Old Town of Innsbruck
Among the several ancient sites of Innsbruck’s Old Town (Aldstadt) are the Cathedral, Imperial Palace, and Golden Roof. The Old Town, a pedestrian area, is dotted with vibrant buildings, little stores, cafés, and restaurants. This is the place to stay if you wish to be close to all the thrill and experience Innsbruck’s own vibe. From five-star hotels to cozy inns, guests can select from a variety of lodgings in the Old Town; public transit readily accesses the region.
Located in the Tyrolean state capital is Innsbruck, the cadastral municipality sometimes known as the “inner city”. It was exactly Innsbruck right up until the first incorporations in 1904. Mariahilf and St. Nikolaus as well as the Saggen, Dreiheiligen, old town, new town with Maria-Theresien-Strasse and the Inn itself may be found on the left bank of the Inn.
Surrounded on all sides by other cadastral communities, the Innsbruck cadastral community is right in the middle of the city. To the west Wilten; to the north the Inn; to the east Mühlau, largely bounded by the Sill; to the south Pradl; to the west Hötting. The cadastral municipality in Innsbruck covers 3.08 km2. The four statistical districts are the inner city, Mariahilf-St. Nicholas, Saggen, Dreiheiligen slaughterhouse.
Apart from the town hall and country house, which serve as the venues of municipal and state authority, the city center boasts several secondary schools, the main university campus, and the university hospital. Along with the old town and the State Theater, there are numerous stores and restaurants as well as cultural and event venues including the Congress House and the State Museum. One nationally important shopping street is Maria-Theresien-Strasse.
Situated on the eastern edge of the city center, the main station constructed in 1858 links the Unterinntalbahn, Brennerbahn, Arlbergbahn, and Mittenwaldbahn. Like the market square of the Innrail, the main train station serves as a major focus for public mobility across the city. Regional bus lines from the bus terminal—which is next to the main train station—travel to the neighboring towns. Every bus and tram line run by the Innsbruck public transportation agency crosses the city’s center.
Neighborhoods In Old Town of Innsbruck
Innenstadt
Built around 1180, the old town and later additions to the east and south center the city. Originally called Neustadt, Maria-Theresien-Strasse is the main axis. The Wilten boundary is defined at the Triumhpforte, at the southern end of the street. Administrative offices for the county—the old and new country house, town hall—as well as retail and service businesses—banks, insurance companies—as well as several educational institutions occupy this region, the real center of the city.
Nestled amid the ancient town, or Aldstadt, Historic Innsbruck boasts several famous sites including the Cathedral, the Golden Roof, and the Imperial Palace. The old neighborhood is a pedestrian area full of vibrantly colored buildings, quaint boutiques and restaurants. This is the place to stay if you wish to be close to all the activity and experience Innsbruck’s own vibe.
Innsbruck’s most identifiable monument is The Golden Roof, sometimes known as the Goldene Dachl. This late Gothic oriel window sparkles in the sunlight with 2,656 fire-gilded copper tiles. Emperor Maximilian I ordered it built in 1500 to mark his marriage to Bianca Maria Sforza. From the royal box on the Golden Roof, the emperor and his court could also see the contests and celebrations down below.
Originally the residence of the Habsburg lords of Tyrol, the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) is an excellent example of Baroque design. Built in the fourteenth century, Empress Maria Theresa started extensive renovations and additions in the eighteenth century. Apart from a museum presenting the art and legacy of the Habsburg monarchy, the Imperial Palace features luxurious areas including the Guard Room, Giant’s Hall, and Empress’s Apartments.
From 1717 to 1724 Johann Jakob Herkomer and Johann Georg Fischer built the great Baroque church known as the Dom zu St. Jakob. Innsbruck’s patron saint is St. James; the church houses the mausoleum of Emperor Maximilian I and a remarkably strong Madonna and Child artwork by Lucas Cranach the Elder.
Mariahilf-St. Nicholas
Mariahilf-St. Nikolaus, the oldest neighborhood in Innsbruck, was the only one on the left side of the Inn until 1904. In 1165 the market town of Anbruggen, a portmanteau of the Latin Aenus and the Rhaeto-Roman En signifying inn, was founded by the Bavarian Counts of Andechs. Popular photographic motif is the (largely rebuilt) Gothic façade of the main row of houses from Mariahilf and St. Nikolaus still in the townscape. Koatlackn is another name for the area around the St. Nikolaus Inn since the sewage flowed there during heavy rain. Built in the classic historicist manner of the time, the church of St. Nikolaus is unique among Tyrol’s religious constructions in using a reinforced concrete vault.
