Innsbruck city in Tirol (Austria) is nothing less than a heaven on earth. If you like Nature, Architecture, History, Adventurous Sports (Skiing, Snowboarding … etc.) or just want to relax and breath some unpolluted air, this whimsical city should be on your “Places to go” list for this year. The city is surrounded by snow covered alps and mountains which Austria is very famous for. I am sure you will love this city as much as i did. I am certain that there are several recommendations floating on the internet. However, following are tailor-made suggestion for the people interested in exploring the beautiful InnsBruck with limited time. I would personally recommend to give yourself 2 nights and 3 days to visit this place, which makes it a perfect weekend destination for those who want a escape from there daily life.
Travel Tips
Minimum stay recommended is 2 nights
Book a hotel close to Hauptbahnhof or in city center
Don’t forget your ski / snowboarding / hiking gear
Don’t forget to take a 1, 2- or 3-days INNSBRUCK CARD (it really saves money)
When travelling in summer don’t forget to get INNSBRUCK WELCOME CARD from reception of hotel (it’s free)
Weekends are most recommended option for travelling to Innsbruck
Book in advance and get a ÖBB Sparschiene (If travelling from Austria or Germany)
Travel Budget 2 adults 2 nights approx. 350 – 400 Euros (Excluding train / bus / flight tickets)
1. Exploring the old city (Innenstadt)
The old town / city center / old city of the InnsBruck is filled with Easter Eggs for those who can find them. The architecture of the buildings and monuments is mind-boggling. You will find several spots worthy of having a pause and praise the architecture and craftsmanship. The good thing about this city is that most of it you can see on foot and do not need any transport. However, it is strictly recommended to buy a ticket in case you want to use the public transport. Trust me this will save you a lot of money that you would pay otherwise as a penalty 🙂
Other interesting things you can see close to (within 10 minutes walk) Maria-Theresien-Straße are as following:
Goldenes Dachl
It is considered the city’s most famous symbol, decorated with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles. Its site to see when sun reflects on these beautiful tiles and you can see it from miles away.
Colorful houses of INN’s River
These colorful houses are another big tourist attraction in InnsBruck. They are situated in the arms of Nordkette (the mountain range in the background) and along side River Inn in the foreground. There are couple of nice restaurants perfect for a supper.
Streets of old town
It is an incredible experience to walk through the streets of old town. It will remind you the streets of Bari or Matera (Italy)
Pro tip: Don’t always look down or straight while walking. You will find many easter eggs hanging on the walls or hidden under the beautiful stone arches.
Easter Eggs
When I say “Easter Eggs” i mean such beautiful sculptures or paintings or architectural marcels you can find in the streets of old town. This one was captured in the street between Hofburg palace and Goldenes Dachl.
2. NordKette (Cable car & Tram ride to the peak)
The second thing you should do after spending a whole day in the city center, is to go to alps and the Nordkette mountain range. you can take a Bus J which can drive you all the way upto the mountain although I wouldn’t recommend it. The best way to go up is to take the Tram / Cable Car – which is very famous for two reasons. First it is one of the most contemporary design / structure by Zaha Hadid (a world renowned architecture) who is not among us anymore (May her soul rest in peace). Second the views from these tram line and cable car are breathtaking. You have to see it to believe it. It costs around 33 Euro (with a 10% discount for people staying in hotels you can ask for Nordkette discount voucher at reception) otherwise you will have to pay around 36 Euros for the ride (both ways). On the way you can get out at Alp zoo which is also very beautiful but if you don’t have kids with you I would recommend making a first stop where tram line ends and there is an amazing restaurant where you can have a cup of coffee and enjoy the natural views. the second and third stop will take you to ski resort which is simply magnificent. Even if you aren’t skiing the views from the top of the NordKette are incredible (see the pictures below). Make sure to give yourself enough time as there might be upto 20 minutes of waiting time on each leg of the journey to the mountains.
Zaha Hadid’s architecture
This is the beautiful falcon wings like architecture. which is the end station of tram line. the views from this place are really beautiful. This is the last stop of tram and from here you get into the cable car.
River Inn and Inns’ Bruck
Such spectacular cityscape and landscape is waiting for you at the end of tram line.
Nordkette Ski Resort
So, I was at Nordkette at the end of March which is the end of ski season. Still there was plent much snow and i believe this ski resort is open until mid of april or end of april. Don’t forget to bring your ski and snowboarding gear 😉 – If you are a newbie like me there is an opportunity to learn ski with a group or individually (of course you need to pay)
A holistic view
All the way from the top you can have this holistic view of innsbruck. Here you can test your eyes by spotting the places you visited the day before in the city center. share this post if you could spot one 🙂
3. Swarovski Crystal world
Witness a successful family business
Swarovski family is one of the biggest synthetic crystal jewelry makers in the world. They have a the crystal world in the heart of Innsbruck and it’s really beautiful. I would recommend going there and get some souvenirs and goodies as a memory. The landscape in the surrounding is also beautiful.
4. Other popular tourist attractions
(keep them for the last)
Hofburg palace
Innsbruck theater
Schloss ambras
Innsbruck panorama
Hungerburg
Imperial palace
Thank you for reading this blog
1. These are strictly my views based on my experiences, other people may differ from my suggestions / views
2. All pictures used in this blog were taken by me – feel free to follow me on instagram: mazm_at
3. This is my first blog and am still learning – any suggestions or feedback are welcome
4. If you have any questions please feel free to ask me. I usually response to all queries within 24 hours
MY TRAVEL DIARIES 