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Our Travel Guide to Innsbruck

Colorful, narrow buildings guide your eyes upwards towards snowcapped mountains, backdropping the turquoise-green River Inn, and you feel adventure beckoning. The aromas of espresso drinks and trattorias add to the moment. Maybe you came to Innsbruck for the adventure sports and nature. But you’ll want to stay for the Tyrollean twist on Austrian culture. Read on for our travel guide to Innsbruck.

Big To-Dos

Culture

We didn’t spend enough time in Innsbruck to visit many museums and galleries. Two that I regret not visiting are the Tyrollean Folk Art Museum and Hasegg Castle.

Regardless, we recommend purchasing the Innsbruck Card if you’re in town for two or three days. The card includes access to 22 locations, such as museums, galleries, and cable cars.

Castle Ambras

One of the region’s most famous destinations is technically located outside Innsbruck, but is literally next door. In fact, we walked to this 16th-century castle from our hotel.

Castle Ambras consists of an upper and a lower section. The views from the upper castle are stunning. Meanwhile, the lower castle hosts one of the world’s oldest museums and a Medieval armory collection that will take your imagination for a gory ride. It takes a couple of hours to see everything.

The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dalchl)

Like the town’s busiest restaurant that doesn’t serve the best food but benefits from superb location, the building with the golden roof is somehow Innsbruck’s tourism epicenter. Constructed in 1500 under Emperor Maximilian, the roof is indeed real gold. We honestly found it pretty but underwhelming, overshadowed by the commotion of vendors selling trinkets and masses of tourists walking by.

The Roof is close to museums (plus has one of its own), the Inn River, and Maria-Theresien-Strasse.

Maria-Theresien-Strasse

We spent a lot of time wandering downtown and by the river. This main avenue is named for Maria Theresa, the powerful Hapsburg ruler who reined for four decades in the 18th century. At one end souvenir shops cram together, each selling the same trinkets.

But if you look around, you’ll notice the shops are inside well-preserved 16th-century buildings. You’re surrounded by captivating Alpine architecture. And once you make it to the wider plaza, Maria-Theresien-Strasse turns into a chill place for a drink and window shopping.

The Outdoor Stuff

The adventure sports are what truly make Innsbruck stand out. You can’t miss the juxtaposition of a well-dressed couple lazying away with afternoon espressos as cyclists in tight clothing and thick mountain bikes caked in mud pass by. Both groups are in their own moments, which couldn’t be more different.

Hiking

There are so many hikes in and around Innsbruck of all levels of difficulty and accessibility. But the great thing is, each one is beautiful. Check out AllTrails to filter down to a handful that you’d like to trek. The AllTrails offline location mapping worked beautifully for us when we didn’t have internet or cell phone service, too.

Castle Ambras to Lanser-See

On that note, if you visit Castle Ambras, try the walk from there to Lake Lans (Lanser-See). The hike is only one mile long but it’s steep; it took us an hour! Use a mapping app to avoid getting lost, as various trails criss-cross the area.

Once you leave the castle grounds, you immediately hear the Alpine winds bending the skinny pines, and the creaking sounds as the thick canopy swished back and forth alarmed us. The wind is constant here; a local assuaged our concern by explaining it’s “magical”. The occasional honking of the tram cuts through the chirping of birds and crickets. You’ll pass picturesque villages and views of snowcaps. It smells clear and piney, like a scented candle without the stuffiness.

Once you arrive at the lake, take a dip or continue to the villages. We walked to Igls, where we found a relaxing spot for a coffee and snack. Apparently both Arnold Schwarzeneggar and Barack Obama dined there, among many other famous people.

You can walk downhill from the villages back towards Ambras or take the Tram 6. Nicknamed “The Forest Tram”, it leaves every half-hour and passes through the same beautiful Apline forest.

Riverside Biking

You don’t even have to leave town for this one. Rent a cruiser and take a relaxing, beautiful ride next to the River Inn. Paths wind through city parks and the most popular tourist zones.

