museum (Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum) – Bede735c / Wikimedia Commons
- Tyrolean State Museum (Tiroler Landesmuseum) – Simon Legner / Wikimedia Commons
- Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche Innsbruck) – Simon Legner / Wikimedia Commons
- Helbling House (Helblinghaus) – Iain Cameron / Flickr
- Town Hall Tower (Stadtturm) – Alejandro / Flickr
- Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Swarovski Kristallwelten) – benchtalks / PixaBay
- St. Anne’s Column – 13059700 / PixaBay
- Maria-Theresien-Straße – jpellgen (@1179_jp) / Flickr
- Audioversum – ScienceCenter – Simon Legner / Wikimedia Commons
- Triumphal Arch (Triumphpforte) – Andrew-M-Whitman / Flickr
- Grassmayr Bell Museum (Grassmayr Glockenmuseum) – pilot_micha / Flickr
- Bergisel Ski Jump – Julie-Kolibrie / PixaBay
- Tyrol Panorama Museum (Tirol Panorama mit Kaiserjägermuseum) – Rosco / Wikimedia Commons
- Wilten Basilica (Wiltener Basilika) – Pierre Bona / Wikimedia Commons
- OlympiaWorld – Michael aus Halle / Wikimedia Commons
- Ambras Castle (Schloss Ambras) – WikimediaImages / PixaBay
The post 25 Must See Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Innsbruck in 4 Days appeared first on Wide World Trips.