I currently live in Salzburg, a little mountain city in central Austria. The capital city of Vienna lies to the east and to the west is Innsbruck, another mountainous and adventure-filled city.
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I've been to Innsbruck a handful of times now since moving to Austria. My first visit was back in the summer of 2022 when a friend from my time in Vancouver, Connor, said he was heading through Austria on his way from Italy to Spain, we planned a weekend hiking in Innsbruck as a brilliant way to hang out and catch up.
I visited Innsbruck again in December 2024 to go to the Christmas Market and then again a few times in the summer of 2025, rounding out the rest of this guide.
The city of Innsbruck is nestled against the Austrian Alps, the mountains rising directly over the city and, with a bustling Altstadt (old town) at the heart of it, offers plenty to do.
I first visited Innsbruck in July 2022 and returned in December 2024 and July and August 2025 and updated the original post with all the new things I did. This post was first published on 24 July 2022; last updated 23 August 2025.
By flight: Innsbruck does have its own airport, albeit a small one. There are some direct flights arriving in Innsbruck from across Europe. However, if you're coming from further abroad, Munich might be your best option (same as it is for Salzburg), as it is much bigger and an international hub.
From Innsbruck Airport, it's just ten minutes into the city by car (such as with Uber) or 15 minutes by bus. From Munich Airport, you can take a direct train in about three hours straight to Innsbruck.
By car: Of course, if you have your own wheels you can travel to Innsbruck by car.
→ Check out where you can park in Innsbruck.
By train: For my first visit back in 2022, I traveled by train to Innsbruck from my home in Salzburg. Train arrive in Innsbruck from across Europe. The main train station or Hauptbahnhof is just a few minutes' walk from the old town of Innsbruck.
By bus: FlixBus services Innsbruck with direct connections from 101 cities!
The old town and main part of Innsbruck is very walkable and allows you to explore at your own pace. You might also want to join a walking tour of Innsbruck to get insights from a local of the history and learn a bit more about the city.
For further trips, such as for hiking, or if you're staying a bit further out of town, you have a couple of options:
By car: If you have your own wheels, you can easily navigate the city by car, with parking readily available.
→ If you don't have your own car, you can rent one in Innsbruck.
By public transport: Innsbruck is well-connected with trams and buses getting you where you need to go.
→ Find all the public transport options and ticket prices in Innsbruck.
By Uber: Innsbruck has Uber, making this a quick and easy way to get around.
A bus driving down a main road in Innsbruck
I only stayed in Innsbruck on my first visit in 2022 and chose to book into a hostel for that trip. We stayed at the Meininger Hostel, about 15 minutes from the central train station. It was clean, modern and well-located and had a good self-service kitchen on site.
→ Book your stay at Meininger Hostel.
Innsbruck is a popular tourist spot in Austria, so you'll find accommodation to suit any budget.
→ Check out other places to stay to suit your budget and accommodation type.
Image via Booking.com
Innsbruck is a mountain city, geared towards a love of being outdoors, so that is the main thing to do in the area.
However, the old town is beautiful itself and has a few things worth exploring.
See the view from the Triumphforte
Built in 1765 by Empress Maria Theresa in celebration of her son's wedding, this arch now is an iconic photospot looking down the Maria-Theresien-Straße.
Spot the Annasäule
This iconic marble column in the heart of Innsbruck was built in 1703 and features a statue of the Virgin Mary.
See the golden balcony of Goldenes Dachl
This ornate residence is decorated by over 2600 shiny tiles in the heart of Innsbruck's Aldstadt.
Wander past the pretty buildings of the old town
Hofburg Palace, a sixteenth century Renaissance palace
Visit the Hofkirche mit Silberner Kapelle
This beautiful Gothic church houses the tombs of Emperor Maximilian I and Archduke Ferdinand (the one from the 1500s though, not the one who was assassinated setting of WWI!) as well as some pretty impressive lifesize statues, including one of King Arthur.
Tomb of Emperor Maximilian I
Statue of King Arthur
See the colourful houses of Mariahilf
One of the main roads in Innsbruck and the most photographed spots of the city is the Mariahilf, a row of colourful houses sitting on the river Inn in front of the Alps.
Step inside the Dom St. Jakob
This 18th century Baroque cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Innsbruck and it's simply beautiful on the inside.
Go hiking
This is an outdoorsy city nestled right in the Austrian Alps so the best thing to do in Innsbruck is to be in the mountains! In the winter, the mountains are covered with snow and full of avid skiers and snowboarders. In the summer, make sure to get out on the hiking trails.
I have done two hikes in Innsbruck: the Zirbenweg with views across Innsbruck from the top of two gondolas and a glorious sunrise hike to Salfeiner See.
Zirbenweg
Sunrise at Salfeiner See
Bonus: Go to the Innsbruck Christmas Market!
Here at Christmastime? Visit the Innsbruck Christmas Market which stretches across many streets and lights up the city beautifully. It felt a bit packed in the tight streets at times but the crafts especially were simply gorgeous and it was so festive.
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Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.
I Love Austria.
very good article , thank you for sharing.
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Glad you enjoyed! 🙂
Nice post , thank you for sharing.