Gaining Altitude
Imagine standing at 2,000 meters above sea level, the sun beaming, the air cool, your favorite drink in hand, live music in the air and the entire Inn Valley stretching beneath your feet. Even though Innsbruck is more known for winter, skiing, mountains - our summers are iconic and can be extremely hot. There are plenty of ways to beat the heat - taking a dip in one of the many lakes, enjoying a cold refreshment with your besties or one of my favorites: gaining some altitude. The higher up the mountain, the cooler the air, it’s perfect! Easily accessible from the city, with a short cable car ride, is Seegrube and Cloud 9 on the Nordkette mountain. The perfect place to be on a hot summer's day.
Free Music and Epic Views
Cloud 9 Live puts on concerts free of charge – you just need a lift ticket. Whether you’re a local looking for a unique outing or a visitor seeking a memorable alpine event, these concerts provide a rare chance to enjoy live music at eye level with the clouds. Cloud 9 is also a great spot for families. There's a playground for kids to enjoy while the grown-ups kick back and relax. If you’re feeling a little peckish, there’s a restaurant on-site offering local dishes and refreshing drinks. On the day we were there, we were lucky enough to catch a wine-tasting event too. Combining glasses of crisp rosé, the unbeatable views, and the live tunes – it’s an experience that feels just as luxurious as it is laid-back.
The chill acoustic sound of Paul Izak, sheep grazing on the mountain, children enjoying the playground in the sunshine and crisp air, a perfect day!
Hawaiian Vibes at 2000 Meters
On Sunday, August 10, the stage welcomed a special guest: Hawaiian musician Paul Izak, whose blend of folk, reggae, and blues created an easygoing, soulful vibe that fit perfectly into the mountain setting. A lot of Paul Izak’s music was praising mother earth and being thankful for nature - it was perfect as free grazing sheep roamed behind him, children running after to ‘bahhh’ at them enjoying the mountain experience.
Paul Izak is so much more than a musician, he was teaching the crowd hawaiian words, telling stories, all around entertainer!
Escape to the Clouds in No Time
Part of what makes the experience so special is how you get there. From the heart of Innsbruck, you can board the Hungerburgbahn, then transfer to the Nordkette cable car, which takes you straight up to Seegrube – all in under 30 minutes. Even better: If you have the Freizeitticket Tirol, your ride is already covered! It’s a smooth and scenic trip that sets the mood before the first note even plays.
Grab a bite to eat, relax in one of the lounge chairs, lay in the grass, so many options to relax and enjoy the day!
Where Music Meets the Mountains
Whether you're into laid-back grooves, acoustic sessions, or DJs spinning chillout tracks, the Cloud 9 Live series brings diverse acts to this high-altitude hotspot. And it’s not just about the music. It’s the perfect blend of nature, music, and pure Tyrolean summer magic. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to escape the summer heat. While Innsbruck bakes in the sun, the mountain offers a cool, refreshing breeze – and with the city spread out below you, the view is as chill as the air! Concerts at Cloud 9 are not an everyday occurrence, so if you see one coming up, don’t think twice. Check the weather (events may shift if the skies don’t cooperate), grab your Freizeitticket or buy a gondola ride, and treat yourself to an unforgettable musical experience high above Innsbruck.
All Photos : @Laura Wunsch
Show me the location on the map
In 2007, Laura completed her studies at an American university and applied for the Fulbright programme to be an English teacher in Germany or Austria. The wisest decision at this point: Austria! And the rest, as they say, is history.
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