Innsbruck was the last destination in our Austrian itinerary. It took us a little more than 2 hours to reach Innsbruck by train from Salzburg.
Unlike Vienna and Salzburg, where we had spent 5 and 4 days respectively, we had a day less here but that did not deter me from having a whole list of must-see attractions, all of which had to be fitted in this tight 3-day schedule.
We reached the train station in Innsbruck. Our rented apartment was within walking distance of the station, we checked in our luggage and immediately set out for our exploration.
Since we had already seen so much of Austria by then, the comparison of these two cities with Innsbruck was inevitable.
In my opinion, the capital city of Vienna with its baroque architecture is classy.
Salzburg has an old-world charm that is the textbook definition of a touristy city. Innsbruck, on the other hand, is gloriously scenic.
It's the closest to the Nordkette Range of Tirolean Alps and one gets unparalleled views of these peaks from here. The mountains that we had been seeing all the time from far away Salzburg were now close, really close.
Stunning mountain ranges are visible from all over the city....
5 things you should remember while visiting Innsbruck
1. The city lies on the river Inn. Owing to its proximity to the mountains, it's considered to be a winter paradise for skiers.
If you're interested in skiing, then you're in luck! There are 8 skiing points around the city, all of them well connected by public transport or cable car.
In summer, there are cable cars that take tourists to the top of these mountains for majestic views of the Alps.
2. Innsbruck is not very big, the entire Altstadt or Old Town can be covered on foot. There are a lot many things to see here, just wandering around the Altstadt with its narrow, cobbled streets is an attraction.
You can just walk around to see the famous Golden Roof and the Triumphal Arch. If possible, stay around the Altstadt since this area is the heart of the city.
3. The best way to travel in Innsbruck is with an Innsbruck Card. Even if you visit just 2 or 3 attractions, the cost of your card will be covered. We bought a 3-Day Innsbruck Card the moment we got out of the train.
That way all our travel, in all kinds of transport, plus a whole lot of attractions and museums was covered from the word go. The conducted tour bus, Sightseer Bus is also included in the card.
4. There are 52 museums in Innsbruck in all. So, anyone visiting the city should be sure of which ones they wish to see, depending on their personal choice and taste. Some research in advance will help.
We saw four museums in our 3-day trip, each one more interesting than the other. Ambras Castle tops the list, followed by Hofburg Palace, the Folk Art Museum, and the absolutely riveting Tyrol Panorama.
I will discuss these museums later in my post.
5. Apart from the museums, the two top attractions in Innsbruck are Swarovski Crystal World and the Top of Innsbruck.
You will need half a day each to see both of these places but I would strongly recommend doing both of them on your trip to Innsbruck.
Top 12 Attractions in Innsbruck for a 3-Day itinerary
You can squeeze in more attractions, of course, but that would mean rushing through them.
All the attractions mentioned below from Number 7 onwards, take about 2.5 to 3 hours each plus travel time.
Altstadt
We started our tour of the city on Day 1 with the picturesque town square of Innsbruck. This is one of the most beautiful town squares I've ever seen. The old town with its gothic, baroque, and rococo-style buildings set in the backdrop of the Tirolean Alps is a sight to behold.
The old town has some of the most famous attractions of Innsbruck - St. Anne's Column, Triumphal Arch, and the famous Golden Roof.
My Tip -
Spend at least half a day gaping at the stunning architecture strewn across the old town, each building has a history of its own to share.
There are many cafes, roadside eateries, and souvenir shops as well as some malls like DEZ Einkaufszentrum and Rathaus Galerien that have good shopping options.
St. Anne's Column
The most famous pedestrian street in Innsbruck, Marie Theresia Strasse, runs through the old town.
And right in the heart of this street, lies St. Anne's Column.
The column was erected as a mark of gratitude for the withdrawal of Bavarian forces from Tyrol in the 18th century.
My Tip -
Look carefully at the column, on the top is a marvellous statue of Mary as the 'Woman of the Apocalypse,' rising 137 ft from the street. There are more statues of the Patron Saints of Tyrol around the column. If possible, see it during the day and also at night, when the column is lit up.
Goldenes Dach, Golden Roof
Walk from St. Anne's Column towards Hofkirche for about 4 minutes and you will reach Goldenes Dach or the Golden Roof.
The Golden Roof is a balcony decorated with 2657 fire-gilded copper tiles that was made to commemorate the wedding of Maximilian I in the early 1500s. It's remarkable that the tiles have withstood the travails of time and still shine like new.
My Tip -
There is a museum inside the Golden Roof, it's included in the Innsbruck Card. We skipped the museum but the roof is worth watching. Great photo opportunity!
