Innsbruck city trip: Vacation in Austria

Vacation in Innsbruck, nestled among the mountains of Tirol

If you’re looking for sightseeing, sports, or relaxation, Innsbruck has everything you could want from an alpine city. A blossoming arts scene and historical sights rub shoulders with mountain sports like skiing and hiking in this state capital of Tirol.

Stroll through Innsbruck’s city center

It’s easy to discover Innsbruck’s compact downtown by foot. Gothic and Baroque facades trace the history of the city, which flourished during the reign of Habsburg Emperor Maximilian I. At the end of the pedestrian zone is the famous Goldene Dachl, which Maxmilian I built and had roofed with 2,657 gilded copper shingles. Another must-see sight is the artfully designed gravestone of the famous Emperor, which is located inside the court church, also called the Schwarz-Mander Kirche. Other attractions worth checking out await in the Kaiserliche Hofburg zu Innsbruck, palace and former seat of the princes of Tirol which houses richly decorated rooms, objects from courtly life, and a portrait gallery. The gorgeous court garden from the 15th century invites visitors to relax and stroll. The Tirol Folk Art Museum, the Museum Tirol Panorama, the Tirol State Museum, and the Audioversum offer additional cultural treasures and informative exhibitions. St. Jacob’s Cathedral stands out among the many churches in the city, impressive especially for its High Baroque frescos and a beautiful organ. Climbing the city tower is also a worthwhile undertaking; its 31 meter high viewing platform offers a great view of the medieval streets and mountains around Innsbruck.

Excursion to the Northern Chain of the Alps and the Bergisel

You can reach the mountains easily from downtown. The Nordkette (North Chain) railways will take you to Hungerburg and its alpine zoo, and the Nordkette, a popular destination for mountaineers, hikers, skiers, and travelers of all kinds. The Nordkette stations and the cable-stayed bridge were planned by architect Zaha Hadid, as was the Bergisel ski jumping stadium. The famous ski jump on the historical Bergisel is a modern symbol of Innsbruck, and offers a panorama restaurant and viewing patio.

Ambras Castle

Just outside of Innsbruck, Ambras Castle delights visitors with its impressive collections and idyllic castle grounds. This ornate castle complex was historically and culturally important in the 16th century due to Archduke Ferdinand II, who founded the museum there. Highlights at Ambras Castle include an art exhibit and chamber of curiosities, an armory, a Habsburg portrait gallery containing 200 paintings, the Georgsaltar, and one of the most extensive glass collections in the world.

Vacation in Innsbruck

Let yourself be enchanted by Innsbruck’s many sights, and spend a relaxing vacation in the lovely capital city of Tirol. Your hosts, PrivateCityHotels. in Innsbruck, will help you have a successful vacation.  Book your vacation in Innsbruck in a PrivateCityHotel. of your choice, or select one of our hotels in Austria, Germany, or Switzerland.
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