Sights

Schloss Ambras
The focal point of a delightful English landscape garden, this palace was turned into a museum by Archduke Ferdinand II. The Wunderkammer (Gallery of Wonders) contains a display of exotic objects like coral, ivory, a rhinoceros' horn and other artifacts brought back to Europe by the explorers. The upper part of the palace houses the Habsburg's portrait gallery.

Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum
The 'Heimatmuseum' or museum of local history at the centre of the historic part of Innsbruck was founded in 1888 and is considered to be the most beautiful of its kind in Europe. Those who want to learn more about Tyrol, its way of living, and the various arts and crafts performed here should not miss this opportunity. Among other things there are original farmhouse and aristocratic rooms giving a good insight into the life of people between from late gothic to renaissance and the baroque period. Especially the beautifully crafted, ornate farmers' chairs are worth having a look at. The importance of artistic creation in the area is exemplified by many items in copper, iron and tin as well as glas and ceramics. A further focus is represented by the religious artefacts and beautiful traditional farmers clothes.

Goldenes Dachl
Maximilian I was widely considered too extravagant for his own good, and the Goldernes Dachl is a fine example. Maximilian ordered that all 2,600 copper shingles on the royal balcony should be covered in gold as a "gift" to the people of Innsbruck, but this stretched the royal household's finances so much that the emperor was forced to take out a loan! The balcony, 16m wide and with a roof 3.7m high, was used by the royal family to watch theatrical productions and other forms of court entertainment.

Triumphpforte
Maria Theresia had this gate built to mark the engagement of her son Leopold (later Emperor Leopold II) to the Spanish Maria Ludovica in 1744. It is reminiscent of a Roman triumphal arch.

Hungerburgbahn/Nordkettenbahn
The Hungerburg rack railway has been in service since 1906, connecting the city with Upper Innsbruck and the Nordkettenbahn railway to Seegrube, 1,900 metres above see level, and carrying on to the 2,300 metre Hafelekar station. The view over the Inn valley is breathtaking, particularly from the Seegrube Restaurant, which hosts legendary club nights every Friday. Visitors to the Alpenzoo get a free ride (zoo tickets can be purchased at the station).

Hofburg - The Imperial Residence in Innsbruck
In 1401 Duke Friedrich IV got the house in a barter deal. Towards the end of the 15th century, with Emperor Maximilian displaying the splendour of Court life in it, the building had today's size already. Empress Maria Theresia had it transformed in two renovation stages into a monumental residence of late baroque style.

Igls
Located some 5km from Innsbruck at the foot of Patscherkofel mountain, Igls is one of Tyrol's best and most exclusive ski resorts. Skiers can take the lift from the centre of the village to the top of the mountain, which offers a choice of pistes ranging from beginners' to advanced runs. The area also boasts 30km of hiking paths, a 3km natural toboggan run and the hair-raising Olympic bobsleigh run. The Olympic run hosts a number of top events as well as offering visitors the opportunity to test their nerves and race down the 800m course in a four-man bob.

The New Bergisel Ski Jump
Towering high above Innsbruck on the wooded Bergisel Hill, the brand-new Bergisel Ski Jump is a sight to behold.
The Tower stands 47 meters tall and provides spectacular views. The new facilities now can hold 28,000 spectators. Each year, the refurbished Bergisel Stadium plays host to the annual Four Hills Tournament in January and to a Summer Grand Prix Jumping Event. All Bergisel Stadium facilities, including gondola, elevator, panoramic café, and vantage spot on the jumping platform are open to visitors. From the stylish Restaurant there are uninterrupted panoramic views of the lofty surrounding peaks of Patscherkofel, Nordkette, Hohe Munde and Serles.