Between Mountain Peaks and Narrow Streets

Want to explore the city of Innsbruck in the morning and relax outdoors in nature in the afternoon? You can easily do both. From the Wipptal, you can reach the Tyrolean capital by S-Bahn in about 20 minutes—and it’s even free with the Wipptal Card. This means that strolling through the city, enjoying culture, and savoring local cuisine fit just as well into your vacation as hiking, climbing, or a quiet afternoon in one of the Wipptal’s mountain valleys. Spring and fall are the ideal times for this. 

 

Spend the morning getting a taste of city life

The day begins with a leisurely breakfast at your lodging, followed by a short walk or bus ride to the train station, and then you’re off. From the towns of Matrei, Steinach, St. Jodok, or Gries in the main valley, the S-Bahn takes passengers directly to downtown Innsbruck in about 20 minutes. The fare for public transportation is even included in the Wipptal Card. In the provincial capital, you’ll find, for example, the historic Old Town with the Golden Roof, interesting museums, small shops, and cozy cafés. Whether you’re sightseeing, shopping, or simply enjoying a cappuccino in the warm spring sunshine—there are plenty of options for a varied morning. Of course, it’s also easy to spend a whole day there—whatever takes your fancy.

Sights in Innsbruck

A man lies on a lounger near St. Magdalena and looks out into the mountain landscape | © TVB Wipptal | Johannes Bitter

Enjoy the peace and quiet in the afternoon

And after that? Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head back to the peaceful Wipptal.  In addition to alpine hiking trails, the five mountain valleys offer numerous walks and easy hikes near the valley for you to discover.
The peace and quiet and the fresh mountain air ensure the perfect relaxation after an unforgettable day. Whether you’re strolling through the quiet forest, stopping for a leisurely break, working up a real sweat one last time, or simply sitting on a bench—sometimes that’s all you need.

Hiking in the Wipptal

Hiking tips

Link tohttps://www.wipptal.at/dein-urlaub/tourenplaner?tour=79823679
A chapel in a clearing surrounded by forest in summer © TVB Wipptal

To Relax

A leisurely family hike in the Schmirntal valley, across alpine meadows and through larch forests to the Kalte Herberge pilgrimage chapel. Along the way, you’ll have views of the Olperer and the Fußstein; at the end of the hike, the Olpererblick inn invites you to stop for a bite to eat.

About the Hike
Link tohttps://www.wipptal.at/dein-urlaub/tourenplaner?tour=79824218
A woman and a man stand on a wooden bridge and look up at the waterfall | © TVB Wipptal | Johannes Bitter

Things to Discover

A roaring waterfall, old mills, and a mysterious place of power: This loop hike in Trins leads to the impressive Sarnthein Waterfall and St. Barbara Chapel. 

About the Hike
Link tohttps://www.wipptal.at/dein-urlaub/tourenplaner?tour=79824023
Lichtsee in Spring

To Work Up a Sweat

From Obernberg, the trail winds through the forest, across meadows and alpine pastures, up to Lichtsee, with views of the Tribulaun and the Olperer. Those who still have the energy can continue on to the Rötenspitze (2,481 m). 

About the Hike

Highlights in Innsbruck

Link tohttps://www.innsbruck.info/sehenswuerdigkeiten/kultur.html

Culture

Innsbruck is brimming with culture and contrasts: centuries-old buildings stand side by side with modern architecture, traditions alongside new ideas, and the mountains tower over it all. You can wander through museums and galleries, enjoy concerts and theater performances, or immerse yourself in the city’s history with a stroll through the Old Town.

To the Cultural Program
Link tohttps://www.innsbruck.info/shopping.html
House fronts of the old town in Innsbruck | © Tirol Werbung

Shopping

Shopping enthusiasts will be in heaven in Innsbruck: The Old Town and Maria-Theresien-Straße are home to small shops and boutiques, while the Kaufhaus Tyrol and the RathausGalerien offer a wide variety of stores all under one roof. You can find regional specialties at the farmers’ markets in and around Innsbruck.

Discover Shopping Tips
Link tohttps://www.innsbruck.info/essen-und-trinken/d/bars.html

Bars 

Of course, you can also do the day the other way around: Start in the morning with a hike in the Wipptal valley and head to Innsbruck in the afternoon. After strolling through the city, wrap up the day there at a rooftop bar with a view of the mountains or in a cozy lounge with live music. Afterward, the S-Bahn will take you comfortably back to your lodging in the Wipptal valley.

An Overview of All Bars