Visiting Christmas Markets
Innsbruck is an idyllic destination for a festive city break during the holiday season. From mid-November to early January, the city comes alive with charming Christmas markets. The historic Old Town hosts a traditional market beneath the glow of a sparkling Christmas tree, where you can find handcrafted ornaments, cosy woolen goods, and indulge in mulled wine. A short break in Innsbruck wouldn't be complete without visiting the Hungerburg Christmas Market, accessible by funicular and offering panoramic views of the city alongside its serene festive atmosphere. For those seeking a more modern twist, the Maria-Theresien-Strasse market features international gifts and dazzling light displays, perfect for holiday shopping. Innsbruck's enchanting markets make it an unforgettable winter city break.
Sky Alpine City break
Innsbruck, surrounded by the Austrian Alps, is a prime destination for a short skiing break with access to 13 ski resorts, all within a 45-minute radius. The Nordkette ski area, just 20 minutes from the city centre, features challenging runs and breathtaking views over Innsbruck. Axamer Lizum and Patscherkofel cater to intermediate skiers and families, offering well-maintained pistes and modern facilities. For guaranteed snow, the Stubai Glacier, located 45 minutes away, provides a range of slopes for all abilities. With excellent transport links and proximity to the slopes, Innsbruck is a practical and diverse choice for a city break focused on skiing.
Royal Heritage Highlights in Innsbruck
Originally built in the 15th century by Archduke Sigmund the Rich, and home to the Habsburg dynasty until after the end of the First World War, Hofburg is one of the main attractions in Innsbruck and should certainly be on your city break itinerary. Remodelled in the 18th century by the Empress Maria Theresa, the palace is now a Baroque and Rococo masterpiece full to bursting with wealth and lavish Renaissance paintings. Another key building in the area is Schloss Ambras castle, overlooking Innsbrook from a position on a nearby hill. It was the residence of Archduke Ferdinand II from 1563 to 1595, and there are centuries’ worth of treasures to discover from valuable art collections to full suits of armour. One more royal location is the Goldenes Dachl and Museum, a glistening roof made in 1500 by Archduke Friedrich IV using 2,657 copper tiles.
Innsbruck’s Alpine Wonders
Innsbruck has a strong connection to the mountains that surround it, and the Austrian Alpine Club and Museum is a great way to learn about the history of mountaineering in the surrounding area. On a slope above the city you’ll find Innsbruck Alpine Zoo, home to 2,000 animals spanning 150 different species. Considered to be Europe’s highest zoo, there is plenty here to keep both adults and kids occupied for a good few hours during your city break. To properly explore the mountains around the city, hop onto the Nordkette Cable Car and you’ll be whisked up to the 1,000-feet Hungerburg station, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Nordkette Mountain range. If you’re planning on hitting the slopes, one of the largest skiing regions in Austria is within easy reach of the city – Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck.
Elegant city centre
One of Europe’s finest gothic churches, the Hofkirche, can be found in the centre of Innsbruck. Built in the 16th century, there is artwork here by some of the greatest artists of that period, including Albrecht Dürer, Peter Vischer the Elder and Alexander Colin. One of the most notable sights in the church is the 15th-century sarcophagus of Emperor Maximilian I, carved from black marble and elaborately detailed. If you’re looking for shops and cafés, Maria Theresa Street set beside the Old Town is a fantastic place to explore during your short break in the city. As well as an array of bustling restaurants and boutique bars, this street is where you’ll see St Anne’s Column, The Chapel of St George and the Triumphal Arch.
