Destinations

The 10 best sights in Innsbruck

There is a lot to discover in the Tyrolean capital. As a long-time resident, I have grown particularly fond of some of the sights in Innsbruck. Here is my very personal selection of "must-sees" in Innsbruck.
Goldenes Dachl

1. the court church

Visit the Court Church. The tomb of Emperor Maximilian I is one of the most magnificent imperial tombs in Europe. In the Hofkirche, 28 black, larger-than-life figures stand guard, which is why it is popularly known as the "Black Man Church". Curious fact: eight of the "black men" are women and the emperor's sarcophagus is empty. There is no way around this sight, the simple exterior distracts from the wealth in the nave.

Hofkirche Innsbruck

2. cathedral of St Jacob

Beautiful baroque building. Be sure to admire the small, very famous Mariahilf painting by Lukas Cranach the Elder, as well as the ceiling painting.

3rd Bergisel ski jump

Visit to the Bergisel ski jump, which was designed by star architect Zaha Hadid. The ski jump, which can be seen from afar, is an impressive landmark of Innsbruck. Followed by coffee or breakfast in the "Bergisel Sky" restaurant. Fantastic view over the city and the Nordkette mountain range.

4th trip up the Nordkette

Start at the Kongresshaus, then continue from the Hungerburg to the Seegrube and then definitely ride up to the Hafelekar. Brilliant views! The stations of the cable car were also designed by Zaha Hadid, the Seegrube Restaurant and the valley station of the Hungerburgbahn were designed by Franz Baumann in the 1930s.

5th Golden Roof

Visit Innsbruck's landmark and stroll through the streets of the old town. There is plenty to discover. We recommend the view of the old town roofs from the city tower.

Goldenes Dachl

6th Imperial Palace

Late Baroque residence of Empress Maria Theresa on the edge of the historic city centre. The Hofburg is a residence built and inhabited by the Habsburgs. It served Emperor Maximilian I and his second wife, Bianca Maria Sforza, as a residential palace 500 years ago. Beautiful state rooms with furniture and paintings.

7th Ambras Castle

Ambras Castle is a branch of the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna (KHM) and is considered to be the oldest museum in the world. The collections of the Renaissance prince Archduke Ferdinand II are on display in the palace. The Spanish Hall is one of the most remarkable Renaissance halls and the armoury contains 100 original suits of armour from famous generals.

8th Alpine Zoo

A tour of the Alpine Zoo at the foot of the Nordkette mountain range feels like a hike: the enclosures are built directly into the slope. You cover up to 100 metres in altitude and really get into your stride. More than 100 animal species can be observed on the grounds. It's especially nice in spring when the youngsters arrive.

9th Old Town Hall

Hall can be easily reached by bus in approx. 15 minutes. Beautiful medieval old town, which is twice as big as the one in Innsbruck. Very tranquil but definitely worth a visit, one of my special recommendations!

Oberer Stadtplatz

10th Swarovski Crystal Worlds

For lovers of crystal and glitter, a visit to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens is an obvious choice.

Swarovski Kristallwelten

More about the sights in Innsbruck

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