How to Spend One Day in Innsbruck: Itinerary for First Time Visitors
Innsbruck is one of the most visited cities in Austria, and it’s easy to see why. Situated in the middle of the Alps, Innsbruck is a beautiful town that also offers amazing hiking, skiing, and mountaineering – perfect for visiting year-round! As though that’s not enough, it’s also easy to get to and offers an unforgettable experience. Don’t pass it by, stop in and check out what to see with one day in Innsbruck, Austria.
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About Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck is set in the middle of the Alps and world renonwned for its ski resorts. This means the whole town is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll ever find. To add to the appeal, it also has 350 days of clear visibility (so glad I could experience one of the other 15).
Innsbruck really is a gem within Austria. Here are some other fun facts to know about the city:
- Skiing is the primary reason people visit Innsbruck due to its central location to the Alps.
- Innsbruck has hosted the Winter Olympics twice (1964 and 1976) so it features a number of Olympic stadiums.
- A lot of the top attractions will be closed throughout November, so its better to visit a different time throughout the year.
Spend the Morning Exploring the Old Town or Altstad
Start the day with touring the Old Town city center, Altstadt. Here you’ll find not only pastel-colored medieval buildings and a great atmosphere, but also a number of “must see sights”. Plan to spend a few hours walking around this area, especially enjoying the winding roads near the City Tower and Golden Roof.
Top Things to See in the Old Town of Innsbruck
While exploring the Old Town, make sure you visit these top sights of Innsbruck.
1. Maria-Theresien-Strasse (Maria Theresa Street)
One of the most famous streets within Innsbruck, Maria Theresien Street is a pedestrian street lined with cafes, shops, and some of the famous landmarks within the city. It is a great way to get a feel for the city’s baroque past as well as to admire the beautiful mountains surrounding Innsbruck. In the winter, you’ll also find the Christmas Market on this street.
Cost to visit: Free
2. Golden Roof
The best known landmark in Innsbruck is the Golden Roof. This building was built-in 1420 as the residence of the Tyrolean sovereigns but the golden roof was not added until 1500. It is covered with 2,657 gilt copper tiles.
Cost to visit: Free to view; The Golden Roof Museum has an entry fee, currently 5.30 euro/person
3. St. Anne’s Column
Located in a beautiful square, the St. Anne’s column was erected between 1704-1706 to commemorate the successful resistance against the Bavarian invasion in 1703 during the War of Spanish Succession.
Cost to visit: Free
4. Triumphal Arch (Triumphpforte)
Marking the edge of the town center, this Triumphal Arch is unique in that on one side it symbolizes a happy wedding and on the other the grief of death. It was erected in 1765 on the wedding day of Emperor Leopold II and Maria Ludovica, the same day Leopold II’s father passed away.
Cost to visit: Free
5. Imperial Palace (Hofburg)
Located between the Golden Roof and Cathedral of St. James, the Imperial Palace is worth a stop. Visit the official Imperial Palace website.
Cost of visit: 9.50 euro; Discounted on Sundays
6. Cathedral of St. James / Innsbruck Cathedral
Built back in the 1700s, the Cathedral of St. James, or Dom zu St. Jakob, is a large cathedral featuring 57 bells and a number of frescoes depicting the life of the apostle James. Visit the official Cathedral of St. James website.
Cost to visit: Free, 1 euro for a photography pass
7. Wilton Abbey Basilica (Wiltener Basilika)
This Roman Catholic church offers an ornate interior with gilded columns and ceiling frescoes. Stop in and have a look around.
Cost to visit: Free
8. Court Church (Hofkirche)
This Gothic church dates back to 1553 when it was commissioned to house the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I. Oddly enough, it does not actually house his remains as they are located in Vienna. That being said, the empty tomb features 28 life-size bronze figures.
Cost to visit: 8 euros for the church or 11 euros for the church and museum; 1 euro photography pass
Head Up the Mountains in the Early Afternoon
The clouds generally clear up in the early afternoon, so its time to head into the mountains! I recommend checking out the Nordketten Bahnen and heading to the top of Hafelekar Peak.
