Innsbruck Key Attractions

Innsbruck is one of the most beautiful cities in the world thanks to its unique blend of alpine scenery and charming Baroque atmosphere. Innsbruck’s major attractions are clustered around the Old Town (Altstadt) and are easily accessible on foot. The entire Old Town district is a pedestrian zone after 10:30 each day, which makes sightseeing an absolute pleasure. The elaborate Baroque and medieval architecture lend to its charm and unique old world ambiance. The majestic wall of the Alps provides the perfect backdrop to this memorable Tyrolean city.

Alpenzoo

This unique zoo only houses animals which are indigenous to the Alps including alpine fish, reptiles and birds. Over 800 animals from 130 species are represented here, offering one of the most comprehensive collections of alpine creatures anywhere in the world. Lying on the southern slope of the Hungerburg plateau, the panoramic views from the zoo are worth the visit alone (tel:+43 0512 292323).

Dom zu St Jakob (Cathedral of St James)

One of the city’s premier churches was designed by the Baroque architect Johann Jakon Herkommer and built in 1724. The roofs and Baroque interior create a special atmosphere in this building, which is still used for weekly Mass. The highlight is the Maria Hilf (Mary of Succor) on the main altar, which was painted by Lucas Cranach the Elder (tel: +43 0512 583902).

Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof)

This dazzling piece of architecture is Innsbruck’s most popular tourist attraction and its most charismatic landmark. Constructed as a royal balcony for Emperor Maximilian I, so that he could observe events in the square below, the late-Gothic oriels are capped with 2,657 gold tiles. The Golden Roof was completed in the early 16th century to honour the emperor’s second marriage to Bianca Maria Sforza of Milan (tel: +43 0512 581111).

Hofburg

Originally built in the 15th century as the imperial palace of Emperor Maximilian I, the Hofberg was rebuilt in the Baroque style during the 18th century at the bequest of Maria Theresa. The building has four wings and a two-storey Riesensaal (Giant’s Hall), which is painted in white and gold, and covered with portraits of the Hapsburgs. You can wander the Hofburg on your own or take part in a guided tour, which are available twice a day (tel: +43 0512 587186).

Hofkirche

This impressive Gothic royal church and tomb was built in 1553 by Ferdinand I. The building houses the cenotaph of Maximilian I, an elegant marble sarcophagus glorifying the Holy Roman Empire. The tomb is an amazing display of German Renaissance sculpture, with its 28 bronze statues of Maximilian’s real and legendary ancestors and 24 marble reliefs depicting scenes from his life. It’s an overwhelming tribute to the man who established Innsbruck (+43 0512 584302).

Maximilianeum

This small museum, housed in the building attached to the Golden Roof, celebrates the life and accomplishments of Emperor Maximilian I. The Hapsburg ruler was responsible for bringing an end to the Middle Ages and helping to instigate the Northern Renaissance. Exhibits include costumes, portraits, silver chalices and coins from his realm (tel: +43 0512 581111).

Stadtturm (City Tower)

This former prison tower dates from the mid-1400s and stands next to the Rathaus. Besides its interest as a prison, the panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains from the top of the tower offer one of the best views in Innsbruck (tel: +43 0512 587113).

Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal Worlds)

This wonderful world of crystal is an underground fantasy of seven interlinked chambers, each presenting a different artistic presentation of crystal. In this magical environment, you can wander through the Planet of the Crystals, with its 3-D light show; stand in the Crystal Dome and feel what it would be like to be inside a giant crystal or watch a colourful performance in the Crystal Theatre. Another chamber displays crystalline works of art by geniuses such as Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol. There is even an alpine garden and adventure playground for kids. This is one attraction you won’t want to miss (tel: +43 05224 51080).

Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum

If you are interested in art, you should check out this celebrated gallery of paintings by Flemish and Dutch masters. The development of Tyrolean popular art is also traced, with particular highlights from the Gothic era. The original bas-reliefs used in the Golden Roof are also on display here (tel: +43 0512 59489).

Tiroler Volkskunst Museum
Located in the Neues Stift (New Abbey), an old church adjoining the Hofkirche and dating from the 16th century, is Innsbruck’s museum of popular art. It has an impressive collection of Tyrolean artefacts, which include religious and profane popular art, handicrafts, furniture and traditional costumes (tel: +43 0512 584302).