48 Hours in Innsbruck

Hello! It’s been a while since I last posted here. And before we start talking about Innsbruck, let me tell you that a lot has happened since then. We moved to Germany a year ago and have been exploring Europe since then. So stay tuned as there is more content to come.

If you would like to see photos from those trips, check our Instagram @lostdestination.

As one of the main reasons we moved is to travel and get to know Europe well. One of the first trips we did last year was Innsbruck, Austria. Capital of the state of Tirol.

Going to Innsbruck we didn’t have any plans at all, but luckily, on the way, I did a quick google search and stumbled upon the Innsbruck card. And thanks to it we had a great time. The card is so awesome that I have to tell you about it. There are 3 options, 24 hrs, 48 hrs, and 72hrs. It gives you access to pretty much all the major attractions the city has to offer, including the Swarovski Crystal World, cable cars, City Tower, and more.

To give you an example, we bought the 48 hours card for €50. So, if you take the Nordkette cable car (€32,90), visit the Alpine Zoo (€11,00) and the Swarovski Crystal Worlds (€19,00) taking the shuttle (free with the card) (€9,00 round-trip). In just those three attractions you would be looking at €71,90 total. And you can do much more in 48 hours, you can actually do these three in a day.

Not an ad. Just love the concept, and hope other cities do it too.

For more info about the card, click here!

Take in the views of Old Town from the City Tower

After our first stop at the information center, we headed to the closest attractions and started with the Stadtturm (city tower) and its 148 steps. The tower was build in a Gothic style and has served as an observation point for sentries to watch for enemies, fires and other dangers. Nowadays the tourist can admire the Old Town from above.

From the top you have great views of the Cathedral of St. James (Dom zu St. Jakob), Nordketten mountain range, Golden Roof, colorful houses, and more.

Visit the third most important cultural building in Austria, Imperial Palace

Just around the corner from the tower is the Imperial Palace. What was once the home of important figures like Maria Theresa and husband Emperor Francis I, is now a museum with five theme areas showing the history of the palace.

With Empress Elizabeth apartment, and Maria Theresa’s rooms, each decorated in a single color from walls, curtains to furniture, you will have a sneak peek of the lavish life of these people had. The Palace also has one of the most impressive halls I’ve ever seen. There are paintings all around the room including the ceiling. Sorry for the lack of photos, they have a no-photo policy.

Wander through the 800 years old Old Town’s streets and alleyways

The Old Town features beautiful Gothic and Baroque style buildings many painted in pastel colors. In it, you will find most of the main attractions like Maria Theresa Street, City Tower, Imperial Palace, Golden Roof, and Hofkirche. Take a stroll to discover all the great restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers behind the old and yet beautiful facades.

Take the Nordkette Cable Car to Seegrube, and Hafelekarspize.

This was one of the highlights of the trip. In minutes you go from the city center to the top of the Nordketten Mountain Range. You first take the funicular at the Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen to Hungerburg Ausschau where you get a taste of the views that wait for you at the top.

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Take the first cable car up to the Seegrube area which in winter is where the main ski area is. Get some of the hard to get vitamin D on one of the outside chairs or have a delicious beer and meal while gazing at the astonishing views at the Seegrube restaurant. In winter is also the Cloud 9 Iglu Bar. So if partying in an igloo is something you would be up to, then this is the place for you.

Like if the views and the experience so far weren’t good enough, take the second cable car to the 7657 feet high Hafelekarspitze.

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Then do the short hike to conquer the Hafelekarspitze. The 360 views from there are unforgettable.

Get to know the Alps’ wild life in the Alpine Zoo

On the way down from the Nordkette stop at the Alpenzoo to get to know the wildlife of the Alps in one of the highest zoos in Europe.

Have fun at the Swarovski Crystal World

The Swarovski world is a must-do even if you are not into crystals or jewelry. It is a place the whole family will enjoy. It offers things to do outdoors and indoors.

Outdoors you can walk around beautiful gardens and sculptures. And if you go at night you can also watch the light show which pretty cool. Indoors is where the magic begins. They use their Swarovski crystals to create incredibly beautiful pieces of art and atmosphere in each of the rooms.

If you do like their crystals, in the end, there is a shop if you want to take a souvenir home with you.

This attraction is about 30 minutes outside of Innsbruck. But there is a shuttle you can take at Congress Innsbruck/Hofburg bus stop that takes you there.

Hofkirche

As in all cities, the churches are always one of the most beautiful buildings. Being the home of the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I, and 28 bronze figures, the Hofkirche is no exception.

Some of the things we didn’t get to do and are included with the card are Golden Roof Museum, The Tirol Panorama, Bergisel Ski jump Stadium, and Ambras Castle.

Thanks for reading

And keep exploring

j ⋀⋁ i e r ✧ ☽