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Looking for the best things to do in Innsbruck in winter? From skiing Nordkette to exploring the Old Town, check out my amazing Innsbruck itinerary now!
Innsbruck in Tirol is fast becoming one of my favourite cities to visit in winter. Firstly, it’s absolutely stunning with the Austrian Alps surrounding the city. No matter where you are in Innsbruck, lift your eyes up and you can see the mountains. I just love that.
Secondly, there are so many things to do in Innsbruck in winter. And we’re not just talking about visiting cafes and museums (though there are plenty of those). This is a city where you can have a coffee in the city centre in the morning, then be up on the ski slopes in the mountains just 30 minutes later.
There aren’t many cities in the world where the skiing is so close and accessible as this. I’ll tell you more about the skiing later though, so keep on reading for that.
I’ve just spent an amazing few days researching all the best Innsbruck winter activities for you. These include seeing the Golden Roof, standing at the top of the Bergisel ski jump, and of course exploring Swarovski Crystal World.
In this blog post I’ll tell you all about what to in Innsbruck with loads of practical information too. I really want you to have an amazing weekend in Innsbruck, so hopefully you can use this blog post to help plan your trip. Just make sure you bookmark it so you can keep coming back to it in the future.
Right, who’s ready to spend winter in Innsbruck? I have a feeling you’re going to love this place as much as I do!
Are you visiting Innsbruck in summer? Then click on the link and check out my summer guide to Innsbruck! Also, you can find the best hotels in Innsbruck to further help plan your trip here.
Contents:
Innsbruck winter weather
Because of global warming, it’s really hard predicting the weather in Austria, especially during winter. When I was in the city (this was during February), one day it was a balmy 13 degrees, the next day I had half a metre of snow that blanketed the city in white, then the day after that it was a cool 6 degrees but pleasantly sunny.
I would say the winter weather in Innsbruck is typically cold and snowy though. Average temperatures in winter range from around -4°C to 4°C (25°F to 39°F) during the day, and they can drop below freezing at night.
On average, Innsbruck receives around 200 to 300 cms (approximately 79 to 118 inches) of snowfall during the winter season. This heavy snowfall contributes to the region’s popularity as a winter sports destination – more on that in a minute.
As with all winter destinations, it’s important dressing in lots and lots of layers. Make sure you’ve got a particularly good winter coat that’s waterproof, then layer underneath that.
I’d say bringing good hiking boots/waterproof shoes are a must too, especially when there’s deep snow. Even with my winter boots, snow was still coming up to my ankles so I was very pleased I brought them!
Best Things to do in Innsbruck in Winter
Catch the cable car to the top of Nordkette
One of the biggest selling points of Innsbruck is the cable car to Nordkette. These are a beautiful mountain range overlooking the city, and they are known as the jewel of the Alps. Honestly, the views are the top are something else – hopefully my photos do it justice.
The best bit is the journey genuinely only takes 20 minutes. You can catch the cable car right in the city centre, and just 20 minutes later you can be high above the clouds. There aren’t many cities where you can do that.
The journey is actually broken up into three parts. Firstly, you catch the Hungerburg funicular from Congress Station which is very close to the Golden Roof in the city. From Hungerburg, it is just a short 2-minute walk to the Nordkettenbahnen cable car. This is where you can catch the cable car to Seegrube at 1,905 metres.
Finally, you can catch another cable car from Seegrube to Hafelekar at 2,256 metres. This is the highest point of Nordkette, but all the main facilities and restaurant are at Seegrube.
The 20-minute timeframe is from Congress Station to Seegrube, but I’d factor in more like 30 to 45 minutes once you add a few minutes of waiting around.
Oh, and my advice is to stand at the very bottom of the cable car – then you get the best views of the city as you get higher and higher.
So you don’t have you queue up, you can buy your cable car tickets beforehand to save a bit of time. This is useful when the cable car gets busy around midday.
Ski at Nordkette
One of the reasons Innsbruck is such a popular winter city break is because you can go skiing at Nordkette. Yes, once you catch the cable car up, you can ski back down again. How cool is that?
One morning I caught the first cable car at 08:30, and I was on the first run back down again at 09:00. I really didn’t think it would be that quick and easy, but the skiing is very accessible.
Even though there are only 14km of slopes, there’s enough to keep you occupied for a morning/afternoon or a full day. I skied the whole morning, then I explored the city in the afternoon. I know I keep going on about it, but there really aren’t many cities where you can do that!
Just as a mild warning: I would say the level of skiing for Nordkette is intermediate and advanced. Most of the slopes are either red or black, so you do need a fair bit of experience under those skies.
Have a drink at Cloud 9
Even if you’re not a skier, I’d still really recommend catching the cable car to the top of Nordkette. It’s well worth it just for the views, but there are a few other Innsbruck winter activities to do up here.
Firstly, the restaurant has a huge outside terrace where you can get a bite to eat. And above the restaurant is Cloud 9, a very cool bar where you can grab a drink.
