All aboard the Historic Christkindlbahn

Christmas season is a little more merry thanks to the return of Innsbruck’s historic Christkindlbahn. The 110 year old tram is a great way for locals and tourists to see the city’s highlights, visit Christmas markets and do holiday shopping. You can experience this historic ride during the four weekends before Christmas and it’s free of charge.

Hanging with Simon, the Christkindlbahn conductor.

Christkindlbahn Highlights:

The Christkindlbahn route visits Innsbruck’s most beautiful corners like Claudiastraße, Triumphpforte, Maria-Theresien-Straße, and the old town; perfect for sightseeing. Innsbruck’s shopping centers Kaufhaus Tyrol, Sillpark, and Rathausgalerien are easily accessible from the Christkindlbahn.  After doing some shopping, riders can visit the most popular Christmas markets from the stops; Marktplatz, Maria-Theresien-Straße, and the Old Town.

The Christkindlbahn at Triumphforte

Christkindlbahn History:

The first time the Christmas Tram was operated in Innsbruck was in 1969. A collaborating from the city, IVB, Tiroler MuseumsBahnen (railway museum), Innsbruck Tourism Board, and the Christmas markets have revived the Christmas tram in recent years. The 110 year old railcars have been lovingly maintained by the Tirolean Railway Museum.

Families inside the Christmas Tram

My Experience:

I had the pleasure of riding in the conductor’s cab and have a chat with him. Simon, the conductor, and the rest of the crew work diligently as they operate the tram. After inquiring about the history of the tram and the license requirements to operate it, I headed to the rear to chat up some of the other passengers. Most of the passengers were families, in fact, I was the only person riding the tram on my own. I would highly recommend this experience to not only families, but also as a date idea. I guarantee this would get you places if you were to suggest it for a first date. At the very least, a second date.

Schedule:

The Christmas Tram will be operating on during the next two weekends (Friday and Saturday), between 3:30 PM and 7:00 PM . If you’re in Innsbruck during the Christmas season, don’t miss this opportunity to experience a piece of Innsbruck’s history. You’ll have to wait until next Christmas season, so get on board.