Innsbruck is one of those places that makes it easy to fall in love with Austria. With colourful historic streets, impressive mountain scenery and plenty of unique experiences, there’s so much more to discover than you might expect from a city best known for its winter sports.
During my visit, I wanted to experience a little bit of everything: mountain adventures, history, wildlife and some attractions that were completely different from anything I’d done before. From watching ski jumpers in action to racing down a mountain in a cart, Innsbruck gave me some unforgettable memories.
If you’re planning your first trip, here are six experiences I’d recommend adding to your Innsbruck itinerary.
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1. Take the cable cars up Nordkette for incredible mountain views
Best for: Mountain scenery, photography and an unforgettable Alpine experience.
If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss in Innsbruck, it’s the opportunity to experience the mountains surrounding the city. Nordkette, often called the “Top of Innsbruck”, offers an incredible way to leave the city behind and find yourself surrounded by the Austrian Alps.
Our visit didn’t start quite as we’d hoped. The mountains were completely covered in clouds, and we weren’t sure whether heading up would be worth it. Instead, we visited Alpenzoo first and decided to take a chance on Nordkette afterwards.
When we reached Seegrube, we stopped at the restaurant for lunch. There were small gaps in the clouds starting to appear, but unfortunately, the views still weren’t clearing up. We could see that the very top looked clearer, though, so decided to continue upwards.
I’m so glad we did!
At the top, we experienced an incredible cloud inversion, with the clouds creating a surreal atmosphere around the mountains. Then, just before we started making our way back down, the clouds finally lifted. Suddenly, we had a completely clear view of Innsbruck spread out below us.
We stopped at Seegrube again on the way down to enjoy the now-clear mountain views. What had started as a day that looked like it might be a disappointment turned into one of the highlights of our trip.
My tip: Don’t automatically give up if the weather looks cloudy in the city. Mountain conditions can be very different at different elevations, although there are no guarantees the clouds will clear. Check the forecast, webcams and lift operating information before heading up, and bring warm layers because it can be much colder at the summit.
The Nordkette cable cars make the mountains accessible without needing to complete a long hike. If you have an Innsbruck Card, a journey on the Nordkettenbahnen is included, subject to the card’s terms.
2. Visit Alpenzoo to discover Alpine wildlife
Best for: Animal lovers, families and anyone interested in the wildlife of the Alps.
Alpenzoo was our first stop of the day, arriving at around 10 am. It wasn’t too busy when we visited, which made it a lovely way to start the morning before heading further into the mountains.
One thing I particularly liked was following the little paw prints on the ground. I’d read reviews suggesting that the zoo’s layout could be confusing, but we personally found the route very clear and easy to follow by following the prints.
There were several animals we loved seeing, including the owls, pine marten and bison. There was also a little bison, which was ridiculously cute!
I had been especially excited to see the bear, moose, otters and fox (all animals I saw in Canada and was excited to see again), so naturally, those were the animals that didn’t quite cooperate with my plans. The moose weren’t there when we visited, the otter was sleeping, we couldn’t find the fox, and the bear was also sleeping with only its back visible (still so cute!).
Not quite the wildlife encounters I’d imagined, but that’s part of visiting a zoo: the animals have their own schedules!
Despite that, we really enjoyed our visit. Alpenzoo is a great option if you want to learn more about Alpine animals and see a different side of the region beyond its mountain landscapes.
My tip: Arrive earlier in the day if you can, and allow time to explore at a relaxed pace. Remember that animal sightings can vary, and some animals may be resting or out of view when you visit.
The zoo is included with the Innsbruck Card, making it an easy addition to a sightseeing day. Its hillside setting also makes it a natural pairing with a trip up Nordkette.
3. Step into another world at Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Best for: Art and design lovers, immersive installations and something a little different.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds was one of those attractions I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from before visiting. I’d heard of it, of course, but I didn’t know just how immersive the experience would be.
We ended up being really impressed.
The attraction features a series of imaginative rooms known as the Chambers of Wonder, each offering a different interpretation of crystal, light, art and design. Rather than simply looking at displays of jewellery, you move through spaces designed to surround you with unusual installations and visual experiences.
A few rooms stood out in particular.
The snow room was a favourite, bringing back some winter memories we’d shared together. Another highlight was the room filled with pulsing crystals, which created an amazing immersive effect. We also loved the unique experience of being inside the crystal-themed installation.
It’s difficult to describe the feeling of some of these rooms without seeing them for yourself, and that was part of what made the visit so enjoyable. We went in without any expectations and came away having experienced something genuinely memorable.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds is located in Wattens, outside Innsbruck city centre, so you’ll need to allow time for transport as well as your visit. There is a shuttle operating from the central station which is included with the Innsbruck card
My tip: Give yourself time to experience the installations properly, and check the official website for current opening hours and transport options before you go.
I visited using my Innsbruck Card, which included admission and the Swarovski shuttle under the card’s terms. If you’re planning to visit several paid attractions, it’s worth checking whether the card would save you money overall.
4. Explore Innsbruck's Old Town and the colourful houses along the Inn River
Best for: First-time visitors, photography, history and simply enjoying the atmosphere of the city.
Sometimes the best travel experiences aren’t the ones you don’t buy a ticket for. For me, exploring Innsbruck’s Old Town and wandering along the Inn River was one of the most special parts of visiting the city.
Innsbruck is picturesque almost everywhere you look, but I was particularly in awe of the pastel-coloured houses lining the river, with the mountains rising dramatically behind them. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop walking for a moment just to take it all in.
The Old Town offered something different. Wandering through its historic streets, admiring the architecture and passing the city’s famous landmarks made me feel as though I’d stepped into another time.
