Innsbruck In Summer: Everything You Need To Know!

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Discover Innsbruck with our complete summer travel guide

Visit Innsbruck in summer and you will discover a stunningly beautiful and dramatic city. The capital city of Austria’s western state of Tyrol and the fifth-largest city in Austria, Innsbruck is surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains and cool green pastures and offers a huge variety of summer sporting activities.

Whether you’re looking for culture, visiting Innsbruck on an Austrian road trip, or you’re here for the outdoor adventures and extreme sports that this part of Austria is known for, you’ll find it in the alpine city of Innsbruck.

In our Innsbruck summer guide we share information about getting to Innsbruck, recommendations for places to stay, and lots of ideas for things to see and do, to help you plan an amazing Innsbruck trip.

Top Things to See & Do in Innsbruck

Head to the Aldstadt

Sitting alongside the River Inn, the old town of Innsbruck is bursting with character, interesting buildings, wide pedestrianized streets, quaint squares and quirky details.

Stroll along the main street, Maria-Theresien Strasse, for beautiful shops, cute cafés and street performers, and the Triumphpforte triumphal arch at the end, commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa in 1765 to celebrate her son’s wedding.

You’ll also find Kaufhaus Tyrol on the same street, a modern shopping centre tucked between the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings which dominate the old town.

Stop for kaffee und kuchen (coffee and cake) or the Austrian specialty of strudel, admire the sublime architecture, and marvel at the dramatic mountain backdrop that surrounds the city. 

This highly recommended city highlights guided tour is a great way to see the city of Innsbruck, with local guides knowing all the best spots and places.  

RELATED POST: Best Cities in Austria for an Amazing Visit!

Visit the Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace, known as the Hofburg by locals, is a former Hapsburg palace started in 1460 by Archduke Sigmund the Rich and extensively added to in the 16th century. It is one of the most important buildings in Austria and is now a world-class museum.

After extensive restoration work, the Imperial Palace has been returned to its former 18th century splendour. The museum gives a fascinating insight into the lavish lifestyles and extraordinary wealth of past rulers who called the Hofburg home.

You can visit the Imperial Apartments every day, although check the official website as they are closed on seemingly random days throughout the year. The cost is €9.50 for adults, it’s free if you’re under 19. Sunday is family day with free admission for children, young people, and up to two accompanying adults.

Visit the Court Church

In German, the Hofkirche is a Gothic church built by Emperor Ferdinand I in memory of his grandfather, Maximilian I. Consecrated in 1553, the church is home to the famous Schwarze Mander or Black Men.

These are 28 impressive statues of Habsburg relatives and heroes, considered masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture. The statues guard the black marble sarcophagus of Maximilian I.

Standing in a gilded cage, the marble tomb lies in the center of the church and remains empty because the Holy Roman Emperor’s remains are interred in the Castle of Wiener Neustadt near Vienna.

The Court Church, which is on the edge of the historic old town of Innsbruck and diagonally opposite the Imperial Palace, also holds the tomb of Tyrol’s national hero, Andreas Hofer (1767 – 1810).

Hofer was an innkeeper and drover from Tyrol who emerged as the leader of the Tyrolean Rebellion against the Napoleonic and Bavarian invasions during the War of the Fifth Coalition. Despite his capture and execution, Hofer is revered as a folk hero, freedom fighter, and Austrian patriot to this day.

See the Golden Roof

Innsbruck’s most famous landmark, the Goldenes Dachl, lights up the heart of the historic Altstadt. The magnificent alcove balcony gets its name from the 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles that adorn the roof and has reigned over the neighbouring medieval houses for over 500 years.

The balcony was built by Emperor Maximilian who was amused by the view;  he would look down over the colorful hustle and bustle of his city, watch jousting tournaments, and be revered by his people from below.

There is a museum next door that tells the life of the emperor and presents an exhibition ‘What remains?’ that is dedicated to the question of how and where Emperor Maximilian I can still be traced today. 

We suggest a hot chocolate (well, why not?) in one of the many cafés in the square whilst you admire this very unique building.

Climb Innsbruck City Tower

The stadtturm is just a stone’s throw from the Golden Roof. Standing more than 51m (150ft) tall, this Gothic structure is an important historical landmark in the Altstadt, and once served as part of the old city hall.

