Innsbruck, nestled in the alpine region of Austria, is the capital of the Tyrol region. While renowned for its winter sports, this city also offers a wide range of activities and attractions throughout the year. So, what can you do in Innsbruck in Summer? Keep reading to find out!
During our summer holiday in Austria, we spent two days exploring Innsbruck on foot. We loved its unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty. There’s so much more to this city than skiing and other winter sports.
Explore Altstadt von Innsbruck (the Old Town)
Start with a walk through Innsbruck’s charming old town center, the Altstadt. It is quite compact, making it easy to explore on foot. You’ll be surrounded by beautifully decorated houses, narrow streets and fascinating historical landmarks – everything that makes the Altstadt of Innsbruck so special.
Cathedral of St. James
Innsbruck Cathedral (or Cathedral of Saint James) is an 18th century cathedral in the old town, featuring two bell towers visible from afar as you approach the Altstadt. Step inside to admire the cathedral’s baroque-style interior.
The Hofkirche
Another historical church located in the old town is The Hofkirche (Court Church) – a 16th century structure built in Gothic style. It’s renowned for its collection of German Renaissance sculptures and Emperor Maximilian’s marble cenotaph.
The Golden Roof
The Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) – is a famous historical landmark in the old town. The iconic Innsbruck structure was constructed in the 16th century for Emperor Maximilian I. The balcony with the golden roof was used by the emperor to observe various events taking place in the square below.
Town Square
Every city has a central public square, and Innsbruck is no exception. Innsbruck’s Town Square is situated in the heart of the old town. This pedestrian-friendly area offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. At its center stands an 18th century marble monument, St. Anne’s Column.
Maria-Theresien Strasse – a street lined with shops, cafés and charming houses – begins at the town square.
Triumphal Arch (Triumphpforte)
If you walk from the Town Square along Maria-Theresien Strasse, you’ll reach the Triumphal Arch. It’s a beautiful historical landmark and if you look through it to the south you will see famous Bergisel Ski Jump.
Visit Bergisel Ski Jump
Even though it’s primarily a ski jump tower, it’s open to visitors year-round. You can purchase a ticket to reach the top of the tower and enjoy sweeping views of Innsbruck and the surrounding Alps. At the summit, you can also treat yourself to lunch or dinner at the Bergisel SKY restaurant.
Tyrolean Meat
There are not only things to see in Innsbruck, but also to taste! As the capital of the Tyrol region, it’s well-known for its gourmet meat products, including ‘Tiroler speck,’ cold cut ham and beef. You can savor Tyrolean meat at a local restaurant or buy it at one of the city’s meat shops.
While the boys and I were exploring a souvenir shop along one of the old town’s charming streets, Yuriy decided to (in his words) “just browse” the cold cut meat selection in a store across the way. Moments later, he returned with a sack full of Tyrolean meat products (alright, it was a small sack, but still – a sack! 🙂 ).
We brought the meat back home to enjoy it long after our trip to Austria. Vacuum-packed Tyrolean meat makes for a nice gift to bring back from your Austrian holiday.
Strudel
If meat products aren’t your thing, then give strudel a try! 🙂 Traditional Austrian strudel is a delicious dessert, made with all sorts of fillings to suit every taste. Sweet varieties are often paired with a scoop of ice cream. Yum!
Walk the Innsbrucke (Inn Bridge)
After enjoying your strudel, it’s time to walk it off and balance out those extra calories, right? 😉 Venture out from the old town towards the river and the Innsbrucke bridge. Did you know that the name ‘Innsbruck’ actually translates to ‘Bridge over the river Inn’?
Lovely views can be enjoyed from the bridge – the old town beginning on one side, charming colorful houses on the other, and the chalky-colored river flowing in between.
Discover Imperial Palace (Hofburg)
While walking through the city, you’ll surely notice the grand complex in the old town – a former Imperial Palace. The main building, Hofburg, is just one part of the larger complex, which also includes the Hofkirche, Innsbruck Cathedral and other significant structures.
Tickets are available for entry, allowing you to explore the imperial apartments, chapels, staterooms and halls.
Hungerburgbahn Funicular and Nordkette Cable Car
To enjoy panoramic views of the city, take a funicular ride to the Hungerburg district.
The Hungerburgbahn funicular begins its journey at the station in the city center (located at Rennweg 3), where tickets can be purchased at the cashier. Its next stop is at Hungerburgbahn Löwenhaus station (at Rennweg 12a), where you also have the option to hop on or off. The funicular then ascends the mountain and stops at Hungerburgstation Alpenzoo – perfect for visiting Innsbruck’s Alpine Zoo. If you’re not interested in the zoo, simply stay on board and continue the ride to the final stop, Hungerburgstation Hungerburg.
At Hungerburg, you can enjoy scenic views of Innsbruck from Hermann Buhl Platz (a square with a viewpoint overlooking the city). You can also wander around the area or grab a snack at one of the cafes nearby.
If you’re looking to get even higher to the mountains (whether for skiing, hiking or simply nature watching), take a ride on The Nordkette Cable Car. The cable car station, located just across Hermann Buhl Platz, will transport you to Nordkette, the southernmost mountain range in the Karwendel.
Visit a Museum
There are many museums to explore in Innsbruck.
Start with the huge former Imperial Palace, where you can take a tour to see the fully restored 18th century interior of the palace.
Learn about Tyrolean heritage at the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum or visit one of the oldest national museums – the Tyrolean State Museum in Innsbruck.
For those traveling with children, check out The Tyrolean Museum Railways or The Armoury – a former military arsenal that has been transformed into a museum.
Another interesting museum for both children and adults is the Visual Museum Innsbruck – a world of optical illusions.
If you’re ready to go beyond the city, Swarovski Crystal World is just about a 25-minute drive (or bus ride) from Innsbruck. Alternatively, you can visit the Swarovski shop located in Innsbruck’s old town at Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 39, where you can admire Swarovski jewelry and crystals on display.
Make a day trip to Salzburg
After enjoying your time in Innsbruck, venture to another renowned Austrian city – Salzburg. It’s just a quick 2-hour train journey away. For ideas on what to see and do in Salzburg, check out my other posts: One day in Salzburg and 5 Best Day Trips from Salzburg – perfect if you’re looking to explore more of this region of Austria.
We spent two days in Innsbruck and truly enjoyed exploring the city. Hopefully, this post has inspired you to visit Innsbruck and experience its charm during the summer!
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The view from the town square is incredible, I’m sure it’s even better with a funicular ride too. Love all the old buildings of old Town and how detailed they all are. And of course I wouldn’t be able to leave without eating my weight in strudel
I think strudels would be the end of me if I stayed in Innsbruck any longer 🙂
Wow! This place is beautiful throughout the year.
Wow… Innsbruck looks like a beautiful old European city. I believe it’s a good city for writers and artists to visit. I’m sure this city will give them loads of inspirations. Thank you for sharing.
I have only breezed through the town en route to Salzburg, so this post offers more of an idea of what I missed. If we go back, the funicular is a definite lock.
Definitely looks like a city worthy of a few days. Love when colourful buildings line a cities streets. I’d be happy chewing on that strudel now.