Triumphal Arch
The beautiful stone arch is located at the southern end of Maria Theresa Street. The arch was built to celebrate the wedding of Archduke Leopold to the Spanish Princess Maria Luisa. Archduke Leopold was the second son of Maria Theresa, the famous Archduchess of Austria whose stunning monument Maria Theresa Platz in Vienna is one of the not-to-miss attractions in Vienna.
You can learn more about this in my blog on Vienna here -
We learnt on the Hop on Hop off tour that just a few days after the wedding of her son, Leopold, Marie Theresa lost her husband Francis Stephan.
So, when you go to see this monument, you will realise that this monument commemorates two major life events in the life of the Archduchess. On the south side are stone motifs depicting the wedding of her son and on the north side are motifs that pay homage to her departed husband.
My Tip -
These names from history might not mean much to any of us but after having spent so many days in Austria, visiting museums and looking at so many historical monuments, these historical figures started to fall into a timeline and make sense.
Watching this monument, I felt really sad for Queen Maria Theresa, who has commanded so much respect in the archives of history. For me, this monument is a symbol of the transience of life, of life and death literally being on opposite sides and yet so close to each other.
St. Anne's Column, Golden Roof and Triumphal Arch
Hofkirche or the Court Church
Walk back to St. Anne's Column on Marie Theresa Street and from there walk another 5 minutes to reach the Court Church or Hofkirche. The 16th-century church is free to enter.
This stunning gothic church is a cenotaph, a burial site of Emperor Maximilian although his actual remains are elsewhere.
All around the cenotaph, there are 28 massive bronze statues of his ancestors, relatives and some historical figures, the micro-detailing on each one of them is exemplary. The faces, costumes, weapons and postures of each statue are worth a watch.
My Tip -
Seeing this church is a visual delight. There is so much detailing in each statue, even in the wrought iron casing around the cenotaph.
There is an interesting audio-visual presentation before you enter the church. It gives an insight into who Maximilian was in a very interesting way. It's available in many languages, so choose the language of your choice.
It's a small church but awe-inspiring. Don't miss it!
Stadtturm or City Tower
Barely a 2 to 3-minute walk away from the Hofkirche is the City Tower. I wouldn't call this structure really striking from the outside but the views from it, of the entire city and the Nordketten Range of mountains are resplendent.
My Tip -
If you're around the old town, then you should plan to go up to the top of the tower which is about 150-odd steps to get very beautiful views of Innsbruck from above. We had an Innsbruck Card, so the climb was included in it. Even if you don't have the card, you should do this one. I think the ticket was only 3 euros if I am not mistaken.
Top of Innsbruck
Day Two turned out to be bright and sunny. It was a perfect day to plan a trip to the Top of Innsbruck. This is a must-do attraction in Innsbruck, offering glorious views of the Alps all around.
I have written about this in more detail in a separate blog. Please click on the link below -
Swarovski Crystal World
The crystal world made by Swarovski is a treat for anyone visiting this facility. After Top of Innsbruck, we came back to the train station to catch a bus to Swarovski Crystal World. There are lots of things to talk about Swarovski Crystal World.
Please click on the link below to learn more about this wonderland -
Ambras Castle
This was our last day in Innsbruck. There was still lots left to cover.
So, we started our day early with Ambras Castle by taking the Sightseer Bus.
The castle is located on a hill around Innsbruck, a little away from the main city of Innsbruck, so taking a tour is the simpler way to reach it. Although, there is a bus stop quite close to the entrance of the castle in case you plan to take public transport.
Fun fact -
The castle is the first and the oldest museum complex in the world, still existing at the very site where it was first made almost 450 years ago!
I was quite surprised to learn that this museum is treated as a part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum of Vienna (Museum of Fine Arts).
You can read more about Kunsthistorisches Museum by clicking on the link below
About the castle -
This Renaissance castle was built in the 16th century by Archduke Ferdinand II at the site of an old medieval castle, for his wife Phillippine, whom he had married in secret.
He got this beautiful romantic castle made, with its vast array of collectables from all over the world, as a gift for his beautiful wife.
The Upper Castle served as the residence of the Archduke while the Lower Castle was made into a museum.
It contains Armouries spanning many eras and the Spanish Hall with its intricate wooden ceiling which is very impressive.
The Chamber of Arts and Wonders is the only one of its kind to have been preserved at its original location.
My Tip -
You should plan to spend about 2 to 2.5 hours at the castle.
As I've mentioned earlier, the palace houses intriguing collections from all over the world. The armoury is a must-watch. There are many different things to see, art objects, murals, huge wall portraits, idols and the not-to-miss Plate of Fools.
The Chamber of Arts and Wonders has so many intriguing objects that will surely catch your fancy.
I read on one of the placards here that this chamber was an exhaustive collection that attempted to reflect the entire knowledge of that time by Archduke Ferdinand II who is considered to be the most important collector of the Habsburg Dynasty of Austria.