Of course, you can rent a mountain bike and explore the trails outside of town, too. Being an adventure sport town, Innsbruck has multiple quality bike rental locations.

Skiing

Innsbruck and surrounding towns are hugely popular for their prime locations near world-class ski resorts. Consider the town of Landeck and the picturesque village of Pfunds for more intimate options.

For world-class ski jump viewing and views of the city, go to the tower of Bergisel ski jump. Some spots in town have views of the jump, too.

Essential Information

How to Arrive

Innsbruck has an international airport, but direct flights from outside Europe aren’t common. Trains come and go for other cities in Austria and all over the continent.

We booked a compartment for an overnighter to Austria and slept fine; like a futon, the “beds” are a thin pad separating you from the hard surface. But we were given breakfast and a wake-up call, which we didn’t have in the coach car going to Innsbruck. That train arrived early, and we almost slept through towards Zurich!

When to Visit Innsbruck

Like Vienna,there’s no bad time to visit Innsbruck. Come in winter for an Alpine Christmas or skiing; visit the rest of the year for world-class hiking and mountain biking! July-August and December are particularly busy (and pricey).

Where to Stay

Innsbruck isn’t a large city, so anywhere you stay will be close to something worth visiting. You can’t go wrong lodging near Maria-Theresien-Strasse.

But we stayed in the more residential Bichlweg neighborhood. Bichlweg is a short tram ride (or 20-30 minute walk) to city center, and next door is Castle Ambras. Because there are only homes and small lodgings, the views of the mountains are better here.

Food

Innsbruck is full of traditional Austrian and Tyrolean restaurants, and there are solid international spots, too. The proximity to Italy means there are a multiple amazing pizzerias near the Golden Roof. Just beware that this is a sleepy town; late nights aren’t its specialty!

Travel Guide to Innsbruck: Conclusion

We found Innsbruck to be a microcosm of the entire country of Austria. There is no bad time to visit, and there are more outdoor options than one can handle in a short visit. So despite Innsbruck being Austria’s 5th largest city, you’ll need to dedicate plenty of time to fully appreciate this Tyrollean treasure.

The Best Vienna Travel Guide (Gringo Inca Style)

Austria’s clean, well-organized capital pulls off being sophisticated without being snobby. The city has a whole section called the “Museum’s Quarter”, and the well-dressed citizens are quietly friendly. Naturally, most articles titled “The Best Vienna Travel Guide” will include very detailed information on museums, composers’ homes, and Vienna’s famous Ball schedule.

But hiking and exploring are our thing, so of course that was our angle when visiting Vienna. We were pleasantly surprised. First, Vienna is an excellent spot for wandering around neighborhoods and beautiful plazas. And it turns out, the city is the spot of or very close to several of Austria’s best hikes.

Big To-Dos

sidewalk with people walking and eating in cafe with bike in front.

Museumsquartier

Cafes, museums and cultural curiosities comprise this 90,000-square meter plaza. The Leopold and Mumok museums are the biggest attractions, focusing on classical and modern art, respectively. Leopold’s collections include work by Gustav Klimt.

We actually didn’t go to the museums but simply walked around the huge plaza.

Tip: take the elevator to the roof of Leopold Museum. The views of the city were stunning and there is a bar with shaded seating. Highly recommend!

Vienna State Opera

This is one of the busiest and most famous opera houses in the world. But if you aren’t into opera (like us), there are other shows, and a tour of the Neo-Renaissance-style building is a popular choice.

Tip: Standing-room only tickets are sold 80 minutes before performances and only cost EUR 10.

Schonbrunn Palace

The Hapsburg’s opulent, borderline ostentatious summer palace demands at least a half-day’s visit. The rooms are so uniquely ornamented that I found a striking resemblance to cake icing. You can spend hours exploring (at no charge) the gardens and fountains.

Buy tickets to see the baroque architecture or an opera at Schonbrunn ahead of time. We didn’t do this, and our options were limited to the smallest tour, the State Apartments.

