Feel the city in Innsbruck - 10 cool tips

Welcome to Innsbruck – the city where the mountains are within reach

Innsbruck, the charming capital of Tyrol, captivates with a unique mix of Alpine tradition, imperial history, and urban dynamism . Where else can you stroll through medieval streets in the morning and enjoy the view at over 2,000 meters above sea level in the afternoon?

The heart of Innsbruck is the Old Town with its narrow streets, the magnificent Golden Roof , and historic buildings such as the Hofburg , St. James's Cathedral , and the Hofkirche with its "Black Men." Here, history becomes visible and tangible .

In addition to museums and buildings, there are boutiques, cafés and inns that charmingly combine Tyrolean cuisine with international flair.

ℹ️ You will learn this in this article:

• Historical overview
• Must See in the Old Town of Innsbruck
• Discover Innsbruck with a scavenger hunt
• Excursions around Innsbruck
• Tips for chilling & nightlife in Innsbruck

🕰️ Historical overview: From Roman base to residential city

Innsbruck's origins date back to pre-Roman times , but the city's actual history begins with the Roman military camp of Veldidena in what is now the Wilten district. The first documented mention of "Insprucke" (bridge over the Inn) dates back to 1187 .

In the Middle Ages, Innsbruck quickly developed into an important trading center thanks to its strategic location on the important north-south route over the Brenner Pass. The Counts of Tyrol moved their residence to Innsbruck in 1420, transforming the city into a political and cultural center.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Innsbruck became the royal residence of the Habsburgs under Emperor Maximilian I , whose building projects and court culture continue to shape the cityscape to this day.

Over the centuries, the city has experienced wars, occupations and cultural change – most recently as the host city of the Winter Olympics (1964 & 1976) , which made Innsbruck internationally famous.

🏰 The old town of Innsbruck – a historical jewel

Innsbruck's Old Town is compact, rich in sights, and characterized by magnificent Gothic and Baroque buildings. Here, history, urbanity, and Alpine lifestyle combine in a particularly charming way.

✨ 1. Golden Roof

The Golden Roof is Innsbruck's most famous landmark. Built around 1500 under Emperor Maximilian I, it consists of 2,657 fire-gilded copper shingles . The magnificent oriel served as a box for courtly appearances and is now a museum dedicated to the history of the reign.

✨ 2. Hofburg and Hofkirche

The Imperial Palace in Innsbruck is one of Austria's most important cultural monuments and was once the seat of the Tyrolean princes. Particularly impressive is the magnificent Rococo-style Giant Hall.

Right next door is the Hofkirche (Court Church) with the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I – surrounded by 28 larger-than-life bronze statues (“Black Men”), which are among the most important Renaissance sculptures in Central Europe.

✨ 3. St. James's Cathedral

The baroque Innsbruck Cathedral with its magnificent façade, the famous altarpiece by Lucas Cranach the Elder and the dome with ceiling frescoes by Cosmas Damian Asam is an architectural masterpiece.

✨ 4. Maria-Theresien-Straße

The elegant main street of the city center is lined with historic town houses, cafés, boutiques, and the Annasäule ( St. Anne's Column), which commemorates the plague defense of 1703. In the background, the Nordkette mountain range rises steeply—a unique photo spot.

✨ Discover Innsbruck with the digital scavenger hunt from ixpirity!

Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is more than just Alpine romance and baroque splendor. It's a city full of stories, perspectives, and secrets – and that's exactly where our digital scavenger hunt through Innsbruck comes in. Perfect for anyone who wants to not just see the city, but truly experience it .

With your smartphone in hand, you'll follow exciting puzzles, historical facts, and entertaining challenges throughout the city. Whether alone, as a couple, with friends, or family: this interactive city tour is anything but boring.

Our scavenger hunt takes you to the Golden Roof – the city's most famous landmark, St. James's Cathedral – with a view of the miraculous image "Mariahilf", Hofburg & Hofkirche – where history becomes tangible, City Tower & Old Town streets – for a glimpse into Innsbruck's soul, Market Square & Mariahilfzeile – the postcard view par excellence, and several other must-sees!

Who is the scavenger hunt suitable for?

For all those who want to actively explore Innsbruck! Especially:

• People who want variety
• Families with children (playful & educational!)
• Couples on a journey of discovery
• School classes or team events

All you need is a smartphone – and a little curiosity.