The tower was built between 1442 and 1450 as an observation point for sentries who kept civic order and maintained a lookout.  

There are 148 steps leading to a viewing platform, which provides sweeping views of the city and the breathtaking Nordkette mountain range. Climb the double helix stairs for €4.50 and be awe-struck by spectacular views of the Austrian Alps once you get to the top!

See the Helblinghaus

Just across the square from the Golden Roof, the Helblinghaus was originally built in the 15th century but has evolved significantly with new architectural styles in subsequent centuries.

Helblinghaus was completed in 1732 by Anton Gigl and was named after Sebastian Helbling, who owned the building from 1800 to 1827.

Originally constructed as townhouses, Helblinghaus was shaped by its early Gothic styles and Baroque façade. The icing-like Rococo stucco decorations added in the early eighteenth century; the bows, window frames, oriels, tympana, masks, sculptures, and shells, all contributed to creating this unique building, whose design helps to capture the light.

Sadly, it is not possible to go inside Helblinghaus but you can certainly admire the exterior and enjoy its quirky and over-the-top style!

Visit the Bergisel Olympia Ski Jump Arena

This iconic building designed by Zaha Hadid, a major figure in modern architecture, and was the home of the ski jump in both the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics.

Head up the 455 steps to the sightseeing point (or take the lift!) for incredible 360° panoramic views of Innsbruck and the Nordkette mountain range. 

The Bergisel ski jump arena is around 10 minutes by taxi from Innsbruck city centre, a 40 minutes walk, or around half an hour by public transport, bus, or train. 

Visit Schloss Ambras

This stunning Renaissance schloss sits on the hills high above Innsbruck. Ambras Castle was built in the 16th century and was the family home of Archduke Ferdinand II from 1567 to 1595.  

Ferdinand was a knowledgeable lover of art. His world-famous collection remains in the Lower Castle (built specifically for the purpose), making Schloss Ambras the oldest museum in the world.  

Ambras Castle is around 10 minutes by taxi from Innsbruck city centre, a 45 minute uphill walk, or around half an hour by bus. We recommend buying your Schloss Ambras entrance tickets online in advance to avoid the summer queues.

Austria Travel Inspiration

Innsbruck Summer Activities

Innsbruck is porbably best known for winter sports, but there are also many things to do in summer for people who love outdoor activities and sports.

Before taking part in any activities, check that you are covered by your travel and medical insurance. Most policies have clauses about extreme sports, even though some are not that extreme at all!  

We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities covered as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Go Hiking

There are literally hundreds of hikes around Innsbruck’s mountains along 1220 km of trails, from family-friendly walks to full-on summit expeditions.

We visited Innsbruck in our motorhome in early June, the snow melt was late and there was still thick snow at around 2,000m. Another year we were there in May on a bike trip and there was no snow at all!

If you’re visiting Innsbruck to conquer a peak or two, check the weather prior to departure and alter your dates to suit if at all possible.

If you are a seasoned hiker, then apps such as View Ranger or WikiLoc will provide you with all you need to get walking.

The routes we picked took us through alpine meadows full of wildflowers, up and down grass-covered pistes, and along shaded forest trails; everywhere you look there is a view and although you might be breathing hard, the air is clean and fresh!

If you prefer to hike in a group, Innsbruck Stadt provides a free guided hiking programme from late May to late October.

It goes without saying that if you are hiking independently ensure you have the right equipment, a phone, food, and drinking water. Make sure to check the weather prior to setting out. Always time your walk so that you are finished before dusk.

Try an Extreme Sport!

If you’re travelling around Europe and Austria then you’re already pretty adventurous! Why not take it a step further and try one, or some, of the vast array of extreme sports around Innsbruck?  

From via ferrata (by rope), to paragliding, rafting, and canyoning, Innsbruck is a great place to get your blood pumping and your heart racing! You can even bungee jump, if throwing yourself off something high into thin air does it for you. 

We loved paragliding here and can highly recommend a tandem paraglide with a fully qualified instructor over the Stubai Valley. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the best things we did in Innsbruck!

Another popular trip is rafting the Imster Schlucht, a white water rafting experience in the Tyrolean Alps that you will not forget! If you want the adrenaline rush of high waves, rapids, and torrential water then this is for you!

