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Innsbruck, Austria » City Info
Innsbruck is the provincial capital of Tyrol and the fifth largest city in Austria by population. It has twice hosted the Winter Olympics and was one of host cities in the 2008 European Football Championships. This beautiful, alpine destination with its historical buildings, breathtaking scenery, snow-capped mountains and extensive ski resort facilities makes it one of the most wonderful places to visit in Europe.
Top 10 Innsbruck Landmarks
Goldenes Dachl Museum:
The Goldenes Dachl Museum in Innsbruck was built to commemorate the wedding of Emperor Maximilian I to Bianca Maria Sforza from Milan. Its golden roof fitted with 2657 fire-gilded copper shingles attracts many photographers that capture its sparkling bling. The chief intention of this two-storied museum is to document and display the era of Kaiser Maximilian I in its six exhibitions rooms. Visitors can get a close-up view of the late medieval Tyrol using latest technologies like sound installations and touch screens.
Imperial Hofburg:
The Imperial Hofburg is an important cultural landmark in Austria alongside the Hofburg castle in Vienna and Schönbrunn Castle. Duke Sigmund built it as a home to the Tyrolean sovereigns by remodeling the existing castle grounds. Emperor Maximilian, the Hapsburgs and Tyrolean folk hero Andreas Hofer have also enjoyed the grandeur of this majestic castle. The richness and magnificence is visible in the themed museum areas and gala rooms who have witnessed the power of the dynastic ages.
Hofkirche (Court Church):
The Hofkirche is a Gothic church erected by Ferdinand I in memory of his grandfather Emperor Maximilian I, whose cenotaph bears an astonishing collection of German Renaissance sculpture. Extraordinary amongst them are the 28 bronze statues of “black men” that stand besides the tomb. Tyrol’s national hero, Andreas Hofer is also buried in the church.
Alpenzoo (Alpine Zoo):
The highest zoo in Europe, Alpenzoo provides roof to animals typical for the Alps. Here you can find a great variety of animal species resting safely among the beautiful alpine flora and fauna. Get acquainted with the breeding programs intended to protect the endangered species and return them securely in their natural habitat.
Schloss Ambras (Ambras Castle):
The Ambras Castle, a schloss located in the hills of Innsbruck was the residence to Archduke Ferdinand II from 1563 to 1595. It’s a culturally and historically important landmark of Tyrol since Ferdinand II was well-known to collect and promote grand art collections during his tenure, preserving them in his own prototype of a museum at the castle. Visitors will be able to view this priceless collection, covering thousands of years of European history, at the Lower & Upper Castle.
Bergisel Ski Jump:
The Bergisel Ski Jump, towering above the Bergiselschanze hill is a redesigned, spectacular ski jump created by architect Zaha Hadid. Historically, the hill has witnessed many battles against the French and Bavarian forces. Today, the ski jump stands tall at 47 meters and accommodates 28,000 spectators for the annual Four Hills Tournament in January and Summer Grand Prix Jumping Event. Fine dining restaurants, modern facilities and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks of Patscherkofel, Nordkette, Hohe Munde and Serles prettify the ambience of this place.
Tyrolean State Museum (Ferdinandeum):
The Tylorean State Museum also known as the Ferdinandeum after Archduke Ferdinand was founded in 1823 and reopened in 2003 after extensive renovation. Highlights of the museum include a superb Dutch collection from the 12th century along with relics dating from the prehistoric times to the Roman era. Special exhibitions are held from time to time, to emphasize the rare collections preserved at the museum.
Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum (Tyrolean Folk Art Museum):
Within the same complex, right next to the Hofkirche church is the Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum, which houses a permanent exhibition of Tyrolean craftsmanship. One can find a wide variety of Christmas exhibits, old Tyrolean arts and crafts, masks and traditional costumes made by the locals from various social strata, right from peasants to the nobles.