The cost for adults is not cheap at €38, but it includes:
- Starting the trip at the Congress stop 1,837 ft above sea level.
- Taking the funicular up to Hungerburg at 2,821 ft, which offers stunning views of the city.
- Continuing on a cable car up to Seegrube at 6,250 ft, which provides a grander view of the city and the mountains surrounding it. You can also take a 25 minute circular walk around for a panoramic view, assuming the path is clear of snow and ice. I made it probably half way around before blocked by huge masses of snow.
- One last cable car up to Hafelekar at 7,401 ft, which enables a view into the mountain range, a part of the Alpine Park Karwendel. From here, the summit of Hafelekar is only a 15 minute hike uphill. Here you’ll find a complete 360 view of the mountains and city. The views from up here make the time and money well worth it.
Alternatives to Hafelekar Peak
Maybe you don’t have the time or don’t want to pay the cost of Hafelekar Peak. No worries, there are numerous other opportunities for hiking and mountain biking in this region that may better fit your needs. Just be aware that frequently snow and ice really complicate the already strenuous journey. And of course, you will need more than an afternoon to undertake that.
In winter there are also a lot of skiing options. All in all, I think the cable car was the right choice for me as it’s a long way up!
Close Out Your Day In Innsbruck at Ambras Castle
Having explored the Old Town and the mountains, head to the Ambras Castle. Built-in 1565 by Archduke Ferdinand II, the Ambras Castle is located just outside the city center accessible by tram or an easy 30 minute walk. (Of course I walked.)
This medieval castle is not as grandiose as many castles around Europe, but it is still worth a visit. It offers beautiful grounds, including wild peacocks roaming the gardens, and a number of trails behind it, which will take you to a couple of small waterfalls.
Cost to visit: 12 euros April – October; 8 euros December – March
Visit the official website of Ambras Castle for full details or purchase your ticket ahead of time.
If You Have More Than One Day in Innsbruck…
While you can certainly fit the “best of Innsbruck” into one day, there are a number of museums and other sites to check out if you have more time. Or, it’s an excellent opportunity to check out the hiking or winter sports options in the area.
Here are some of your best bets:
- Admire the sparkle of Swarovski Crystal World (Swarovski Kristallwelten)
- Visit the Bergisel Olympia Ski Jump Arena
- Go white-water rafting in the Tyrolean Alps
- Tandem paraglide through the Alps
- See the animals at the Alpine Zoo
- Take in the culture of the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum
When to Visit Innsbruck
When to visit Innsbruck, Austria is very dependent on what you want to do while you’re there.
If you are looking to spend one day in Innsbruck exploring what the city has to offer, you can do that year round. In fact, I would recommend coming in spring, summer, or fall unless you are planning to ski.
Spring: March to May
If you’re interested in skiing, but will not be heartbroken if snowfall is limited, spring can be a great time to visit Innsbruck. You’ll find a break on peak season ski prices, and some warmer weather to enjoy.
Summer: June to August
If you are purely visiting Innsbruck to enjoy the stunning city and its beautiful surroundings, summer is for you. Temperatures are warmer, sometimes reaching up to 80 degrees but with chilly nights. And you’ll miss the ski crowds which come with prime pricing on most things within the city. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy the area’s hiking.
Fall: September to November
While you may find some low prices to visit in fall, Innsbruck becomes much quieter during this time. Many tourist attractions actually have limited hours and may potentially be closed for all of November. Also be aware that you may receive some snow during this time, without the likelihood of great skiing.
Winter: December to February
Calling all skiiers. This timeframe is for you. You’ll be greeted by world class skiing and peak pricing. But if you’re looking for skiing within the Alps, the charm of Innsbruck is for you. I just recommend spending more than one day in Innsbruck then! You’ll need it to truly explore the city and get your skiing fix!
Where to Stay in Innsbruck
Whether you’re staying for one day or for a week, Innsbruck has great accommodation options. And, perhaps best of all, the city center is mostly walkable so transpiration will not be a big problem!