I would say that seeing Ambras Castle is a collector's dream and should be a must-see on your itinerary.
Hofburg Palace
The stunning Hofburg Palace lies in the heart of the old town of Innsbruck.
You can see it so many times while passing it, it looks splendid at night when it's lit up.
The palace is quite massive, Giant's Hall is impressive, and there are living rooms of Maria Theresa and Elizabeth or 'Sisi'.
You will have to read my blog on Vienna to learn more about Sisi by clicking the link mentioned above.
The palace is a living example of the sheer opulence of the Austrian monarchy. The costumes, decor, chandeliers, furniture, artwork... all of it is breathtaking.
My Tip -
The Hofburg Palace in Innsbruck is interesting but rather small, if you have seen the Hofburg Palace in Vienna already, then you can give this one a miss especially if you do not have an Innsbruck Card. With the Innsbruck Card, entry to the palace is included.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace complex. We did not opt for any audio guide and I am honestly not sure if there was one available.
Finding the entrance was a bit difficult, we kept following the dome.
If you're going from the Golden Roof, then walk for about a minute on Hofgasse and your destination will be on the left.
Tyrolean Folk Art Museum
This is a must-see attraction. I didn't know that folk art could be so mesmerizing till I saw this museum.
The museum is located right in the heart of the old town very close to the Hofburg Palace. Entry is included in the Innsbruck Card.
My Tip -
There is much to see in this adorable museum. Right at the starting point of the staircase leading to the museum, is a painting of The Last Supper. This iconic painting has been adapted to modern times most creatively. This should set the tone for the rest of your tour of the museum.
Audio guides are not required since all the detailed information is written on placards around the exhibits that comprise many intriguing artefacts and stunning idols and statues.
Lifesize models of kitchens with medieval tools, combs made from horns, coins, furniture, masks, and bells from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries....you name it and you will find it in this museum.
There is an entire floor dedicated to 'Trachten' or the traditional garments worn in German-speaking countries displayed on lifesize marionettes that are very interesting to watch.
You will not tire of watching the amazing collection of this museum and can easily spend about 2 hours or more inside the museum.
Tyrol Panorama Museum
This splendid museum depicts the history of the state of Tyrol in a novel way using a 360-degree Giant Panorama painting on a circular wall with a viewing balcony in front of it.
The painting shows events from the battle that took place between the Napoleonic army and the Tyrolean rebels in 1809.
The interesting aspect of the museum is that it is situated in the same spot where this battle took place.
Apart from this giant painting, the exhibits under the name 'Showcase Tyrol' are worth a watch. They are quite an eloquent statement on the history, culture, and lifestyle of the Tirol region.
From the museum, goes an underground passage to the Kaiserjaeger Museum (Museum of Tyrolean Imperial Infantry) which is located right opposite the Tyrol Panorama. This museum also has an amazing collection of artefacts.
My Tip -
It's not just the painting but rather its setting that is very interesting. Sightseer Bus will drop you right in front of the museum.
There are lots of escalators to navigate through to get to the inside of the museum though.
We had read some pretty bad reviews about the management or rather the mismanagement of the museum before our visit on some online forums.
The museum, I believe, is not equipped to accommodate people with mobility issues, that is a real problem, hence the bad reviews.
Otherwise, it's a great place to see the history of Tyrol unfold in front of your eyes in such an artistic way.
There are lockers available to keep your bag packs at the entrance. There is a nice restaurant outside the museum offering great views of the scenery all around.
Starting at Tirol Panorama, a panoramic loop trail goes around Bergisel Mountain. We were short on time, so had to skip it. If you have extra time, then I believe the trail offers scenic views of Innsbruck.
Apart from the attractions that I've mentioned above, there are 3 more that I would not have missed if we had more time. They are Bergisel Ski Jump, Bell Foundry and Museum and Audioversum, Science Centre.
All these 3 attractions are fully covered in the Innsbruck Card.
The Bergisel Ski jump has a funicular, a tower lift and a viewing terrace.
Bell Foundry is a 400-year-old museum of bell-making, run by a single family. I've read so many good things about this museum. Go for it and tell me about your visit. I would love to hear a first-hand account of the same.
Audioversum is quite a fascinating museum I believe. Don't miss it especially if you're travelling with kids.
So, that is Innsbruck for you in a nutshell. As they say, save the best for the last....and so was the case with Innsbruck. It was our last stop in the beautiful country of Austria.
From there, we went to Munich, Germany by bus through the spectacular Alpine scenery.
Munich serves as a gateway to a trip to the Disney Castle of Neu Schwanstein, that has been on my bucket list for the last 20 years or so. Finally, we made it there.
Read on for my visit to the fairy tale castle by clicking on the link below -
And if you're interested in getting some practical, hands-on tips for travel, click here
great tips! thank you for sharing