Innsbruck City Breaks

An Alpine gem steeped in cultural heritage

Boasting a rare blend of idyllic Alpine scenery, rich cultural heritage, resplendent architecture and a buzzing nightlife scene, Innsbruck is a remarkably versatile year-round city break destination. One moment you can be meandering through the cobbled streets of the medieval Altstadt or admiring the row of picture perfect, pastel-coloured houses along the Inn River, and the next you can be hiking or skiing through the Nordkette mountains, or swimming in the pristine Lake Lans.

Easy access to nearby nature is undoubtedly one of Innsbruck’s strongest pull factors, but the city is a delightful place to explore in its own right, replete with an array of Gothic and Baroque masterpieces, a grand palace dating back to the 15th century, and a Renaissance-style castle (Schloss Ambras) housing an impressive art collection from the Habsburg dynasty era. Pair that with a plethora of intriguing museums, excellent restaurants, cosy cafes and a beautiful park (Hofgarten), and it’s easy to see why the Tyrolean capital is so much more than just a convenient transit hub for ski holidays in the Austrian Alps.

Key dates

Goldenes Dachl
Built for Emperor Maximilian I between 1497-1500, the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) comprises 2,657 gilded copper tiles on the oriel of a three-story townhouse. It’s the city’s most iconic landmark today, and practically impossible to miss as you wander through the Old Town – particularly on clear days when it shimmers gloriously in the sunshine.
Stadtturm
At 51 metres tall, the Gothic-style Stadtturm (City Tower) was originally built in the 1400s as an observation deck for guards to warn of any danger to the city – be it fires or invaders. Today, it houses a viewing platform at 31 metres, which is accessible via a 148-step spiral staircase. Be sure to have your camera at the ready, as the 360-degree views of the Old Town and the surrounding mountains are spectacular.
Nordkette Cable Car
Keen for an adventure up into the mountains? Hop on the funicular from just outside Hofgarten park, and it’ll whisk you to the Hungerburg station where your journey continues via cable car up to an altitude of 1905 metres. It’s an ideal area for hiking, and there’s also a restaurant where you can tuck into authentic Tyrolean cuisine.