Innsbruck Holidays

Surrounded by the jagged peaks, forested slopes and meadows of the Austrian Alps, few European cities boast quite such a dramatic setting as Innsbruck. As such, if you’re lucky enough to have a window seat on your flight, you can expect to be treated to some truly spectacular views on the approach.

It’s a remarkably versatile city break destination throughout the year, with its unique blend of colourful riverside neighbourhoods, charming Old Town, rich cultural heritage, thriving gastronomic scene and swathes of Alpine nature right on its doorstep – far more than just a gateway to some of Austria’s finest ski resorts.

Architectural splendour

As you stroll through the streets of Innsbruck, you’ll notice a diverse range of architectural styles – it’s a city where tradition and modernity seamlessly blend into one another. The small but picturesque Altstadt (Old Town) is largely characterised by Gothic and Baroque buildings, some of which date back to the 15th century when Innsbruck became the official capital of the Tyrol region and a major political and cultural hub of the Habsburg Empire.

Key landmarks to look out for include the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof, built for Emperor Maximilian I), the Imperial Palace, the Cathedral of St. James the 51 metre-high City Tower, whose observation deck offers magnificent panoramic views of the city and the mountains beyond. On the opposite side of the Inn River you’ll see a row of brightly painted houses of all different colours, beautifully framed by snow-capped mountain peaks – the ultimate Innsbruck postcard vantage point, best photographed from the Innbrücke bridge.

A haven for outdoor adventures

As a two-time host of the Winter Olympics (1964 and 1976), Innsbruck is a bona fide winter sports paradise. Sölden, Ischgl, Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau and Kitzbühel are just a handful of the top class ski resorts within a 60-90 minute drive of Innsbruck, while Patscherkofel (to the south) and Nordkette (to the north) offer some fantastic slopes on the city’s outskirts. The ski season can last from late November until early May, with January, February and March usually providing the best snow conditions.

In summer and autumn, Innsbruck and the surrounding areas become ripe for hiking, cycling and wild swimming, particularly in and around Naturpark Karwendel, Patscherkofel and Nordkette – the latter being connected to the city centre via cable car.