The best of what to do in Innsbruck in winter

Last updated on April 16, 2026

Innsbruck has fast become my favourite place for a winter city break in Europe. It has the best of both worlds – a gorgeous city with plenty to do, surrounded by epic mountains filled with world-class ski resorts. It makes for the perfect ski and sightseeing break, and is ideal if you want a little more than a pure ski holiday.

Here’s my guide to the best of what to do in Innsbruck in winter, including tips on the best Innsbruck attractions, ski resorts around Innsbruck, and how to navigate and get the most out of the city.

I have a separate guide on the best things to do in Innsbruck with kids, including fun snowy activities and family attractions like the Alpenzoo.

If you’d like to pair a stay in the city with some time in the countryside, I also have a guide to the best family hotels in Tyrol.

What’s Innsbruck like?

I dreamt of a trip to Innsbruck from the moment I saw that iconic view of the pastel-coloured old town backed by snowy mountains. It’s a storybook city with a charming historical centre and air of grandeur (it was once the centre of Europe, after all!), and that’s only accentuated by its epic setting. You’re never far from a mountain view.

Despite being well touristed, it’s also a lived-in city and one of Austria’s most desirable addresses. Even in the old town, you’ll find locals shopping for groceries and browsing the cute boutiques. And when you go outside of the centre, you can find even more neighbourhood cafes and restaurants, often with a creative, modern flair.

Above all else, Innsbruck is a city where locals and tourists embrace their mountain setting. Skiing is a given, from toddlerhood through retirement, and the ease of access to the mountains means people can hit the slopes with ease. Students ski in between their lectures.

As a visitor, it’s the perfect destination for mixing a city and mountain break. Ski in the morning then get a dose of culture in the afternoon. And it’s super easy to visit, with an airport just 10 minutes from the city centre, and an efficient public transport system.

Whether you’re into history, art, food, or simply soaking in the vibe of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, there are plenty of things to do in Innsbruck, and many ski areas to choose from too. It’s hard to beat for a European city-skiing break.

Top tip: Get one of Innsbruck’s city passes

Innsbruck has a few different cards that can save you a lot of money in the city. Here are details of the three main options.

The Innsbruck Welcome Card

The Welcome Card gives you free access to all public transport within Innsbruck. You get it by staying at least two nights in participating accommodation. It also includes some guided hikes and activities, and discounts on attractions. If you stay for three nights or more, you also get a limited number of rides on selected mountain lifts. But do note this isn’t a ski pass and doesn’t include lift access at the ski resorts. For that, you need the Ski Plus City Pass (more info on that below).

Innsbruck Card

Another way to get free access to the public transport system is with the Innsbruck Card. You can buy the paid sightseeing pass for 24, 48 or 72 hours, and it includes transport and entry to many of the city’s main attractions. It also includes guided city tours, the hop-on hop-off Sightseer bus, entry to selected mountain lifts including the Nordkette cable car, bike hire for three hours, and a shuttle bus to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds.

It’s a good option if you’re planning to visit several museums, take at least one mountain lift, and use public transport regularly over a short period of time. But if you want to ski too, go for the Ski Plus City Pass.

Here’s how much the Innsbruck Card roughly costs. Children under 6 are free, and those aged 6-13 are around half the price.

• 24 hours: about €69 for adults
• 48 hours: about €79 for adults
• 72 hours: about €89 for adults

Ski Plus City Pass

If you’re planning to ski in Innsbruck, even for just a day or two, the Ski Plus City Pass is worth looking into. The pass gives you lift access to multiple ski resorts around Innsbruck, plus entry to many of the city’s main attractions. You buy it for a set number of consecutive days (from 2–14). Prices vary by season, but as a rough guide:

• 2 days: €150
• 3 days: €215
• 7 days: €415
• 14 days: €640

Children aged around 8 (they set it by the year they were born rather than their current age) are free when accompanied by a paying adult. And older children/teenagers are significantly cheaper than adults (often around half price depending on age).

Considering a single-day ski pass alone can cost €65–€75, it can quickly save you money.

See the latest prices and what’s included here.

The best things to do in Innsbruck

Here’s a rundown of some of the best things to do in Innsbruck. If you’re travelling with kids, have a look at my guide to the best things to do in Innsbruck with kids.

