Innsbruck is our favorite city. A city that combines urbanity and mountains more perfectly than any other. Our second date back then brought us here after skiing – and we're drawn back here regularly. It's less than 2.5 hours from Kaufbeuren – perfect for a spontaneous weekend in the mountains. Invited by Innsbruck Tourism , we were able to experience the city from a new perspective this time.
Sun, Föhn wind & Innsbruck's special location
Innsbruck lies in the heart of the Inn Valley, is Austria's fifth-largest city, and the capital of Tyrol. Its location at only 574 meters above sea level often enjoys an almost Mediterranean climate. When the warm Föhn wind blows from the Wipptal valley, temperatures can reach up to 18 degrees Celsius even in winter. Ideal conditions for combining city life with a mountain holiday .
City strolling and new discoveries
Check-in at the centrally located Hotel Grauer Bär – right next to the university. With the Welcome Card (free public transport & discounts), head out into sunny Innsbruck: past the Hofburg Palace to the Golden Roof , then on along Maria-Theresien-Straße.
A highlight for the kids: EXPERIENCE TIROL at Kaufhaus Tyrol – an interactive exhibition with VR glasses and holograms that offer entertaining and playful insights into tradition and history. Afterwards, ice cream at Tomaselli with this view of the Nordkette mountain range. Later, we'll stroll along the Inn River and end the evening at the vegetarian restaurant Blum – regional, seasonal, and all meant for sharing.
Family hike: The Legendary Trail in Oberperfuss
Before breakfast, we quickly fulfill Casper's wish for a dip in the pool, then it's off to the mountains: to the Oberperfuss hiking area . With the Welcome Card, we ride the cable car up for free. From the mountain station, the Legend Trail begins – a 1.6 km downhill walk to the middle station. 21 stations with stories, riddles, and fantastic views keep the kids and us entertained. A relaxed hike for families, even easily manageable with a stroller.
Emperor Maximilian & the history of Tyrol
Back in the city, we meet Antonella, our guide for today. At the Museum of Folk Art, we experience the multimedia show "Emperor Maximilian's Last Will." Afterwards, the doors to the Court Church open, revealing 28 impressive bronze statues – a fantastic glimpse into Maximilian's era.
The tour continues through the old town: stories about tall and short court servants, renovation mishaps at the Golden Roof, and the Counts of Andechs, the city's founders. At Cathedral Square , the medieval sewer system fascinates the children.
For dinner we drive to the Planötzenhof above the city: Alpine glow, chard dumplings & pancakes – the end of this day could hardly be better.
Reaching for the sky: Panoramic views from the Nordkette mountain range and delicious treats on the Arzler Alm alpine pasture
The Hungerburgbahn funicular and then the Seegrubenbahn funicular take us up to 2,300 m. At the "Top of Innsbruck" we enjoy the 360° panorama: to the north the Karwendel mountains, to the south the Brenner motorway to Italy, below it the city panorama – almost like the alpine choughs circling around us.
Back in the valley, we hike to the Arzler Alm – the two kilometers and 225 meters of elevation gain are super easy, even for small children (please use the forest road for strollers). At the top, a lovely playground, a sunny terrace, and delicious regional cuisine await us – the perfect end to the day.
Conclusion
Innsbruck uniquely combines city and mountains . Hiking with children, culture and history, culinary delights and summit bliss – all close by in and around the city. For us, Innsbruck remains our beloved city in the mountains – and we'll definitely be back very soon.
Practical information for your Innsbruck trip
| Best time to travel | Year-round – Every season is perfect and offers different possibilities |
| region | Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria |
| Arrival | Train, car, camper or plane |
| equipment | Depending on the activity – from urban casual to complete bike/ski equipment |
| Accommodation | Hotel Grauer Bär and many other hotels and guesthouses , camping at Natterersee (advance booking required), motorhome pitch at the trade fair grounds |
| More information | Visit the Innsbruck Tourism website |