The Innsbruck old town is full of historic and architectural gems within easy walking distance of each other. Here are my top 10 things to see and do in and around the historic old town of Innsbruck.
This post covers the historic old town of Innsbruck. You’ll find details on more things to do in and around the city, such as the Nordkette cable car and Swarovski Crystal Worlds, in this Innsbruck travel guide.
Innsbruck Old Town Top 10
1. Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
A little balcony with a roof adorned with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles is the biggest attraction in the Innsbruck old town (known locally as the Altstadt). The Golden Roof in the heart of the historic centre was built around 1500 by Emperor Maximilian 1. Since then, it has become the symbol of Innsbruck.
Also note the Baroque Helblinghaus, distinguished by its stucco façade adorned with cherubs and other decorative ornamentation, located on the corner opposite the Golden Roof.
2. Innsbruck City Tower (Stadtturm)
The Innsbruck city tower, located near the Golden Roof, was first documented in 1450. For many centuries, the tower was staffed by watchmen whose responsibilities included announcing the time each hour and alerting the townspeople to any approaching dangers. During the Middle Ages, the Innsbruck City Tower also contained a prison cell at its base.
Consider climbing the 148 stairs to the viewing platform near the top of the Innsbruck City Tower. From this vantage point, you have a 360-degree view over the city and its surroundings. Notable landmarks to look out for include the Nordkette and Patscherkofel mountains, and the Bergisel ski jump.
Why don’t you get some exercise and climb the 148 stairs to the viewing platform? From here, you have a 360-degree view over Innsbruck and its surroundings. The Nordkette mountains, Patscherkofel, and the Bergisel ski jump are just some of the things you will see.
3. Imperial Palace (Hofburg)
The Imperial Palace is only a 3-minute walk from the Golden Roof. As the former residence of the Habsburg Dynasty, the interior of the Innsbruck Imperial Palace impresses with beautifully painted ceilings and portraits of illustrious imperial personalities, such as Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Maximilian I.
The palace was originally built by Archduke Sigmund the Rich in the mid-1400s. Highlights are the Giant’s Hall, the Guard Room, and the Hofburg Chapel.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Golden Roof, the Innsbruck City Tower, the Imperial Palace, and the Court Church are all included in the Innsbruck Card.
Buying the card instead of individual tickets to the different attractions can result in a big saving.
4. Court Church (Hofkirche)
Across from the Imperial Palace is a Gothic church built by Emperor Ferdinand I in memory of his grandfather, Maximilian I.
Consecrated in 1553, the church houses the Schwarze Mander (Black Men), 28 statues of Habsburg relatives and heroes. Despite the name, some statues are of women. They surround a black marble cenotaph for Maximilian I. The court church also houses the tomb of the Tyrolean folk hero Andreas Hofer.
The Innsbruck Court Church and the Museum of Tyrolean Folk Art share the same entrance. If you have time, it’s well worth taking a tour of the museum. Don’t let the Krampus near the entrance frighten you away!
5. Maria Theresa Street
Walking down the pedestrian area of Maria Theresa Street from the Golden Roof to the Triumphal Arch showcases the heart of the Innsbruck old town. Lined with 17th- and 18th-century houses, the walk can easily take half an hour due to the many sights along the way.
Keep an eye out for St. Anne’s Column, where the principal shopping area commences. This monument, dating back to 1706, was erected to commemorate the retreat of Bavarian troops on St. Anne’s Day in 1703.
Two shopping centres, the Rathaus Galerien and the Kaufhaus Tyrol are on either side of Maria Theresa Street.
6. Triumphal Arch (Triumphpforte)
Innsbruck’s Triumphal Arch on Maria-Theresa Street marks both a wedding and a funeral.
The Triumphal Arch was commissioned in 1765 by Empress Maria Theresa to commemorate the marriage of her son, the Duke of Tuscany (later Emperor Leopold II), to Spanish Princess Maria Ludovica.
Sadly, Maria Theresa’s husband Emperor Franz I died during the festivities. The Triumphal Arch thus depicts the wedding on its southern facade and the mourning of the emperor on its northern facade. It is a notable landmark on the border of Innsbruck´s old town.
7. Colourful Houses Along the Inn River
One of the best views in Innsbruck is of the row of colourful houses set against a mountainous backdrop along the Inn River on Mariahilstraße. These houses are best captured in photographs from the Innbrücke (Inn Bridge) or the Marktplatz (Market Square). The Marktplatz is also a great place to stop and relax after your walking tour of Innsbruck´s old town.
