Innsbruck: experience climbing, nature and culture

The best climbing spots, the coolest trendy meeting places, excellent gastronomy tips and great cultural highlights - embedded in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Tyrol. Or simply: lots of climbing while enjoying the alpine-urban lifestyle.

Hardlyany other city manages the balancing act between city flair and climbing culture, between Nordkettenbahn and sushi bar so effortlessly. The provincial capital of Tyrol and the fifth largest city in Austria is the ideal playground for climbing enthusiasts who don't want to miss out on city amenities such as art, culture, enjoyment and nightlife. One of the most modern climbing gyms in Europe harmoniously rounds off the opulent offer. An overview of climbing hotspots, trendy meeting places and cultural treasures, all of which must be seen, climbed and experienced.

Climbing hotspots: Ehnbachklamm, Martinswand, Nordkette

Three well-known names that are an integral part of the Innsbruck climbing scene. The mighty, traditional Martinswand wall near the valley, ten minutes west of Innsbruck by car, is particularly important in the scene. Sport climbing history was written here back in the 1980s and 1990s, for example in routes such as "Dschungelfieber" (8c/+). The level was already very high back then and has lost none of its character since then. But don't worry, the rock bar is extensive and also offers many rewarding sectors for moderate climbing fans, such as in the "ÖAV climbing garden". A flying visit to the "Jungle Book" sector should still be planned, as the chances of meeting one of the top to world-class climbers here are high - especially in the cooler seasons. This is because the Martinswand is south-facing. If you want to be successful on the ledges and mini holds here, you need cool temperatures and a light wind.

A great summer climbing area with many easy tours: the Ehnbachklamm gorge. The approach alone through the gorge, which caresses the skin with its humid air on hot summer days and provides freshness, is an experience in itself. The base of the wall is flat, the stream promises cool feet - what more could you want on a hot summer's day? Well, maybe an ice cream in the city after a successful day of climbing ...

Nordkette/Seegrube - climbing with a view of the city

What would Innsbruck be without its "Goldenes Dachl" and the Nordkette? The mighty massif dominates and characterizes the cityscape. Climbing here is a must and can easily be combined with a stroll through the city. It's only a five-minute walk from the Golden Roof, the city's landmark, to the valley station of the Nordkette cable car. If you want, you can spice up the walk to the cable car with some culture and pay a visit to the pretty cathedral square or stroll past the magnificent imperial building of the Hofburg. Culture to go, so to speak. Architecturally, the futuristic Nordketten stations designed by star architect Zaha Hadid, who died in 2016, are also worth a mention. From the "Seegrube" mountain station, it takes around 30 minutes to reach the climbing sectors of the same name with over 30 routes in the finest hole climbing on solid limestone - while the city lies at your feet.

After-climb: city, country, bar

Sundowner time on the Inn - chilling out in the city: with cool drinks and sunglasses, head to the Inn promenade or Landhausplatz. This is where the people of Innsbruck meet up when the weather is nice and enjoy the southern flair.
Alternatively: chill out in the courtyard garden and watch the hustle and bustle from the lawn.
A little more dignified: a drink on the roof terrace of the "360 Grad" wine bar on the 7th floor of the Rathausgalerien. If you like, you can stay upstairs for dinner in the "Lichtblick" restaurant. (Book a table)
Something even more dignified: a cocktail on the roof terrace on the 13th floor of the "Adlers" hotel. The view: breathtaking and romantic in equal measure. Cult cafés and bars such as "Kater Noster", "Machete" and "Moustache" tempt you in for a late nightcap.
The Arzler Alm and Umbrüggler Alm, two mountain huts close to the city center, at the foot of the Nordkette mountain range, offer a wonderfully rural setting and are the perfect end to a day of climbing on the Seegrube.

Culinary delights: from A for Asian to Z for traditional Tyrolean

City flair also means a potpourri of culinary delights. Innsbruck offers everything a metropolis should offer: from Asian fusion cuisine at "Woosabi" to fine Israeli delicacies at "Hapoel" (book a table) and "Wilderin" with regional, reinterpreted Tyrolean delicacies. Food trucks such as "Woody's Schmankerlkiste" and culinary delights from the market hall tempt you between climbing sessions.

Culture: experience Innsbruck on foot

A stroll through the old town is a must during a vacation in Innsbruck. Start in front of the Golden Roof and stroll through the Gothic arcades towards Maria-Theresien-Straße. This magnificent street invites you to enjoy a leisurely shopping spree and a cappuccino in one of the many cafés.

The Hofkirche is also worth a visit. There you can admire 28 larger-than-life bronze figures standing around the empty tomb of Emperor Maximilian I - one of the most magnificent imperial tombs in Europe. The imperial Hofburg right next door is one of the three most important cultural buildings in Austria, alongside the Vienna Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palace.

Overnight stay/relaxation

Innsbruck has the right accommodation for every requirement, from upscale hotels to bed and breakfasts. For example, the "Kasperhof", a certified climbing accommodation in the Innsbruck region, offers tasteful and modern apartments. From here, many climbing spots and the city can be reached on foot or by bike and public transport.
Those who want to experience the city but prefer to sleep in the countryside will love the "Glamping" campsite at Lake Natterer See. In addition to beautiful pitches for vans, tents and motorhomes, you can also rent a wood lodge, for example, complete with a partially covered panoramic terrace and barbecue grill. Swim a few lengths in Lake Natterer See and your vacation is perfect.

Bus & Train

Innsbruck holidaymakers should check out the "Innsbruck Card" offer online in advance. It allows you to use local public transport free of charge and even includes a gondola ride on the Nordkettenbahn, for example. The card is available for 24, 48 or 72 hours. The cost starts at 49 euros for 24 hours/per adult. If you are staying overnight in Innsbruck, we recommend the free guest card with mobility guarantee.