There are loads of deck chairs overlooking the city too, so you’re not short of options of where to relax after skiing.
After my morning’s skiing on Nordkette, I just had to grab a beer and watch all the other skiers on the slopes. It was little moments like this that made me really enjoy my time in Innsbruck.
See the ice sculptures
Another thing to do at Nordkette is see the ice sculptures. Next to the restaurant is a massive igloo. You really can’t miss it.
Well, walking through the door was like walking into Narnia – all of a sudden it was a winter wonderland with these mystical ice sculptures. I thought there was another bar inside the igloo so I was very pleasantly surprised!
This is really a must for those of you with little ones. Saying that, I loved it too!
Visit the Golden Roof
You can’t visit Innsbruck without seeing the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl). This is a three-story balcony located right in the heart of the old town.
Constructed in the early 15th century by Archduke Friedrich IV as a residence, it’s famous for its shimmering roof adorned with thousands of gilded copper tiles. These tiles give it its distinctive golden appearance, hence the name.
The Golden Roof served as a royal box for observing festivals and events in the square below. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to Emperor Maximilian I, showcasing exhibits related to his life and reign.
This is one of those sites you’ll see from walking around the city regardless. I would make time to sit in one of the cafes or bars in the square and have a drink. It really is a cool spot to sit at.
Climb to the top of Innsbruck City Tower
Next to the Golden Roof, you’ll find the Innsbruck City Tower. If you follow this blog, you’ll know I’m a sucker for a good viewpoint. Well, I think one of the best in Innsbruck is at the top of the tower.
Tickets cost just €4.50, and once you power up the 148 steps to the top, you’re greeted with these gorgeous views of the Nordkette mountains and the city below. For me, this is one of the top things to do in Innsbruck in winter just so you can see the contrast of the colourful buildings with the stark white mountains.
It’s quite cramped at the top, but it’s well worth the money for me. Also, there is a wide safety netting surrounding the tower so you can take very clear pictures which is a massive bonus.
Go for walk alongside the River Inn
One of the iconic images of Innsbruck is of all the colourful houses down by the River Inn. Even though everyone takes the same photo from the Innbrücke bridge, the whole section of river is totally stunning.
I’d really recommend walking the 20 minutes from Freiburger Brücke to Innbrücke. This means you’re walking alongside the river towards the mountains, and the views just get better and better.
I’m not suggesting you do this, but I did see someone go for a dip in the river in the heart of winter. Now that would be refreshing!
Grab a bite to eat at Markthalle
If you’re looking for local Tirolean ingredients or a delicious bite to eat, then add Markthalle to your Innsbruck winter itinerary. This is a bustling hub where locals and tourists alike can explore a wide variety of fresh produce, local delicacies, artisanal goods, and more.
The market hall typically features stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses and lots of other regional products. Naturally I couldn’t resist taking home a couple of regional cheeses.
It’s a fantastic place to experience the local food culture and to sample traditional Tyrolean specialties. The Markthalle is open from 07:00 till 18:00 during the week. However, it does close at 13:00 on Saturdays and is closed Sundays.
Or have a drink at Hotel Innsbruck
If you are here over the weekend and the Markthalle is closed, don’t worry, I’ve got another option for you.
Opposite Markthalle is the Marktplatz, one of the main squares in Innsbruck. If the sun is shining, even during winter, then often you’ll find down by the river sharing a few beers.
There’s also a lovely outside terrace at Hotel Innsbruck where you can have a drink outside in the sunshine. It was absolutely packed with people when I was here. Everyone had their sunnies on enjoy a spritz or two – it definitely didn’t feel like the middle of winter that’s for sure!
Ski in Kühtai
As I’ve already said, one of the best things about winter in Innsbruck is the skiing. But it’s not just skiing at Nordkette, it’s all the other resorts too. With the Ski Plus City pass, you get access to 13 ski resorts and 23 city experiences with just one ticket.
Some resorts like Patscherkofel are just 30 minutes away and are really poplar with locals. However, if you’re looking for guaranteed snow then I’d recommend Kühtai – at 2,020 metres this is the highest resort near Innsbruck.
The resort features a range of slopes suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from beginners to advanced. The terrain includes wide, open slopes perfect for cruising as well as more challenging runs for experienced skiers and riders.
I spent the day at Kühtai and it’s my favourite ski resort I’ve been to in Austria. Because it’s 50 minutes away, it’s a lot quieter than other resorts surrounding Innsbruck. Also, the views are just incredible here. I really can’t recommend this resort enough!
Stand at the top of Bergisel ski jump
If you’ve spent any time in Austria during winter, you’ll know they are crazy about their winter sports. This usually means the Ski World Cup and a load of other events.
One of the most popular is ski jumping. This is where skiers fly through the air a bit like a flying squirrel but with massive skis strapped to their legs. It’s a real test of skill and a whole lot of bravery.
Well, the best place to learn all about this sport is at the Bergisel ski jump.
