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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.
15 Amazing 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. Try Skiing And Snowboarding
Photo: Banff Sunshine Village / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
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.
Timings: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Nordkette Ski Area, Patscherkofel
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Austria
2. Take A Nordkette Cable Car
Photo: Simon Legner / Wikimedia Commons
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 in Innsbruck in winter.
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.
Timings: 11 AM – 9 PM (late November to early January)
Location: Marktplatz christmas market, Maria-Theresien-Straße market, Wilten and St. Nikolaus Markets
Suggested Read: Shopping In Innsbruck
4. Have Fun With Tobogganing
Photo: Asurnipal / Wikimedia Commons
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. This, among Innsbruck winter activities, is for tourists to get scenic views of the place.
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM (varies by location)
Location: Reiterhof Sistrans Toboggan Run, Rumer Alm Run, Patscherkofel
5. Enjoy Winter Hiking And Snowshoeing
Photo: SivaSankara Reddy Bommireddy / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
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.
Timings: Daylight hours
Location: Hungerburg to Arzler Alm, Lanser See Winter Trail, Sistranser Alm Trail, Patscherkofel Panorama Trail
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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.
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.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Rennweg 1, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Vienna For A Refreshing Retreat
8. Explore The Goldenes Dachl
Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
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. This makes it a perfect spot for visitors, one of the best places to visit in Innsbruck, to have unique and extensive experiences.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
9. Experience The Tyrolean Evening Show
Photo: Yvette de Wit / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
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.
Timings: 8 PM – 10 PM
Location: Alpensaal an der Messe, Innsbruck, Austria
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10. Visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Photo: Marek Śliwecki / Wikimedia Commons
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.
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Location: Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 39, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
11. Climb The Innsbruck City Tower
Photo: Leonhard Lenz / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For panoramic winter views draped in snow, nothing beats the climb to the top of Innsbruck’s City Tower. Dating back to the 1400s, this historic structure offers a 360° lookout over pastel Old Town rooftops, glistening Alpine peaks, and twinkling Christmas lights below. As you ascend the narrow spiral staircase, every step feels like a journey into the city’s medieval past. At the top, breathe in that crisp mountain air and soak in the charm of Innsbruck’s wintery wonderland. This is among the best things to do in Innsbruck, Austria in winter.
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM (June to September) & 10 AM – 5 PM (October to May)
Location: Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 21, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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12. Visit The Tyrolean Folk Art Museum
Photo: Burkhard Mücke / Wikimedia Commons
Step into a warm, wood-scented world of tradition at the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, one of Innsbruck’s cultural gems. This museum beautifully captures alpine life through hand-carved furniture, regional costumes, religious folk art, and reconstructed rooms from centuries past. It’s an intimate glimpse into how Tyroleans lived, celebrated, and decorated across the ages. On a snowy afternoon, it’s a cosy and storytelling escape. Visiting this museum, one of the tranquil things to do in Innsbruck, enriches your understanding of the region far beyond the slopes.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Universitätsstraße 2, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
13. Catch A Performance At The Innsbruck State Theatre
Photo: Taxiarchos228 / Wikimedia Commons
Wrapping up your day by catching a show at the Innsbruck State Theatre is one of the top things to do in Innsbruck in winter. The red velvet seats, golden balconies, and timeless stage transport you straight into a scene of classic European majesty. Whether it’s a Mozart opera or a contemporary play, the experience feels both enchanting and intimate. The bonus point is that stepping outside afterward into the frosty evening feels like exiting a dream.
Timings: Evening performances start around 7 PM or 7:30 PM, while matinees around 2:30 PM
Location: Rennweg 2, 6020 Innsbruck, Austriay
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14. Discover Tirol Panorama And Kaiserjäger Museum
Photo: Bene16 / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re drawn to sweeping stories and views, the Tirol Panorama is your place. Its crown jewel, a massive 360° cyclorama, depicts the 1809 Tyrolean Rebellion in vivid detail. Next door, the Kaiserjäger Museum adds depth with military history and artifacts. After exploring the exhibits, take in the view from the terrace overlooking Innsbruck against a backdrop of snowy peaks. It’s the kind of place where history and alpine drama truly merge.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM ( closed on Tuesdays), last entry is at 4:30 PM
Location: Bergisel 1-2, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
15. Marvel At The Schloss Ambras
Photo: Henry Kellner / Wikimedia Commons
High above the city sits Schloss Ambras, a Renaissance-era castle wrapped in winter mist and quiet royalty. Inside, you’ll find fascinating collections of art, weapons, and one of Europe’s oldest portrait galleries. The Spanish Hall, with its carved wood ceiling and frescoes, is a visual feast. Wandering through the snow-dusted gardens here is one of the best things to do in Innsbruck, Austria in winter.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM, with the last admission at 4:30 PM ( closed in November)
Location: Schloßstraße 20, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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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
