When you think of Innsbruck, Austria in winter, skiing probably comes to mind first. And that’s completely understandable. But what if I told you that Innsbruck has so much more to offer? How about snowshoeing, winter hiking or even spending a night in an igloo? In this article, I’ll share more about why you should visit Innsbruck in winter, including tips for things to do and see, where to stay and how to get around.
Where else in the world can you travel from a fancy city within 20 minutes to 2,300 meters, and find yourself in the snow? It is possible in Innsbruck, with the Nordkettenbahnen cable car. Throughout winter, you will spot many people walking in and around Innsbruck with ski boots on and skis over their shoulders, heading to the slopes. But even if you don’t ski, you can still enjoy this amazing experience.
The Nordkettenbahnen cable car brings you in 16 minutes to Seegrube located at 1,900 meters, and in 20 minutes to Hafelekar at 2,300 meters, known as the Top of Innsbruck. Here, you can hit the ski runs or relax with a drink at one of the mountain restaurants, while soaking in the breathtaking views.
It’s definitely worth going on a walk through the city center of Innsbruck in winter. The center is small, making it easy to explore on foot. In the old town, you’ll stroll through 500-year-old streets filled with cozy cafés and bars, surrounded by stylish Gothic and Baroque façades. One of the most famous places to visit in Innsbruck is the Goldenes Dachl. This historic building with its golden roof was built around 1500 by Emperor Maximilian I and features more than 2,657 gilded copper tiles.
The best photo spot in Innsbruck is at the Inn Bridge, where colorful houses line the river with snow-capped mountains in the background. From the city tower, you can admire Innsbruck from above. You can also visit the Innsbruck Cathedral, and learn more about the Habsburg Empire at the Hofburg and Hofkirche.
If you want to visit several sights in Innsbruck during winter, it’s smart to get the Innsbruck Card. This card gives access to more than 22 attractions and is valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours. You can buy the card here.
The area around Innsbruck offers countless winter hiking options. There are 67 kilometers of specially marked trails, which you can easily explore on your own or with a guide. It is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful snowy landscape.
When I visited Innsbruck in winter I went to ski resort Kühtai to hike, but routes like Umbrüggler Alm, Panoramaweg Mutters, and Patscherkofel Vitalweg are also worth checking out. These trails are close to Innsbruck’s city center. You don’t need special gear for these trails like for snowshoe hiking, but do wear warm clothes and waterproof shoes.
Do you want to know more about winter hiking and the nicest trails in Innsbruck? Here you can find more info. Also, with the Innsbruck Welcome Card, given at hotels for stays of two nights or more, you can register free for guided snowshoe and winter hikes.
Looking for a bit more adventure while hiking? Then a snowshoe walk is a fantastic experience. More and more people are discovering this activity in Innsbruck in winter. With special snowshoes strapped to your feet, you trek through deep snow while enjoying views and the calming crunch of the snow beneath you. Whether you choose to go solo or with a guide, snowshoeing is highly recommended. As a beginner, it’s best to start with easier routes instead of immediately climbing the highest peaks.
Looking for snowshoe trails around Innsbruck in winter? Here you’ll find an overview. Bonus tip: with the Innsbruck Welcome Card, you can join guided snowshoe and winter hikes for free. Looking for a private tour? Check out this option.
Always wanted to spend a night in an igloo? Just an hour’s drive from Innsbruck lies Kühtai, one of Austria’s highest ski resorts, home to Iglu-Dorf Kuhtai. Here, you can spend the night in one of the 12 igloos, combining adventure with comfort. Explore the area on a snowshoe hike, enjoy a cozy cheese fondue dinner, and relax in the on-site sauna. Want to read more about spending the night in an igloo? I share all the details in the next article.
Thinking about staying in an igloo yourself? Here you can check the latest prices and availability for Iglu-Dorf Innsbruck Kühtai in Austria.
One of the must-see things to do in Innsbruck is to visit the Bergisel Ski Jump. This 47-meter-high jump, designed by Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, is an architectural highlight, clearly visible from across the city. It hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976, and every January, Innsbruck still hosts the prestigious Four Hills Tournament, one of the top ski jumping events.
During your visit, you can walk through the stands where over 28,000 spectators gather during competitions. A funicular takes you to the top, where the platform and café offer 360-degree views over the city.
You can visit the Bergisel Ski Jump with the Innsbruck Card, which grants access to 22 attractions in the city. Get your card here.
Tips: Do you want to fully experience the Bergisel Ski Jump in Innsbruck? Then book an exclusive breakfast at the Bergisel café. You’ll enjoy an amazing breakfast while taking in panoramic views of Innsbruck and its surroundings.