Explore the Altstadt (Old Town)

Innsbruck’s Old Town is small and fairytale-like with cobbled streets, colourful medieval houses and the famous Golden Roof. It’s a joy to simply wander, stop for coffee, shop the boutiques, and enjoy the mountainous backdrop.

We did a guided tour, which was a great way to learn more about Innsbruck and what makes the city special. I had no idea it was once home to the Emperor and one of the most important cities in Europe. You’ll find many of the attractions on this list when simply wandering the Old Town.

Ride the Nordkette cable car

This is one of the most dramatic city lifts you’ll ever take. Starting near the centre, you travel up in stages – first by funicular and then by 2 separate gondolas – until you’re high up in the Alps, looking down over the Inn Valley, often above the clouds.

Unfortunately, it was very cloudy the day we went up, so the view was pretty obscured. If you’re in Innsbruck for a few days, try and have some flexibility so you can head up there as soon as the sun’s out!

You can even ski at both gondola stops (Seegrube and Nordkette) in winter, which deserves a spot of its own…

Ski at Nordkette

Once you’re up at Seegrube or Nordkette, there’s a ski area with around 14km of slopes. When there’s enough snow cover, you can even ski all the way back down to Hungerburg, where the gondola begins. Most of the slopes at Nordkette are for intermediate/advanced skiers, so have a look at my section on ski areas below for more beginner-friendly options.

Climb the City Tower (Stadtturm)

If you’d like a birdseye view of the city, this is the one. Climb the 133 steps of the 15th-Century tower for a view over the old town roofs, with the Nordkette mountain behind. It’s a lovely view, but personally my favourite is the next one…

Maria-Theresien-Straße and the Triumphal Arch

Innsbruck’s grand open boulevard is one of the city’s most iconic sights and where you get the classic Innsbruck street-level view of the colourful buildings backed by Nordkette. Elegant buildings line the boulevard and it’s a lovely place for a stroll. At the opposite end of Nordkette is the Triumphal Arch, another grand sight. Maria-Theresien-Straße is also a great spot for shopping.

Visit the Imperial Palace (Hofburg)

The Hofburg Imperial Palace gives you a glimpse into Innsbruck’s imperial past. Even if you’re not normally a palace person, it’s worth stepping inside to understand how important Innsbruck once was within the Habsburg Empire.

Visit Hofkirche

Right next door to the palace is the Hofkirche, which is an unexpectedly powerful space behind a simple facade. It’s best known for the dramatic row of huge bronze statues that line the nave – solemn figures standing guard in the half light. It’s free to enter, so definitely worth a detour when wandering the city.

Go to the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum (Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum)

The Tyrolean Folk Art Museum is a place where you can step into old Tyrolean life through beautifully preserved farmhouse rooms, traditional costumes, religious art and intricate wood carvings. The miniature nativity scene dioramas are a highlight.

It shares an entrance with Hofkirche, so it’s worth pairing the two.

Wander along the River Inn

One of the simplest pleasures in Innsbruck is wandering along the River Inn and seeing the picture-perfect view of colourful houses. The classic photos are from the Innbrücke Bridge and Marktplatz, but it’s also a lovely place for a stroll with beautiful views the whole way along.

Innsbruck Cathedral (Dom zu St Jakob)

You’ll likely pass this while wandering the old town, and it’s worth stepping inside for a few quiet minutes if you enjoy the peaceful vibes. While there, you could also visit the nearby City Archives and Museum (Statdtmuseum) if you’re keen to know more of the city’s history.

Bergisel Ski Jump

The Bergisel tower is one of my favourite sights in Innsbruck. It’s worth a visit for the architecture alone, and also to marvel at what humans are capable of (have you ever seen someone ski jumping?!).

It’s had a few iterations over the years, but was most recently redesigned by Zaha Hadid in 2011. It’s sleek and futuristic, and the views from the top are excellent. There’s a restaurant where you can snack or have a full meal. The ski-jump-shaped cheesecake looked tempting!

During the summer, you can see ski jump demonstrations at certain times, and there’s a big tournament in January, but normally, it’s just a place to visit. You can also book guided tours where you get the chance to be strapped to the top of the ski jump!

Try bobsledding!

If you’re a fan of Cool Runnings, you’re going to love this one! At Olympia World, you have the opportunity to have a go in an actual bobsled. Two professionals accompany two guests on a ride down a real Olympic track! I’m definitely not brave enough to actually do it nowadays, but it does look so much fun.

