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15 Best Things to Do in Innsbruck: Mountains, Museums & More

ByTina Riegelnegg Updated on

Innsbruck is where alpine adventure meets imperial charm, and you can go from wandering a historic old town to standing on top of a mountain within half an hour.

As someone who grew up in Austria and travels the country extensively, I can say: Innsbruck is one of the few places that really nails that “Sound of Music” vibe people dream of with the mountains right next to the city.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best things to do in Innsbruck, from iconic sights like the Golden Roof to personal favourites like the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum.

You’ll also get some honest tips from my own trip, including what’s overhyped and what’s absolutely worth it.

💸 Most attractions on this list are included in the Innsbruck Card, you can save a lot of money with it

1. Ride the Gondola to the Top of Innsbruck

Panoramic view of Innsbruck at golden hour, seen from above with the Hungerburgbahn track leading downhill through forested slopes toward the city, surrounded by mountains.
Cable car line approaching a mountain station perched on a grassy and rocky slope, backed by jagged alpine peaks partially shrouded in mist and low clouds.

This is hands down the most iconic thing to do in Innsbruck, and what sets the city apart from most others in Austria. In just over 30 minutes, you can go from the historic centre to standing on a mountain top at 2,256 above sea level.

First, you take the Hungerburg funicular from the city centre, then transfer to the Nordkettenbahn gondola that takes you up to Seegrube. From there, a second gondola continues even higher to Hafelekarspitze, the “Top of Innsbruck.”

💡 Tip: Check the timetable here before you go. I made the mistake of waiting for the clouds to clear and ended up missing the final ride to Hafelekar. Still, the view from Seegrube alone was stunning.

🏔️ This trip on its own is quite pricey but it’s included in the Innsbruck Card

2. Visit the Hofburg Innsbruck

If you’ve visited the Hofburg in Vienna, this one might feel familiar. The Hofburg Innsbruck was once the Tyrolean seat of the Habsburgs, now you can visit the beautiful state rooms and see the grandeur of Empress Maria Theresa’s time.

Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to take any photos inside, which is a bit of a shame since the interiors are genuinely impressive. But maybe that just makes you slow down and actually take it all in.

3. Visit the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum

Rustic wooden room with carved furniture, a heavy wooden dining table, and a large hand-painted ceramic tile stove showcasing traditional alpine design.
Old-fashioned stone and wood hearth with soot-darkened walls, hanging iron pots, and a central cauldron, part of a preserved historical kitchen.
Museum setup of an old-fashioned photography studio with a painted alpine backdrop, antique camera, portrait props, and framed black-and-white photos on a green wall.

The Tyrolean Folk Art Museum was my favourite museum in Innsbruck. It’s located right next to the Hofburg and it deserves way more attention than it gets.

It feels less like a traditional museum and more like walking through history. It features reconstructed rooms from different periods and regions of Tyrol, showing exactly how people used to live.

There’s also a section about Austrian customs (I didn’t even know all of them and I’m Austrian!), traditional Austrian clothing, and an exhibit on nativity scenes, which are a big deal in Austria, especially around Christmas.

Tip: Make sure to download the museum’s app when you enter, most displays don’t have explanation signs, and the app gives great context.

4. See the Court Church (Hofkirche)

Green-walled gallery room featuring a dramatic chandelier and dozens of framed sketches and paintings arranged salon-style, mostly depicting historical and religious scenes.
Darkened room with a glowing orange globe encased in a metal armillary sphere labeled “A.E.I.O.U.,” surrounded by stars and astrological symbols on the floor and ceiling.
Four abstract human-like sculptures draped in white fabric, each holding a glowing lightbulb, arranged in a dimly lit vaulted room with wooden panels.
Interior of Innsbruck’s Court Church (Hofkirche) with white vaulted ceilings, marble columns, and a row of dark bronze statues lining the aisle beside Emperor Maximilian’s cenotaph.
Close-up of a life-sized bronze statue of a nobleman in armor with a feathered hat and shield, set against the baroque backdrop and ornate railing inside the Court Church.

The Court Church (Hofkirche) is home to one of Innsbruck’s most iconic sights: the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I, or rather, the monument to his tomb, since he’s not actually buried here. His actual remains lie in Wiener Neustadt.

Still, the elaborate cenotaph, flanked by 28 black bronze statues, is very impressive. The statues are incredibly detailed, each representing different one of Maximilian’s ancestors or heroes.

At the end of your visit, don’t miss the tucked-away room with the multimedia exhibition on Maximilian’s life and death. When I went, I was completely alone with statues wrapped in linen holding electric torches. A bit spooky, but unforgettable.

👉 Check my full post about visiting the Hofkirche in Innsbruck.

5. See the Golden Roof

Street-level view of Innsbruck’s Old Town with the famous Golden Roof, colorful historic buildings, and tourists exploring the cobblestone plaza.
Interior of a museum gallery with vaulted ceilings, featuring displays of a knight’s suit of armor, religious iconography, and historical paintings.
Inside the Golden Roof Museum

The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) is Innsbruck’s most famous landmark, and to be honest, I don’t fully get the hype. But it’s still worth a stop, if only because you’ll walk past it anyway while exploring the old town.