Tip: Try the cafe or restaurant! We arrived on a rainy morning and snagged the cafe’s one open table before our tour. The Mozart cake and quiche were especially good.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

As a general guide, the more concentrated the streets are with tourists, the closer you are to St. Stephen’s. Crowds mingle, take photos and dance around vendors and classy-looking (but normal-scented) horse-drawn carriages. The Cathedral itself is quieter but not less crowded.

You can spend hours marveling at the towers, glass-stained windows, altars, and catacombs. Construction for the Cathedral started in 1137, but didn’t finish for over four centuries. So each section is from a different era, providing its own history lesson.

Entrance is free. You have to pay to go upstairs (this is Vienna’s tallest building) or to see the catacombs.

Also Check Out

Beethovengang

This tranquil, tree-lined neighborhood is full of streets with a truly Medieval feel. Go here for breather from the packed historic center and check out Beethoven’s house, too!

The neighborhood is at or near the end of multiple tram lines. It’s also where Vienna City Hiking Trail 1 (see below) begins.

Vienna City Hiking Trail 1

green hill with brown building and tree; vineyards of Vienna

Vienna’s metamorphosis from busy city to forested trail is so quick it’s almost unbelievable.

The 6.8-mile hike is a loop, heading to the hilltop wineries before sloping back to town. Butterflies, traditional Austrian homes, and apiaries surround you during the walk uphill. The chirping of insects and birds provides a pleasant melody as you walk aside a forest with a low-flowing creek. The descent will give you splendid views of Vienna and the river.

Bring water and cash, and of course wear comfy shoes.

Find out more about hiking in Austria in our article “The Best 8 Hikes in the Austrian Alps“.

Wander

Vienna is a safe, walkable city full of classical curiosities. So take time to wander in the historic center. While doing so, we came across the Judenplatz (Jewish Plaza) and its very moving monument to the victims of the Holocaust.

What to Eat

Vienna is a crash course in Austrian food. It’s tough to find international options (unless you count Italian), but not impossible. In fact, we found both a Thai and a Syrian spot close to our hotel. Vegetarian food isn’t the city’s strength, but hey, it’s Central Europe. They do meat and potatoes, and they do it spectacularly well.

Coffee! First and foremost, this is a coffee city. People drink coffee all day. And I REALLY mean all day. Try a Viennese coffee for the local (better?) version of a caffe mocha.

You’re always close to a cafe, but one we returned to was Cafe Pruekel. This is an elegant location with lots of outdoor seating.

Goulash: The beef soup is light years better than the name sounds.

Italian food: Austria shares a border, and culinary influence, with Italy. Our personal recommendation is Pizzeria Riva. Riva has two locations; one is on the riverfront and only opens in warmer months.

Pork Schnitzel: In Vienna, Schnitzel is advertised more than Mozart. If you’re a meat eater, here’s the OG meat-and-potatoes dish. Do it with a beer.

Radler: Especially after a hike or for the heat! Light Austrian beer is topped off with homemade lemonade for a refreshing buzz.

Spatzle: An Austrian comfort food made of egg noodles and cheese.

Spritz: Aka Aperol Spritz. The perfect pre-dinner cocktail is available almost everywhere.

Strudel: The people of Vienna love their desserts. We found the strudels to be not too heavy or too sweet and excellent with a black coffee.

Prices of Food in Vienna

You can spend a lot more on a fancy dinner. But we paid these prices for basic street food, lunches, and drinks:

Bratwurst: EUR 4.50

Pork Schnitzel: EUR 18.00

Radler Beer: EUR 4.50

Shwarma: EUR 6.00

Viennese Coffee: EUR 4.00

*A 5-10% tip is expected in restaurants and cafes*

Essential Information

Getting Around

Depending on your point of origin, you’ll get to Vienna by plane or train. Once in the city, walking can be your main mode of transportation. You’ll likely use the efficient public transportation system, too; probably the tram (trolley) and U-bahn (subway).