Stadtturm (Town Tower):
The Stadtturm is a 15th century medieval tower situated in the Old Town district. Standing almost 67 meters this soaring tower gives splendid views of Innsbruck’s landmarks and monuments along with the far-away Nordkette Mountains.
Triumphpforte (Triumphal Arch):
Translated as Triumphal Arch, Triumphpforte is an honorary gate commissioned by Empress Maria Theresia on the event of her son Leopold’s marriage. A photographer’s delight, the Arch impressions have a distinct Italian identity inspired from the Roman Triumph Arch.
Top 5 Bars
Piano Bar and Café:
Piano Bar and Café caters to an older crowd who like to have an intellectual conversation over a glass of fine wine. The charming antique decor and vintage furniture rewinds the clock to the times of Roman Emperors and lavish living. Ask a local or your hotel as this place could easily go unnoticed due to its unassuming exteriors.
Hofgarten Cafè:
Hofgarten Café attracts the younger crowd who like to get high on the beats of bombastic party music. Tuesdays and weekends especially attract a lot of party-hoppers who gurgle nearly all of Innsbruck’s beer. But you’ll see a lot of chilled out crowd as well relaxing in the shades of trees sipping a nice, hot cup of coffee.
Bacchus:
Bacchus is open to people with gay or lesbian sexual orientation, but straight visitors also like this wine retreat for the food and cozy ambience it offers. With night dwellers occupying the place until the wee hours of the morning, it is a thumping, sweaty mix of audience.
360°:
Glass windows opening to a panoramic view of Innsbruck & the Alps, 360° is a rejuvenative joint for the tired soul. Creamy interiors, clean lines and modern architecture attract one and all to grab a cushion in the balcony adjoining the bar.
Dom Cafe-Bar:
Dom Café is characterized by its historical settings of tear drop chandeliers, flickering candles and vaulted ceilings. Having a drink or two within these antique surroundings characterized by whitewashed walls, is an innovative drinking experience that only the mighty and powerful had access to.
Top Activities
Visiting the Alpen Zoo:
The highest zoo located in Europe at the foot of the Nordkette mountain range has the bears and ibexes as its chief personalities. Children will enjoy feeding the animals as well as getting an insight into the alpine animal world that’s normally not a sight at other zoos. Moreover, it offers a great view of the fascinating Alps and Innsbruck city.
Winter Sports:
A city that lies so close to the Alps is naturally to have imbibed a culture that is strongly built around snow activities like skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering. During winter, Innsbruck has many ski activities happening around five hills surrounding the city. The world famous ski resort Nordkette and Olympia SkiWorld are perhaps the most famous of them but the slopes around Seefeld, Tulfes, and Stubai Valley are equally adventurous. Although a risky sport, emergency service is a call away.
Children and non skiers can ice skate like a professional on the Hofgarten frozen lakes or live life on the edge by taking an excellent day hike to the Stubai glacier. Innsbruck is an impressive place to relax and enjoy a simple toboggan sled ride maybe in the company of moonlight and the stars. Besides, you can also visit the Olympia World Innsbruck where you will find everything - public skating, ice hockey, bobsleighing, figure skating, and more under one roof.
Mountains & Hiking:
The imposing view of Innsbruck should be explored at a leisurely pace as there are many popular trekking trails in and around Innsbruck and Tyrol. Completely surrender yourself to the picturesque Alps to discover medieval villages, soak in the beautiful mountain scenery and taste delectable gourmet menu at 2000 meters. The most popular trekking trails in Innsbruck are Patscherkofel to Zirbenweg along the south side of the Inn Valley, Haflekar to Hermann Buhl Weg and Goethe Weg, Schlegeisstausee glacier walk and trails above Hungerburg and Hötting.
Water Sports:
In summer, Innsbruck offers a choice of indulging in all types of water sports activities including bathing, surfing, swimming, paddling and sailing. If you are ready to explore the surroundings beyond Innsbruck, boat hire, sailing & windsurfing schools organize numerous adventure activities at the many lakes in Tyrol. Furthermore, summertime creates the perfect setting to have a dip in the Lanser see and Natterer See lakes. A special mention for Natterer See Lake that is especially well known to arrange children’s programmes.
