Alpine Zoo

Situated on a sun-drenched terrace above Innsbruck, Europe’s highest zoo (750 m) features a unique collection of over 2,000 animals of 150 species indigenous to the Alps. Including an aquarium, terrariums, a farm with endangered domestic breeds, walk-in enclosures, Europe's largest golden eagle aviary, bears, wolves, otters, a play park and much, much more, the zoo offers a memorable experience for young and old!

• Web:

  https://www.innsbruck.info/en/sightseeing/highlights/alpine-zoo.html

• Address:

  Weiherburggasse 37, Innsbruck

Ambras Castle

It was above all Archduke Ferdinand II (1529–1595) who proved to be a significant patron of the arts by converting Ambras Castle into a splendid Renaissance residence for his wife Philippine Welser. Located on a hill to the south of Innsbruck, Schloss Ambras is still home to extensive collections of art and curiosities which rank until today among Europe’s most beautiful ‘curiosity chambers’.

• Web:

  https://www.innsbruck.info/en/sightseeing/highlights/top-attractions/detail/infrastruktur/art-history-at-ambras-castle-innsbruck.html

• Address:

  Schlossstraße 20

Bergisel Ski Jump

While the view down the splendid Maria-Theresien-Strasse towards the medieval old town is crowned by the majestic Nordkette mountain chain; the baroque Triumphal Arch is set off by the Bergisel ski jump, Innsbruck’s spectacular new icon designed by top architect Zaha Hadid.

• Web:

  https://www.innsbruck.info/en/sightseeing/highlights/top-attractions/detail/infrastruktur/bergisel-ski-jump-innsbruck.html

• Address:

  Bergisel 3

Cathedral of St. James

First mentioned im 1180 the St James Cathedral hosts the famous „Maria Hilf“ painting – a masterpiece by Lucas Cranach the Elder, that is copied all around the world. Each day at noon the Innsbruck peace bells, with over 57 bells the largest in Austria, rings out. The cathedral’s large doors can be reached via a metallic ramp, which has a gradient of a bit more than 6 percent.

• Web:

  https://www.innsbruck.info/en/sightseeing/highlights/top-attractions/detail/infrastruktur/dom-zu-st-jakob-innsbruck.html

• Address:

  Domplatz 6, Innsbruck

City Tower

Innsbruck’s gothic city tower was built in 1442-1450 as part of the former town hall, it rises 51 metres above the old town. Formerly used by watchmen on the lookout for enemies or fires, it now offers fabulous views of the entire historical city centre and beyond.

• Web:

  https://www.innsbruck.info/en/sightseeing/highlights/top-attractions/detail/infrastruktur/city-tower-innsbruck-1.html

• Address:

  Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 21

Court Church

The court church is situated on the east side of the old town next to the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Habsburg emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519) planned an escort of life-size bronze figures, which were designed by prominent artists of his time. The twenty-eight so-called “Schwarze Mander“ (black men) were worked on by painter Albrecht Dürer as well as casters Stefan Godl, Peter Vischer and Peter Löffler, among others. The statues were not completed, however, until Maximilian’s grandson Ferdinand I took over and had this significant piece of Renaissance art displayed in Innsbruck’s Hofkirche.

• Web:

  https://www.innsbruck.info/en/sightseeing/highlights/top-attractions/detail/infrastruktur/court-church-innsbruck.html

• Address:

  Universitätsstraße 2, Innsbruck

Christkindlmarkt in Innsbruck's medieval Old Town

The traditional Christkindlmarkt in Innsbruck’s medieval Old Town enjoys one of the most striking and romantic locations in the entire Alpine region. From November until January, a colourful cornucopia of traditional Christmas ornaments, Tyrolean handicrafts, candles and typical Christmas pastries will be on sale from the lovingly adorned stalls at the foot of a huge, shimmering Christmas tree. The historical Old Town then becomes the perfect spot for getting together with friends, and enjoy the festive ambiance and performances beneath the Golden Roof over a steaming mug of mulled wine and ‘Kiachln’ (piping hot doughnuts, laced with Sauerkraut or jam). Every day, spectators gather around a theatre wagon to listen to magical fairy tales and enchanting tunes, while a wonderland of tales and legends with life-sized images of giants, princesses and mythical creatures comes alive in nearby side alleys.

• Web:

  https://www.innsbruck.info/en/customs-and-events/highlights/advent-and-christmas.html

Innsbruck Marktplatz

Just a few steps away a little Yuletide paradise awaits children as well as grown-ups at the Innsbruck Marktplatz by the Inn River. From November until December, Punch and Judy and storytellers, as well as a host of other attractions including an adorable nostalgic merry-go-round do their best to help little market-goers shorten the wait until Christmas Eve. At the centre of this picture-perfect setting rises a dazzling, 15-m tall Swarovski Christmas Tree, a truly unique example of crystal craftsmanship adorned with more than 170,000 sparkling crystals illuminated by energy-efficient LEDs. This year, Swarovski has commissioned design artist Michael Hammer with a truly special ’top of the tree’ ornament: Similar to the one that has crowned the Christmas tree at the New York Rockefeller Centre in 2004, the artist will be crafting the giant star exclu-sively from exquisite Swarovski crystals.

• Address:

  Marktplatz

Maria Theresien Street

From November until January, also Innsbruck’s splendid Maria Theresien Street turns into a vibrant pre-Christmas zone lined with lively market stalls illuminated by glistening crystal trees and crowned by a giant rock crystal. Here locals and visitors from all across the globe get into a festive mood with mellow jazz tunes and culinary treats.

• Web:

  https://www.innsbruck.info/en/customs-and-events/highlights/advent-and-christmas.html

• Address:

  Maria Theresien Straße

Panorama Christkindlmarkt Hungerburg

The Panorama Christkindlmarkt at Hungerburg represents yet another popular pre-festive meeting point. Due to its elevated location just above Innsbruck, it offers fabulous views and an exceptional romantic ambiance as from November until December the crisp winter air mingles with the delicious aromas of Advent. Getting there on the Hungerburg funicular is quite a fascinating experience in itself: starting at the very centre of town, it whisks you up to Innsbruck’s decidedly most scenic Christmas market in less than ten minutes.

• Web:

  https://www.innsbruck.info/en/customs-and-events/highlights/advent-and-christmas.html

St. Nikolaus

The small market in Innsbruck's oldest district, St. Nikolaus, is located on the north side of the river Inn and can be reached in a few minutes' walk from the Löwenhaus station of the Hungerburgbahn. Away from the tourist streams, the market is traditionally a place of contemplation. Atmospheric music, homemade biscuits and a quiet, homely atmosphere against the backdrop of the colourful houses along the Inn are the hallmarks of this Christmas market. If you prefer sports, you can walk down the valley on foot instead of the Hungerburgbahn. Provided that you wear good shoes, you can walk past the Alpine Zoo to the Christmas market in St. Nikolaus in about 1 hour.

• Address:

  St. Nikolaus

Wiltener Platzl

Christmas magic awaits you also at nearby Wiltener Platzl, a mere five minute stroll away from glittering Maria Theresien Street. Framed by historic town houses, the market stalls dotted around the friendly square surprise visitors with cultural variety, regional culinary treats and distinctive boho flair from November until December.

• Web:

  https://www.innsbruck.info/en/customs-and-events/highlights/advent-and-christmas.html

• Address:

  Wiltener Platzl