7 best hikes in Innsbruck, Austria

In Innsbruck, a beautiful hike is always just around the corner. Hikers can enjoy routes both through the city and in nature. Thanks to Innsbruck’s unique location and convenient cable cars, you can quickly go from the mountains to the bustling city life. Admire both historic and modern architecture on a city walk, hike along the river through a green canyon, or check out the cool spots where Innsbruck’s students tend to gather. In the winter months, you can wander through charming Christmas markets. With hikes for all levels and every season, a visit to Innsbruck is always worthwhile!

Hike 1 – A comfortable Alpine experience

Start in the city center of Innsbruck, ascend to 7,546 feet (2,300 meters), and take in the view of the city surrounded by hundreds of mountain peaks. It may sound like a challenge, but the Nordkettenbahn cable car makes it accessible for everyone to enjoy this stunning panorama. This hike highlights how close the city and the mountains are in Innsbruck—within half an hour, you can go from the historic center to the Nordkette, where you’ll experience a true alpine adventure. Walk along the Perspektivenweg trail and enjoy the view of endless Alpine mountains. Stop by the Alpenzoo and walk along the Inn River back to the center.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 8.7 miles (14 kilometers)

^{Foto: © Innsbruck Tourismus / Markus Mair}

Hike 2 – From the City Center to Innsbruck’s Gorge

Explore the natural beauty of the Innsbruck region with this short and easy hike. In just 3.7 miles (6 kilometers), walk from the historic city center to the Sill Gorge, a small canyon surrounded by pristine landscapes, mixed forests, and a winding river. Admire the gorge along the beautifully designed Panoramaronde path, where you’ll walk across a bridge with a transparent floor to reach the Drachenfelsen lookout platform. The route also takes you by the Bergiselschanze, a spectacular Olympic ski jump.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 3.7 miles (6 kilometers)

Hike 3 – A winter walk through seven Christmas markets

Visiting Innsbruck in the winter? You can't miss this festive city walk. In November and December, follow the magical lights through Innsbruck and visit the seven Christmas markets spread across the city. Each market has its own charm, inviting you to browse for hours through stalls offering authentic gifts, tasty snacks, and sparkling trees. Visit the traditional market, family market, modern market, and the panorama market, which offers stunning views of the entire city. A “Bergweihnacht Innsbruck” (Mountain Christmas in the Alps) is truly worth it!

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 4.3 miles (7 kilometers)

Hike 4 – Historic city walk

Discover Innsbruck’s historic center with a city walk through its most beautiful monuments and sights. This short walk begins at one of the city's most iconic buildings, the Golden Roof. Continue past St. Jacob's Cathedral, the Congress, the Tiroler Landestheater, Leopold Fountain, and the House of Music. Stop at the imposing Hofburg and Hofkirche, the jewels of the historic city center. End the walk at the Triumphal Arch and stroll along Maria-Theresien-Strasse, enjoying views of the impressive mountains through centuries-old façades.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers)

^{Foto: © Innsbruck Tourismus / Christian Vorhofer}

Hike 5 – Discover Innsbruck’s Youthful Side

With around 30,000 students, Innsbruck is a vibrant student city. This is reflected in its bustling city center, large university, and sporty hotspots, including an indoor bouldering hall and a historic square where skateboarding and BMX enthusiasts gather daily. This walk takes you to places where local students hang out. Most of the trail runs along the banks of the Inn River, a relaxing spot filled with young people during good weather, enjoying picnics, sports, or relaxation.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 8.8 miles (14.2 kilometers)

^{Foto: © Innsbruck Tourismus / Frank Heuer}

Hike 6 – A mix of historical and modern architecture

Gothic churches and baroque masterpieces decorate Innsbruck's center, but did you know the city also boasts impressive modern architecture? This short city walk takes you past the most beautiful modern buildings that radically transformed Innsbruck’s skyline in the ‘90s. Walk by the House of Music, the Rathausgalerien, and the BTV-Stadtforum. Admire the futuristic Nordkettenbahn station, which not only takes you quickly to 7,546 feet (2,300 meters) but is also a visual delight. Or enjoy shopping at the modern Kaufhaus Tyrol.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers)

^{Foto: © Innsbruck Tourismus / Tom Bause}

Hike 7 – Discover Authentic Innsbruck

Take a step back in time on this city walk through the oldest part of Innsbruck, Anpruggen. From the historic city center, walk toward the Inn River to see the iconic and most photographed view of Innsbruck: the river with colorful façades rising above it, and the picturesque mountain peaks in the background. But this walk takes you beyond the 15th-century houses. Wander through narrow alleyways, admire ancient monuments, and rest in hidden squares. This part of the city remains an undiscovered gem, as few visitors venture here, making it the perfect place to explore the authentic Innsbruck at a leisurely pace.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 2.5 miles (4 kilometers)

^{Foto: © Innsbruck Tourismus / Kathrin Baumann}

Feeling inspired to explore Innsbruck’s trails? Here you’ll find information on starting points, elevation profiles, and easy access to download the GPX file. Get ready for an unforgettable hike!

This article is created in collaboration with Innsbruck Tourism. Want more travel inspiration for your stay in Innsbruck? Visit the website for more information.