Goldenes Dachl © Innsbruck Tourismus Markus Mair
30 May 2023
Post originally written in: Deutsch Information An automatic machine translation. Super fast and almost perfect.

Yay, finally it's getting warmer and summer is approaching with fast steps. It's high time to plan your own vacation. For all Innsbruck vacationers, I have two special highlights that will make your stay in the Alpine metropolis even more comfortable and uncomplicated. Vacationers who stay at least two nights in the city receive the free Welcome Card, which is available in three versions: Welcome Card, plus and unlimited. The second card product is our City Card - the Innsbruck Card, which can be purchased by anyone and is not tied to overnight stays in the region. I am very pleased to introduce you to the Welcome Card/plus and the Welcome Card unlimited as well as the Innsbruck Card and to show you the differences and advantages of each card. Which card suits whom, what can you do with it and where can you get it?

Welcome to Innsbruck

Let's start with the Welcome Card and the Welcome Card plus. These free guest cards are available for stays of two and three nights respectively, either as a physical or digital card at your accommodation. You can find a list of partner establishments here.

It is a challenge to briefly summarize the numerous benefits of the Welcome Card, Welcome Card plus and Welcome Card unlimited, because there are indeed many. However, in order to give you a brief overview, I would like to start by explaining the many benefits of the Welcome Card. Of course, these advantages also apply to the Welcome Card plus and the Welcome Card unlimited.

Environmentally friendly and relaxed - The Welcome Card for sustainable explorations

Let's start with the fact that with the Welcome Card you can use all public transport in the association area free of charge to explore the region in an easy and environmentally friendly way. The Welcome Card can be requested in advance as a mobile card from the landlord and is therefore also valid on the day of arrival and departure. You can find all information here.

Speaking of environmentally friendly, how about exploring Innsbruck in a relaxed way on two wheels? No problem with the Welcome Card. You can rent a city bike for free for 24 hours and cruise through the city. You can find more information here. Small tip: How about our walk to explore: the young Innsbruck? Explore the skater park, climbing paradise and swimming lake by bike.

Active and diverse - The guided activity program with the Welcome Card

With the Welcome Card you can not only use public transportation for free, but also participate in numerous guided hikes and e-bike tours take part. Experienced guides will accompany you and ensure an unforgettable experience in Innsbruck and the surrounding area. In addition, you will receive a variety of entries and discounts in the areas of family, outdoor, swimming, culture and tradition. No matter what activities you plan during your vacation, with the Welcome Card you are well equipped.

Welcome Card plus - Free mountain railroads and much more!

If you stay at least three nights in the region, you get the Welcome Card plus at partner businesses - and yes, I want to emphasize it again: It is actually free of charge. Hard to believe when you consider that the Welcome Card plus even includes four mountain railroads. Whether at Rangger Köpfl, on the Muttereralm, in Axamer Lizum or in Kühtai - with the Welcome Card plus you can use all four mountain railroads free of charge (one ascent and one descent per stay). In addition, you benefit from reduced prices for the Nordkettenbahn and the Patscherkofelbahn. Enjoy the fantastic mountain world around Innsbruck with the Welcome Card plus!

Unforgettable experiences with the Welcome Card unlimited

Finally, I would like to introduce you to the third option: the Welcome Card unlimited. This upgrade is available for purchase and gives you access to seven more top highlights in Tyrol that go beyond the borders of the Innsbruck region. This is an absolute must for all those who are planning a longer stay in the region and want to experience a lot. Especially families and adventurous vacationers benefit from the Welcome Card unlimited. You can purchase the upgrade at the tourist information offices and at participating partner businesses - a valid Welcome Card is required for the upgrade.

All highlights with only one card - the Innsbruck Card

The Welcome Card, Welcome Card plus and Welcome Card unlimited are absolutely recommendable, and I hope that I could convey the advantages to you well. However, there is one more card that I would like to recommend to all Innsbruck vacationers, especially those who are planning a real city trip and want to see the classic, world-famous sights of Innsbruck: the Innsbruck Card. Discover the diversity of Innsbruck with the Innsbruck Card: visit the Nordkette, the Bergisel, the ski jump, the Alpine Zoo, the Old Town and the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, as well as many other attractions. Experience more and save with the Innsbruck Card!

All inclusive

The Innsbruck Card is an all-inclusive card that you can purchase for 24, 48 or 72 hours at tourist information offices, various accommodations, included attractions and in the online store. Once you have it in your hands, a world of possibilities opens up: You have access to 22 impressive sights and museums in and around Innsbruck.

All mobile - no matter how many wheels

The Innsbruck Card not only includes access to the sights and two mountain railroads, but also the Mobility within the city of Innsbruck. You can move comfortably and flexibly with public transport and explore all corners of the Alpine metropolis. But there are even more ways to discover the city - the the Hop-on Hop-off Sightseer Bus for example. Get on and off whenever you want and easily reach all the important sights of the city.

For those who like it more sporty, I recommend exploring Innsbruck on two wheels. With the Innsbruck Card this is no problem. Nothing stands in the way of a relaxed bike tour. You can easily rent a bike at the Boerse and experience Innsbruck from a different perspective.

The right card for maximum savings

If you're still not convinced about the Innsbruck Card - which I don't think you are - I recommend the"Cost Calculator". Just click here, indicate which sights you want to visit, and voilà, you can calculate how much you save with the Innsbruck Card. It's worth doing the math!

I hope you are now well informed and know which card suits you. In a nutshell, I have summarized the top highlights as well as a few insider tips and ideas for families.

