Innsbruck is the largest city in Tyrol and is incredibly well-connected, both to other major Austrian cities like Vienna and Salzburg, and to the best attractions throughout this region. In fact, if you’re not planning a trip to Austria with a car, you can easily reach Innsbruck by train from Vienna, Salzburg, Klagenfurt, and Munich. Within the city, there is excellent public transport that will get you quickly and comfortably to all the must-see attractions.
If you are considering visiting Innsbruck in the summer, you can dedicate two or even three days for a relaxed trip in the city and its surroundings, and use the Innsbruck Card to help you upgrade your trip and make the most of your stay.
In this article, we have compiled a variety of recommendations for attractions, routes, and great activities that you must consider if you are planning to visit Innsbruck in the summer with your children.
How to prepare for a trip to Innsbruck in the summer?
When visiting Austria in general—and Innsbruck in particular—weather is an important factor to keep in mind. Summers can be warm but rainy, so it’s best to come prepared. Due to the city’s proximity to the mountains, conditions can change quickly, and even the same-day forecast might be off. A predicted rainy day can still have plenty of sunshine, with rain lasting only a few hours. Temperatures also vary with altitude: it’s cooler on the peaks and can get quite hot in the city when the sun is out. Layered clothing is essential—a short-sleeved shirt with a softshell or rain jacket works well. Bringing an umbrella is also a smart idea, especially if you plan on hiking. You can check the weather in Innsbruck on the local Bergfex website.
In any case, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the various attractions in and around the city. Some of the attractions are indoors, so they can be an ideal solution for a rainy day.
The Innsbruck Card
Free entry to attractions and free travel on public transport
The Innsbruck Tourism Office has launched the Innsbruck Card, which provides free entry to 22 museums and attractions in and around the city, as well as rides on the funicular and cable car to the impressive viewpoints overlooking the entire area. The card also includes free use of public transport and the Sightseer tourist bus that operates in the city. You can purchase a card for 24, 48, or 72 hours. If you want to see as much as possible and save on expenses for the various attractions, the Innsbruck Card is perfect for you.
With the Innsbruck Card, you can enter the Swarovski Crystal Worlds (including a shuttle from the city center and back), take the cable cars up to the Top of Innsbruck viewpoint, enter the Alpine Zoo, and visit the oldest museum in the world. All this at no extra cost beyond the price of the card.
Cost of the Innsbruck Card
- 24 hours – €69 for an adult, €34.50 for a child
- 48 hours – €79 for an adult, €39.50 for a child
- 72 hours – €89 for an adult, €44.50 for a child
You can order the card online or buy it at the Innsbruck visitor center or at major hotels in the city. Click for more details and to order the Innsbruck Card.
What are the best attractions in Innsbruck during the summer months?
As we mentioned at the beginning, Innsbruck’s location at the foot of the Nordkette range makes it an excellent destination for nature activities and spectacular views, which can be easily reached from the city center. Even in the heart of the city, you will find several interesting attractions of importance to the city and the Tyrol region.
The old town center is compact, and you can see most of it in 30 minutes. Of course, you must see the Golden Roof and go to the riverbank to photograph the colorful buildings of the Mariahilf area, considered the oldest part of Innsbruck. These houses are located at the foot of the mountains, and together they create the perfect combination for a great souvenir photo. Besides that, there are some nice places to visit in the city itself.
Recommended Attractions in the Heart of Innsbruck
1. Audioversum (Science Center)
The Audioversum is an experiential science center established by the Austrian hearing aid company Med-El. The center features several particularly fun and interactive exhibits that will teach you and your children about the world of hearing and give you the opportunity to experience the wonders of sound and the human ear in creative ways. The exhibits are interactive and entertaining: you can play on the musical stairs, search for birds in space using only your hearing, challenge your balance on a virtual roller coaster ride, and learn in-depth about the sense of hearing and how to keep it healthy.
All information is also presented in English. This is a wonderful place to spend a few hours, especially on rainy days in the city.
Additional essential information
- Open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays. Operates as usual on holidays. Last admission at 5:30 PM.
- Free entry for Innsbruck Card holders.
- Family ticket available (Adult – €11, child from age 7 – €7.50. Children under 7 enter for free).
Official Audioversum Website
2. Hofburg Palace
In the old town of Innsbruck, there is an impressive building that was the residence of the Habsburgs – the Hofburg Palace. The palace displays various art pieces related to the Habsburgs, particularly Emperor Maximilian I, who was a significant figure in Innsbruck’s development. There is also a display of the royal rooms, which have been wonderfully preserved (some even with original furniture).
