The Innsbruck region

The morning sun bathes the grey peaks of the Nordkette in a golden light. A sight that brings a sparkle to the eyes of visitors and locals alike. In Innsbruck, the mountains are our constant companions, even when we are standing at the heart of the city. They surround us on all sides and we are always stealing glances at them – capturing the essence of a holiday while at work, on a walk through the city, from classroom windows or during a hike, bike ride or ski day. Innsbruck is more: more than just a city, more than the mountains and more than a simple holiday destination. Innsbruck is an alpine-urban experience. 

The Innsbruck region

The Innsbruck region is much more than its city alone. It also includes 40 towns and villages that fulfil your every want and need. You can stay in the alpine countryside, in an idyllic village, in the city centre or at 2,000 metres above sea level. On the Mieming Plateau west of Innsbruck, for example. This sunny area lies on a high mountain plateau with green alpine meadows and secluded groves. It is ideal for golf, leisurely cycling, walking and cross-country skiing. Plus the impressive Mieming Range is also right on the doorstep for long hikes and challenging summit tours. 

Accommodation in and around Innsbruck
 
If you stay in the city, you have sights, shops and restaurants right on your doorstep. Plus you can enjoy the nightlife of this student town. During an evening walk through the historic old town, you practically have the narrow streets to yourself. Or would you rather stay outside the city? There are many well-connected places to stay along the Inn Valley that are excellent starting points for a variety of activities from hiking and biking to countless winter sports. These towns and villages are also ideal if you are just making a short stop in Innsbruck before continuing your journey elsewhere. The towns and villages south and southwest of Innsbruck are also well-worth a visit. They are located up in the mountains overlooking the valley and make it possible to walk right out of your accommodation and directly into holiday experiences surrounded by nature. 

Visit the sights and attractions in Innsbruck. Walk in the footsteps of the Habsburgs and admire the Golden Roof, the Imperial Palace, the medieval old town and the famous Court Church with its "Schwarzen Mandern" life-size bronze figures. The museums give an even deeper insight into the many exciting occurrences that took place throughout Innsbruck's history.
Stroll along Maria Theresien Street and enjoy a drink or a bite to eat at one of the sidewalk cafes. It is the perfect way start to a day exploring Innsbruck's cultural scene: from Early Music and Promenade Concerts to theatre visits and the New Orleans Festival – Innsbruck has it all. Or simply browse the colourful shops and stores in the various different districts throughout the city. 

Innsbruck lies at the foot of the Nordkette mountain range, which is known as the gateway to the Karwendel Nature Park. The mountains rise right up out of the city and climbing them is easy thanks to the many lifts and cable cars. You can ride the Nordkettenbahnen lifts all the way from the city centre up to the Hafelekar, which sits over 2,200 metres above sea level. The journey up there is completely effortless – unless you don't want it to be, of course. Because there are also many other ways to get up into the mountains, including beautiful hikes, mountain bike trails and ski tours. Don't forget to stop at a mountain hut along the way for delicious Tyrolean dumplings and a view that is second to none.

From easy walks to long alpine tours for experienced hikers: variety is guaranteed. Ideal rock climbing terrain is also available for anyone who dares take on the local rock climbing routes, for example at climbing centres, on sheer rock faces or at the ice falls in the Sellrain Valley. If you prefer to travel by bike, Innsbruck offers both leisurely cycle paths and mountain bike trails. Road bike routes also run throughout the entire region. Try them! Some of them even take you along roads travelled by world champions. Because: Innsbruck hosted the UCI Road World Championships in 2018. 

The ski resorts around Innsbruck are well-developed and easily accessible, including by free ski bus from Innsbruck. Gentle pistes, steep slopes or freeriding in fresh powder – the choice is yours. The Innsbruck region has the perfect slopes for everyone, from beginners and more experienced riders to après-ski fans and connoisseurs. Visit the Stubai Glacier, for example, which is the largest glacier ski resort in Austria, enjoy a leisurely ski day on the pistes at Patscherkofel to the south of Innsbruck or take advantage of the many other options available. The ideal alternative: tobogganing. This sport is great value, heaps of fun and suitable for the whole family. Plus the toboggan runs around Innsbruck are usually located by charming mountain huts where you can warm up and replenish your energy levels. Ski touring is also very popular, whether following a leisurely route up the edge of a piste or exploring the backcountry, far away from civilisation and ski resorts. Daredevils may even want to try ice climbing on the frozen waterfalls in the Sellrain Valley. 

Exciting stories from the region: our bloggers are always on the move, looking for the best tours, new ventures, interesting events and much more. You can read all about their adventures and discoveries in our blog. On the following pages, we have put together a selection of the best stories covering a variety of different topics. Check it out and you are sure to find the perfect tip for your stay in the Innsbruck region. Happy reading! 

Sport is a big topic in Innsbruck: we love getting out into the mountains ourselves and Innsbruck also attracts the world's best athletes. The Olympic city has played host to it all. It has welcomed the Winter Olympics twice, as well as many other major events, including the Youth Olympic Games, the Road Biking World Championships, the Climbing World Championships and the famous ski jumping competitions at Bergisel to name just a few. Crankworx is a very special highlight in summer. This mountain bike festival brings the best mountain bike artists to Bikepark Innsbruck at Muttereralm. A sporting event in a fabulous setting.