Do & See

Innsbruck

Do & See in Innsbruck

Provided byInnsbruck Tourismus

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Do & SeeGuide was updated: July 24, 2025

Anyone who comes to visit Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region, will immediately notice the close coexistence of culture and nature. Located at the crossroads of Europe’s most important transport lines and nestled in the mountain ranges of the northern ‘Limestone’ Alps’ and the Central Alps, Innsbruck always was - and continues to be – a meeting point and platform for cultural exchange, commerce and science. In more recent times the city has also gained international reputation as an important sports venue.

Golden Roof

Golden Roof

Simply stroll through the city centre and you learn a lot about the town’s history. Habsburg emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519), in particular, shaped the image of Innsbruck during its transition from medieval times to the Renaissance era. He made the city the centre of an empire that stretched from Spain to Burgundy and Hungary. It was under Maximilian’s reign that Innsbruck’s glittering landmark – the Golden Roof - was constructed.

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Bergisel Ski Jump

Bergisel Ski Jump

While the view down the splendid Maria-Theresien-Strasse towards the medieval old town is crowned by the majestic Nordkette mountain chain; the baroque Triumphal Arch is set off by the Bergisel ski jump, Innsbruck’s spectacular new icon designed by top architect Zaha Hadid.

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Hofburg Imperial Palace

Hofburg Imperial Palace

Originally built in the 15th century, the sumptuous palace was redesigned several times until the 19th century. In 2010, following extensive renovation and refurbishment works, the former residence of the Habsburg rulers was returned to its original splendour. Now you can follow the traces of Empress Maria Theresia and Empress Elisabeth (‘Sisi’), as you stroll through the Hofburg’s spectacular state rooms and colourful private apartments.

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Swarovski Crystal Worlds

Swarovski Crystal Worlds

The Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, just 12 km east of Innsbruck, count among Austria’s most visited attractions. Created by the world renowned Tyrolean crystal manufacturer, this unique museum represents a glittering fantasy realm where top artists of international reputation reveal their personal crystalline fables, inviting fasci-nated visitors to immerse themselves in a mesmerizing world of wonders.

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Nordkettenbahn

Nordkettenbahn

At Hungerburg you can board the Nordkettenbahn cable car to continue up to Seegrube (1,905m) and Hafelekar (2,330m), Innsbruck’s popular recreational Nordkette area. Plenty of sunshine and heaps of snow in the winter make it a tempting paradise for skiers, hikers, mountain bikers, hang gliders and paragliders.

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City Tower

City Tower

Innsbruck’s gothic city tower was built in 1442-1450 as part of the former town hall, it rises 51 metres above the old town. Formerly used by watchmen on the lookout for enemies or fires, it now offers fabulous views of the entire historical city centre and beyond.

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Ambras Castle

Ambras Castle

It was above all Archduke Ferdinand II (1529–1595) who proved to be a significant patron of the arts by converting Ambras Castle into a splendid Renaissance residence for his wife Philippine Welser. Located on a hill to the south of Innsbruck, Schloss Ambras is still home to extensive collections of art and curiosities which rank until today among Europe’s most beautiful ‘curiosity chambers’.

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St. Anna's Column

St. Anna's Column

The old city is enclosed by Marktgraben, Burggraben and Rennweg, marking the boundary along which the city wall once ran. The somewhat younger baroque and classical part of Innsbruck is located outside its perimeter. Here you find Maria-Theresien-Strasse with the Annasäule column at its centre, a statue that was erected as a token of gratitude for the victory of the Tyrolean people’s contingent over the Bavarian troupes in 1703.

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Wilten Basilica

Wilten Basilica

Wilten Abbey Basilica is the most beautiful Rococo church in Austria with a rich history. It is home to the famous Wilten Boys’ Choir. The historic church was restored in the mid-18th century and now offers festive gold, delicate colours and elegant stucco. It is open for visitors anytime.

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Cathedral of St. James

Cathedral of St. James

First mentioned im 1180 the St James Cathedral hosts the famous „Maria Hilf“ painting – a masterpiece by Lucas Cranach the Elder, that is copied all around the world. Each day at noon the Innsbruck peace bells, with over 57 bells the largest in Austria, rings out. The cathedral’s large doors can be reached via a metallic ramp, which has a gradient of a bit more than 6 percent.

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Helbling House

Helbling House

This original 15th century Gothic mansion is an outstanding example of bourgeois grandeur in the Old Town, in later years richly decorated with stuccos. The house is named for Sebastian Helbling, who operated a small Café in there in 1833. The historic structure was completely refurbished in the years 1979 and 1980.

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Court Church

Court Church

The court church is situated on the east side of the old town next to the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Habsburg emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519) planned an escort of life-size bronze figures, which were designed by prominent artists of his time. The twenty-eight so-called “Schwarze Mander“ (black men) were worked on by painter Albrecht Dürer as well as casters Stefan Godl, Peter Vischer and Peter Löffler, among others. The statues were not completed, however, until Maximilian’s grandson Ferdinand I took over and had this significant piece of Renaissance art displayed in Innsbruck’s Hofkirche.

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Triumphal Arch

Triumphal Arch

The old city is enclosed by Marktgraben, Burggraben and Rennweg, marking the boundary along which the city wall once ran. The somewhat younger baroque and classical part of Innsbruck is located outside its perimeter. Here you find Triumphpforte – a triumphal arch built for the marriage of Archduke Leopold (son of Empress Maria Theresia) to Maria Ludovica of Spain in 1765.

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Tyrolean Folk Art Museum

Tyrolean Folk Art Museum

Adjacent to the court church you will find the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum which since 1929 has accumulated a fascinating collection of every day objects of rural, urban and aristocratic life in former days, when the Trentino area and the Ladin valleys of the Dolomites were still part of the Tyrol. Following extensive refurbishments in 2009, the collections – which range among the most beautiful and impressive in the Alpine region – can be viewed in new splendour.

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Stadtmuseum

Stadtmuseum

With its extensive permanent exhibition including paintings, townscapes, photographs and documents, the Stadtarchiv/Stadtmuseum, located at Badgasse, provides an insight into Innsbruck’s historical past. This museum is also venue for numerous events such as special exhibitions, literary readings and lectures.

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Tirol Panorama

Tirol Panorama

Opened in 2011, this museum is now home to the ‘Riesenrundgemälde’, one of the few remaining 19th century panoramic paintings. The giant canvas measuring 1,000m² depicts an idealized rendition of the fierce fighting that took place during the third Bergisel battle. In the same context, the Tirol Panorama addresses various historical aspects in connection with the giant panoramic painting and provides the link to the long-established Kaiserjägermuseum.

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Alpine Zoo

Alpine Zoo

Situated on a sun-drenched terrace above Innsbruck, Europe’s highest zoo (750 m) features a unique collection of over 2,000 animals of 150 species indigenous to the Alps. Including an aquarium, terrariums, a farm with endangered domestic breeds, walk-in enclosures, Europe's largest golden eagle aviary, bears, wolves, otters, a play park and much, much more, the zoo offers a memorable experience for young and old!

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