Tyrol's capital is a sight to behold. The mountains are so close that within 25 minutes it's possible to travel from the heart of the city to over 2000m above sea level. Summer and winter outdoor activities abound, and it's understandable why some visitors only take a peek at Innsbruck proper before heading for the hills. But to do so is a shame, for Innsbruck has its own share of gems, including an authentic medieval Altstadt (Old Town), inventive architecture and vibrant student-driven nightlife.
HofkircheCHURCH
Innsbruck’s pride and joy is the Gothic Hofkirche, one of Europe’s finest royal court churches. It was commissioned in 1553 by Ferdinand I, who enlisted top artists of the age such as Albrecht Dürer, Alexander Colin and Peter Vischer the Elder. Top billing goes to the empty sarcophagus of Emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519), a masterpiece of German Renaissance sculpture, elaborately carved from black marble.
Goldenes Dachl & MuseumMUSEUM
Innsbruck's golden wonder is this Gothic oriel, built for Emperor Maximilian I and glittering with 2657 fire-gilt copper tiles. An audio guide whizzes you through the history in the museum; look for the grotesque tournament helmets designed to resemble the Turks of the rival Ottoman Empire.
HofburgPALACE
Demanding attention with its imposing facade and cupolas, the Hofburg was built as a castle for Archduke Sigmund the Rich in the 15th century, expanded by Emperor Maximilian I in the 16th century and given a baroque makeover by Empress Maria Theresia in the 18th century. The centrepiece of the lavish rococo state apartments is the 31m-longRiesensaal (Giant’s Hall).
BergiselVIEWPOINT
Rising above Innsbruck like a celestial staircase, this glass-and-steel ski jump was designed by much-lauded Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. It's 455 steps or a two-minute funicular ride to the 50m-high viewing platform, with a breathtaking panorama of the Nordkette range, Inntal and Innsbruck. Tram 1 trundles here from central Innsbruck.
Schloss AmbrasCASTLE
Picturesquely perched on a hill and set among beautiful gardens, this Renaissance pile was acquired in 1564 by Archduke Ferdinand II, then ruler of Tyrol, who transformed it from a fortress into a palace. Don't miss the centrepiece Spanische Saal (Spanish Hall), the dazzling armour collection and the gallery's Velázquez and van Dyck originals.
StadtturmTOWER
Climb this tower's 148 steps for 360-degree views of the city’s rooftops, spires and surrounding mountains.
AIR
EasyJet flies to Innsbruck Airport, 4km west of the city centre.
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
Heading south by car through the Brenner Pass to Italy, you’ll hit the A13 toll road (€8). Toll-free Hwy 182 follows the same route, although it is less scenic.
TRAIN
Fast trains depart at least every two hours for Bregenz (€37, 2½ hours), Salzburg (€45, two hours), Kitzbühel (€20.40, 1½ hours) and Munich (€41, 1¾ hours). There are several daily services to Lienz (€15.40, 3¾ hours).
Getting Around
Single tickets on buses and trams cost €1.80 from machines or €2 from the driver. A 24-hour ticket is €4.50. Bus F runs between the airport and Maria-Theresien-Strasse.
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