Planning a Trip to Innsbruck

Modern Ramada Hotel in Innsbruck

Needless to say, skiing is the main objective for most people heading to this beautiful Austrian resort town. But, this is not all there is to Innsbruck. In fact, there are so many things to see, do and enjoy in Innsbruck and even someone who is only an amateur skier, such as me, can enjoy their time in the city. 

If you like going up slope and looking at the view, only don’t particularly like to ski down the slope at the end, or are just taking a break from doing that, the Innsbruck funicular ride can provide a good way to spend some time. The ride itself can be quite amazing, but the real reward is the spectacular views you are offered at the top; both of the town as well of the magnificent Alps. The funicular stations are a futuristic delight in the signature style of architect Zaha Hadid and quite a treat to see. 

If, like me, you are curious about people and cultures, you might like to visit the Folk Museum, which has quite an interesting collection of not just art, but artefacts and objects from the folk history of the region. This includes Tirolean weapons that the Tirloeans used in their battle of independence. This place is truly fascinating and definitely worth a visit. The museum is housed in an old Franciscan monastery and is surrounded by the serene and beautiful park. 

It’s hard to miss the golden roof, beckoning you into old town Innsbruck. So even if you haven’t planned this iconic ‘Innsbruckian’ monument into your schedule, chances are you will end up visiting. This a three storeyed roof covered with gold plated tiles, that covers a porch built for the king Maximillian the first, presumably to sit and enjoy the Alpine views in true royal style. 

Innsbruck is known worldwide for its skiing, but that is definitely not all there is to it. You can certainly find things to do and places to visit other than skiing in Innsbruck and I highly recommend you plan these into your trip!

Try the Nordkettenbahnen – the Cable Railway

One of the most captivating things about Innsbruck is the contrasts that make it what it is today. There are sweepingly dramatic mountain landscapes, coupled with appealing shopping areas, classic history and a delectable range of coffee shops and restaurants to welcome you in. There is little not to love about it, for sure.

But now there is one additional thing to love, thanks to the Nordkettenbahnen, otherwise known as the cable railway. The railway operates every fifteen minutes, and whatever you may be doing in Innsbruck you should make the time to catch a cable car from there to be taken up the mountain. You’ll travel nearby 1700 metres upwards en route to your mountainous destination, giving you plenty of opportunity to get the camera out to mark the moment.

If you thought there were plenty of photo opportunities in Innsbruck itself, you’ll be met with plenty more as you head up the mountain and rise above the city. Regardless of the time of year you choose to make this journey, you’ll be amazed at the views that unfold above and below you as you creep up the mountain.

The views are stunning when there are blankets of snow settling down below and all around you, but even when the blanket is green with foliage during the summer, it looks quite remarkable. If you are lucky enough to visit during both seasons, you’ve a real treat in store as you witness both landscapes.

Exploring the Kaufhaus Tyrol shopping mall in Innsbruck

There are many reasons to visit Innsbruck, so you don’t really need another one. But just in case you’re not quite sold on the idea of heading to the most charming and vibrant part of the Tyrol, here’s one that might tip the odds.

The Kaufhaus Tyrol is a huge shopping space that is simultaneously appealing, enthralling and very welcoming indeed. Austria in general is known for its coffee shops, resplendent as they are not just with coffee but with traditional Austrian treats and sweets. If you’re likely to shop until you drop, there are plenty of well situated venues to sit down in for a drink and a bite to eat until you get the feeling back in your feet!

One of the best things about Kaufhaus Tyrol is the incredibly welcoming feeling you get as soon as you walk along its streets. The downtown area offers a whole range of shops to cater for every need, all the while sharing space with those delectable cafes and establishments offering parasols, comfy chairs and tables to relax at. If you love nothing better than to watch the world go by, you can watch this particular part of the Tyrol more closely than ever thanks to the well planned area that is the Kaufhaus Tyrol in Innsbruck.

There are many reasons to love Innsbruck, not just to visit it. The newly reopened Kaufhaus Tyrol represents just another reason why this should be added to your (long) list of things to do in the area. 

See some pictures on their Facebook page here or contact each shop individually here .

Enjoy!

Natterer See Holiday Resort

Exploring the Natterer See Holiday Resort



The best holiday means finding the best holiday resort to stay in. Innsbruck is a popular destination for many people in Austria, and if you’re focused on seeing that and other highlights of the country, head for the holiday resort at Natterer See.



The resort is perfect for camping but it also has rooms and apartments if you’re not the type to enjoy bedding down in a tent every night. There’s more than one place to find something to eat too, with the signature See Restaurant topping the list. They’ve also packed in a Pizzeria and there are plenty of spots to relax and eat your meals too. Look out for the pavilions if you’re after a romantic dinner with the one you love.


This is the type of holiday resort you could spend your whole break in, without ever stepping foot outside. But since you’re near the likes of Innsbruck, the Brenner Pass and some of the most charming surroundings in the whole of Austria, it’s worth getting out and about too. It’s just nice to know you’ve got somewhere warm and homely to go back to once you’ve done your exploring for the day. Don’t miss the superb options the Natterer See resort brings you

The Bergisel Ski Jump in Innsbruck

You’ll need a head for heights to make the most of Bergisel, the location of Innsbruck’s famous ski jump – not to mention the panoramic restaurant Cafe im Turm that awaits you at the top. You may not want to throw yourself down the ski jump with a couple of skis strapped to your feet, but it’s still worth getting an idea of how brave (or mad) the skiers are who’ve done it before.

Of course one of the highlights of visiting Bergisel is enjoying a meal in the restaurant, which enjoys a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. I think you’ll agree Innsbruck has never looked as stunning as it does from this height. You can tuck into one of four tasty breakfasts (look out for the signature Bergisel breakfast, complete with a glass of prosecco), or opt for a full three course lunch. That’s just perfect if you want to enjoy that view for a while longer. With the likes of smoked trout, steak sandwiches and iced coffee with cream to look forward to this is a day out that provides a real assault on all the senses. With Innsbruck laid out below, you’ll want to take a long lingering look over everything that comes with a visit to the Bergisel ski jump.

Ambras Castle – Watching Over Innsbruck

Ambras Castle Innsbruck

There are many things to do in Innsbruck, but one of the best is to climb the hills that hug the city and explore Ambras Castle. Known locally as Schloss Ambras, it has watched over the city for several hundred years, although a fort took its place before it was built. Indeed, it is thought some of the stone in the existing castle harks back to the original fort.

You don’t need to climb up to the castle to see it. It sits majestically above the city and was once owned by Archduke Ferdinand, whose name is still linked with it today. Indeed if you do visit the castle be sure to take a closer look at the Chamber of Art and Curiosities, which is apparently inspired by him and contains some of the items he collected during his lifetime.

As you can probably tell, this castle isn’t just a classic on the outside. It contains many delights and treasures too, many of which are on display for you to see. For example you can see dozens of paintings in the Upper Castle, including some by Titian among other well known names.

Ambras Castle is priceless in many ways – from the history of its occupants to the history of the items held within its walls today. From its armories to the splendid Spanish Hall, it has the power to make you view it in an entirely different way once you’ve been inside. Seeing it from below in Innsbruck is simply not enough for the average visitor who appreciates the history this castle has to share.

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