The short answer: In Innsbruck, see the old town with the Golden Roof, the Imperial Palace and the Court Church with its bronze statues, then ride straight from downtown up to the Nordkette mountains. One day covers the old town and the mountain, two to three days add Ambras Castle, Bergisel and day trips. Innsbruck works year round: hiking in summer, snow and Christmas markets in winter.
Top Sights in Innsbruck
The capital of Tyrol sits in the Inn valley, surrounded by peaks over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) high. Emperor Maximilian I made Innsbruck one of his power centers around 1500, and Empress Maria Theresa later shaped its look. Innsbruck hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1964 and 1976.
Golden Roof and Old Town
The Golden Roof is a lavish oriel balcony built for Maximilian I around 1500. Its roof is covered with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles, and from here the court watched tournaments and festivities on the square below. Around it you will find arcaded lanes, the City Tower with its viewing platform and the colorful houses along the Inn river in the Mariahilf district.
Imperial Palace and Court Church
The Hofburg received its Baroque appearance under Maria Theresa. Next door, the Court Church holds the memorial tomb of Maximilian I, guarded by 28 larger than life bronze figures that locals call the "Black Men".
Nordkette and Bergisel
From downtown, the Hungerburg funicular with stations designed by Zaha Hadid takes you uphill, and cable cars continue to above 2,000 meters. The Bergisel ski jump south of the city is also a Zaha Hadid design and offers sweeping views of the valley.
Ambras Castle
Archduke Ferdinand II expanded this Renaissance castle above the city. His Chamber of Art and Curiosities is considered one of the oldest surviving collections of its kind.
How Much Time Do You Need?
- 1 day: old town, Golden Roof, Imperial Palace and Court Church in the morning, Nordkette in the afternoon.
- 2 days: add Ambras Castle, Bergisel and the giant panorama painting.
- 3 days or more: Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, hikes or a drive into the Tyrolean Alps.
Best Time to Visit
June to September is perfect for hiking on the Nordkette, with mild evenings in the old town. In winter the ski areas around Innsbruck are close by, and from mid November to early January several Christmas markets fill the old town. Spring and fall are quieter and great for culture. Keep in mind that snow can linger on the Nordkette even in summer and mountain weather changes quickly.
Practical Tips
- Go up early: Views from the Nordkette are usually clearest in the morning, while summer afternoons often bring clouds.
- Pack a warm layer: It is much cooler at the top than in town, so bring a jacket even in July.
- Climb the City Tower: From the platform you see rooftops, river and mountains in one frame.
- Try Tyrolean food: Bacon dumplings, cheese dumplings and Tiroler Gröstl taste twice as good after a mountain outing.
Explore with a Guide
Licensed Tyrolean guides explain why Maximilian I chose Innsbruck, what the Tyrolean uprising of 1809 was about and where the best views are hiding:
- Innsbruck Altstadt & Goldenes Dachl
- Innsbruck mit dem Rad: Inn, Ambras und Olympiastadt
- Familien-Innsbruck: Alpenzoo und Riesenrundgemälde
- Swarovski Kristallwelten
- Tiroler Genuss: Speck, Käse und Schnaps
Innsbruck FAQ
What is the Golden Roof?
A late Gothic oriel balcony in the old town, built for Emperor Maximilian I around 1500. Its roof of 2,657 gilded copper tiles is Innsbruck's best known landmark.
Can you go straight from the city into the mountains?
Yes. The Hungerburg funicular leaves near the old town, and cable cars continue up the Nordkette. You can be in the high Alps in a short time.
Is one day enough for Innsbruck?
A well planned day covers the old town, the palace and the Nordkette. For Ambras Castle, Bergisel and trips into the countryside, plan two to three days.
Is Innsbruck good for families?
Very. The Alpine Zoo shows animals of the Alps, the giant panorama painting tells history in pictures, and the mountain railways are an adventure for kids.
Plan Your Innsbruck Tour
Discover Innsbruck with a licensed local guide: book your tour or contact us for a custom program. More about the region at Innsbruck Tourism.