Innsbruck tours and tickets
Innsbruck is a small city with mountains on its doorstep, so the booking is mostly about the cable cars and good weather. The old town sights have simple tickets, and the Innsbruck Card covers many of them. Winter and the Christmas season fill hotels, not attractions. Hall and the Stubai glacier are easy side trips.
Book these first
- A hotel for December weekends
- 1 to 2 months ahead. The Christmas markets fill the old town and the best rooms go first.
- Winter school holidays and ski weekends
- 2 to 3 months ahead. Rooms close to the cable cars and the station sell out when the slopes are good.
- A table at a traditional inn
- A few days ahead at weekends. The old town's best-known inns fill for dinner, especially in December.
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Outdoors
Nordkette cable car
A cable car from the city center to a rocky ridge above the city, with views of the Alps and the Inn valley. It connects in stages, and the top is cold even in summer.
Which to pick. Go on a clear morning and check the weather before you buy. A combined ticket with the lower funicular saves time.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorStubai glacier
A glacier ski area and viewing platform, about 45 minutes by bus from the city. In summer it is a sightseeing trip, and in winter a ski day.
Which to pick. Check the lift and weather page, then buy the lift ticket on arrival or online. A tour covers the transport.
A day or two aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorBergisel ski jump
The Olympic ski jump above the city, with a lift and a view over Innsbruck. A restaurant sits at the top.
Which to pick. Buy the ticket at the door and go in the morning, when the light is good for the view. A tour is not needed, since the lift and signs explain it.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Monuments and landmarks
Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
A balcony covered with gilded tiles in the main street, with a museum inside. The museum has a separate ticket.
Which to pick. View the roof free from the street. Buy the museum ticket only if you want the history of the emperor.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorStadtturm (City Tower)
A medieval tower on the old town square, with a viewing platform reached by narrow wooden steps. The view takes in the Golden Roof, the rooftops and the mountains behind.
Which to pick. Buy at the door and go early. A cheap and quick way to see the old roofs.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorHofburg and the Hofkirche
The imperial palace and the court church with its bronze statues around the tomb of Maximilian. Entry is by ticket, and audio guides are sold.
Which to pick. Buy at the door, and see the court church first, because the bronze figures are the highlight. A guide is optional but helps with the Habsburg history.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Churches and palaces
Ambras Castle
A Renaissance castle with a gallery of portraits and a chamber of curiosities, on a hill above the city. A bus from the center reaches it.
Which to pick. Buy at the door. It is quiet and works well for a half day, with the park and the café as a pause between the rooms.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSwarovski Crystal Worlds
A museum and garden of glass art in nearby Wattens, about 20 minutes by train and bus. A shuttle runs from the city.
Which to pick. Pre-book a timed entry in high season and use the shuttle. A tour is not needed.
A few days ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Hall in Tirol
A medieval mint town with a pedestrian center, about 15 minutes by train. The old mint is a small museum.
Which to pick. Go by train and walk the pedestrian center. No tickets are needed, and the mint museum can be added on the spot.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorMunich
A big city about two hours by train, easy to reach as a long day trip. Plan a few key sights rather than seeing everything.
Which to pick. Choose a direct train and buy the ticket ahead for a good price. A day trip is possible but tiring.
A few days aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
City and museum passes in Innsbruck
- Innsbruck CardA card with free cable cars, museums and public transport for one, two or three days. It suits a short stay with many sights. Check the included attractions, and compare with single tickets before buying. Official page
Booking tours and tickets in Innsbruck
Do I need to book the Nordkette?
Not usually. Check the weather and buy on the day. In a long winter weekend, an early ride avoids the queue.
Is the Innsbruck Card worth it?
If you plan the Nordkette and two or three museums, yes. For a single cable car ride, a normal ticket is simpler.
Are there English tours of the old town?
Yes, a daily guided walk runs in high season. Smaller groups are arranged by private guides.
Can I ski from Innsbruck?
Yes. Shuttle buses reach several ski areas. Buy the lift pass at the resort or online.
Is the Stubai glacier a day trip?
Yes. It takes about 45 minutes each way by bus. Check the weather and the glacier webcams before you go.
What can wait until I arrive?
The Golden Roof, the tower, the Hofburg and the Nordkette can all be done on the day. Book a mountain restaurant dinner and any Christmas hotel early.