If you are interested in Austrian history, this palace is a nice place to visit. The exhibits are not interactive, so it is less suitable for young children.
Additional essential information
- Open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Free entry for Innsbruck Card holders.
- Children up to age 19 enter for free. Adults – €9.50.
More information about the Hofburg Palace
3. The Court Church and the Tyrolean Art Museum
Next to the Hofburg Palace, there is a building containing the Court Church (Hofkirche). In the center of the church’s prayer hall is the cenotaph where Emperor Maximilian I was supposed to be buried (he was eventually buried in another city called Wiener Neustadt). The entire hall of the old church was designed for the burial of the revered emperor, and on both sides are impressive black marble figures of important and influential people from around the world who lived during his time. The impressive figures have made this burial hall one of the most unique in the world.
In addition, you can visit the adjacent museum, which features a variety of artistic exhibits (mostly Christian) from recent centuries. The museum has many exhibits, but there are not many interactive displays. There is, however, a nice light and sound show in English that briefly tells the story of the life and death of Emperor Maximilian I.
You can purchase separate tickets for the church and the museum. For Innsbruck Card holders, entry to both the church and the museum is free.
Additional essential information
- Open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Sundays and holidays from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
- Free entry to the church and museum for Innsbruck Card holders.
- Children up to age 19 – free entry. Adult – €9 (add €6 for museum entry).
- The museum itself is under renovation until 2028. The church is open to visitors.
More information about the Church
Attractions on the Outskirts of Innsbruck
Outside the city of Innsbruck, a short drive away, there are several excellent attractions you won’t want to miss. The attractions are easily accessible even if you don’t have a car. You can reach them by city buses, the tourist bus (included in the Innsbruck Card), the funicular, or dedicated shuttles. These are the 6 best attractions outside the center of Innsbruck:
1. Top of Innsbruck Viewpoint – from the peaks of Nordkette
If you are looking for amazing views, impressive mountainous nature, and clear mountain air – a visit to the viewpoint overlooking the city of Innsbruck is a must. Due to Innsbruck’s proximity to the mountains, you can get from the city center to an altitude of over 2,300 meters easily and within about half an hour. It is advisable to plan half a day for this attraction and start in the morning to have enough time to go up and down at a leisurely pace.
To reach the viewpoint, take the modern funicular from the Congress station near the Hofburg Palace to Hungerburg (alternatively, take the J bus to the final mountain stop). From there, continue by cable car to the Seegrube station at 1,905 meters, which already offers excellent views and a traditional Tyrolean restaurant. A final cable car, the Hafelekarbahn, takes you to the Top of Innsbruck viewpoint in just a few minutes.
At the summit, you’ll enjoy stunning 360-degree views over Innsbruck, with clear-day visibility stretching as far as Italy and Germany. Several marked hiking trails start in the area. Be sure to bring warm, windproof clothing, as temperatures can be cold even in summer at 2,334 meters. Strollers are permitted to the top.
The return trip follows the same route, ending back in the old town—just a five-minute walk from Innsbruck’s city center.
Additional essential information
- The cable cars operate every day, weather permitting. You can check with your hotel for the exact operating times during your stay. Note that the funicular’s operating hours may be longer than the cable car’s, so it’s worth planning accordingly if you want to go all the way to the top.
- Free ascent and descent for Innsbruck Card holders.
- From €44.80 for an adult for a combined ticket for ascent and descent. You can book a Ticket here.
Official website of Top of Innsbruck (includes an interactive map with the different stations).
2. Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Whether or not you’re a jewelry enthusiast, the experiential visitor center of the Swarovski brand is a must-see attraction. Swarovski has long been a household name in crystal jewelry, and fittingly, the company’s birthplace and headquarters are located in the small village of Wattens, just outside Innsbruck.
The visitor center is easily accessible by a daily shuttle bus from Innsbruck’s Congress station. A round trip costs €10 (free with the Innsbruck Card) and takes about 15 minutes each way. It’s best to allow at least half a day to explore Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
The site makes an impression from the moment you arrive. After purchasing tickets, you enter the exhibitions through “The Giant,” a striking grass-covered head with water flowing from its mouth—an unusual and memorable photo spot.
