Innsbruck, the capital city of the Austrian state of Tyrol, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Located in the heart of the Alps, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Innsbruck is also home to a vibrant culture, with a variety of historical sites, attractions, and activities to explore. From its iconic Golden Roof to its alpine ski resorts, here are the top 20 places to see in Innsbruck, Austria.
1. The Golden Roof: This iconic landmark is located in the heart of Innsbruck’s old town. It was built in 1500 as a symbol of the power and wealth of the local ruler, Archduke Ferdinand II. The roof is made of 2,738 copper tiles, which were gilded to give the roof its golden color.
2. Hofburg Imperial Palace: This impressive palace was built in the 13th century and served as the residence of the Habsburgs, the ruling family of the Holy Roman Empire. Today, the palace is open to visitors and houses a number of museums, including the Imperial Apartments and the Armoury.
3. Ambras Castle: This impressive 16th-century castle is located on a hill overlooking Innsbruck. It was built by Archduke Ferdinand II as a summer residence and today is open to visitors. The castle is home to a number of museums, including the Ambras Picture Gallery, which houses a collection of 16th-century paintings.
4. The Imperial Palace Gardens: The palace gardens are a great place to relax and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The gardens feature a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a number of sculptures and fountains.
5. The Bergisel Ski Jump: This impressive ski jump was designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid and is a popular tourist attraction. The structure consists of two towers, which are connected by a curved ramp. From the top of the jump, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
6. The Tyrolean State Museum: This museum is located in the Hofburg Imperial Palace and is dedicated to the history and culture of Tyrol. The museum houses a variety of artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and furniture from the region.
7. Hofkirche: This impressive church, located in the old town, was built in the 16th century and is home to a number of artworks, including the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I.
8. The Hungerburg Funicular: This funicular railway connects the city center with the Hungerburg district. The journey takes around 5 minutes and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
9. The Alpenzoo: This zoo is located on the slopes of the Nordkette mountain range and is home to a variety of animals, including brown bears, lynx, and wolves.
10. The Hofgarten: This beautiful park is located in the old town and is a great place to relax and take in the views of the surrounding mountains. The park features a number of sculptures and fountains, as well as a variety of plants and flowers.
11. The Hofgarten Pavilions: These pavilions, located in the Hofgarten, were built in the 18th century and are home to a number of sculptures, including the statue of Emperor Maximilian I.
12. The Hofburg Imperial Library: This impressive library, located in the Hofburg Imperial Palace, houses a collection of books and manuscripts from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
13. The University of Innsbruck: This university, founded in 1677, is one of the oldest in the country. It is home to a number of departments, including law, medicine, and engineering.
14. The Innsbruck Cathedral: This impressive cathedral, located in the old town, was built in the 14th century and is home to a number of artworks, including the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I.
15. The Tyrolean Folk Art Museum: This museum, located in the old town, is dedicated to the history and culture of Tyrol. It houses a variety of artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and furniture from the region.
16. The Innsbruck Olympic Ski Jump: This impressive ski jump, located on the Bergisel mountain, was built for the 1964 Winter Olympics and is open to visitors.
17. The Imperial Palace Museum: This museum, located in the Hofburg Imperial Palace, is dedicated to the history of the Habsburgs, the ruling family of the Holy Roman Empire.
18. The Alpenzoo Cable Car: This cable car connects the city center with the Alpenzoo. The journey takes around 10 minutes and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
19. The Bergisel Funicular: This funicular railway connects the city center with the Bergisel mountain. The journey takes around 5 minutes and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
20. The Bergisel Ski Museum: This museum, located in the Bergisel ski jump, is dedicated to the history of skiing in Innsbruck. It houses a variety of artifacts, including skis and snowboards from the past.