24 Hours with the Innsbruck Card

Morning: Start in the Old Town and the famous Golden Roof

You can easily reach the Old Town by bus 504, which is included free of charge with the guest card of the Hall-Wattens region.

Start your first day with a relaxed stroll through Innsbruck’s historic Old Town. Here, you can soak up the city’s atmosphere in charming alleys and picturesque squares. A must-see is the Golden Roof, Innsbruck’s landmark. This magnificent building with its beautifully decorated gilded balcony is an impressive example of late Gothic architecture and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Just a short walk away you will also find the Court Church & the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum. The simple exterior may be misleading, as the Court Church is truly unique worldwide. It was originally built in 1563 as the imperial tomb for Emperor Maximilian I. His empty sarcophagus is guarded by 28 larger-than-life bronze figures – locally known as the “Black Men” – and is absolutely worth a visit.

Right next door, the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum focuses on traditional crafts, religious folk art, panelled rooms, nativity scenes, and festive costumes.

Tyrolean specialities in a traditional restaurant

For lunch, it’s highly recommended to stop at one of the traditional inns or guesthouses in the Old Town. My personal tip is the “Weiße Rössl” in Innsbruck’s city centre.

Afternoon: Enjoy the mountain panorama – Nordkette

In the afternoon, it’s time to head up high – to the Nordkette. The Nordkette cable car takes you from the city centre to the mountain summit within minutes. The view from the top is breathtaking: on one side the panoramic view over Innsbruck, on the other the untouched nature of the Tyrolean Alps.

For those who are sporty, there are hiking routes and via ferratas around the summit. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of places to sit back and simply enjoy the scenery.

After an eventful day, you return to Hall and end the evening in one of the local traditional inns.

My personal tip: the Wirtshaus Betze or the Goldener Löwe in Hall.

Day 2: Crystal magic in Wattens

After a delicious breakfast, the journey continues to Wattens, home of the world-famous Swarovski Crystal Worlds.

This fascinating art and experience world is a must-see in the region. It offers an impressive collection of art installations that showcase the magic and versatility of crystal in all its forms.

The Chambers of Wonder are a true highlight. In these unique spaces created by international artists and designers, visitors experience a magical combination of art, light, and crystal – a real sensory journey. The Crystal Garden and interactive elements such as the giant play tower and outdoor playground make it especially exciting for families and children.

My tip: Make sure to pass the turnstile before your 24-hour Innsbruck Card expires. That way, you can make the most of the card. Once inside, you can stay as long as you like.