Overview

In no other place is the dividing line between an urban area and rugged mountain terrain so thin. The new Nordkettenbahnen will now transport visitors directly from the city centre of Innsbruck to high mountain terrain in just 20 minutes.

The funicular railway runs from the Hungerburg station up to Seegrube, which sits at 1905 metres, and then on to the highest station - Hafelekar at 2256 metres.  You can take in the Stubai and Zill Valley Alps from the restaurant's sun terraces. There are plenty of walks to choose from once at the top. The summit walk is one of the most popular. 

The Zirbenweg Trail is in the mountains on the opposite side of the city. This seven-kilometre-long mountain promenade is located at an altitude of 2000 metres in the Patscherkofel-Zirmberg nature reserve. The path leads through an ancient forest of stone pines and offers a panoramic view of the Inn Valley. You can access the trail via the Patscherkofel cable railway or the Glungezer chair lift. The walk takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Mountain bikers also are drawn to the area. Bike tours around Innsbruck offer routes for both beginners and professionals. These sign-posted mountain bike trails are in the Nordpark, Patscherkofel, Kematen, Rangger Köpfl, and Mutterer Alm areas, as well as 350 kilometres of cycle paths along the Inn Valley.

A stroll around Innsbruck's charming Old Town will uncover a labyrinth of alleyways, medieval architecture, and pastel-painted houses. Here you'll find the city's most characteristic landmark:  the Golden Roof in the central plaza. This Gothic and Baroque structure was built by Archduke Friedrich IV in the early 15^th century. Other architectural highlights include the grand Imperial Palace dating back to 1460; the two-towered front of the Parish Cathedral Saint Jacob; the Hofkirche with its memorial for Emperor Maximilian I; and the Pilgrimage Church of St Peter's and St Paul's with its lavish murals.

High above Innsbruck is the Bergisel Ski Jump - a modern marvel which is well worth a visit anytime of the year. The tower stands 47 metres tall and provides spectacular views over the surrounding peaks of Patscherkofel, Nordkette, Hohe Munde, and Serles. Innsbruck is also home to the highest zoo in Europe. The Alpine Zoo is located at 727 metres and features more than 150 species of Alpine animals. The easiest way to reach the zoo is to take the sightseer shuttle bus.

The countryside surrounding Innsbruck offers plenty for the active holidaymaker: the area from Mutters to Natters features extended hiking and mountain biking trails, and the Azamer Lizum area is overlooked by lime peaks and is ideal for climbing. Visitors can also take a swim in Lake Natterer See and practise their swing on the nine-hole golf course in Lans and the 18-hole course in Rinn/Judenstein.

Innsbruck is easily accessible by car, train or air. The A12 autobahn network connects the city from east to west. Direct daily flights, including no frill airlines, link Innsbruck with numerous European capitals. Innsbruck's geographical location in the center of Europe means flying time is fast wherever your origin. Express trains and international trains link all major European cities. Innsbruck's main train station also offers bus connections to the nearby villages and South Tyrol.