There are lots of other things to do at Olympia World, including a skate park, arena and sports centre.

Ambras Castle

Set on a hill just outside the centre, Ambras is a storybook castle where you’ll find grand halls, portraits, armour and elaborate collections from Innsbruck’s aristocratic past. It can make a good half-day outing if you’re into history.

Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal Worlds)

About 20 minutes from Innsbruck, this is one of Innsbruck’s most unique attractions. Part museum, part art installation, it’s a crystal-themed fantasy world. You enter through a giant grass-covered head with a waterfall flowing from its mouth, which sets the tone perfectly. Inside are immersive rooms created by different artists, and outside there are gardens and play areas. It’s popular with families, but will also appeal to design lovers.

Tirol Panorama Museum

This history museum has a striking position just beneath the Bergisel Ski Jump, and with panoramic windows looking out over the city. It tells the story of Tyrol’s past, including a huge circular panoramic painting of the Tyrolean Rebellion. To be honest, I’m not much of a history buff (seeing the ski jump is more my speed), so we didn’t go in, but the setting is spectacular.

Audioversum Science Centre

Audioversum is a small hands-on science museum focused on hearing and the human senses. The main exhibition, The World of Hearing, has 18 interactive stations where you can play with sound, test your perception and experience hearing through your other senses.

There’s also a world-first Sound Labyrinth, where you navigate a virtual maze wearing mixed-reality smart glasses and use sound as your guide. The Singing Wall is another highlight, turning your movements into music so your body becomes the instrument. It’s a good rainy day option.

Experience Tirol

If you want a quick, immersive introduction to the region, Experience Tirol is a good stop. It’s a multimedia exhibition that brings Tyrol’s history, landscapes and traditions to life through projections, sound and interactive displays. It’s slick and modern and works well if you want context without committing to a full afternoon of galleries.

Golden Roof Museum

You’ll almost certainly photograph the Golden Roof from the outside, but there’s also a small museum inside that tells the story behind Innsbruck’s most famous landmark. It explains how Emperor Maximilian I used the balcony as a kind of royal stage, watching tournaments and festivities in the square below. It’s not huge, but it adds depth to what might otherwise feel like just a pretty façade.

Seasonal events in Innsbruck

It can be fun to time your visit to Innsbruck with some of the city’s seasonal events, although bear in mind that this may also involve low availability and higher prices. We found this out when visiting during the Four Hills Tournament in January!

Some of the highlights on the Innsbruck calendar are:

Christmas markets (late November – early January)

In winter, Innsbruck has Christmas markets spread across the city that elevate the already magical setting. Think twinkling lights, mulled wine and mountain views in the background.

Lumagica (winter)

Lumagica is a winter light park that pops up in Innsbruck during the colder months, with illuminated installations and themed trails around the Hofgarten. We loved this when we visited in January.

Four Hills Tournament (early January)

This is one of the biggest events in Innsbruck’s winter calendar – part of the famous ski jumping tournament held across Germany and Austria. The Innsbruck leg takes place at the Bergisel ski jump and draws huge crowds. Even if you’re not a die-hard ski jumping fan, the atmosphere is worth experiencing.

Open Air Cinema (August)

Every August, the Open Air Kino im Zeughaus transforms the courtyard of the old Zeughaus into an outdoor cinema. Films are shown nightly under the stars.

Summer Concerts and Festivals (Jun – Aug)

Innsbruck’s summer calendar is sprinkled with outdoor concerts, street festivals and open-air music events, especially around the Hofgarten and Rathausplatz. Some are small and local, others attract international acts.

The best ski resorts around Innsbruck

There are many ski resorts to choose from around Innsbruck, from beginner-friendly areas to Olympic-level slopes. All the ones below are included in the Ski Plus City Pass, and I’ve ordered them in distance from Innsbruck. Plus there’s also Nordkette, which I included in the list of things to do above.

Another ski resort we like that’s close to Innsbruck (around 25 mins), but not included in the pass is Seefeld. It’s particularly popular with families and has a cute Alpine village feel.

Patscherkofel (10 mins)

Patscherkofel, Innsbruck’s local mountain, just 10 minutes from the city, has a good mix of family-friendly pistes and more challenging runs, including the famous Olympic downhill. There’s also a large children’s area, a snow park and winter walking trails for non-ski days. There’s even a botanical garden!