You can buy one-trip (EUR 2.40) or multiday tickets in subway stations and on the tram. A 24-hour ticket costs EUR 8.00. The Flexible Weekly Ticket is the best deal at EUR 17.10. They are only available online.

Train tickets to other parts of the country vary by price according to level of service. It’s also best to purchase ahead of time for sleeper trains or longer routes (ie, to Innsbruck).

When to Visit Vienna

There’s no bad time to visit Vienna. Particularly popular months are December (Vienna’s majestic during Christmastime!) and July/August. Those are also the priciest months to visit. Vienna’s Ball season starts on November 11 and ends in February.

Where to Stay

steeple of church in Rooseveltplatz, Vienna

Again, there is no real “dangerous” neighborhood in Vienna. The closer you are to St. Stephens Cathedral or the Museumsquartier, the closer you are to the action. For a quieter spot try a neighborhood further out, like Beethovengang.

We stayed at Roosevelplatz (Roosevelt Plaza). The plaza has a park and church (see photo above) and is a nice walk from the Historic Center.

Pensions vs Hotels

Pensions and hotels are the main types of lodging in Vienna. Pensions are usually smaller, family-run guesthouses. They tend to be cheaper and sometimes more basic but can be an excellent bargain!

The Best Vienna Travel Guide: Conclusion

Vienna is a great getaway not just for culture and classical music lovers but for anyone who appreciates a beautiful city. There are enough museums, cafes, and composers’ home to keep one busy for weeks. Actually, Vienna’s streets and architecture are art museums in themselves. Each plaza holds a unique story or something of cultural importance.

Vienna is a well-balanced city, too. As we discovered on the Vienna City Hiking Trail, there is even something for people who enjoy being outdoors! So check out the Austrian capital for both the culture and the opportunities to just wander.

The Best 8 Hikes in the Austrian Alps

pine trees reaching to sky with snowy Alps behind

It’s the size of Pennsylvania, and its population is barely half of London’s. Yet Austria provides trekkers with a larger-than-life experience. The country specializes in day hikes that feature uniquely Central European attractions; think castles, inns, and the continent’s largest waterfall.

And with hundreds of worthy nominees, choosing the country’s best trail is like choosing the world’s most talented athlete. There are many opinions, and none is wrong. Fortunately, we don’t have to make that tough choice. Instead, we created a list of the best 8 hikes in the Austrian Alps :)

Basic Need-to-Know

What to Pack

Obviously how much you pack and the backpack you use will depend on the length of the hike. Use this list as a guideline, and adapt as needed:

Basic first aid kit
Cash (Euros). It’s the preferred manner of payment for smaller purchases, including at beer gardens & wineries :)
Clothes: Layers are best because the weather varies throughout the day and with changes in elevation. A waterproof windbreaker does wonders here. The strong winds treat umbrellas the way hurricanes treat small watercraft; by mangling them.
Detailed map or GPS if going far outside the city. Otherwise, Apple and Google Maps work fine.
Mid-day meals and snacks. Lunchtime is slow, and many restaurants are closed.
Water! Water is clean to drink in Austria, and that includes fresh mountain springs; however we noticed that fountains are not easy to find.

When to Go

Late spring through early fall is when to go hiking in Austria. In fact, summer is the most popular time for hiking due to the moderate temperatures (average August highs in Vienna hover around 78F/25.C).

Make sure to check the weather no matter when you visit. Then you won’t be shocked when a pleasant, sunny morning transforms into a stormy afternoon. And you can always expect wind in the Alps :)

The Best 8 Hikes in the Austrian Alps

We made this list based on word of mouth, research, and personal experience. They are listed by length, starting with the shortest.

Lake Hallstatt to Rudolf’s Tower

Distance: 2.3 miles/3.7km

Total Elevation Change: 1,079 feet/329 meters

Difficulty: Medium

Highlights: This steep, out-and-back trail stands out for its water features (we’re suckers for water features). It starts at the lake and leads you to Rudolf’s Tower (Rudolfsturm).