I love those moments when travelling reminds you that there’s a whole world beyond the places you already know. Standing in a beautiful Austrian city, surrounded by architecture and scenery so different from home, I really felt the significance of being somewhere new.
It’s easy to get caught up in ticking attractions off a list, but this was a reminder to slow down and enjoy the place itself.
My tip: Make time to wander without a strict plan. Walk through the Old Town, explore the streets around the Golden Roof, and head towards the river for views of the colourful houses and Nordkette mountains. Bring your camera, but don’t feel you need to rush from one photo spot to the next.
The best part? Exploring these areas is free, so you can enjoy one of Innsbruck’s most beautiful experiences even if you’re travelling on a budget. You can read more about the free activities in Innsbruck here
5. Watch ski jumpers in action at Bergisel Ski Jump
Best for: Sports fans, architecture enthusiasts and anyone curious about winter sports.
Ski jumping is a sport I never expected to find myself watching, but visiting Bergisel Ski Jump turned out to be a really enjoyable experience.
The venue is one of Innsbruck’s most recognizable landmarks, with its striking tower overlooking the city. It hosts ski-jumping competitions and offers visitors the chance to experience the venue from different viewpoints.
We watched the ski jumpers from the bottom, then moved to a midway viewpoint and eventually watched from partway up the tower. Seeing the jump from different angles gave us a much better appreciation of the scale of the structure and just how impressive the sport is.
Watching the athletes launch themselves down the ramp and into the air was fascinating. It’s one thing to see ski jumping on television, but being there in person gives you a different appreciation for the speed, technique and courage involved.
We also stopped at the restaurant for a drink and played some cards, which made the visit feel like a relaxed afternoon rather than simply another attraction to tick off.
My tip: If you want to watch ski jumpers training, check the venue’s schedule before visiting. Training isn’t guaranteed during normal opening hours, so don’t plan your trip around seeing athletes unless you’ve confirmed that a session is taking place.
Even without a training session, the venue is worth considering for its architecture and views. Bergisel is included with the Innsbruck Card, subject to its terms, so it’s a convenient attraction to combine with other sightseeing.
6. Race down the mountain on the Muttereralm mountain carts
Best for: Adventure seekers, families with eligible riders and anyone who wants a fun outdoor activity.
If you’re looking for something a little different from museums and sightseeing, I’d recommend looking into the mountain carts at Muttereralm.
Located in Mutters, just outside Innsbruck, this was one of the most fun experiences of our trip. We took the gondola up the mountain and then set off downhill on the carts.
Our gondola ride was covered by the Welcome Plus Card we had, while the mountain carts cost €16 per person when we visited. These are the prices and inclusions from our trip, so check the current rates and card conditions before planning your visit.
The carts made us feel like kids again. We were racing down the mountainside, laughing and having the kind of fun that reminded me of playing Mario Kart in real life.
It was such a memorable way to experience the mountains, and a completely different adventure from simply taking in the scenery from a viewpoint.
There was one thing I hadn’t fully considered, though: my hands got quite cold as we went downhill! Even if the weather feels warm at the bottom, the mountain air and speed can make a difference.
Afterwards, I also had my first ever Spätzle, a traditional dish made from soft egg noodles or dumpling-like pasta. It was absolutely delicious and a lovely bonus after an afternoon of adventure.
My tip: Bring an extra layer and gloves, particularly if you’re visiting outside the height of summer. Check the operating season, weather conditions, rider requirements and safety instructions in advance, as mountain-cart availability can depend on conditions.
If you have extra time in Innsbruck and want to add an activity that’s a little more adventurous, this is a great option to consider.
Is the Innsbruck Card worth it?
If you’re visiting Innsbruck for the first time and want to see several of its main attractions, the Innsbruck Card is worth looking into.
I used one during my visit, and it made it easier to combine several paid experiences without purchasing separate tickets for each one.
The card includes attractions such as Nordkette, Alpenzoo, Swarovski Crystal Worlds and Bergisel Ski Jump, along with other museums and selected transport options. The exact benefits and prices can change, so check the official Innsbruck Card website before you buy.
My advice is to make a list of the attractions you genuinely want to visit, check their individual admission prices and then compare the total with the cost of a 24-, 48- or 72-hour card. Remember to account for the time needed to travel between attractions, too.
You don’t want to buy a card for the savings and then spend your entire trip rushing around trying to use it!
You can find the latest inclusions, prices and conditions on the official Innsbruck Card website.
Purchase your Innsbruck Card here
Final thoughts: Is Innsbruck worth visiting?
Yes, yes, yes. What I loved about Innsbruck was the variety of experiences available in one destination. You can spend the morning learning about Alpine wildlife, head into the mountains for incredible views, explore a historic Old Town, and finish the day doing something completely unexpected.
Each of these six experiences gave me something different to remember, from the moment the clouds finally lifted over Innsbruck to racing down a mountain in a cart and discovering just how much I enjoyed watching ski jumping.
If you’re planning your first trip to Innsbruck, I hope this list helps you decide which experiences are right for you. You don’t have to do everything to enjoy the city, but I think these attractions offer a wonderful introduction to its mix of mountains, culture, history and adventure.
And don’t forget to leave a little time to wander, take in the views and enjoy the moments you didn’t plan for. Sometimes those end up being the best parts of a trip.
Looking for a Day Trip from Innsbruck?
If you’re visiting Innsbruck and have an extra day to explore, consider taking a trip to Achensee, Austria’s largest lake. With its stunning turquoise water, mountain scenery and beautiful lakeside walks, it’s a fantastic day trip from the city.
Explore more: Achensee, Austria: A Budget-Friendly Day Trip to the Turquoise Alpine Lake