If you’re planning on visiting more Austrian cities, these are the 13 things you must do in Graz.
8. Cathedral of St. James
The Cathedral of St. James was named for its location on the medieval Christian pilgrimage route, the Way of St. James. Originally built in the 1100s, it was rebuilt in the early 1700s after earthquake damage.
The well-known Maria Hilf painting by Lukas Cranach the Elder is located inside the cathedral. The cathedral can be found down Pfargasse, behind the Golden Roof.
9. Landhausplatz (Eduard-Wallnöfer-Platz)
The Landhausplatz is a contemporary urban public space which is essentially a 9,000 square metre concrete floor sculpture. In 1994, the square was named after the former Tyrolean governor Eduard Wallnöfer.
Various monuments, including the Liberation Monument and the Pogrom Monument, have been integrated into the architectural design. Concrete obstacles and ramps make the square popular among Innsbruck´s skater and BMX scene.
The Landhausplatz is on the outskirts of the Innsbruck old town and easily reached from Maria Theresa Street and the Triumphal Arch.
10. Grassmayr Bell Foundry
Witness the ancient art of bell making where it has been practised since 1599. The Grassmayr Bell Foundry is one of the oldest family businesses in Austria. The foundry has produced bells for eight different religions and has a global reach, exporting to over 100 countries worldwide.
The Grassmayr Bell Museum, part of the Grassmayr Bell Foundry, offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and craft of bell-making.
A highlight of a visit to the bell museum is the chance to ring and listen to different bell tones in the sound room. The bells from Tyrol have been described as musical instruments whose complex structure allows several partial tones to be heard.
Address: Leopoldstraße 53, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck Old Town Hotels
There is no shortage of hotels in the Innsbruck old town to suit every taste and budget.
Hotel Goldener Adler Innsbruck
A hotel with a colourful history not even a minute from the Golden Roof is the Hotel Goldener Adler.
If you stay here, you’ll be in the same company as famous historical figures such as Mozart, Goethe, and various royalty.
Hotel Penz Innsbruck
The Penz Hotel is a modern, up-market design hotel attached to the Rathaus Galerien shopping centre.
Innsbruck Hotel Goldene Krone
In the shadow of the Triumphal Arch, the Hotel Goldene Krone is ideally situated at one end of Maria Theresia Street.
Das Innsbruck Hotel
Stay in style at Das Innsbruck Hotel, where modern comfort meets alpine elegance. Located in the historic Old Town, it offers luxurious rooms, a relaxing spa, and stunning mountain views.
Hotel Maximilian
Hotel Maximilian is in a prime location in the heart of Innsbruck. With beautifully designed rooms and easy access to top attractions, it’s the ideal choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience.
Stage 12 Hotel
Stage 12 is a trendy boutique hotel just steps from Maria Theresa Street. With a panoramic wellness area, it’s the perfect spot for those who love a vibrant city vibe mixed with relaxation.
Shopping in Innsbruck Old Town
In addition to the small shops located within the pedestrian zones and the side streets, Maria Theresa Street also features two shopping centres that cater to all your retail requirements. The Kaufhaus Tyrol and the Rathaus Galerien face each other on either side of the Annasaüle Monument.
Where to Eat and Drink
The Innsbruck old town boasts an extensive range of cafés where you can take a welcome break in between sightseeing. Not only do they serve a variety of hot and cold drinks, cakes and pastries, but also some light meals for the small hunger. Here are some of our favourites:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Innsbruck have an old town?
Yes, Innsbruck has a beautiful Old Town (Altstadt) filled with medieval architecture, colorful buildings, and historic landmarks like the Golden Roof.
Is Innsbruck a walkable city?
Yes, Innsbruck is very walkable, with major attractions, shops, and restaurants easily accessible on foot, especially around the city center.
What is the famous street in Innsbruck?
The famous street in Innsbruck is Maria Theresa Street, a lively pedestrian area known for its historic charm, vibrant shopping scene, and stunning mountain views.
*Disclosure*
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I love all these historic attractions of Innsbruck, I really to revisit this again and see these magnificent places, thanks for sharing this. So many beautiful buildings in the city to enjoy and photograph