Innsbruck in Winter
The Alpine city

A golden roof, fortified buildings and avant-garde cable car stations: The city on the Inn surprises, amazes and delights - in winter too, of course.

The Old Town of Innsbruck exudes a unique charm with its medieval alleys and buildings – enhanced by atmospheric lighting and the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds wafting from the Christmas markets.

Innsbruck is a place where history comes alive – like the Golden Roof, its 2,657 gilded copper tiles shining above Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse. The city also hosts major winter events such as the Hahnenkamm Race and the Four Hills Tournament, attracting fans worldwide each year.

Art and culture are equally present: Ambras Castle, with its coffered ceilings and works by Rubens and Velázquez, offers tranquillity amid the winter landscape. The baroque splendour of the Hofburg, surrounded by modern life, makes the capital of Tirol a place where past and present blend together in a magical way.

Facts about Innsbruck
Population:approx. 132,200 (as of 2024)
Provincial capital:of the province Tirol
Area: 104.81 km²
Altitude: 574 m
Viewpoint: Nordkette
Local mountain:Patscherkofel

The Innsbruck Alpine Zoo is one of the highest zoos in Europe and is located 750 m above sea level.

Top highlights

Tours

Sights in Tirol

Top events

Experience Culinary Tirol

Eating and drinking in Innsbruck

Oniriq

An outstanding culinary address at award-winning level. The wonderful modern atmosphere in the Oniriq provides the perfect setting. Top: The sommelier's wine recommendation.

Arkadenhof

Fish, meat or vegetarian: the dishes look and taste great. Especially on hot summer days, the Arkadenhof is a nice, cooler place.

Sitzwohl

The Sitzwohl offers very good international cuisine, is centrally located and has simple, modern furnishings.

Golden Eagle

The Restaurant stands for excellent Tirolean cuisine. Cosy wood-rich furnishings, and attentive service - you immediately feel at home here.

Recipes

Unique places to stay

Sustainable travel: By bus, train, or bike

Public transportation such as IVB buses and trams take visitors comfortably through the city. Numerous lines also serve the sights.

An inexpensive and flexible alternative is the City bike system which is available at many stations. The city is easy to explore on well-developed 90-kilometre cycle paths.

Discover Innsbruck

Innsbruck card

Free entry to 22 museums and attractions, one included ascent and descent on selected cable cars in the region, as well as free travel on public transport and the Sightseer hop-on hop-off bus – all this and more is available with the Innsbruck Card. Valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, this purchase card gives you the freedom to explore the highlights of Innsbruck.

FAQs

Innsbruck offers a wealth of unique destinations, nestled in the stunning alpine landscape of the Alps. These are among the city's top attractions:

  • Bergisel Ski Jump: This impressive ski jump combines sporting history with modern architecture. The viewing platform offers breathtaking views over Innsbruck and the Alps.

  • Ambras Castle: Set amidst beautiful gardens, this Renaissance castle is a historic and art historical gem, featuring unique collections and exhibitions.

  • Nordkette Cable Car: This cable car takes you straight from the heart of Innsbruck up to the Nordkette, where you can enjoy spectacular views and hiking opportunities.

  • Golden Roof: With its 2,657 gilded copper tiles, this house is one of the most admired landmarks in Innsbruck’s Old Town.

  • Alpine Zoo Innsbruck: Europe’s highest zoo, specialising in alpine species.

  • Imperial Hofburg: A magnificent baroque palace that once served as the residence of the Habsburgs.

Innsbruck is located in the west of Austria and is the capital of the state of Tirol. Situated in the Inn Valley and surrounded by the Alps, it is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

  • Skiing and Snowboarding: Innsbruck offers access to several ski resorts, including Nordkette, Axamer Lizum, and the Stubai Valley. Altogether, the region boasts nine ski areas with over 300 kilometres of slopes.

  • Cross-Country Skiing: The area around Innsbruck features numerous cross-country trails, particularly in Seefeld and the Stubai Valley, suitable for both classic and skating techniques.

  • Snowshoeing: Snowshoe hikes are a great way to experience the winter landscapes, perfect for nature lovers.

  • Ice Skating: There are several ice rinks in the city, and at Olympiaworld, visitors can enjoy public ice skating or watch ice hockey matches.

  • Winter Hiking: Many hiking trails are cleared in winter, allowing for scenic winter walks through the snow-covered landscapes.

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