Tips: The actual tower was built in the 1200’s. And if its history ain’t enough, it is where you can buy drinks and snackies. Make sure the trail is open before going.

Closest Major City: Salzberg

Castle of Hardegg Trail

One of several outstanding options in Thayatal National Park, which borders Podyji National Park in the Czech Republic. Go on this hike for the fortress, oak forest, and stunning views from the plateau!

Distance: 3.8 miles/6.1 km

Total Elevation Change: 826 feet/252 m

Difficulty: Easy-medium

Tip: This is a great option if you’re bringing kids. You can buy snacks and drinks in the park, and there are picnic tables and a playground. Entrance fee is EUR 5.50.

Closest Cities: Vienna or Brno in the Czech Republic

Höttinger Bild – Rauschbrunnen

The river Isar near its spring in the Karwendel-mountains.

Located near Innsbruck, this loop is the Karwendel Nature Reserve’s most popular hike. Standout features include views of the city and mountains in addition to the traditional Tyrolean foods at the Rauschbrunnen inn.

Distance: 4.8 miles/7.7km

Total Elevation Change: 1,240

Difficulty: Medium

Tip: If you have time, consider the even more panoramic Hungerburg to Hafelekarpitze hike. This 8 mile/12.9km-long hike is also more challenging.

Closest City: Innsbruck

Krimml Waterfall Trail

Again, we’re suckers for water. And with Krimml, Austria is home to Europe’s largest waterfall (380 meters/1,247 feet). Paths take you to the lower, middle and upper falls. Top-notch Alpine views are another of this trail’s draws.

Distance: 5.1 miles/8.2km

Difficulty: Medium

Tips: This trail is closed when conditions are bad. So check its status here before going. You have to pay a fee to enter Hohe Tauern National Park for this hike.

Closest City: Salzberg

Eisenstadt Loop

This hike is a classic loop through vineyards near Vienna. It’s part of Austria’s oldest national park, Neusiedler See-Seewinkel.

Distance: 5.8 miles/9.3km

Difficulty: Medium

Tip: Try to make time for other areas in Neusiedler See-Seewinkel, too! The park is home to saltpans, meadows, and the famous lake from which it gets its name.

Closest City: Vienna

Vienna City Hiking Trail 1

one of the best 8 hikes in austrian alps; vienna city hiking trail. Wooden sign with vegetation

Distance: 6.8 miles/10.9km

Total Elevation Change: 1,164 ft/355 meters

Difficulty: Medium

Highlights: You won’t believe you’re still in the city! Through verdant, wooded sections adjacent to sweet-smelling fields and a burbling brook, this loop goes uphill before leveling out and eventually descending. Vineyards are open in warmer months.

Tips: Take the tram to the Nussdorf Beethovengang stop. This neighborhood is walkable and beautiful; check out Beethoven’s house if you have time! The German name of this hike is Stadtwanderweg 1.

Closest City: Vienna

Neusiedler See Panoramic Hike

Neusiedler See (Lake Neusiedl) is a World Heritage site and offers hiking, biking, watersports and, being in Central Europe, a nearby castle or two.

Distance: 20.8 miles/33.4km

Change in Elevation: 1,164 ft/355 meters

Difficulty: Medium-hard

Tip: Interested in an even longer hike? Neusiedler See – Seewinkel National Park has several fantastic options up to 75 miles long!

Closest Cities: Vienna and Bratislava

Lynx Trail (Luchs Trail)

This 11-day experience wanders through three conservation areas and finishes with an appropriate Alpine lake plunge. Plus you’ll spot one of the secretive mammals for which the trail was named… if you’re lucky.

Distance: 130 miles/210 km

Change in Elevation: 4,922 ft/1,500 meters

Difficulty: Hard (badass)

Tips: For up-to-date information follow the trail’s official website. The site also has information on accommodation and refreshments for your journey.

Closest Cities: Graz, Vienna, Innsbruck

Conclusion

No two “Best 8 Hikes in the Austrian Alps” lists are the same. That’s because Austria offers so many beautiful, fun hikes that are worthy of making someone’s list. But each of these eight is guaranteed to be a trip highlight. You’ll quickly understand why hikers leave the country searching for the right superlatives to best describe their experience.

