Discover the perfect blend of urban city life with alpine peacefulness in the Innsbruck region. This is a place where city and mountain blend into one, offering a fascinating treasure trove of both cultural gems and natural riches, all within easy reach.
A Green Heart in the Historic City
At the centre of Innsbruck, the Hofgarten Imperial Gardens offer a serene retreat from the city hustle and bustle.
Originally designed by Duke Friedrich IV as a hunting ground in 1412 and later reshaped by Empress Maria Theresia in Baroque style, these gardens now unfold as lush lawns, shaded groves and a charming ‘Kammergarten.’
Stroll through the English-style landscape section, pause by the nursery beds, and breathe in the history.
Just steps away is the Hofkirche Court Church, which holds Emperor Maximilian’s empty tomb beneath twenty-eight imposing bronze figures.
The neighbouring Hofburg Imperial Palace brings the infamous Habsburg history to life in its beautifully restored state rooms.
Renaissance Majesty Above the City
Perched proudly above Innsbruck in the south of the city is the historic Ambras Castle.
This impressive landmark dates back centuries, but it owes its present structure and appearance mainly to Archduke Ferdinand II, who lived there with his (secret) lover and consort Philippine Welser from 1564.
He arranged for the castle to be transformed into a magnificent Renaissance palace and filled it with his valuable collection of art, which included armour, weaponry and sculptures. This treasure trove of wonders is what earned Ambras Castle its status as the world’s first museum.
The castle is surrounded by an extensive park where visitors are able to take a stroll and if you’re lucky, spot peacocks strutting across the castle grounds.
Battleground Panorama and Modern Icons
A short walk from Ambras, Bergisel commands sweeping views and holds a pivotal place in Tyrolean identity, as the scene of the Tyrolean uprising. The Tirol Panorama Museum’s colossal 360° painting captures the Third Battle of Bergisel in vivid detail, whilst a more recent addition to the Bergisel is its iconic ski jump, designed by award-winning architect Zaha Hadid in 2001 and provides the setting for thrilling sporting contests.
Futuristic Stations and Mountain Perspectives
The Bergisel ski jump is not the only place in the Tyrolean capital where Zaha Hadid has left her architectural signature. She was also behind the futuristic design of Hungerburgbahn funicular stations, inspired by the region’s snow-covered and ice-sculpted landscapes.
The funicular takes visitors straight from the centre of Innsbruck up to the Hungerburg district, where they can catch the Seegrubenbahn cable car to continue up Nordkette mountain.
Completing all the cable cars will take explorers to the top of Innsbruck, 1700m above the city.
Hiking out of the city
The Sellraintal Valley itself has also retained its charm over the centuries. Its beauty has made it one of the most popular destinations in the Innsbruck region for visitors looking to refresh and recharge.
There are numerous appealing hiking routes to explore here through the alpine landscape and around the mountaineering villages of Sellrain, Gries and St. Sigmund.
Colette Verra, Marketing Manager at Innsbruck Tourism says: “In the Innsbruck region, culture and nature are not separate experiences, they can be matched together to complete the perfect holiday.
“It’s a destination where you can explore imperial history in the morning and alpine wilderness in the afternoon, all without ever leaving the area.
“This seamless blend of activities is what makes Innsbruck so captivating for travellers, and it’s all made available in one convenient city card.
“The Innsbruck Card gives visitors access to more than 22 top attractions, along with free use of the city’s reliable public transport and complimentary guided walking tours across the region.
“Guests staying two nights or more in partner accommodations receive the Innsbruck Welcome Card for free, offering access to transport and making it easy to move from the vibrant city centre to the Alpine outdoors for hiking, cycling or swimming.”
More information about the Innsbruck Card and the Innsbruck Welcome Card, including prices and what is included, is available online at www.innsbruck.info/innsbruckcard
About the Innsbruck region
The Innsbruck region is unique in its symbiosis of vibrant urbane space and captivating alpine landscape. It covers both Innsbruck itself – the capital of Tyrol – and over 40 locations in the surrounding area, with six distinct tourist regions: the city, the Inntal valley, Kühtai-Sellraintal, the Mieming Plateau and the south and west regions. Innsbruck offers all the sights and sophistication of a thriving city, yet sporting thrills and opportunities to conquer your next peak are never very far away. The free Welcome Card offers guests the chance to experience the region in all its diversity, with access to various attractions and free use of local public transport. The official destination management organisation for the Innsbruck region is Innsbruck Tourismus. Its 100 or so employees and eleven tourist information offices are on hand to help you enjoy unforgettable holiday experiences in true harmony with our local communities and natural surroundings.
Further links
Website: www.innsbruck.info/en/
Blog: www.innsbruck.info/blog/en/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Innsbruck
Instagram: www.instagram.com/innsbrucktourism
X: www.twitter.com/InnsbruckTVB
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/InnsbruckTVB
Pinterest: www.pinterest.at/innsbrucktvb/_created