Innsbruck is the perfect destination for extreme sports; whatever you choose to do, the views will be amazing, the air clean and the water fast-flowing.

If you’re looking to book, check out Manawa, who specialize in outdoor activities and have plenty on offer in Innsbruck.

Take The Cable Cars

Nordkettenbahn

Nordkette is Innsbruck’s favorite mountain and part of Austria’s largest nature park, the Karwendel Nature Park. The breathtaking 360° views, with the capital of the Alps on one side and Tyrol’s most extensive conservation area on the other, are a must-see when in Innsbruck.  

Click here to take the Nordkettenbahn cable car. The trip involves three different cars and lifts, takes around 1.5 hours, and will take you up to just over 2,300m where the view over the top of Innsbruck is spectacular!

Muttereralmbahn

The ‘adventure mountain’ is a great summer destination with a multitude of different hikes, including the summit of the Nockspitze,  and a large alpine playground set between the mountain lift station and Panoramasee Lake.

Take the Muttereralmbahn cable car from Nockhofweg 40, 6162 Mutters, where there is parking cars and motorhomes. The cable car takes you up to 1600m and costs €17 for the return journey.  

There’s a real feel-good vibe here, both at the bottom where there is a newly built bike park, and at the top where cool bikers hang out and families gather at the restaurant before heading off for a hike.

If you don’t fancy the cable car back down, try one of the downhill mountain carts which take a dedicated track all the way back to the start.

Go Mountain Biking

Innsbruck is a real bike destination. With the new Bike Park Innsbruck, the Crankworx mega-event, trail tours for mountain bikers, and many other opportunities for relaxed touring or even racing, Innsbruck is firmly on the MTB map.

From professional riders to family groups, there are trails for everyone. Downhill is a particularly popular discipline and the cable car at Mutters is well-set up for bikes taking one-way trips up the mountain. Check out this link for more information.

If you’re looking to rent bikes, there are a few e-bike tours taking in the Arzler Alm trail, a 3 km course known for its flowing terrain, banked corners, jumps, and challenging root sections.

Explore Innsbruck’s Climbing Routes

As well as the Innsbruck Climbing Centre, the mountains around Innsbruck provide rock climbing on routes such as the famous Via ferrata along the ridge of the Nordkette mountains.

From bouldering centres to multi-pitch routes in high alpine terrain and easy climbing for beginners, Innsbruck and the surrounding region is great destination for climbers of all abilities.

Visit Swarovski Kristallwelten

Swarovski Crystal Worlds is 20 minute drive east of Innsbruck in Wattens. A popular stunning attraction designed by artist André Heller, visitors enter through the mouth of a giant, leading to sixteen themed ‘Chambers of Wonder’ filled with crystal art.

The highlight is the Crystal Dome, a room adorned with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals. Surrounding the main building are beautiful gardens with art installations. There’s also a Swarovski store, café, and restaurant on-site along with family-friendly play areas. It’s a unique and enchanting experience showcasing the beauty of Swarovski crystals.

Innsbruck Practicalities

Is Innsbruck worth visiting?  Absolutely! If you love the outdoor life and being active then Innsbruck in summer is for you. Get all our recommendations, practical tips, and info below:

Summer Weather in Innsbruck

The month of May is the beginning of summer in the Alps and a perfect time for road trips and holidays to Innsbruck. The city comes alive with tourists and the snow begins to melt in earnest, giving way to hiking, biking, and white water opportunities.

It can still get chilly in the evenings in the summer months, even though the sun doesn’t set until 9pm, so make sure you have some warmer clothing.

The beginning of autumn in Innsbruck is marked by brilliant colors. In September, leaves begin to turn to rich coppers, deep yellows, and bright reds; it makes for stunning views.

Hiking and many other summer activities are still possible before the snow starts to fall in the later months. It will be very cold at night. Make sure to pack plenty of layers.

Getting to Innsbruck

Driving Routes to Innsbruck

There are numerous driving routes into Innsbruck depending on your road trip start point; despite being sandwiched in between a lot of high mountains, Innsbruck is surprisingly accessible.

Did you know that Innsbruck is also a region of the beautiful country of Austria, as well as a city? Make sure you’re heading to ‘Innsbruck Innsbruck’ when setting your sat nav rather than the Innsbruck region.

