Sights in Innsbruck and the surrounding area
Innsbruck is the fifth biggest city in Austria, and has over 130,000 inhabitants. The city is enclosed by the Nordkette in the north and by the foothills of the Alpine central chain in the south, which also includes Innsbruck’s local mountain, the Patscherkofel. Life here unfolds at between 574 and 2350 metres altitude. The impressive mountains are just a few minutes away from the city and provide a place for recreation for all locals and visitors. Yet in the city there is plenty of urban activities happening too. Over 30,000 students keep the city vibrant and awake right into the early hours of the morning.
Das goldene Dachl
- old town
Where will we meet? In front of the Goldenes Dachl! In Innsbruck there is no route that doesn’t pass the city’s landmark. The Goldenes Dachl was built in 1420 as a residence for Tyrol’s local rulers. The building in the Old Town has a late Gothic alcove balcony which was added in 1500 at the behest of Emperor Maximilian. Its roof is covered with 2657 fire-gilded copper shingles. The Goldenes Dachl museum is housed in the museum.
Bergisel Ski Jump
The Bergisel sits high above Innsbruck – the Bergisel ski jump inspires with its architecture. Star architect Zaha Hadid received the Austrian State Prize for Architecture for it. In the jump tower which is 40 metres in height, you will enjoy being indulged in the ‘Bergisel Sky’ restaurant. And you can experience the mountains around Innsbruck too. The Panorama Deck opens up a 360 degree view and the city of Innsbruck is at your feet.
Ambras Castle
Fancy visiting the oldest museum in the world? Then a trip to Ambras Castle is well worthwhile. It is located in an extensive park on the outskirts of Innsbruck. It was founded by Tyrolean ruler Archduke Ferdinand II. He had Ambras Castle built for his wife Philippine Welser as a Renaissance castle. Today the castle houses fantastic art collections. Including paintings by famous artists like Lukas Cranach and Peter Paul Rubens.
Nordkette
The Nordkette is the mountain in the city of Innsbruck. It takes just a few minutes via the Hungerburgbahn and the Seegrubenbahn from the city centre to the largest nature park in Austria. On the Hafelekar peak at 2300 metres, emerging to the north is the Karwendel Nature Park while to the south is the Inntal, complete with the mountain backdrop. The mountain is year-round highlight for freeriders, mountain bikers, downhillers, climbers, hikers, trail runners and many others.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Renowned multi-media artist André Heller designed Swarovski Crystal Worlds on behalf of the crystal manufacturer Swarovski. It was opened in 1995 to mark their hundred year anniversary. This unique location inspires all ages. Artistic installations like a crystal cloud enables visitors to forget about the mundane as soon as they enter the Giant. The Chambers of Wonder were re-designed in 2015 and convey the magic of crystal in an unimaginable dimension.
