Visiting Innsbruck in winter offers tourists an unforgettable experience, especially for those seeking a perfect mix of adventure, history, and festive charm. Innsbruck during winter is surrounded by amazing snow-capped Alps and offers a rich cultural heritage with numerous outdoor activities that tourists can engage in. There are several things to do in Innsbruck in winter, including skiing on the slopes, visiting historic landmarks, and exploring the Christmas markets. Additionally, visitors take scenic cable car rides, enjoy winter sports, and immerse themselves in traditional Austrian culture, making Innsbruck a must-visit destination during the winter season.
Things To Do In Innsbruck In Winter
There are various things to do in Innsbruck in winter, ensuring tourists have a wonderful and extensive experience. Here is a list of 10 must-do activities.
1. Skiing And Snowboarding

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Skiing and snowboarding are some of the best things to do in Innsbruck in winter, which has over 13 ski resorts that cater to all skill levels. There are renowned spots tourists can visit, like Nordkette, Axamer Lizum, and Stubai Glacier, all offering stunning Alpine scenery and exciting slopes. Beginners can take lessons, while experienced skiers can participate in more challenging runs. The resorts provide top-notch facilities, including ski rentals, restaurants, and cosy lodges, making it convenient for tourists visiting.
Ideal Duration: 3 – 5 hours
Entry Fee: Varies by resort
Timings: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Various ski resorts around Innsbruck
2. Take A Nordkette Cable Car

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The Nordkette Cable Car ride is one of the best things to see in Austria, which offers beautiful panoramic views of Innsbruck and the surrounding Alps. Tourists taking a Nordkette Cable car ride start from the city centre, then ascend to Seegrube and Hafelekar, offering them stunning scenery of the surrounding areas. Moreover, visitors can enjoy warm drinks at the mountaintop café, take photographs of the snowy peaks, or go for a winter hike, making it an ideal destination for a memorable experience.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fee: ₹3,800 – ₹4,500
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Location: Rennweg 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
3. Explore The Christmas Markets

Photo: Simon Legner / Wikimedia Commons
Exploring the Christmas markets is one of the best things to do in Innsbruck in winter where tourists can get diverse festive treats, handcrafted gifts, and live music. The Old Town Market, Maria-Theresien-Straße Market, and Hungerburg Market create a magical holiday atmosphere with twinkling lights and carolers, making it the perfect destination for tourists to have extensive and unique experiences. While exploring the Christmas markets, visitors can sip on mulled wine, try Austrian cuisines, and shop for unique souvenirs.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 11 AM – 9 PM (late November to early January)
Location: Various locations in Innsbruck
4. Tobogganing

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Tobogganing is one of the popular things to do in Innsbruck in winter, which is suitable for tourists of all ages, offering them both thrill and scenic beauty. Some of the popular runs tourists can enjoy, like Heiligwasser and Pinnistal, provide exhilarating descents through the beautiful snow-covered landscapes. Additionally, some tracks feature nighttime rides under glowing lights, making the experience for tourists even more magical. Whether speeding down steep slopes or gliding at a relaxed pace, tobogganing is a fun and memorable way for tourists to get scenic views of Innsbruck.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM (varies by location)
Location: Various locations in Innsbruck
5. Enjoy Winter Hiking And Snowshoeing

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Hiking and snowshoeing are ideal things to do in Innsbruck, and they provide a unique way for tourists to immerse themselves in nature. Some scenic trails like Zirbenweg and Sellraintal Valley lead hikers through amazing snow-covered forests and offer beautiful views of the mountain vistas. There are guided snowshoeing tours offered for beginners to ensure tourists have a safe and enjoyable experience. Strolling through the landscapes and trekking along snowy paths allows visitors to appreciate Innsbruck’s winter beauty at a leisurely and refreshing pace.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 4 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Daylight hours
Location: Various trails around Innsbruck
6. Experience The Bergisel Ski Jump

Photo: Veit Mueller / Wikimedia Commons
Experiencing the Bergisel Ski Jump is one of the famous things to do in Innsbruck in Winter, which is known for its modern design, offering tourists access to beautiful Alpine views. Tourists visiting the Bergisel Ski Jump can witness professional ski jumpers soaring through the air, which adds excitement to their experience. Additionally, tourists can visit the Olympic history museum in the area to get insights into Innsbruck’s sporting legacy. From the observation deck, guests can take in the panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: ₹1,250
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Bergiselweg 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
7. Visit The Imperial Hofburg Palace

Photo: Jorge Láscar / Wikimedia Commons
Imperial Hofburg Palace is one of the ideal things to see in Innsbruck, which is known as a former royal residence in Austria. While visiting, tourists can witness its architectural design, which features unique interiors reflecting the history of Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Maximilian. Moreover, tourists can explore the palace museum, which houses historical artefacts, portraits, and decorated rooms. The palace offers tourists a glimpse into Austria’s imperial past, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fee: ₹1,650
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Rennweg 1, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
8. Explore The Goldenes Dachl

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The Golden Roof is one of the most famous things to see in Innsbruck, which was built for Emperor Maximilian I and has unique 2,657 gilded copper tiles. The unique architectural design symbolises Innsbruck’s rich history and imperial legacy. Tourists can explore the museum, which offers insights into the medieval times of Innsbruck, Tyrolean culture, and the emperor’s reign. Additionally, tourists can explore the surrounding Old Town with beautiful streets, historic buildings, and cosy cafés, making it a perfect spot for visitors to have unique and extensive experiences.
Ideal Duration: 1 hour
Entry Fee: ₹500
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
9. Experience The Tyrolean Evening Show

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Experiencing the Tyrolean Evening Show is one of the things to do in Innsbruck in winter, which offers tourists opportunities to witness a vibrant event filled with traditional folk music, yodelling, and dance performances. The show brings the spirit of Tyrol to life, with skilled performers showcasing centuries-old customs in an engaging and lively atmosphere. Moreover, tourists can sample Austrian cuisine, including hearty dishes and local beverages, offering them a perfect blend of entertainment and cultural immersion.
Ideal Duration: 2 hours
Entry Fee: ₹3,500 (with dinner)
Timings: 8 PM – 10 PM
Location: Alpensaal an der Messe, Innsbruck, Austria
10. Visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds

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Visiting the Swarovski Crystal Worlds is one of the best things to do in Innsbruck in winter, which offers tourists opportunities to see amazing crystal art installations, exhibits, and beautiful winter displays. Tourists visiting can see the famous Giant, an entrance leading to themed chambers filled with various crystal creations. Additionally, tourists can explore immersive art and installations and shop for unique Swarovski pieces. Swarovski Crystal Worlds is an ideal destination for art lovers and those fascinated by unique craftsmanship.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fee: ₹2,900
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Location: Kristallweltenstraße 1, 6112 Wattens, Austria
Innsbruck in winter offers a memorable mix of adventure, history, and festivities, making it a perfect destination for travellers. It is an ideal destination for tourists seeking thrilling outdoor activities or cultural experiences. There are several things to do in Innsbruck in winter through snowy slopes, historic landmarks, and the Christmas markets. Plan your winter getaway with TripXL and make the most of your trip to Innsbruck.
Cover Photo: Anna Rosar / Unsplash