The exhibits inside the visitor center combine lights, colors, music, and, of course, crystals to create a truly immersive experience. Each room is uniquely designed by artists from around the world, allowing visitors to enter a snow room, step inside a crystal, glimpse infinity, and admire Hollywood costumes created by Swarovski. Informative screens in every room provide English explanations about the exhibits and their creators.
Have your camera ready—the displays at Crystal Worlds are truly unique. Beyond the crystal exhibits, the site also features a garden with art installations, a maze, and play areas for children.
In summer, the renowned Roncalli Circus performs on-site, offering juggling shows, music, face painting, and more. The circus is included in the admission ticket and runs daily from July 21 to September 3.
If you need a break from the exhibits and activities, you can enjoy a meal at the on-site Daniels restaurant or simply stop by for coffee and cake. For children, cake pops are also available—a cute and affordable treat.
Additional essential information
- Free entry for Innsbruck Card holders.
- Children (6-17) – €9. Adult – €25
- More information on opening hours and prices in our detailed article on this attraction.
Official Website of Swarovski Crystal Worlds
3. Alpenzoo – The Alpine Zoo
The Innsbruck Zoo (Alpenzoo) is considered the highest zoo in Europe. It is located on the mountainside overlooking the city, so you can kill two birds with one stone – enjoy interesting animals and great views.
To get to the zoo, you can take the funicular from the Congress station, which stops at the Alpenzoo station. From the funicular station, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the entrance. Alternatively, there is a bus – line W – that leaves from the city center and stops near the zoo entrance.
If you arrive by car, you can park in the zoo’s parking lot. Note that parking is paid. For the first 3 hours, you will pay €3. After that, each additional hour costs €2.
The concept of the zoo is animals from the Alpine region, so don’t expect to see lions or giraffes. What you will see are animals like bears, lynxes, eagles, various rodents, fish, and more. In total, there are about 150 species of animals from the Alps in the zoo.
The place is well-organized, comfortable, and very child-friendly. You can walk around with a stroller without any problem as all the paths are paved (keep in mind that the walk is mostly on an incline).
Additional essential information
- The zoo is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the summer months. In winter, until 5:00 PM.
- Free entry for Innsbruck Card holders.
- Cost for an adult is €16 and for a child €9.
Official Website of the Alpine Zoo
4. Experiential Downhill Ride – Mountain Carts
If you want to experience a bit of extreme fun and enjoy an adrenaline-filled activity, you should try, together with your children, a downhill ride with special mountain carts. The route starts at the Muttereralm station and descends along a winding path that is 5 kilometers long.
The mountain carts are relatively safe, and they will provide you with helmets if you don’t have your own. Of course, it is important to ride carefully, brake when necessary, and obey the instructions of the staff and the signs along the route. Please note: Children under 10 cannot ride the mountain carts, even with an adult. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
You must bring closed-toe walking shoes and an ID for a deposit.
The mountain cart track is located south of Innsbruck, so you will need to get there by car or public transport from the city center (the STB tram line will take you in about 30 minutes from the center of Innsbruck to the lower cable car station). If you arrive by car, keep in mind that parking costs €10 for the whole day. From the parking lot, take the cable car to the Muttereralm station, and from there you can rent the mountain carts and go down the track.
Additional essential information
- Operates in the summer months from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (same as the cable car operating times).
- Cost starts from €15 for an adult and €10 for a child (during peak hours the price increases by €4 for an adult and €5 for a child).
Official Website of Muttereralm and the mountain carts
5. Ambras Castle and the Oldest Museum in the World
This ancient castle is located on a hill overlooking the city of Innsbruck. It is a lovely place outside the hustle and bustle of the city, combining interesting and romantic history with quiet, well-kept nature. The castle is well-preserved, and inside there are impressive exhibition rooms. The complex has two buildings: the Lower Castle and the Upper Castle. Each building has interesting displays.
In the Lower Castle, where you start your visit, you will pass through exhibits from the age of knights, including a large number of ancient armors and weapons. On the second floor of the Lower Castle is the Chamber of Art and Curiosities, which is considered the oldest museum in the world! This museum has been in operation since the 16th century, and important people from all over the world came to visit it to marvel at its impressive and rare collection of antiquities. The collection is special and includes art objects, ancient tools, taxidermied animals, pictures, and more.
The Upper Castle, which was once used for residential purposes, allows you to admire the special Spanish Hall and an exceptional collection of glassware.
Additional essential information
- The castle is open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- To get to the castle, you will need to drive a few minutes outside the city center. The tourist bus stops at the castle.