If you’re in Innsbruck on a cold or rainy winter day, don’t miss one of the city’s most popular attractions: Swarovski Kristallwelten. In 1995, Swarovski commissioned renowned multimedia artist André Heller to create a crystal-inspired world. Artists and designers from around the globe were invited to draw inspiration from crystals.
The eighteen ‘Chambers of Wonder’ take you on a journey through this sparkling world of crystals, with each room dedicated to an artwork or immersive experience. Wander past works by artists like Dali, Warhol, Keith Haring, and see Hollywood Swarovski costumes. Explore a winter wonderland, enter a mirrored room created by Yayoi Kusama, and experience the crystal dome that makes you feel like you’re inside a gem. Outside, a sculpture park awaits.
Want to visit Swarovski Kristallwelten? Tickets with shuttle service are available here. Swarovski Kristallwelten is also included with the Innsbruck Card, which grants access to 22 attractions in Innsbruck.
Innsbruck in winter is known as Ski City, with 9 ski resorts and over 260 kilometers of slopes in the immediate surroundings. As a skier, it’s simply a matter of choosing the best slopes for your stay. It’s useful to get the SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai Innsbruck, which gives you access to all ski areas and cable cars in Innsbruck. You can also use public transportation and shuttle services to the resorts free of charge. More information about the SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai Innsbruck can be found here.
At an altitude of 2,020 meters, Kühtai is one of the highest ski resorts in Austria. This means there’s almost always snow during the winter months. Kühtai offers 44 kilometers of ski slopes, 11 lifts, and several accommodation and restaurant options. But even for non-skiers, there are plenty of things to do. In the next travel guide you’ll find my tips for what to do in the Kühtai ski resort in Austria.
Innsbruck is home to many stylish rooftop bars. There’s nothing better than enjoying a cup of tea or a glass of wine in winter while overlooking the twinkling lights of Innsbruck and its surrounding mountains. Restaurant Lichtblick, located on the seventh floor of the Rathausgalerien, serves culinary four- or five-course menus. Wine bar 360° and the rooftop of the aDLERS hotel also offer stunning views over the city.
Each year around mid-November, Innsbruck lights up with Christmas markets. Over 200 stalls spread across various locations immerse you in festive spirit. Not in the mood to shop? At least grab a glass of glühwein.
Want to read more about what to do in Innsbruck? In the next travel guide, you’ll find all my tips for things to do and see in Innsbruck throughout the year.
Planning to visit several sights during your stay in Innsbruck? The Innsbruck Card, offering 24, 48, or 72-hour access to 22 attractions, public transportation, the Hop on – Hop off bus, and two cable cars is absolutely worth it. You can buy the Innsbruck Card here before or during your visit. More details about the Innsbruck Card are available here.
Every stay of two nights or more in an Innsbruck hotel comes with the Welcome Card upon arrival. This card lets you use public transport free of charge throughout your stay, including shuttles to ski resorts like Kühtai. You’ll also find discounts on attractions and can join winter and snowshoe hikes in and around Innsbruck for free. More info is available here.
Looking for more tips and things to do in Innsbruck Austria in winter? Check out the next tours.
Nothing beats cozying up in a nice restaurant or rooftop bar with city views during winter in Innsbruck. Here are some of my favorite spots.
Looking for a great hotel in Innsbruck? Hotel Stage 12 is a stylish choice right in the city center, tucked away on a quiet courtyard off the Marie Theresienstrasse. You’re minutes from Innsbruck’s lively heart and attractions. Rooms are spacious, simple, and comfortable, many with mountain views and some with private balconies. Stage 12 also has a gym and a small wellness area. And don’t forget to enjoy a glass of Grüner Veltliner in the bar. Extra useful: private lockers are available if you want to leave luggage behind, when spending the night in the mountains for example.
Want to stay at Hotel Stage 12? Check current prices and availability here. Looking for more Innsbruck hotels? This is an overview.
Innsbruck’s city center is compact, with all main sights within easy walking distance. The public transportation system is excellent, with frequent trams and buses that are simple to use. There are also good connections in winter from Innsbruck to nearby ski resorts like Kühtai. Don’t forget to ask for the Welcome Card at your hotel when you stay two nights or more, offering free access to public transport and other perks. Just don’t get confused with the Innsbruck Card. This card gives access to more than 22 attractions and is valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, but can be purchased.
Planning to visit Innsbruck? Skyscanner makes it easy to search, compare, and book flights. Prefer to travel by train? Österreichische Bundesbahnen and WESTbahn offer various routes, including the Nightjet bringing you to different cities in Europe. You can search, compare and book your trip here.
I’ve tried to share as many tips as possible on what to do in Innsbruck in winter if you’re not planning to ski. Hopefully, this article has inspired you to add this destination to your winter itinerary in Europe.
Did you find this article with tips for Innsbruck in winter interesting? Curious for more tips on destinations, sights, and tours in Austria? Check out the nextt travel guides.
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Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