Stubai Tram Ride:
The Stubaier Tram Ride connects Fulpmes with Innsbruck, on the way opening windows to a marvellous view of the Stubai valley. Started in 1904, the tram travels through the heavenly scenery of larch woods via Telfes, Kreith, Raitis, Mutters and Natters to Innsbruck. Visitors from Innsbruck can reach the Stubai Valley Railway with public transports. The valley is also one of the many interesting points for starting a hike and skiing.
Mittelgebirge Carriage Rides:
The idyllic Mittelgebirge region with its impressions of beautifully carved mountains and valleys should be certainly explored on a horse-drawn carriage ride. As the couple gallops in tandem, the Mittelgebirge region and its delightful towns between Rinn and Igls & Axams and Birgitz shower you with their pristine beauty. In the winter, horse drawn sleigh rides are also available upon request. If you like to tap to some local music ask your tour operator to organize a musical stopover at an inn.
Market Fairs & Shopping:
The main shopping in Innsbruck happens in Old Town where tourists are most interested in buying local handicrafts and trinkets for their friends and family back home. For some bargain shopping, smaller shops are set up off the main streets. In Innsbruck, there’s something for every taste. Be it handcrafted chocolates, traditional confectioneries, or schnapps, every few steps away there is a shop selling these tasty treats.
In Tyrol cities such as Innsbruck, Landeck, Kitzbühel and Lienz, flea markets, boutiques or specialised fairs are regularly organised where boutiques and delicatessen shops tingle your taste buds. Then, there are quaint places for clothes, shoes, leatherwear, antiques and farmer’s organic produce to cater all tastes and needs.
Wellness:
To unwind from hectic life, rejuvenating at a wellness spa is recommended for tourists who have come to Innsbruck-Tyrol for their holidays. Spruce up your body and soul with a thermal bath at one of the spa hotels or just relax in the laps of forests, mountains and meadows to calm your mind.
Foods & Drinks:
Sampling Austrian culinary fare is nothing short of a divine experience. Visit the restaurants lining the streets of Alstadt to gorge on mouth-watering food made from cheese, speck and schnaps. If you do not want to experiment, these restaurants even serve other cuisines like Chinese, Italian and so on. A little outside Innsbruck, in the villages of Tyrol, taste the produced made by the local farmers especially their different types of cheese, bacon and ham. Feel free to experiment with deer meat as well as sausages. Also ask for a mug of Zillertal beer, a must try for every tourist.
Top Innsbruck FAQs
Q.1) What is the capital city of Austria?
Ans: Vienna is the capital and largest city in Austria. Innsbruck is the capital city of the federal state of Tyrol in western Austria and lies about 400 kilometres from Vienna.Q.2) What is the official language spoken in Innsbruck?
Ans: The official language spoken in Innsbruck is German. However, as English is the second language in the educational system, it is understood and spoken fluently by Austrian citizens.Q.3) Which are the mountains surrounding Innsbruck?
Ans: Innsbruck is located in the Inn Valley, surrounded by Nordkette (Hafelekar, 2,334 metres or 7,657 feet in the north, Patscherkofel (2,246 m or 7,369 ft) and Serles (2,718 m or 8,917 ft) in the south.Q.4) What is the population of Innsbruck?
Ans: As of 1st January, 2011, the population of Innsbruck was 120,147.Q.5) What is the weather in Innsbruck like and when is the best season to go to Innsbruck?
Ans: Innsbruck is a unique city visited by travellers during both winter and summer seasons. The location of Tyrol (Tirol) is such that its outdoors can be enjoyed all year round. During the winter months from late December until early April, skiers love the slopes of Alps while the same mountains in summer become the base for campers. The snow capped mountains and valleys are spread with a blanket of wildflowers and camping tents as hikers and mountain bikers edge to capture the mountain tips.Q.6) What is the currency of Innsbruck and where could I exchange foreign currency?
