Tyrol’s capital in the Alps, where cable cars lift you from town to peaks above 2,000 m in minutes; known for the Golden Roof old town and nearby Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
The best time to ride up to Hafelekar on the Nordkette for Alpine views and hikes. source
Mid-November–December (Christmas markets)
Christmas markets centre on the old town in front of the Golden Roof. source
Weather: June–September is for mountain hikes and December–March for skiing; Christmas markets fill the old town from mid-November. It is much colder up top than in town, so bring a jacket. source
Times to avoid: Mountain cable cars can pause for weather or maintenance; check before heading up. source
Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.
Innsbruck Christmas market
Innsbruck Old Town Christmas Market The city’s oldest and largest market, with a tall fir tree before the Golden Roof and the Alps as a backdrop.
Where
Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse in front of the Golden Roof
Nordkette cable cars Funicular and cable cars from the city up to Hafelekar at 2,256 m — Innsbruck’s signature trip. source
Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) The old-town balcony roofed with some 2,600 gilded copper tiles, symbol of Innsbruck. source
Ambras Castle A Renaissance archduke’s castle with what is called the world’s oldest museum collection; free under 19. source
Swarovski Crystal Worlds A crystal-themed attraction in nearby Wattens, reached by shuttle bus from town. source
Where to stay in Innsbruck
Old town / main station
Close to the Golden Roof, the Nordkette cable car and airport bus F.
What to eat in Innsbruck
Tiroler Gröstl — Pan-fried potatoes with onion and smoked meat
Kaspressknödel — Pressed cheese dumplings of bread and Tyrolean grey cheese, in soup or with salad
Kaiserschmarrn — Torn, fluffy pancake dusted with icing sugar
Innsbruck tips and things to watch out for
Innsbruck travel tips
Buy single bus and tram tickets in advance; buying on board costs extra. source
Airport to city: bus F runs from Innsbruck Airport to the centre and main station in about 20 minutes. source
Good to know in Austria
Shop opening on Sundays and public holidays is restricted in Austria, with exceptions such as some station and airport shops; check local hours. source
Tipping for good service is customary in restaurants; check whether it is already included in the bill. source
Watch out for in Austria
Vienna public transport has no ticket barriers, but tickets are inspected; keep a valid ticket until your destination. source
In Vienna, keep to pedestrian paths and watch for dedicated cycle lanes. source
General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.
Restaurant prices for Innsbruck are still being collected. The estimate also uses some official meal and transit prices checked in other cities in Austria.
Innsbruck attraction & theme park tickets
Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.