Innsbruck Old Town
Ideal: Good for mountain views, city walks, and nature combinations.
At the heart of the old town, the Golden Roof was built in 1500 so Emperor Maximilian could watch square tournaments; its 2,657 copper tiles are fire-gilded. The streets are narrow with colorful façades, but the real difference is the 2,000-meter Nordkette range rising right behind the city. Zaha Hadid's funicular and cable-car line take you from the center to 2,256 meters in about 20 minutes.
Quick facts
- Opened
- 1500
- Architectural style
- Gothic architecture
- Elevation
- 588 m
- Heritage status
- Listed objects in Austria
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Is the Golden Roof really gold?
It carries 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles. It was built around 1500 for Emperor Maximilian I as a balcony from which to watch events in the square below.
How many times has the city hosted the Winter Olympics?
Twice, in 1964 and 1976. The 1976 Games had been awarded to Denver, but after voters there rejected hosting them the event passed to Innsbruck.
How long does it take to get from the city to the mountain?
The Nordkette funicular and cable cars take you from the centre to over 2,000 m in about 20 minutes. The lower stations were designed by Zaha Hadid.
Why go?
- For historic-town atmosphere fused with Alpine views
- To see the Golden Roof and old-town streets
- To combine a city walk with winter sports or nature routes
Travel tip
If the weather is clear, adding the Nordkette cable car makes the day much more special.