Muttereralm (15 mins)

Just 15 minutes from Innsbruck’s centre, Muttereralm is one of the most convenient ski areas, with around 15km of pistes suited to beginners through to more confident skiers. There’s a snow park, some steeper runs down to Mutters and Götzens, plus two toboggan runs for a fun, non-ski addition to the day. The kids enjoyed the baby slopes, practising what they’d learned in their lessons the day before.

Schlick 2000 (15 mins)

Just 15 minutes from Innsbruck, Schlick 2000 has a friendly, family-focused feel, with wide pistes and traditional mountain huts adding to the atmosphere. There’s a dedicated children’s area, childcare, plus a snow park and faster sections for more adventurous skiers.

Oberperfuss – Rangger Köpfl (20 mins)

Very close to Innsbruck, Rangger Köpfl is a relaxed, family-friendly ski area with predominantly blue and red pistes that suit beginners and intermediates. It’s also known for its long toboggan run – over 10km in total and much of it floodlit – plus peaceful winter hiking trails.

Axamer Lizum (20 mins)

Just outside Innsbruck, Axamer Lizum is the largest ski area closest to the city, with over 40km of pistes and reliable snow from late November to mid-April. There’s a good mix of runs for different levels, plus a snow park and freeride terrain.

Elferbahnen (20 mins)

Around 20 minutes from Innsbruck, Elferbahnen is a good choice for more confident skiers and snowboarders, with natural-snow runs and a slightly wilder feel. It’s also known for its long toboggan runs (floodlit in the evenings), plus winter hiking trails and snowshoe routes.

Glungezer (25 mins)

About 25 minutes from Innsbruck, Glungezer is a quieter, more old-school ski resort, but with modern facilities. Set on a panoramic ridge, the views are spectacular, and there’s also a scenic panoramic toboggan run from the upper station. There’s a kids’ area too.

Hochoetz (30 mins)

With 41km of pistes and a reputation for sunshine, Hochoetz combines reliable snow with a relaxed, family-friendly feel. There’s childcare and playful features like fun parks and themed runs, making it a good option if you want variety without feeling overwhelmed. Our kid loved the Widiversum adventure park.

Kühtai (30 mins)

At 2,020m, Kühtai is the highest ski area in the Innsbruck region, which means strong snow reliability throughout the season. Around 47km of pistes cater to all levels, with wide, family-friendly slopes and a dedicated freestyle park. We did a snowboarding lesson here with Ski School Follow Me, which was a great intro to the sport. You can drive directly up to Kuhtai with no need for a gondola ride.

Serlesbahnen (30 mins)

In nearby Mieders, Serlesbahnen has a relaxed, beginner-friendly feel, with wide, easy pistes that are ideal for learning or easing back into skiing. There’s a Kinderland at the valley station, plus winter walking trails, tobogganing and snowshoe routes.

Stubai Glacier (45 mins)

Stubai Glacier delivers long, reliable snow seasons from October to May. Austria’s biggest glacier ski area is about 45 minutes from Innsbruck, with 35 runs ranging from gentle cruisers to more challenging terrain, plus a snow park and a spectacular 360° viewpoint at the Top of Tyrol (3,210m).

Where to eat in Innsbruck

Traditional Austrian food is pretty heavy – think dumplings, schnitzel, sausages and rich stews designed to fuel long days in the mountains. And of course, the famous apple strudel! It’s hearty, comforting and a treat after long days skiing.

That said, Innsbruck isn’t all wood-panelled Stuben and giant plates of meat. There’s a good mix of modern cafés, stylish brunch spots and more modern restaurants alongside the traditional taverns.

And if you’re skiing, don’t underestimate the mountain restaurants. We had some of our best meals at the Austrian ski huts, made even better by the panoramic mountain views. A long lunch in the sunshine with snow-covered peaks all around is very much part of the experience.

Here are a few of our favourite places to eat in and around Innsbruck:

Markthalle Innsbruck

If you want something easy, the Markthalle is a great option. It’s a food hall and market wth various stalls, serving everything from poké bowls to Italian.

Restaurant Blum

Restaurant Blum is my favourite in Innsbruck. Started by a group of friends, it has a friendly, neighbourhood feel with a focus on fresh, natural ingredients. It’s laid back yet refined.