The mountain railroads - the highlight of the Welcome Card plus

With the Welcome Card plus you can enjoy the top highlight: free use of the mountain railroads. The mountains are inextricably linked to Innsbruck, and a visit to the provincial capital without at least a breath of fresh mountain air would be unthinkable. An absolute must is a ride on the DreiSeenBahn in Kühtai. Especially in summer, when the heat is on in the city, a trip to higher altitudes offers a welcome change. If you are looking for more information and inspiration, I recommend you take a look at this blog post, which is a bit older, but still up to date.

Discover the mountains - guided tours

Speaking of mountains: With the Welcome Card you have, as mentioned, the opportunity to discover countless guided hikes and e-bike tours tours. With so much to choose from, it's hard to decide, but if I had to choose, I'd give families a hike in the picturesque Telfer Gorge recommended. Check out my colleague Werner, he wrote a nice blog post about it. For those who like it sportier and also like to challenge themselves, I recommend a hiking and e-bike tour to the Lehnberghaus and to the Lacke viewing platform on the Mieminger Plateau. No matter what you decide, with the Welcome Card the gates are open to you.

Surfing Innsbruck

Surfing in Innsbruck? Yes of course, experience surfing fun with the UP STREAM course and learn to conquer the river. The UP STREAM system pulls you against the current at over 30 km/h and up to 300 meters. With the Welcome Card you get a 15 percent discount on the course or the "Surf-Gaudi" for groups. If that doesn't sound like fun, I don't know what does. Here you can find more information.

Discover cultural highlights!

But it's not just sports enthusiasts who get their money's worth with the Welcome Card; culture lovers also have plenty to offer. For example, you will receive a 10 percent discount on tickets to the Tyrolean folk playswhich have been attracting theater lovers from near and far to Telfs every summer since 1982.

Free admission to the baroque Cistercian monastery in Stamsone of the heart of Tyrolean culture. With its magnificent collegiate church, impressive works of art such as the Tree of Life altar and a diverse permanent exhibition in the museum area, Stams Abbey is certainly worth a visit and an insider tip for all Innsbruck vacationers. To get in the mood, take a look at Danijel's website, where you will find wonderful pictures.

Experience family adventures with the Welcome Card unlimited!

Vacation with the whole family is always fun. Especially when you are traveling with children, you want to really experience something in addition to sightseeing. With the upgrade to the Welcome Card unlimited this is no problem. For only € 83,00 per adult you have access to the most exciting leisure attractions in Tyrol, all included:

Summer bathing fun for the whole family

What would summer be without water? We don't have a sea, but we do have great lakes and swimming pools. With the Welcome Card you get a 50 percent discount on admission. Don't miss out on this refreshing treat!

My personal tip for families is the Mieming bathing lake. We visit it often, because there is not only a non-swimmer area, slides and a diving tower, but also a great playground. Perfect for a day of fun and relaxation for the whole family. Plan your trip to Mieminger Badesee and learn more about it in my blog post.

The classic - high up with the Innsbruck Card

Stay in one of our partner hotels and get the most out of your stay with the Welcome Card. However, if you want to visit the classic and most famous sights of Innsbruck, I recommend the Innsbruck Card as already mentioned. Here are my top recommendations that you should not miss:

Experience the "Top of Innsbruck" - the mountain in the middle of the city! In just a few minutes you leave the city center and dive into a high alpine landscape. There, a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of Innsbruck and the Karwendel mountains awaits you. This unique experience is only available here in Innsbruck and it would be a shame to miss it.

Cultural highlights

On the historic ground of the Bergisel brave Tyroleans once fought for their freedom. As early as 1925, the first ski jump was built there, and twice this sports venue hosted the Winter Olympics. Since 2001, the new ski jump, a masterpiece by star architect Zaha Hadid, has been a popular landmark in the city of Innsbruck and is also included in the Innsbruck Card. History buffs should not miss the Imperial Palace and Ambras Castle.

Once through the city

A friend gave me a helpful tip: "When I visit a city for the first time, I first take the hop-on hop-off bus. That way I get a perfect overview and can then take my time deciding which sights I want to explore in more detail." Wise advice, right? Fortunately, the Sightseer bus is also included in the Innsbruck Card. So hop on and take a spin through Innsbruck. Alternatively, you can also take the Welcome Tour and get valuable tips for your stay.

Aufi aufn Berg with de Kloanen

Finally, I have some suggestions for your family vacation in Innsbruck. As a mother, I am aware that a city trip with children is different than with your partner or friends. Museum tours are not always popular. But with a little planning and consideration for the needs of the little ones, everyone can have fun. As mentioned earlier, be sure to take a trip to the mountains while in Innsbruck. As a family destination I recommend the local mountain Patscherkofel. There you can take beautiful family-friendly hikes and enjoy a breathtaking view over the Inn Valley. In case of bad weather I recommend a visit to the Audioversumand an absolute must is of course also the Alpine Zoo!

The Swarovski Crystal Worlds - Glitter in Wattens

The Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens are popular with young and old, locals and tourists alike. The sparkling glitter world with its creative art installations and fascinating light shows, the play tower, the great adventure playground and the nostalgic carousel attract people from all over the world every year. And for good reason! Rejoice, because the entrance is included for holders of the Innsbruck Card. If you don't want to travel by car, you can also use the included Shuttle service from Innsbruck to Wattens is also available. It couldn't be easier, could it?

I hope you are now well prepared for your vacation in Innsbruck. I now have no other choice but to wish you a wonderful summer! With the Welcome Card and the Innsbruck Card you can definitely make the most of it!

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