Ans: The unit of currency used in Austria is Euro. European citizens shouldn’t have any problem since Euro is used in many countries in Europe. Other foreign travellers can exchange their local currency at ATM’s, exchange bureaus and banks. Banks in Austria charge a fee for every transaction plus a small fee for every traveller’s cheque. So it is advisable to encash more amount at a time.Q.7) What is the electric current voltage in Innsbruck?
Ans: The electric current is 220 Volts, 50Hz. You’ll need a two-pin Europe adapter for appliances that operate on 110 Volts.Q.8) What type of clothing should I carry when travelling to Innsbruck?
Ans: Depending on when you’re travelling to Innsbruck, carry a lot of warm clothes during winters when temperatures can drop to -10°C. Also, carry winter accessories such as gloves, caps and leather shoes to prevent slipping on ice. On other days, in the summers and rains, bring along rain gear and practical clothing to keep you cool as well show off colour.Q.9) What are the tipping practices followed in Innsbruck?
Ans: In Austria, restaurants include tax and service charge in their bills, but it is customary to round up the total while paying. Taxi drivers receive 10% of the meter fare while bell porters receive €1 per bag.Q.10) What is the Time Zone of Innsbruck?
Ans: The Standard Time Zone for Innsbruck is CET (UTC+1). Daylight saving time during summers is CEST (UTC+2) hours. The time zone abbreviation is CET – Central European Time.Q.11) What are the Visa Requirements for Innsbruck?
Ans: Please visit our Visa Requirements page for more details.Q.12) What are the Emergency Numbers in Innsbruck?
Ans: The emergency numbers to call for if in distress and need help.- Ambulance: 144
- European emergency number: 112
- Fire Department: 122
- Police: 133
- Accident - Unfall
- Emergency- Notfall
- Heart - Herz
- Heart Attack- Herzanfall
- Severe Pain - Heftige Schmerzen
Q.13) What is the country code and area code for Innsbruck?
Ans: The country code of Austria is +43 while the area code is 0512.Q.14) What are the major attractions of Innsbruck?
Ans: The major attractions of Innsbruck are Goldenes Dachl Museum, Imperial Hofburg, Hofkirche, Alpenzoo, Schloss Ambras, Bergisel Ski Jump, Tyrolean State Museum, Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum, Stadtturm and Triumphpforte.Q.15) What are the Important Phrases in German while conversing with locals?
Ans: Learning a few phrases in German is always helpful, especially when you have to converse with the locals at restaurants, taxi stands, hotel, markets and during emergencies.Good Morning | Guten Morgen (Morgen) |
Good Day | Guten Tag |
Good Bye | Auf Wiedersehen / Auf Wiederschauen or simply Wiedersehen or Wiederschauen |
Bye! | Tschuss |
Excuse Me | Entschuldigung |
Do you speak English? | Sprechen Sie Englisch? |
Thank You | Danke |
Please | Bitte |
I am lost | Ich habe mich verirrt |
Can you help me? | Können Sie mir helfen |
The bill please! | Zahlen, bitte! |
Getting Around in Innsbruck
Use of public transportation in Innsbruck is to the minimal since most of the Old Town sights are within a reasonable walking distance. They are best explored on foot and tourists should take a bus only when they plan to visit the outskirts of the city. Since much of the city area is pedestrianized, it doesn’t make sense driving a car or hiring a taxi when your two little feet can get you around much faster. If you plan to rent a car in Innsbruck, parking wouldn’t pose a problem with many underground parking spaces located near the city centre.Tourists are recommended to buy the ‘Innsbruck Card’ which is all inclusive of museums and other visitor attractions, 1 ascent and 1 descent on any cable cars, funicular railways or lifts in the Innsbruck region, free travel to a wide range of visitor attractions on the Sightseer Bus, Crystal Worlds Shuttle, travel on all public transport in Innsbruck, as well as to and from the towns of Igls, Rum/Hall and Natters/Mutters and discounts on events.