Mariahilf-St. Nikolaus’s surrounds are lovely and full with cultural legacy. From this Innsbruck hotel, guests will get amazing views of the nearby mountains and river as well as be near the most iconic and beautiful sites in the city.
Only the Inn Bridge, sometimes known as the Innbrücke, survived the catastrophic floods that tore across Innsbruck in 1782 and 1899. Built about 1180, it connects the Inn’s left bank with the ancient town. A great picture op is the sweeping vistas of the city and the Alps found on the Inn Bridge.
Gothic in design, the Helbling House (also called the Helblinghaus) has origins in the fourteenth century. Anton Gigl first constructed a simple merchant’s house, then added 18th-century Rococo stucco ornamentation. Among the most unique buildings in Innsbruck, the Helbling House is the ideal example of the conflict between mediaeval and Baroque design.
The city council gathered in the venerable Old Town Hall, sometimes known as the Altes Rathaus, until 1897. Finished during the 1400s, it features a Baroque façade, a Renaissance gateway, and a Gothic tower. Innsbruck’s history and artwork are on display in the Old Town Hall museum while a restaurant offers typical Tyrolean cuisine.
Dreiheiligen-Schlachthof
Dreiheiligen-Schlachthof lies just north-east of city between Sill and the railway line. This land was known historically as Kohlstatt. As the name implies, a charcoal burner constructed about 1500 drove the royal silver smelting operations. Apart from Mühlau, Innsbruck back then was a major economic center. The quarter turned into a residential area during the Gründerzeit. Originally constructed in 1612 to honor the plague saints Sebastian, Pirmin, and Rochus, Triheiligen as it is now is a distortion of the parish church Furthermore located here is Sillpark Innsbruck, the principal inner-city business center of the city.
The energetic and diversified Dreiheiligen-Schlachthof area boasts various retailers, supermarkets, bakeries, and cafés. There also many cultural sites there including the Tyrolean State Museum, Tivoli Stadium, and Olympic Ice Stadium. By staying at Dreiheiligen-Schlachthof, you will have easy access to a great range of amenities and conveniences as well as be able to really experience Innsbruck’s local culture.
Included among the bigger Tyrolean State Museum, sometimes known as the Tiroler Landesmuseum, are the Ferdinandeum, Volkskunstmuseum, Zeughaus, and Hofkirche. The museum exhibits Tyrol’s cultural traditions, historical records, and relics from the earliest civilizations through the present. Concerts, celebrations, and temporary exhibits also find place in the museum.
Built for the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics, the multifarious Olympiahalle is sometimes referred to as the Olympic Ice Stadium. Figure skating, speed skating, curling, and ice hockey (HC Innsbruck) among other winter sports find a site here. Among the several events held in the Olympic Ice Stadium are Air + Style, a snowboarding and music festival.
Built to host the 2008 European Football Championship, Tivoli Stadium (also Tivoli-Neu) is a football stadium. It is the home ground of the football team FC Wacker Innsbruck and among other sports includes American football and rugby. One of the events hosted at the Tivoli Stadium is the spring fair, Tiroler Frühlingsmesse.
Saggen
From Wilten Abbey, the city bought the Saggen territory in 1453 north of the city center. Surrounding this residential area with both modern and classic homes is plenty of open space. For outdoor aficionados, Saggen is a delight; its close proximity to cable cars, ski resorts, and hiking trails makes Saggen also provides amazing vistas of the valley below as well as the city. On Saggen, there are a few stores, bars, and restaurants; but, the town isn’t particularly vibrant or visited. Far from the busy city core, staying here will give you the peace and quiet you need.
The Hofgarten, a lovely park spanning centuries from the 1500s, is one of Saggen’s draws. Both residents and visitors enjoy lounging, picnicking, playing, and appreciating the Hofgarten surroundings. Furthermore possible in the Hofgarten are markets, music performances, and other gatherings.
Travelers between the city center, the Hungerburg area, and the Nordkette mountain range are carried between an amazing and modern cable car called the Hungerburgbahn. Renowned architect Zaha Hadid designed the futuristic Hungerburgbahn stations and cabins. Using the Hungerburgbahn allows one to quickly and effortlessly access the high-altitude attractions such the Seegrube ski resort, the Hafelekar peak, and the Alpine Zoo.