Kühtai Dorfstadl

If you’re skiing in Kühtai Dorfstadl is exactly what you want at the end of a mountain day. Cosy, wooden interiors and proper Alpine comfort food, plus epic views of the Alps.

Restaurant Olive

Restaurant Olive is another of our favourites. The contemporary vegan restaurant serves creative takes on both Austrian and world fare, and the vibe is friendly and relaxed.

Café Momo

You know how much I love a bookshop cafe, and this is a great one. Inside the beautiful Wagnersche Buchhandlung (which has a good English language section), the casual cafe has a lovely terrace for sunny days. It serves a small menu of cakes, paninis, pastries, etc.

Stiftskeller

For a full Tyrolean atmosphere, Stiftskeller is hard to beat. It’s right in the old town and feels satisfyingly traditional with wood-panelled rooms, generous portions and classic Austrian dishes done well. It’s the place to go if you want a classic Tyrolean experience.

Café Munding

One of Innsbruck’s oldest cafés, Munding is perfect for a mid-afternoon pause. Think chandeliers, pastries in glass cabinets and proper hot chocolate. If you’re going to try Kaiserschmarrn (a traditional shredded pancake) or cake, this is a lovely setting to do it in.

How to get around Innsbruck

Innsbruck has a fantastic, easy-to-use public transport system, including buses, trams, trains and even gondolas. The main city is pretty walkable, but you can easily hop on a bus or tram for longer distances.

There are also dedicated ski buses running to many of the nearby resorts, which makes skiing from the city refreshingly simple. You don’t need a car to access the mountains, and you can finish breakfast in the old town and be on a chairlift not long after.

If you’re staying centrally, most of the key sights are within walking distance of each other. The Nordkette cable car starts right near the historic centre, and even further-out attractions like Ambras Castle are straightforward by public transport.

Getting from the airport

Innsbruck Airport is incredibly close to the city – around 10–15 minutes by taxi. There’s also a regular bus that runs from the airport into the centre, making arrivals and departures very easy. It’s one of the most stress-free airport transfers you’ll find for a ski destination.

Where to stay in Innsbruck

Innsbruck is compact enough that most of the best places to stay are within easy walking distance of the Old Town, transport links and cable cars, which makes it easy for a car-free trip. On our most recent trip, we stayed at Hotel Innsbruck, which we adored. And on our previous trip, we did a Home Exchange (it was the ski jump tournament and all the hotels were booked up!).

Hotel Innsbruck

Hotel Innsbruck takes its gold theming from the nearby iconic golden roof – and it instantly adds luxury to the whole place. Even the pool is lined with tiny gold tiles! The 4-star hotel is a perfect blend of both luxury and family-friendliness. Both couples and kids will feel welcome here. We loved our room with its sleek design touches, like a hanging swing and sculpted mountain light-shade. The golden pool is the star of the show, and a welcome spot to relax (for us) and let off steam (for the kids) post-skiing or sightseeing. And we also loved the adults-only sauna area with two saunas, an infra-red chamber, a steam room, a relaxation area and a roof terrace. The breakfast buffet was also fantastic, served in the hotel’s opulent restaurant – a wonderfully luxurious way to start the day. Hotel Innsbruck also has a perfect location, just across the road from the River Inn and its colourful houses, and right within the beautiful old town. We had a gorgeous view of the old town from our room.

Check prices and availability.

Other options for accommodation in Innsbruck include:

Adlers Hotel – a favourite among skiers and wellness fans for its spa facilities and mountain-inspired design. The rooftop terrace views are epic. Check prices and availability.

The Penz Hotel – stylish and contemporary with excellent reviews and a slightly more design-forward feel, without losing that Alpine city charm. Check prices and availability.

MEININGER Hotel Innsbruck Zentrum – Budget-friendly with family-oriented facilities and discounts for children. Check prices and availability.

Hotel Zach – Bigger rooms and a slightly quieter location not far from the old town. It’s popular with families. Check prices and availability.

If you want to stay outside the city, I also have a guide to family-friendly hotels in Tirol, which has some stunning options. Austria is amazing when it comes to hotels!

Family tips for Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a fantastic city for families with lots of easy ways to keep both kids and adults entertained. For more tips, see my full guide to the best things to do in Innsbruck with kids.