Morning

Pick up your Welcome Card, which gets you access to sights, cable cars, and public transport, then head to Innsbruck’s most famous landmark, the Golden Roof. It was built for the wedding of Emperor Maximilian I to Bianca Maria Sforza and comprises 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles. Just behind, find the Cathedral of St. James. The opulent Baroque cathedral holds the tomb of Emperor Maximilian III, the great-great-grandson of Maximilian I.

Walk along Burggraben street to the Imperial Palace, stretched out against the Nordkette mountain range with a bright Baroque facade. During the 15th century, it served as the official seat of the Habsburg Empire. Take a guided tour of the state rooms, banquet hall, Imperial apartments, and tower.

Hop next door for a look at Innsbruck’s Imperial Court Church, which was meant to be the final resting place of Emperor Maximilian I. His elaborate tomb sits empty (Maximilian’s remains lie near Vienna), but 28 larger-than-life bronze statues of historical figures (called “Schwarzmander”) still watch over the cenotaph.

Dinner

Restaurant Das Schindler has a modern dining room with black chandeliers and a colourfully-lit bar. The food is equally flashy with menu items like braised veal and suckling pig dim sum. Order à la carte, or commit to a 3, 4, or 5-course menu.

Late Evening

Innsbruck’s Court Theatre used to entertain Archduke Ferdinand Karl and his guests – today, you can attend concerts, dance performances, stage plays, and other cultural events in the heart of Innsbruck. Head over to the neoclassical theatre building opposite the Imperial Palace for a night worthy of archdukes and emperors.

Afternoon

Continue towards the Bergisel Ski Jump, a sleek metal tower that pokes out of the forest. Designed in the early 2000s by Zaha Hadid, it hosts some of the world’s elite ski jumpers for training and competitions. Between May and October, Wednesday through Monday, you can watch ski jumpers soar. Take the lift to the top to experience a ski jumper's viewpoint right before the jump.

Visit the Tirol Panorama Museum, home to one of the few remaining 19th-century panoramic paintings showcasing Tirol's struggle for freedom. It was here that fierce military battles were fought between the Tiroleans and Bavarians. Then, head to the Grassmayr Bell Foundry, Austria’s oldest family business (dating back to 1599!). Their bells can be heard in over 100 countries – and it all starts in the man-sized casts at their Innsbruck foundry.

Dinner

Innsbruck is all about local food – especially when it comes to meats and produce. Restaurant Die Wilderin takes this philosophy to the next level by sourcing a highly seasonal menu almost entirely from nearby farms.

Afternoon

A walk around Lake Lans is not only rewarding for outdoor enthusiasts. The gentle landscape surrounding this small lake is easy to navigate and doesn't require more than basic fitness levels. Bask in the views of Innsbruck's iconic panorama and dip your toes in the water of the lake! Swimming is allowed, so you might see the locals sunbathe and splash around during the summer.

Equally popular with Innsbruckians is the cable car to Patscherkofel mountain. This is the domed elevation opposite the Nordkette, which provides great views in summer and even some skiing in winter! Visit the 800 year-old pine forest before making your way back into the city.

Evening

If you are interested in a traditional evening show featuring yodelling and folk dances, book a ticket for a Tirolean Evening. The show, which has been performed by the Gundolf family for over 50 years, is performed daily from April to October, and 2-3 times a week during the rest of the year. Holders of the Welcome Card get a special discount.