And the most important thing to remember is this: In Austria you’re never far from an awesome trail!

8 Day Itinerary for Austria

Because castles, cafes, mountains, and Mozart. That’s right; we’re off to Austria! We’ll be taking a stroll in Tyrol during our first trip to this landlocked country. But first we’ll be in the elegant Vienna, the cultural and political capital. And as always, we’ll balance everything out with a hike or two. This is what our 8-day itinerary for Austria looks like:

Our 8-Day Itinerary for Austria

Day 1-4: Vienna

We’ll start off in the epicurean epicenter of Vienna, where Mozart lived and the cool kids still attend black-tie balls. Here are a few highlights we’re looking forward to enjoying:

Strolling around the Historic Center, including checking out St. Stephen’s cathedral
Choosing which attractions to visit in the Museumsquartier section
Spend a half day on one of the city’s official urban hikes

We’re going to stay in an over-century-old hotel just outside the Historic Center. On the final night we’ll hope to catch some sleep on the Nightjet train to Innsbruck, a 7-ish hour ride.

Day 5, 6: Innsbruck

Next is the Tyrollean city of Innsbruck, a focal point of fun in the Austrian Alps. We only have two days and so won’t be able to do everything, but a few things that caught our attention are:

Neuschwanstein castle. Because it looks friggin’ fantastic, and being from the Americas, castles are the ultimate novelty for us.
Mierders alpine coaster, or any mountain coaster. Because adrenaline.
Hiking. It’s spring in the Alps- what else would we do?!

There a lots of cool-looking breweries, museums and tours in the actual city of Innsbruck. So we’ll have our hands full deciding what to do.

Day 7: Towns of Tyrol

Day seven is going to be a bit loco. We are going sightseeing in a couple of picturesque towns near Innsbruck. We’re especially excited for waterfalls, castles, and to explore the medieval downtown in the village of Pfunds!

We splurged for a compartment on the Nightjet train back to Vienna to ensure we’re well rested after all this exploring :)

Day 8: Vienna

Our last day will be where we started! We’re staying in the middle of Vienna’s historic center in a fancy hotel. We justified the cost by booking the night train for two evenings earlier in the trip.

Packing List

Our goal is to travel without checked luggage, but that will be a challenge with an 18lb weight limit for carry-ons. Temperatures in both Vienna and Innsbruck will range from 40-70F (4.4-21.1C), and it will likely rain some days. So we’ll have to pack versatile clothes that layer well. And we’ll have to balance that with hiking clothes and our camera.

Right now my packing list looks like this:

Hiking shoes or boots
Socks, underwear
Two pairs of easy walking pants
Shirts for layering: two short-sleeved, two long-sleeved, one thermal
Sweater
Coat or rain jacket
Sunglasses
GoPro and charger
Phone and charger
Book
Notebook
Sweater
Wallet with credit card and cash
Passport!

Where We’re Staying

This trip is all hotels (except for the two night trains). We didn’t find Austria’s hotel options to be limited or too expensive. And of course the two nights on the train saved us some lodging money.

While we considered a more economical option like a pension or hostel, we decided to go with non-big-chain hotels for a comfortable and real experience (and the included breakfast!).

Why Austria in May

We didn’t specifically choose to go to Austria in May, but this month is a great time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and high prices. Summer visitor numbers peak in July, and prices climb in winter due to Christmas and outdoor sport attractions.

May is spring in Austria, so the weather is warming up and trees and flowers are blooming. Because of that, it’s a spectacular time to go hiking in Austria.

Conclusion

The reason we picked Austria was to connect with Janina’s ancestral history. But we’re also psyched for the adventure and cultural options! Plus it’s our first time in Central Europe.

Be on the look out for our complete guide for visiting Austria, which we will publish soon. We’re also preparing guides for each major city and the best hikes in the country. Stay tuned!