Yes, it’s a beautiful building with an ornate balcony and covered in 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles. But the surrounding buildings in the old town are just as stunning, and the actual roof is… smaller than you’d expect.

There’s also a small museum inside. It covers the history of Innsbruck. It’s fairly small and felt a bit disorganised to me. I don’t think it’s worth paying for but it’s included in the Innsbruck Card, so might as well have a peek inside if you have it.

💡 Fun fact: The building also serves as a registry office, so if you walk by and see a door marked “Trausaal”, that’s where weddings are held.

6. Climb the Stadtturm

A woman smiling at the camera from a high vantage point above Innsbruck, Austria, with colorful buildings, distant mountains, and a yellow crane visible behind her.
Overhead view of Innsbruck’s Old Town square with crowds gathered near the Golden Roof, surrounded by ornate pastel buildings and outdoor café seating.
A dramatic top-down view of a black metal spiral staircase with mesh railings, creating a hypnotic swirl pattern as it descends.

Right next to the Golden Roof, you’ll find the Stadtturm, Innsbruck’s medieval city tower. If you’re like me and love a good panoramic view, this one’s worth the climb.

The narrow spiral staircase takes you up to the observation platform, where you get sweeping views of the old town and (on a clear day) the dramatic Nordkette mountain range behind it.

When I visited, there was some construction that partially blocked the view, but it was still an amazing view and definitely worth the climb.

7. Stroll Down Maria-Theresien-Straße

Bustling pedestrian street in Innsbruck lined with colorful historic buildings and shopfronts, with snow-capped mountains rising in the background under a blue sky.

Maria-Theresien-Straße is the most photogenic street in Innsbruck. Start at the Triumphal Arch and walk all the way down to the Golden Roof. Along the way, you’ll pass pastel-coloured townhouses, cafés, and plenty of shops.

It’s where you’ll get one of the most classic views in Innsbruck: historic buildings with dramatic mountains towering behind. On a sunny day, it’s almost too perfect.

The street is lively and it’s completely walkable. There are plenty of spots to stop for a coffee or take a photo, or both.

8. Take the Perfect Instagram Shot at the Triumphal Arch

The Triumphal Arch of Innsbruck with detailed carvings and sculptures, standing tall at a city intersection with mountains and the cityscape visible beyond.

The Triumphal Arch marks the southern entrance to Innsbruck’s old town and is one of the city’s most iconic photo spots. Built in 1765 to celebrate a royal wedding, it later became a memorial, so one side is festive, the other more somber.

To get the best shot, stand on the little traffic island in the middle of the road. From there, you can frame the arch, the mountains, and the historic buildings all in one photo, it looks incredibly dramatic, especially when the sky is clear.

9. Visit the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Museum

The famous grass-covered Giant sculpture with crystal eyes and a cascading waterfall from its mouth, set against a scenic mountain backdrop and cloudy sky.
A glittering display of Lady Gaga’s sparkling outfit inside Swarovski Kristallwelten, featuring a rhinestone-encrusted bodysuit, long cape, and pink cowboy hat under dramatic lighting.
Indoor snowy forest scene with glittering white artificial trees and snow-covered pathways, set against a deep blue wall with whimsical winter illustrations.

Even if you’re not into crystals, Swarovski Kristallwelten is worth a visit. From the iconic green giant with the waterfall at the entrance to the immersive art installations inside, this place feels like a cool modern art museum.

One highlight was a freezing room filled with shimmering wintery scenes, and another featured floating crystals that pulsed with your heartbeat. Super creative.

The gardens are lovely for a stroll, and of course, there’s also a giant souvenir shop.

Getting there: The museum is in Wattens near Innsbruck, the shuttle is free with the Innsbruck Card, or you can take a public bus if you’re not using the card.

👉 Check out my full post on the Swarovski Museum for more details.

10. Visit Dom St. Jakob

Front view of Innsbruck Cathedral with its twin clock towers and baroque façade, framed by vibrant red and purple flowerbeds under a cloudy sky.
Richly decorated interior of Innsbruck Cathedral featuring a gilded altar, marble columns, detailed frescoes on domed ceilings, and visitors seated or exploring.

Dom St. Jakob is Innsbruck’s cathedral and a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. The interior is exactly what you’d expect from an Austrian cathedral, elaborate stucco, dramatic frescoes, and a grand organ.

Entrance is free, but if you want to take photos, you’ll need to pay €1 in cash at a machine near the entrance. If someone asks, just show your little printed ticket.

It’s a fairly quick stop, but worth popping into while you’re exploring the old town, especially if you appreciate religious art or architecture.

11. Relax at Hofgarten

A flowerbed designed with colorful plants spelling “30 JAHRE FRIEDEN” (30 years of peace), set in a green park with tall trees and a cloudy sky.
Cluster of mature trees with sprawling, low-hanging twisted trunks and large green leaves, set in a well-maintained grassy park.
A delicate stone statue of a kneeling woman and child with golden crowns and spheres, placed in a shallow fountain surrounded by greenery in a quiet park.