Often referred to as the Tyrolean State Theatre, Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer built the Tiroler Landestheater, a majestic and prestigious venue in 1846. The Tiroler Landestheater offers among other disciplines opera, drama, musicals, ballet, and humorous acts. Hans Hollein built a modern expansion to the Tiroler Landestheater in 2003; today it hosts more experimental and intimate events.
Attractions & Landmarks In Old Town of Innsbruck
The Golden Roof
Most famous emblem of Innsbruck is the Golden Roof, sometimes known as Goldene Dachl. Shown brilliantly in the sun, this late Gothic oriel window is covered in 2,656 fire-gilded copper tiles. Built by Emperor Maximilian I in 1500 to mark his marriage to Bianca Maria Sforza, it From whence the emperor and his court could view the events in the square below, the Golden Roof also functioned as a royal box.
The City Tower
Rising between 1442 and 1450, the tall and thin City Tower, sometimes known as Stadtturm, was built Along with a municipal jail, it was a watch, fire, and clock tower. Offering a distinctive panoramic perspective of the old town and the surrounding Alps, the City Tower is Innsbruck’s tallest observation point. Comprising 148 steps, the City Tower is offered to the public for a nominal charge.
Ottoburg
Built between 1442 and 1450, the tall and thin City Tower, or Stadtturm, is Along with a municipal jail, it was a fire, clock tower, and watch tower. Offering a distinctive panoramic perspective of the old town and the surrounding Alps, the City Tower is Innsbruck’s highest viewing platform. Opening to the public for a nominal charge, the City Tower boasts 148 stairs.
Altes Landhaus
Built between 1725 and 1730 by Johann Martin Gumpp the Younger, the spectacular Baroque construction known as Altes Landhaus, or The Old Country House, is Originally the seat of the Tyrolean parliament and government, it is now the headquarters of the Tyrolean People’s Party. 1849 marks The Tyrolean coat of arms is shown in the beautifully adorned hall of the Old Country House, which also boasts a grand staircase and a magnificent façade.
Triumphal Arch
Marking the southern end of the Maria-Theresien-Strasse, the triumphal arch—also known as Triumphpforte—is a massive monument. Built in 1765, Empress Maria Theresa wanted to honor the marriage of her son Archduke Leopold to Princess Maria Ludovica of Spain. As the archduke passed just after the wedding, the Triumphal Arch features two opposing sides: the north side depicts images of happiness and celebration, while the south side exhibits scenes of grief and sadness. A monument to the Habsburg dynasty, the amazing example of Baroque and Rococo styles is the Triumphal Arch.
Katzunghaus
Originating in the 15th century, the late Gothic town house known as Cat’s House, Katzunghaus, is Its corner bay window, which shows reliefs of musicians and minstrels on one side and different kinds of tournaments on the other, stands out. They are creations from the workshop of renowned sculptor and architect Gregor Türing. The reliefs remember the knightly war games held on the ancient town plaza at first.
Trautsonhaus
Built around the 15th century, the Gothic arcaded mansion known as Trautson mansion, or Trautsonhaus, Its light shaft was built by master Gregor Türing in 1541 for the then owner Hanns Trautson von Matrei, a Tyrol nobleman and hereditary marshal. One of the most graceful and ancient structures in Innsbruck, the Trautsonhaus is a great illustration of the Gothic and Renaissance forms.
Goldener Adler
Thanks to its arcaded porch, the one of the oldest and most magnificent inns in Innsbruck is the Goldener Adler, sometimes known as Golden Eagle. After a fire in 1450, it was rebuilt and has had many eminent visitors including Mozart, Goethe, and Schiller. Late Gothic façade frescoes, depicting events from the life of Emperor Maximilian I and his court, were discovered in 1957/1964 Witness of Innsbruck’s past, the Goldener Adler is a historic and comfortable location to stay or eat.
Anna Column
Rising in the midst of the Maria-Theresien-Strasse, the main street of Innsbruck, the Anna Column, sometimes known as Annasäule, is a marble column. Built in 1706, it honors the evacuation of the Bavarian soldiers from Tyrol during the War of the Spanish Succession. Rising on a monument of the Virgin Mary, the column honors St. Anne, the patron saint of Tyrol. A monument of Innsbruck, the Anna Column stands for the Tyrolean freedom and faith.
