Innsbruck – Capital of the Alps.

Innsbruck in Austria is a magnificent city, nestled among the Alps with a spectacular view. I guess you can call it a true Alpine gem. I often get messages from travelers asking for travel advice and recommendations. Ann, sent me a message last week and wanted to know if it is worthwhile to visit Innsbruck. They are on a tight schedule and only have 24 hours to explore the city. My answer: “Definitely!”

Innsbruck is world renowned for its ski resort and for hosting winter sports competitions. There is so much more to this beautiful city than skiing and winter sports.

What to see in Innsbruck in one day.

Unfortunately, 24 hours is not enough to experience everything in the city. You need at least two days. But, let’s have a look at the most important tourist attractions that can be visited in one day. I suggest starting from Herzog Friedrich Street in the center of Innsbruck.

The Golden Roof and Museum.

One of the most famous and visited sites in Innsbruck is the Golden Roof. It has more than 2,657 gold-plated copper tiles and built in the early 15th century for Emperor Maximilian I. It served as a royal box where he would sit in luxury and comfort and watch tournaments and events in the square below.

The golden roof tiles have been the center point of many controversies over the years. Eight tiles were stolen in 2012 and later recovered in various places around the city. In 2007, a single tile was removed from the Golden Roof and replaced by a single roof tile from a hay barn. The hay barn proudly displayed the golden roof tile for a while before the tile was returned to its rightful owner.

If you have time, pop into the Golden Roof Museum. It is not a dull and boring museum. Here you will get a glimpse into the history of the city with interesting exhibits and information dating back to Emperor Maximilian I. Learn more about the knights, celebrations, beggars, townsfolk, and aristocrats that once roamed these streets.

The Imperial Palace.

The magnificent Imperial Palace was completed in the year 1500. The Habsburgs loved Innsbruck and it is no wonder that they made it their home. This Gothic style castle has large representation rooms, a heated banquet hall, chapel, winding staircase and large windows. It is one of the most important, cultural buildings in Austria with a large collection of art. Locals often refer to the Imperial Palace as The Hofburg. The Hofburg shines like a jewel at night and is magnificently lighted.

It is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and normally closed for events.

Innsbruck Old Town.

I personally, loved the old town. This charming city is more than 800 years old and I felt like traveling back in time. It is vibrant and cosmopolitan yet very traditional. It is delightful to walk here and admire its unique wealth of wonderful attractions. Admire the fascinating blend of different architecture styles – Gothic, Baroque and post-modern.

Try the traditional food at one of the many and busy street cafes whilst admiring the local landmarks. Add to that exquisite boutiques and cultural events throughout the year. Maria Theresien Street is the best place to go. This famous street, founded more than 700 years ago, consisted only of a few farmhouses. It is hard to believe when you look at it now.

Hofkirche or Imperial Church.

The Hofkirche was built by Ferdinand I, as a Gothic memorial to his grandfather Maximilian I and Holy Roman Emperor (1459 -1519). The Hofkirche was built as a family gesture but it is considered to be an architectural gem. Here you will find 24 life-like statues in the hall but most impressive are the embellishments. It is a true masterpiece. The cenotaph took more than 80 years to build and at the end of the tomb you can see events depicted from Maximilian’s life.

To this day, it remains one of the most impressive Churches that I have visited during my travels.

Ambras Castle.

Ambras Castle is one of the main attractions in Innsbruck and not to be missed. Built in Renaissance style by Archduke Ferdinand II, it attracts and charms visitors from all over the world. The castle has a large art collection including paintings and medieval sculptures.  It is open daily from 10:00 until 17:00.

A great investment – The Innsbruck card.

The Innsbruckcard is a great investment and packed with a lot of specials. The card is available for 24, 48 or 72 hours and children aged 6 to 15 enjoy a 15% discount. If you have only 24 hours, then the Innsbruck card will give access to the main tourist attractions. If you have 48 hours in Innsbruck, then the card will allow you to explore the surrounding areas including The Swarovski Crystal Museum. Well worth a visit.

Innsbruck, Austria is a destination that offers something for everyone and is so much more than just beautiful scenery.