Innsbruck interactive: Your benefits at a glance

• Discover the city at your own pace
• Puzzles, information and fun facts – directly on your mobile
• No time pressure, no guide, no boredom
• Suitable for all weather
• Created with love for history, detail & humor

✨ Excursions around Innsbruck

Picture made by ChatGPT

✨ By tram to Igls & to the Patscherkofel

What awaits you: One of the most beautiful combinations of city and mountains! The historic STB tram line takes you in about 20 minutes from Innsbruck's center (from Innsbruck main station or the city center towards Igls (stop: Igls Patscherkofelbahn) to Igls , a traditional climatic health resort.

From there, the modern Patscherkofelbahn cable car takes you comfortably up the 2,246-meter-high local mountain. At the top, panoramic trails, the legendary Zirbenweg trail toward Glungezer , alpine huts, and plenty of fresh air await.

History: The Patscherkofel was, among other things, the venue for the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics.

Link: www.patscherkofelbahn.at

✨ By train to Hungerburg & the Nordkette

What to expect: From the city straight to the mountain: With the Hungerburgbahn, designed by Zaha Hadid , you'll travel from the city center to the Hungerburg. The Hungerburgbahn first opened in 1906 and was completely redesigned in 2007. The stations are now design icons.

From there, continue with the Seegrubenbahn cable car to 1,905 m and the Hafelekarbahn cable car to over 2,300 m – right in the heart of the Karwendel Mountains . Perfect for view lovers, hikers, and sun worshippers.

Link: www.nordkette.com

How to get there: Board at the Congress or Löwenhaus station (Innsbruck city center). From there, the journey towards Hungerburg begins.

✨ Alpine Zoo Innsbruck

What awaits you: Europe's highest zoo (750 m) with over 150 native animal species, lovingly landscaped on a hillside above the city. Ideal for families. Founded in 1962 with a focus on Alpine species, the Alpine Zoo has been expanded many times since then.

Link: www.alpenzoo.at

How to get there:

• Take the Hungerburgbahn to the Alpenzoo station (halfway)
• Or on foot from the city center (approx. 30 min uphill)

✨ Bergisel & Tirol Panorama with circular painting

What awaits you: The Bergisel ski jump (Olympic!) and the adjacent museum with the giant panorama of the Battle of Bergisel in 1809. It was the scene of Andreas Hofer's fight for freedom and was architecturally reinterpreted by Zaha Hadid.

Link: www.tiroler-landesmuseen.at

How to get there:

• Take the TS bus from the main station to the Bergisel stop
• Or 25 minutes walk from the city center

✨ Audioversum Science Center

What awaits you: An interactive museum dedicated to hearing , sound, and communication – for all ages. Technology to touch, marvel at, and try out for yourself. The Audiversum was founded in 2013, originally as a MED-EL project. Today, it is an award-winning science center in a central location.

Link: www.audioversum.at

How to get there: Directly next to Innsbruck Central Station (Wilhelm-Greil-Straße 23). A 5-minute walk from the station or city center.

🌃 Chilling & Nightlife in Innsbruck

Picture made by ChatGPT

✨ An evening in the greenhouse

What awaits you: Innsbruck's legendary cultural club with concerts, cabaret, theater, and a living room atmosphere. Local, international, surprising. It's been the city's insider cultural hotspot since the 1980s. Many well-known acts had their beginnings here.

Link: www.treibhaus.at

How to get there: Angerzellgasse 8 – 5 minutes from the town hall or market square. Easily accessible on foot or by bus lines R, F, 501, and 504 .

✨ Nightlife under the arches

What to expect: Under the historic viaduct arches of the old railway line (near Messe/Hall), Innsbruck's youthful side comes alive in the evenings: clubs, bars, live music, and open-air concerts. The former railway line is now a nightlife district with a special flair and a meeting place for the alternative scene.

Link (example): www.pmk.or.at – a cultural club under the arches

How to get there: A 10-minute walk from the main train station. Or take the bus or bike to the Viaduktbögen/Messe .

✨ For chilling: The Inn promenade

What awaits you: The Inn River, a view of the mountains, green meadows, cafés, steps, picnic blankets—and a whole lot of serenity. Once a commercial river, it's now a local recreation area with a modern flair and a prime view of the Mariahilfzeile shopping street.

How to get there: Simply walk to the market square and along the Inn riverside path—beautiful in both directions. Perfect for arriving, taking a breather, and people-watching.

✨ Enjoy Innsbruck

We're happy if our article has given you ideas and inspiration! Get even more inspiration and an exciting, self-guided tour of Innsbruck with our digital scavenger hunt through Innsbruck🤩

Have fun and enjoy Innsbruck to the fullest!