The first ski jump was built in 1927. Since then, it has undergone a number of transformations, the most recent being in 2003 with the current structure designed by legendary architect Zaha Hadid.
I went on a tour here with a former jumper Martin Nagiller who taught me all about the sport. I knew nothing about ski jumping and I found it fascinating.
The highlight of the tour was being strapped in and sitting on the starting gate from where the jumpers first start their launch. Even though it was a very snowy day and I couldn’t see the stadium and the bottom of the jump, I saw enough to know you have to be pretty crazy and flirt with the devil to want to do this; even strapped in it was terrifying.
Visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Swarovski Crystal Worlds is one of those places that looks better in real life than in photos – and the photos look damn good.
Here you can wander around mesmerising exhibits and explore the beautiful landscaped gardens. The highlight is the Giant Crystal, a stunning sculpture made of sparkling crystals. You’ll know it when you see it.
In addition to indoor exhibits, the attraction a play tower, a café, and a shop offering a wide range of Swarovski crystal products. I would say this is the perfect place if you’re on a romantic weekend in Innsbruck!
Learn all about sound at Audioversum
If it’s snowing or raining outside, then I’d recommend visiting a museum or two. I was really keen to check out Audioversum. This is a science centre dedicated to the human senses of hearing and audio perception.
The museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits and experiences designed to educate you all about sound, hearing, and the science behind certain auditory phenomena.
One section that I found really trippy was the VR rollercoaster. You put on a VR headset, and it’s all about how sight and sound of being on a rollercoaster messes with your brain. You I got off that one, it actually felt like I was getting off a real ride – my legs were all over the place!
It’s very easy to spend an hour here playing on all the displays. It is definitely very interactive that’s for sure. I would say kids older than 6 would really love it here too.
Take a look at the Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum
Another place (but probably not one for the kids) is the Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum. This is a cultural institution showcasing the traditional art and heritage of Tyrol.
Named after Archduke Ferdinand, it is the third oldest national museum of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Once you step inside, the museum is a treasure trove of Tyrolean history with everything from archaeological artefacts, fine art, portraits, and more.
Not only did I find some of the displays fascinating, I really liked the architecture of the building too. There are definitely lots of photo spots if you’re a keen photographer like me.
Sit in the rooftop bar at Hotel Alders for the best views of Innsbruck
Another place that has to be on your Innsbruck itinerary is Hotel Alders. Firstly this is an amazing place to stay at in Innsbruck. If you want to wake up with views of the mountains, then you definitely get them here.
Even if you don’t stay here though, you can still get the views. If you head up to the 12th floor there is a rooftop bar and restaurant. My advice is to get to the bar at sunset for the most unbelievable views. I think this was my favourite lookout spot while in Innsbruck.
I also ate at the restaurant Weitsicht and it was the best meal I had while in the city. For starter I had the chicken consommé, followed by the duck breast with a red cabbage puree and a spiralised potato. The food and the views were great. If you’re looking for a romantic spot for dinner, you won’t find a better place than this.
Have dinner at Weisses Rössl
Another fantastic spot for dinner is the infamous Weisses Rössl in the heart of the old town. This is a very traditional Austrian restaurant that has been delighting locals and tourists for over 600 years. It is one of those restaurants that has a number of different rooms and hideaways, each wood-panelled like a mountain chalet.
The food is based all around grandmother’s cooking. That means you can expect things like beef tartare, wiener schnitzel and kasspatzle.
I had the char dish, and I couldn’t resist a big bowl of apple strudel. I don’t know who’s grandma she is, but she can definitely cook!
Have a quick shot of schnapps
Hey look, Innsbruck in winter means its cold outside. Want a great way of warming up? Have a cheeky schnapps!
Schnapps is a fruit brandy, and there are 100s of different types throughout Austria. Schnapps is deeply ingrained in the country’s cultural and culinary traditions, so I always say drink as the locals drink. Prost!
Take photos from the plane window
Okay, so this isn’t technically in Innsbruck, but I can’t resist a good plane view. Innsbruck is famous for being one of the prettiest approaches of any airport in the world. Pilots have to navigate over the Alps before descending down into the valley below.
This means there are some fantastic views from the window. I’ve been to Innsbruck a couple of times now, and it’s one of those journeys that will never ever get old. If you can bag a window seat, make sure you do because it’s worth it.
Austrian Lebensgefuhl
One thing I would like to add in is this Austrian Lebensgefuhl. I’ve already told you how beautiful the landscapes are, but it’s the people of Austria and their unique way of life that make it such an incredible place to visit. It’s that Austrian Lebensgefuhl, that Austria way of life, which is why I keep coming back here.
Everyone I met, from the chair lift operators to the ski instructors to the chefs to the shuttle bus drivers, everyone was so kind and helpful. It really does make a difference meeting so many people who genuinely love their jobs and the country they live in. Hopefully you get to experience that Austria way of life when you’re here too.
This post was in association with Visit Austria and Visit Tirol showcasing some of the best things to do in Austria in winter. As always, all views are entirely my own and without bias.
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