Innsbruck in Winter
Ski, culture and mountain vistas

Innsbruck has a wealth of attractions set against an Alpine backdrop:

Bergisel Ski Jump: an iconic structure that combines sporting history with striking modern architecture.

Ambras Castle: a Renaissance palace set within a magnificent garden, and a highlight for history and art lovers alike.

Nordkette – Top of Innsbruck: the cable car climbs directly from the city centre to the Nordkette, where spectacular views and hiking trails await.

Golden Roof: the historic building in the old town, covered with 2,657 gilded copper tiles, is one of Austria's most recognised landmarks.

Alpenzoo Innsbruck: Europe's highest-altitude zoo, specialising in Alpine species.

Imperial Palace: the Baroque palace that once served as a Habsburg residence.

Innsbruck lies in western Austria and is the capital of the province of Tirol. The city sits in the Inn valley, surrounded by the Alps, making it a popular base for winter sports, mountain hiking and mountain biking.

• Skiing and snowboarding: Innsbruck gives access to several ski resorts, including the Nordkette, Axamer Lizum and the Stubaital. The region has 12 ski areas in total, with over 300 kilometres of pistes.

• Cross-country skiing: numerous cross-country trails surround Innsbruck, particularly in Seefeld and the Stubaital, suitable for both classic and skating technique.

• Snowshoeing: snow-covered winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, perfect for those who love the outdoors.

• Ice skating: the city has several ice rinks, and the Olympiaworld hosts both ice hockey matches and public skating sessions.

• Winter walking: many trails are cleared in winter, making it easy to explore the snowy landscape on foot.

The Nordkettenbahn runs in three sections: first, the Hungerburgbahn funicular takes you from the Congress station in the city centre up to the Hungerburg. From there, the Seegrubenbahn continues to the Seegrube, and the Hafelekarbahn climbs on to the Hafelekar.

Innsbruck brings together history and contemporary life against a spectacular Alpine backdrop. The medieval old town with its famous Golden Roof, a vibrant cultural scene, winter sports events and the immediate proximity of the Tirolean mountains all combine to create a distinctive atmosphere.

Three days give a good feel for the city — enough time to take in the key sights, visit the Christmas markets and head up into the surrounding winter landscape by mountain railway. The 72-hour Innsbruck Card is ideal for this kind of stay and offers maximum flexibility.

Innsbruck is served by train, plane, car and long-distance bus. Direct trains connect the city with Vienna, Munich and Zurich, the airport is close to the centre and linked by bus in around 20 minutes, the A12 and A13 motorways provide easy road access, and long-distance coaches stop centrally at the main station.