- Free entry for Innsbruck Card holders. Regular price: €14 for an adult, children and teenagers enter for free.
Official Website of the castle
6. Bergisel Olympic Ski Jump
If you decide to purchase the Innsbruck Card, you will get free entry to the Bergisel Olympic complex, which includes Innsbruck’s important ski jump designed by Zaha Hadid. From the top of the ski jump, there is a beautiful view, a restaurant, and information about this sport and the Olympic winners throughout the history of the games.
This attraction is suitable for those who particularly love skiing or for those who have an Innsbruck Card and can enter for free. Otherwise, there is not much point in paying €11 to take the elevator to the top of the jump just to see the view or visit the restaurant.
To get to the ski jump, you can take the tourist bus from the city center or from Ambras Castle and get off at its last stop, called Bergisel. The bus stops about a 5-minute walk from the jump. There are signs that will lead you to the entrance (the walk is slightly uphill). If it’s raining, you can visit the Panorama Museum, which displays one of the largest paintings in the world (not really suitable for children, but it can certainly pass some time on a rainy day).
Official Website of the visitor center at the Olympic ski jump complex
Recommended Hiking Trails
On warm summer days, it’s worth going out to discover the nature surrounding Innsbruck and enjoy the good air, the sun, and the abundance of water. Innsbruck is located in a water-rich area, right at the confluence of two large rivers: the Inn and the Sill. On hot days, you can spend time on the riverbank and swim in the refreshing water that comes straight from the mountain peaks. The hiking trails in this section are of easy to moderate difficulty and are definitely suitable for walking with children.
Sillschlucht – Sill Canyon
The Sill Canyon is considered a hidden gem in Innsbruck, mainly reserved for locals. On hot summer days, it is the favorite destination for locals for swimming and nature. This hiking trail starts near the Bergisel Olympic Ski Jump. If you arrive at this station via the tourist bus, follow the yellow signs towards the start of the trail. From the station, you will have to walk through the adjacent parking lot until you reach the wooded area. From there, you will have to follow the signs down towards the water.
The first part of the trail goes through the forest, there is a slight ascent followed by a descent on a winding path to the riverbank. From there, you will cross a wooden platform and start the trail along the river. The trail is safe and marked.
It is not possible to cross it with a stroller, but a baby carrier is definitely suitable.
Along the way, you will pass bridges and beautiful places for photos, until you reach a large open area right on the water’s edge. This is the “beach” where you can stop and settle down to swim and enjoy the water. The locals have built interesting-looking wooden structures here.
The walk from the parking lot to the beach is about 30 minutes. From there, you can go back to the parking lot or continue and do the full circular route. Further along the trail, there is a beautiful viewpoint of the canyon – it is a glass platform that juts out over the treetops.
More information about the trail in the Sill Canyon
A light trail in the Nordkette mountains – a visit to Arzler Alm
This circular route is one of the most popular for families in the Innsbruck area. The trail is of easy-moderate difficulty, and it is well-maintained and signposted. On this trail, you will reach one of the most famous mountain huts in the area, called Arzler Alm, which has been around since the 1940s. This hut is located at an altitude of 1,067 meters above sea level at the foot of the Nordkette range.
The trail starts from the upper funicular station called Hungerburg. You can reach the station by funicular from the Congress station in the old town or take the J bus line which goes up to Hungerburg. From there, you set out on a 45-minute walk up the signposted trail in the forest (the yellow signs) to the hut. There, you can stop for coffee and cake and enjoy the view and nature. The way back to the starting point will take you about 20 minutes.
If you are fit and motivated, you can do the longer route which takes several hours. This route starts from the same point, but from there you will have to follow the signs towards the other hut called Umbrüggler Alm. The walk to this hut takes about an hour. From this hut, which is at an altitude of 1,123 meters above sea level, you continue for about 45 minutes towards Arzler Alm. After a stop for a drink and food, you descend for about 20 minutes back to the starting point at Hungerburg.
Please note: On days with unstable and bad weather, the hut may be closed. You should check the hut’s website. They update changes in operating hours frequently.
The hut’s website
As you can see, there are many great activities and attractions in and around Innsbruck. Even if you are without a car, you can spend several days in the city and see the best of this wonderful region. If you want to see as much as possible, don’t forget to buy the Innsbruck Card. Not only will it make your trip easier, but it can also be a money-saving solution.
You can continue reading about other attractions in our comprehensive article on recommended attractions in Tyrol.
