Innsbruck: A City of Skiing, Crystal, and Unexpected Burritos
From snow-covered peaks to dazzling crystal displays, Innsbruck is the kind of place that surprises you.
We’ve been to Innsbruck twice, and each trip has given us a totally different experience. The first time, it was a quick stopover on the way to Aqua Dome—just enough time to get a feel for the city. The second? A full ski week that didn’t exactly go as planned (thanks, melted snow). But even with the unexpected twists, Innsbruck proved to be one of Austria’s most unique and scenic cities.
WHAT WE DID
Top Things to Do in Innsbruck
Even without great skiing, Innsbruck kept us busy with history, art, nature, and food. Here’s what we loved:
🏰 Old Town (Altstadt) – We wandered through Innsbruck’s charming historic center, with its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and postcard-perfect views of the Alps.
✨ Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) – Probably the city’s most iconic landmark. It’s small, but the 2,657 gold-plated tiles shine like a beacon in the middle of the Old Town.
⛷ Bergisel Ski Jump & Tirol Panorama – We checked out this towering Olympic ski jump and took in amazing panoramic views of the city from the top. The nearby Tirol Panorama Museum gives a cool look into Tyrolean history with its giant 360° painting.
💎 Swarovski Crystal Museum – This place is way cooler than we expected. Not just a museum, but an artistic and immersive world of crystals. Totally mesmerizing and worth the visit.
🐾 Alpine Zoo (Alpenzoo Innsbruck) – A fun stop with local wildlife like lynxes, ibexes, and bears. Great for a relaxed afternoon, especially if you’re already headed up Nordkette.
🚠 Nordkette Cable Car – One of the coolest things to do in Innsbruck. You take the funicular from the city center and then transfer to a cable car that whisks you up to Hafelekar Peak. At the top? Jaw-dropping views of the Alps and the city below. Great for hiking, photos, or just enjoying a coffee with a view.
Best Ski Resorts Near Innsbruck
If you’re visiting Innsbruck in winter, and there is snow, the surrounding ski resorts are a major draw—whether you’re a seasoned skier or just want to take in the snowy mountain views. Here’s are the places we want to try:
⛷ Nordkette – The most dramatic and steepest option, located right above the city. You can take the cable car from the city center, and the views alone are worth it—even if you don’t ski.
⛷ Axamer Lizum – Known for its Olympic history, this resort has reliable snow, challenging slopes, and fewer crowds than some of the big-name spots.
⛷ Stubai Glacier – One of the most snow-reliable resorts in Austria, with skiing from October through June. Great for all levels and ideal when other resorts have patchy conditions.
WHAT WE ATE
You can’t visit Austria without diving into the classics—and we definitely did. From rich, hearty comfort food to pub favorites, Innsbruck delivered. But it also threw us a curveball we didn’t expect: amazing burritos.
Wiener Schnitzel –Crispy, golden perfection. Our favorite dish by far. Pork of veal, I prefer veal.
Tiroler Gröstl – A hearty skillet of potatoes, bacon, and onions, topped with a fried egg.
Käsespätzle – Gooey, cheesy noodles. Like mac and cheese’s alpine cousin.
Machete – Build-your-own burritos with super fresh ingredients, tons of flavor, and big portions.
WHERE WE STAYED
We found an Airbnb in Kolsassberg, a village up in the mountains, that looked cozy with a fireplace and a yard. But getting there? That was an adventure in itself.
🚗 The Road to Kolsassberg: Imagine a steep, narrow, winding mountain road. Now, remove the pavement and add a sheer cliff drop-off on one side. It was one of the scariest drives we’ve ever done.
🏡 The Airbnb: Once we made it, the house turned out to be perfect. It had breathtaking mountain views in every direction, and the interiors were well-stocked and thoughtfully arranged. From cozy blankets to a fully equipped kitchen, it truly felt like home—the kind of place where you could unwind after a long day, whether or not you hit the slopes. You can book it here.
Should You Visit Innsbruck?
Absolutely. Even when things don’t go as planned, Innsbruck delivers. Whether you’re coming for skiing, history, or a completely unexpected food scene, it’s a city that has something for everyone. Would we go back? Yes—but maybe we’d double-check the snow forecast first. Want to hear more stories, tips, and things we learned along the way? Listen to our full Innsbruck podcast episode here.
Read More About Innsbruck (Tirol)
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