Day 1: Mountain air and metropolitan atmosphere
The best of both worlds in a single day? In the Innsbruck region, that’s not just a possibility – it's guaranteed. Within minutes, you can walk from the city centre to the valley station of the Nordkettenbahnen funicular and cable cars, which will take you all the way up to the Hafelekar mountain station, 2,256 metres above the old town, in just 30 minutes or so. From there you can admire the spectacular vista over the Karwendel mountain range and join the start of the Goetheweg trail or the Geotrail geology-themed hiking route. Nothing is very far away here, so even after your alpine adventure you will still have plenty of time for some urban exploration too: the Walks to Explore take you on themed journeys of discovery through the capital of Tyrol – passing by popular highlights like the glistening Golden Roof and the Habsburg imperial residences, as well as some hidden gems a little off the beaten track. Winding through medieval alleyways and vibrant quarters, each route tells its own story showing a different side to the city.
Day 2: Imperial splendour and sparking crystals
Your second day is perfect for exploring the impressive wealth of cultural attractions this region has to offer. The Hofkirche Court Church on the edge of Innsbruck’s old town – one of Tyrol’s most prominent cultural landmarks – contains the (empty) tomb of Emperor Maximilian I, guarded over by 28 larger-than-life dark bronze figures known as the “Schwarzen Mander” (“Black men”). Right next door you will find the Hofburg Imperial Palace in all its captivating grandeur, with its Baroque state rooms and magnificent Giant’s Hall. A little outside the city centre, another palace – Ambras Castle – reigns supreme. This Renaissance gem was once home to Archduke Ferdinand II and it houses a fascinating array of art collections, armouries and portrait galleries, while its extensive park offers inviting opportunities to wander at your leisure. There are more chambers of wonder to discover in the afternoon too: head to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, just 20 minutes away from Innsbruck in Wattens, to marvel at all the glittering opulence on show there.
Day 3: Fun and action guaranteed
The Innsbruck region is a paradise for people who love to be on the move. Keen trail runners will find a wide range of routes for all abilities, combining the adrenaline of running with the sheer joy of being out in nature. If you prefer to explore the local landscape on wheels and would like to sample some local cuisine along the way, then the “Genuss-Radweg” food-themed bike route is perfect for you: this runs past 24 farm shops and direct outlets, where you can buy regional produce and delicacies such as dairy products, honey and baked goods. And to round off day three in style against a splendid alpine backdrop, we recommend golf and dinner on the sun-drenched Mieming Plateau. Restaurant 141 by Joachim Jaud at the Alpenresort Schwarz boasts two Michelin stars and four Gault&Millau “toques”. It also happens to be next to a 27-hole golf course, where you can swing clubs at your leisure while enjoying the gorgeous mountain scenery.
Tip: Innsbruck Card and Welcome Card
Whether you plan to stay in the city or head to the mountains, the Innsbruck Card and the Welcome Card provide everything you need. The Innsbruck Card – available for 24, 48 or 72 hours – includes one return trip on the Nordkettenbahnen and Patscherkofelbahn funicular and cable cars, access to various attractions and travel on local public transport. This makes it easy to switch between urban experiences and alpine adventures. The Welcome Card is designed to make your stay in the Innsbruck region even more fun and more environmentally friendly: this free card – available for guests staying at partner accommodation providers for at least two nights – serves as both an advantage card with free or discounted entry to sights and a ticket for bus and train travel throughout the region.
Travel sustainably – and get around easily
Innsbruck is easy to reach by rail from Munich, Vienna, Zurich and other major European cities. If you travel here by train, you can get to wherever you want to go by public transport straight from Hauptbahnhof station with the Welcome Card: this allows you to explore the whole region – from Innsbruck’s old town to the mountaineering villages further afield – in an environmentally friendly way.
About the Innsbruck region
The Innsbruck region is unique in its symbiosis of vibrant urbane space and captivating alpine landscape. It covers both Innsbruck itself – the capital of Tyrol – and over 40 locations in the surrounding area, with six distinct tourist regions: Innsbruck, Inntal-Telfs, Kühtai-Sellraintal, Mieminger Plateau, Patscherkofel Region and Western Plateau. Innsbruck offers all the sights and sophistication of a thriving city, yet sporting thrills and opportunities to conquer your next peak are never very far away. The free Welcome Card offers guests the chance to experience the region in all its diversity, with access to various attractions and free use of local public transport. The official destination management organisation for the Innsbruck region is Innsbruck Tourismus. Its 100 or so employees and eleven tourist information offices are on hand to help you enjoy unforgettable holiday experiences in true harmony with our local communities and natural surroundings.