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Innsbruck
Trying to stay on a budget in Innsbruck? Check out these cheap hotels in Innsbruck or opt for a hostel stay!
- Hostel Marmota: Located right on the outskirts of the city center, Hostel Marmota features a lovely garden and terrace while offering affordable dormitories and private rooms. Check rates for Hostel Marmota now.
- Cityhotel Schwarzer Bar Innsbruck: This family run hotel is located right across the river from the Old Town making the location ideal for all travelers. Check rates for Cityhotel Schwarzer Bar Innsbruck now.
Mid-Range Hotels in Innsbruck
There are also tons of comfortable hotels in Innsbruck that won’t break the bank but add a level of luxury to your visit.
- Stage 12 Hotel by Penz: Recently opened in central Innsbruck, Stage 12 is an elegant city hotel featuring a spa and fitness center. Perhaps the best part being the terrace and views of the mountains. Check rates for Stage 12 Hotel by Penz now.
- Nala Individuellhotel: This stunning hotel is situated in the center of Innsbruck just a 2 minute walk from Maria-Theresien-Strasse. It offers all of the style and comforts of a boutique hotel including a stunning terrace overlooking the mountains. Check rates for Nala Individuellhotel now.
Luxury Hotels in Innsbruck
Situated in the mountains of Austria, there are some amazing hotels in Innsbruck to choose from! Most of them will offer views of the surrounding mountains, making your trip to Innsbruck memorable.
- aDLERS Hotel Innsbruck: Located just a 5 minute walk from the Old Town, aDLERS Hotel is the tallest hotel in Innsbruck and offers panoramic views of the city and Tyrolean Alps. It also offers a spa area and a rooftop terrace to get the most out of your time while in Innsbruck. Check rates for aDLERS Hotel Innsbruck now.
- The PENZ Hotel: Located in the heart of Innsbruck, the PENZ Hotel is the perfect location to base yourself. It also offers some modern luxury plus a rooftop breakfast area. Check rates at the PENZ Hotel now.
How to Save Money in Innsbruck
Austria is not a cheap country to visit, but there are some great ways to save money.
Avoid Visiting in Winter
Due to the main appeal of this region being skiing, it should come as no surprise that prices are highest in the winter. If you are not looking to ski, come through Innsbruck in any other season. You’ll find better deals on flights, accommodations, and more.
If you really can’t imagine visiting Innsbruck without trying your hand at skiing, opt for an early Spring trip to find better deals.
Invest in the Innsbruck Card
The Innsbruck Card offers all kinds of discounts and free access. If you’re planning to go up any of the cable cars or visit the museums, check into this. It can save you lots of money. For 24 hours, it’s 49 euros; 48 hours is 55 euros; 72 hours is 66 euros. And you’ll get access to:
- Free one-time admission to 22 museums and sights in the Innsbruck region
- One free return trip (or 50% discount) on selected cable cars – includes the Nordketten Bahnen mentioned above!
- Free travel on the Hop-on Hop-off bus, “The Sightseer Innsbruck”
- Free city bike rental for 3 hours
Order your Innsbruck Card here.
Look Outside the Old Town for Shops, Accommodations, and Restaurants
As with most cities, if you look in the tourist center, prices will be higher. Innsbruck is no different. If you’re looking to save some money, take a walk to outside of the main drag. You’ll find better deals on everything from souvenirs to delicious Austrian food and beer.
Save more with 44 Pro Tips to Save Money While Traveling.
Visiting Austria and the Surrounding Areas
If you’re looking to spend one day in Innsbruck, I recommend you check out some of the surrounding areas. Here are some posts to get you started:
- How to Spend 1 Day in Vienna: Itinerary for First Time Visitors
- Highlights and Tips for Visiting Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna
- Visiting Belvedere Palace in Vienna: The Ultimate Guide
- How to Travel from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg + Best Stops In-between
- 4 Days in Munich
- Visiting Dachau: 70+ Years of Liberation
- How to Get from Munich to Neuschwanstein
- Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
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