The Innsbruck cable car takes you from the city centre to the top of the Nordkette mountain in three stages. Find out what it costs to ride the Nordkette cable car, how it works, how much time to plan for the activity, and what to expect on the mountain.
Table of Contents
- Innsbruck Cable Cars Prices
- Where to Buy Nordkette Cable Car Tickets
- Innsbruck Cable Car Stages
- Hike to the Top of Innsbruck
- Best Hotels near the Innsbruck Cable Car
- Nordkette Cable Car Trip Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
Innsbruck Cable Cars Prices
| Section | Adult | Child (6-15) |
| Innsbruck – Hafelekar Return | €52,00 | €31,20 |
| Innsbruck – Hungerburg Return | €13,00 | €7,80 |
Where to Buy Nordkette Cable Car Tickets
There are manned ticket offices at the Congress and Hungerburg stations of the Nordkette cable cars. The other stations have ticket machines where you can pay with credit or debit card. You can also conveniently buy tickets online before your trip.
Insider Tip
A round trip with the Nordkette cable car is also included in the Innsbruck City Card. At €59,00 for 24 hours, this card is good value for money if you are planning to do more sightseeing, use other public transport or explore the Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
Innsbruck Cable Car Stages
1. Congress to Hungerburg
Innsbruck Congress (560 m) to Hungerburg (860 m) via Löwenhaus and Alpenzoo.
The Hungerburg funicular departs from the Congress station, located just down the road from Innsbruck’s Old Town on Rennweg (see map below), for the first stage of the Nordkette cable car trip.
The Löwenhaus station on the banks of the Inn River is reached within a few minutes after leaving the Congress. From here, the next stop is the Alpenzoo (750m), followed by Hungerburg.
It’s possible to disembark at the Alpenzoo for a visit to Europe’s highest-lying zoo and continue your journey up or down the Nordkette later. There is even a combined ticket that includes the cable car trip and the zoo.
| Operating Times | 7:15 to 19:15 from Monday to Friday and 8:00 to 19:15 on weekends and public holidays. |
The Hungerburg funicular leaves every 15 minutes. For the best views, try to get room in the front compartment (the furthest away from the tunnel when you leave the Congress station).
2. Hungerburg to Seegrube
The cable car leaving for Seegrube (1905 m) is in a different building from where you disembark when arriving in Hungerburg from Innsbruck. Looking towards the mountain, it is in the big white building next to the restaurant on your left.
You have time for a few quick photos of the views before waiting in line for the next stage of your Innsbruck cable car trip. This part of the journey is spent in one big car with mostly standing room. It can get quite full on busy days when it may happen that you must wait for the next car.
| Operating Times | Daily from 08:30 to 17:30 (or 18:30 from May to September) |
3. Seegrube to Hafelekar
Stepping out of the Nordkette cable car at the Seegrube station, you can either go left towards the restaurant and enjoy the views from the terrace or go right to continue your journey to Hafelekar at 2256 m.
| Operating Times | Daily from 09:00 to 17:00 (or 08:30 to 18:00 from May to September) |
Refresh and Relax
IIf you do decide to pause before leaving for Hafelekar, you can either sit and relax with a hot cuppa or cold something (depending on the weather and your taste!) at the Seegrube Restaurant. Or you can work up an appetite by doing the short circular hike around the Seegrube. Check out the huge rock nearby where the locals go to chill out.
Hike to the Top of Innsbruck
You made it all the way to 2256 m above sea level by cable car. Now you might as well let your legs take you a further 78m to the Hafelekarspitze at 2334 m. It only takes 15 minutes, and it may be the only summit you will ever climb!
The 360° view will let you see all the way to Italy in the south and Germany to the north. The barren landscape behind the Hafelekar station is in stark contrast to the fertile Inn Valley and green mountain slopes to the front.
If you´re up for a longer hike, the Hafelekar is the start of several summer hikes. These include the Goethe trail to the Gleirschspitze, the Mandlspitze, the Gleirschtaler Brandjoch saddle or the Rumer Spitze.
Did you know?
All four bottom stations of the Nordkettenbahnen were designed by the award-winning Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. She also designed the Bergisel ski jump. It´s obvious from their appearance that they were inspired by Alpine glaciers. There is a small exhibition at the Hungerburg detailing the history of Tyrolean architecture in the 20th and early 21st centuries.
Best Hotels near the Innsbruck Cable Car
Nordkette Cable Car Trip Tips
- Some claims that the Innsbruck cable car whisks you up the mountain in 20 minutes can be misleading. This may be enough time to get you to Seegrube if you don’t have to wait too long for the funicular to arrive at the Congress station. Generally, you should allow at least 45 minutes to get from Innsbruck to Hafelekar.
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast. It´s not worth the time and money to travel up the mountain if it´s covered in clouds or mist.
- Always take something warm to wear with you. Temperatures can drop quite dramatically in a short space of time. If there is a breeze on the mountain, you will also be happy if you have something to cover your ears.
- For spectacular sunsets and starry night skies, visit the Seegrube on the first Friday evening of the month during the summer months when the Innsbruck cable car runs from 18:00 to 23:30.
Take note that these times only apply to the section between Hungerburg and Seegrube. After 19:15, you must walk, take a bus, or call a taxi to get back to Innsbruck if you don’t have a car parked at the Hungerburg. - Save some money by walking to and from the Alpenzoo and Hungerburg from Innsbruck. Find your way to the bridge over the Inn at Löwenhaus, from where the trail is clearly marked. Or park your car at the Hungerburg (the parking is a bit cheaper than in Innsbruck) and take the Nordkette cable car from there.
- You can try your hand to a variety of winter and summer sports on the Nordkette, including skiing, mountain biking, paragliding, and rock climbing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Innsbruck Cable Car Worth It?
If you can afford it, absolutely. The Innsbruck Nordkette Cable Car whisks you from the city center to Alpine peaks in three stages. Whether you’re a hiker, skier, or just love a good Instagram-worthy moment, the ride is an unforgettable experience.
How long is the cable car ride in Innsbruck?
The entire journey from Innsbruck to the top of Hafelekar takes about 60 minutes, with stops at Hungerburg and Seegrube along the way. Each section offers stunning views.
How much is the cable car in Innsbruck?
A round-trip ticket to the Hafelekar peak costs around €52, but discounts are available with city passes.
How do I get to the top of the mountain in Innsbruck?
Hop on the Nordkette Cable Car from Innsbruck’s Congress Station, then take two more lifts—first to Seegrube and finally to Hafelekar. In just three quick rides, you’ll be standing at 2,300.
*Disclosure*
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That looks a cool place to be at…nice scenes around.