48 hours in Innsbruck: your guide for a perfect weekend

Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and combines tradition and a modern way of life in a unique way. With around 130,000 inhabitants, including over 30,000 students, the Alpine metropolis is not only an important cultural and economic center, but also a vibrant university location. Known for its breathtaking location in the middle of the Alps, the city attracts both sports enthusiasts and culture vultures.

The Alpine metropolis is a sports hotspot and has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1964 and 1976. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the surrounding area offers numerous outdoor activities all year round, including mountain biking, hiking and climbing. But the resort also has a lot to offer beyond sports: Historic buildings, lively old town streets and impressive museums make it a fascinating destination for a weekend trip.

Here is your plan for a perfect weekend in Innsbruck, with which you can discover both the city highlights and the impressive nature of the surrounding area.

F R I D A Y

Culinary start

Your weekend starts with a relaxed evening. For a cozy and exquisite meal, I recommend “Die Wilderin”, known for its regional cuisine and cozy atmosphere. Here you can indulge in Tyrolean specialties. The restaurant is located in Innsbruck's old town.

S A T U R D A Y

Breakfast at the Breakfast Club

The next day starts with a hearty breakfast at the Breakfast Club. The selection ranges from classic eggs Benedict to avocado toast. The cozy atmosphere and delicious breakfast make this place the perfect start to the day. Once you've fortified yourself, it's time to explore the city.

Walk through Maria-Theresien-Straße

"Maria-Theresien-Straße" is considered one of the most beautiful streets in the world. Stroll along this magnificent street and admire the elegant buildings and the impressive view of the Nordkette mountain range. The street is lined with stores, cafés and historic facades that provide a charming setting for your stroll through the city.

For shopping fans: Kaufhaus Tyrol and the RathausGalerien

Innsbruck offers many shopping opportunities for all shopping enthusiasts. Kaufhaus Tyrol is one of the most modern shopping centers in the city. On several floors you will find a variety of stores selling international brands as well as local labels. The architecture of the building is also an eye-catcher, as it combines modern design with a cozy atmosphere.

Just a few steps away are the RathausGalerien, another popular shopping center in Innsbruck. Here you will also find a good mix of stores, cafés and restaurants. Both shopping centers are located on Maria-Theresien-Straße.

Old town highlights: Golden Roof, Hofburg Palace and more

From "Maria-Theresien-Straße", you head into the historic old town. This picturesque district has its roots in the Middle Ages. Innsbruck has always been an important trading and transportation hub. The narrow streets and historic buildings are a reminder of the city's rich history.

Start your tour at the Golden Roof, the city's famous landmark. Niklas Türing the Elder commissioned the German King and later Emperor Maximilian I to build the magnificent oriel in 1497/98-1500 to mark the turn of the century in 1500. The “Dachl” is decorated with 2,657 gilded copper roof shingles. The tour then continues to the Hofburg, which was once the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Admire the magnificent imperial apartments and the impressive Giant's Hall. The Schwarzmander Church and Innsbruck Cathedral are also worth a visit.

Lunch

After the city tour, you can enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the many cozy restaurants in the old town. The Sitzwohl restaurant is located near the old town and offers modern, regional cuisine in an elegant ambience. The creative menu offers seasonal dishes prepared from high-quality, local ingredients. The cozy atmosphere and excellent service make it a popular place for a special meal.

Afternoon: Nordkette and Hafelekar

In the afternoon, take the Nordkettenbahn cable car directly from the city to the Hafelekar at 2,334 meters above sea level. Once at the top, a breathtaking view of up to 109 peaks in the surrounding area awaits you. Relax on the sun loungers, enjoy a coffee and let yourself be enchanted by the spectacular Alpine landscape.

You have two options for your return: Either take the comfortable train back or hike from the Seegrube along picturesque paths past three alpine pastures - the Bodensteiner Alm, the Höttinger Alm and the Umbrüggler Alm - back to the Hungerburg. From there, take the funicular back to the town.

Evening: drink in the 360 Grad Bar and dinner at the Gasthof Weisses Rössl

One highlight you shouldn't miss is the 360 Grad Bar. It is located on the roof of the RathausGalerien and offers a breathtaking panoramic view over the rooftops of Innsbruck and the surrounding Alps. The view is particularly spectacular at sunset. Here you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere and admire the city skyline.

Before you get ready for dinner at the “Weisses Rössl”. This historic restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a delicious selection of traditional dishes. Round off the evening with a good meal and a glass of wine.

S U N D A Y

Sunday morning: hike to the Patscher Alm

On Sunday morning, you then set off on a wonderful hike to the Patscher Alm. The hike starts at the valley station of the Patscherkofel cable car and takes you through impressive alpine landscapes. The hut offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is the perfect place for a relaxing break. Enjoy a hearty breakfast or a typical alpine dish here and let the tranquillity of nature work its magic on you.

Sunday afternoon: Ambras Castle or further exploration

After the hike, you can either visit Ambras Castle, which is known for its Renaissance architecture and ornate collections, or just take a leisurely stroll through Ambras Castle Park.

The city has something to offer for every interest - from cultural highlights and historical sights to breathtaking nature experiences. A weekend in this alpine city is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure!

The Innsbruck Card is an extremely practical offer for tourists who want to explore Innsbruck and its surroundings. This card offers admission to many sights and museums, including the famous Golden Roof, the Hofburg, and the Bergisel ski jump. It also allows you to use public transport in the region and the Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseer bus lines. A special highlight of the Innsbruck Card is the free ride on the mountain railroads, for example to the Nordkette, which offers a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding Alps.

The Card is available for 24, 48 or 72 hours and is therefore aimed at visitors who are only in the city for a short time, as well as those who want to stay longer and discover the diversity of Innsbruck in depth. Anyone planning to visit several sights and use public transport can save time and money with the Card.