Just a few minutes from the old town, the Hofgarten is Innsbruck’s most beautiful park, and a perfect place for a break from sightseeing.

In summer, it’s ideal for a picnic or just lounging on a bench or the lawn. In winter, it transforms into a magical setting with a light installation show (you’ll need a special ticket for that).

My personal highlight? The massive angel’s trumpet tree with branches sweeping all the way to the ground, it feels like something out of a fairy tale. Also, don’t miss the adorable frog prince statue in front of the Musikpavillon.

12. Take a Photo from Marktplatz

Row of pastel-colored buildings along the turquoise Inn River in Innsbruck, backed by foggy mountain peaks and overcast skies.

Marktplatz is one of Innsbruck’s most iconic spots. From here, you get that perfect shot of the colourful row of houses across the Inn River, backed by snow-capped mountains, it really doesn’t get more picture-perfect than this.

Right next to the square is the Markthalle Innsbruck, a great place to stop for a quick snack, pick up a local souvenir, or browse regional produce.

Tip: If you visit Innsbruck in December and you’ll also find one of the city’s biggest Christmas markets right on the square.

13. Plan a Visit to Ambras Castle

If you have a bit more time in Innsbruck, don’t miss Schloss Ambras. This castle sits on a hill just outside the city and is home to one of the oldest museums in the world.

Inside, you’ll find a collection of armour, portraits, and curiosities gathered by Archduke Ferdinand II, including a few rather odd historical artefacts that make this place feel more like a cabinet of curiosities than a traditional museum.

It’s not right in the centre, so you’ll need to take a tram or bus, but it’s well worth the trip, especially if you have the Innsbruck Card, since entry is included.

14. Visit Bergisel Ski Jump

Whether you’re into sports or not, the Bergisel Ski Jump is impressive. It’s one of Innsbruck’s most recognisable landmarks and offers incredible panoramic views over the city and surrounding mountains.

You can take a funicular up the hill, visit the viewing platform, and even enjoy a drink at the café at the top. If you’re lucky, you might even catch someone training on the jump, it’s wild to see just how steep it is up close.

I didn’t have time to visit on this trip, but it’s definitely on my list for next time. I’ve heard it’s especially beautiful at sunset.

15. Go for Good Vegan Food

A wood-fired pizza topped with mushrooms, artichokes, olives, and creamy vegan cheese on a golden sauce base sits on a white plate in a cozy restaurant setting.
A café table set with a green matcha latte, a chocolate-topped cinnamon roll, and an acai bowl topped with banana slices, blueberries, granola, and nut butter, with a warm, modern interior in the background.

Innsbruck isn’t huge, but it still has some fantastic vegan spots.

My favourite was Meow Pizzeria Verde, an all-vegan pizzeria with amazing crusts, creative toppings, and amazing vegan tiramisu. It’s a great dinner after a day of sightseeing.

For a coffee (or matcha) and cake break, I recommend Spiral – More than Coffee. A vegan cafe with delicious pastries and a chill vibe, perfect for recharging mid-day.

Tips for Visiting Innsbruck

Before you pack your bags, here are a few tips to make the most of your trip:

  • Check the weather forecast: especially in spring and autumn. I went in early October and was surprised by how cold it was. There was fresh snow on the mountains, and I really wished I had brought warmer clothes.
  • Opening times vary, especially for mountain gondolas outside of summer. Always double-check before heading out.
  • The Innsbruck Card is actually worth it, and I don’t say that about every city. If you’re planning to do the Top of Innsbruck and Swarovski Crystal Worlds, you’ll already save money. I recommend going for the 48-hour version.
  • I recommend spending at least two full days in the city. While Innsbruck looks small on the map, several attractions, like Swarovski and Ambras Castle require travel time. Btw, public transport is included in the Innsbruck Card.
  • Innsbruck is a haven for outdoor gear shopping. If you need a new jacket, hiking boots, or ski gear, this is the place. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a city with this many sports shops in the centre.
  • Not everything is open on Sundays. Many museums and restaurants are, but smaller shops and stores might be closed or have limited hours.
  • Plan your museum days and gondola trips around the weather. Cloudy day? That’s a great museum day. Clear skies? Head up the mountain!

A woman smiling in a red jacket on a mountaintop above Innsbruck, with a sweeping view of the valley, winding roads, and mountain peaks under a clear blue sky.

Final Thoughts on Spending a Day in Innsbruck

Innsbruck might not be Austria’s biggest city, but it definitely punches above its weight when it comes to sights, scenery, and unique experiences.

That said, you won’t be able to do everything on this list in just one day, especially with some of the highlights like Swarovski and Ambras Castle being a bit further out.

So if you’re short on time, but still want to see the best of Innsbruck…

Check out my one day in Innsbruck itinerary, it’s a step-by-step guide with realistic timing and only the absolute must-see stops.

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What to Do in Innsbruck Austria (With Local Travel Tips)

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Austrian Veganderlust. After travelling the world and documenting her adventures on Veganderlust, she created this blog to share the beauty of her home country, Austria. Tina now focuses on helping travellers discover the best spots in Austria, including where to find the most delicious vegan food.