Bus System
Public transportation in Innsbruck comprises of two modes - Buses and Trams. The bus network which includes more than 20 lines is operated by Innsbrucker Verkehrsbetriebe, covering all areas of Innsbruck and its suburbs. Tickets with a standard fare are issued for travelling within the Kernzone but may differ according to the distance travelled when leaving the city limits. Multi-ride and 24-hour passes are available for the convenience of tourists which are to be purchased from local vending machines, tourist offices, tobacco stores, newspaper kiosks, convenience stores and government offices. Purchase the more expensive, single trip ticket in the bus itself. Tourists can hop aboard the "TS" ("The Sightseer") which connects major vantage points such as Schloß Ambras, Bergisel and Alpenzoo to downtown. However, these are expensive and if you don’t plan to visit each and every sightseeing point, purchasing the regular 24-hour ticket would suffice.Trams
Trams of Innsbruck are operated by Innsbrucker Verkehrsbetriebe, connecting several mountain villages in the Stubaital valley, downtown, Old Town, Saggen, parts of Wilten and parts of Pradl. Riding on a tram gives tourists a chance to photograph the lovely landscape on the way to the Alp villages such as Aldrans, Fulpmes and Igls. Various attractions such as Lansersee Lake and Patscherkofel Ropeway are within minutes from the tram station. The trip too good to be missed, drenches the tourists with varied colours of the cloudy mist screening the larch trees to wildflowers blanketing the valleys.Taxis
Taxis are a convenient way of getting around in Innsbruck but do not offer much than walking faster. Taxis can be hailed anywhere on the street or hired at one of the taxi stands in the city. Tourists, who want to book a taxi in advance, can inquire at their hotel desk. Travelling by taxis is a relaxing experience, since their service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Travellers can also book airport taxis for instant pick-up service from Innsbruck Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) or Innsbruck Airport. Those preferring a dash of luxury and corporate companies could opt for executive cars and limos for personalized comfort.Car Rental
To discover its magnificent Alpine beauty, many travellers rent a car in Innsbruck. Car hire is a common service required by travellers, upon arrival at the airport or train station. But if you prefer to drive in and around Innsbruck, remain on your toes while choosing the car hire company. Experienced travellers will be acquainted with the huge price gap among local car rental companies but the inexperienced may be taken for a ride. There are enough fee based, short term parking zones in the downtown area of Innsbruck. While visiting the suburbs or on longer visits, preferably make use of public transportation.Communication in Innsbruck (Austria)
Telecommunications in Austria is a highly competitive field with Telekom Austria AG and Austrian Postal Service (Österreichische Post AG) operating the postal and mobile communications, respectively. The telephone lines in Austria are well developed and efficient. The extensive range of lines provides fibre optic coverage and a full range of telephone and internet services.The mobile phone market in Austria is known to offer some of the cheapest rates in Austria. Today, A1, T-Mobile, Drei and Orange are the three nationwide GSM networks with Drei running its own UMTS network. In 2008, mobile phone portability was introduced allowing users to retain their mobile number when switching from one operator to another.
Till recently, internet in Austria was available over DSL and cable. But renewed competition fever is gaining ground thanks to UMTS/HSDPA and LTE available over mobile phones. Nowadays, SDSL and optical fibre access is also available. Typical internet speeds are 10Mbit download and 1Mbit upload over DSL, and up to 30Mbit Download and 2Mbit upload over cable.
There are about 2 AM, 160 FM and 1 shortwave radio broadcast stations available in Austria. In respect to television, there are 45 broadcast stations but the main ones are ORF, ATV, Puls 4, Servus TV and Austria 9 TV.
Österreichische Post AG manages the postal services in Austria. The main post office is open 24 hours, but after 9 pm one must ring a bell to enter through the main door. There are other 12 post offices located throughout the greater Innsbruck area. Stamps, envelopes and cardboard boxes can be brought at tobacco shops. The main post office is open from 8 am to 6 pm.