If you are driving to Innsbruck directly from the UK you will need to cross the channel. The best route is via Calais which brings you into eastern France. From there, the journey to Innsbruck involves about ten hours of driving, with motorway almost all the way; through France, Germany, and into Austria on the A26, A4, A8, and A7.

From Italy, cross via the Brenner pass which brings you almost directly into Innsbruck; the Brenner can be picked up from as far south as Modena and passes by Verona and Trento. From Modena, it will take around 3.5 hours to cover the  359 km to Innsbruck. This is a toll road, you can check out the cost here.

In our opinion, this is the best route, around 1060 km long and with the cheapest tolls. There are many other routes, of course, and you can avoid toll roads altogether if you have time to do so.

RELATED POST: Austria Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips

Driving in Austria

Austria’s road and motorway network is well maintained and its drivers are steady and courteous. Some mountain roads may be narrow but most will be suitable for motorhomes of all sizes.

Make sure you check signage before heading off the main road network when driving a campervan or motorhome in Austria, especially if the weight is over 3.5t.

Austrian Tolls

Once in Austria,  you require a vignette (or Go Box if you’re in a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes) for all Austrian motorways and expressways.  Be very cautious about how you set your sat nav, it is so easy to end up on one of these roads (which are monitored by camera) accidentally.

Vignette

All cars, motorbikes, motorhomes, and campervans up to 3.5 tons gross vehicle weight must properly display a toll sticker or have purchased online a digital vignette when they drive onto a motorway or expressway. Failure to do so will incur a fine of €120.

Read in detail here what you need to do if you’re planning on using motorways or expressways in Austria.

Go Box

For vehicles with more than 3,50kg (which includes all lorries, buses, heavy motorhomes, and RVs), a mileage-based toll applies on Austria’s motorways and expressways. The rates depend on the number of axles, the number of kilometers driven, and the vehicle’s EURO emission class.

Obtaining a Go Box is, frankly, a pain in the arse!  You cannot get one online and have to stop at one of the outlets before driving onto a motorway or expressway. Find an outlet and ensure you have your V5 and Certificate of Conformity to prove your EURO emissions class (ask your dealer if you don’t have one).

The outlet will want to take a copy before providing you with a Go Box. The box will cost €75 which is like a deposit and any tolls levied will be deducted from this. When you return the Go Box at yet another outlet, any difference will be refunded. Read more about this complicated and very un-Austrian system here.

RELATED POST: Tolls for Heavy Motorhomes >3.5T in Europe: Country by Country Guide

What You Need to Carry in a Vehicle

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Where to Stay in Innsbruck

Make sure to pick up your free Welcome card when you check in! With a stay of just two nights you get free public transport, the free guided active programme and discounts for swimming pools, lakes and many other sights and attractions. With a stay of three nights or more, you receive the Welcome Card Plus, which includes four free trips on selected lifts and cable cars.

Hotels

Luxury: The PENZ Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

In a very modern building surrounded by history, the PENZ is the place to stay in Innsbruck. Offering luxurious hospitality in the traditional manner and breakfast on the roof, this is a great spot for a celebration or special occasion.

Upmarket: Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz – Booking.com | Agoda

Superbly located, the modern interior of the Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz belies the historic nature of the building. With glorious views across the rooftops, the hotel describes itself as ‘a little chic, a little Baroque’! It’s a wonderful spot for a visit to Innsbruck, that’s for sure!

Mid-Range: Hotel Grauer Bär – Booking.com | Agoda

Not far from the University of Innsbruck, Hotel Grauer Bär enjoys an indoor pool, rooftop bar, and spacious rooms which have all recently been modernized and refurbished.

Budget: Meininger Hotel Innsbruck Zentrum – Booking.com | Agoda

In a central location, the Meininger Hotel offers clean and airy rooms and dormitories and is a great option for visiting Innsbruck on a budget.

Camping

There are a limited number of Innsbruck campsites close to the city. By far and away the top site is Ferienparadies Natterer See. This site is 7km to the south-west of Innsbruck, which can be accessed by a courtesy bus run by the site.

As well as camping for tents and motorhomes, the site also provides a number of self-catering huts and pods, from basic to luxury, and has the best campsite bathrooms we have ever experienced, like being in a luxury gym!

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