Top Things to do in Innsbruck in Summer

How to spend your summer in Innsbruck 

You might be thinking of warm clothes, snowy weather and ski when you hear the word “Innsbruck”, but you’ll definitely change your mind after reading our list of the best things to do in Innsbruck during summer.  

Even though the city hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and in 1976 and is famous to ski lovers all around the world, we’ve made the perfect summer bucket list for you when you’re in Innsbruck for the summer. Trust us, it’s worth it. 

_{Are you traveling solo, with family or friends? We’ve summed up the top 9 things to do in Innsbruck this summer that you don’t want to miss.}

Keep scrolling down! 👇

#1 Climb the Innsbruck City Tower 

The Innsbruck City Tower is a Gothic structure more than 51 m tall and is now considered one of the most important historical landmarks in the Altstadt.  

Do you love heights and romantic views from the top? You’ll find 148 steps leading to a viewing platform which overlooks the city’s medieval streets and offers you breathtaking views of Innsbruck, the magnificent Nordkette mountain range and many more. Wear your hat and grab your camera. 

#2 Discover Schloss Ambras 

Would you like to travel through 450 years to the past? Then, the renaissance Ambras Castle is just perfect for you. Sitting on the hills high above Innsbruck, you can reach it in around 10 min by taxi from the city center, in 45 min on foot or around 30 min by bus. Built in the 16th century, it’s the oldest museum worldwide, as well as the first museum in the world to be preserved in its original place. No wonder it made it to our list with the top things to do in Innsbruck in summer. 

#3 Enjoy the Hiking Heaven of Kühtai  

In the heart of the Stubai Alps lies the small but picturesque village of Kühtai which is a favorite destination among hikers and mountaineers. With its close proximity to more than 45 mountains and just 40 min away from Innsbruck, we totally understand why every hiker and mountain fan loves it. There’s the iconic “Three Lakes Trail”, a 3-hour, 7 km hiking route including Hirschebensee lake, Mittlerer Plenderlessee lake and Finstertal reservoir that will surely amaze you. Go hiking in the alps, enjoy alpine meadows full of wildflowers while breathing clean and fresh air. It’s a win-win. 

MEININGER Tip: Traveling towards the end of August? Join or watch the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon, a 238 km course including 4 Alpine passes and 5,500 m of altitude. 

#4 Time to Try an Extreme Sport 

For all of you, adrenaline lovers, we can’t recommend you enough to try one of the best things to do in Innsbruck in summer which is an extreme sport. Choose whatever clicks with you more, from rafting and canyoning to bungee jumping and paragliding. We guarantee that you’ll fall in love with the views while simultaneously trying a once-in-a-lifetime experience which you’ll remember forever. Buckle-up. 

#5 Meet the Adventure Mountain  

With a variety of different hikes, including the summit of the Nockspitze and a large alpine playground between the mountain lift station and Panoramasee lake, you’ll discover in person why the so-called “adventure mountain” is the perfect summer destination. 

Less than 20 min from the city center, the resort of Muttereralm offers spectacular views across the Kalkkögel mountains. One of the fastest ways down the slope is to take a mountain cart or, alternatively, go to Bikepark Innsbruck which welcomes all types of mountain bikers and even hosts international events, like the famous Crankworx Summer Series (CSS) mountain bike festival. Exciting, right? 

#6 Visit Nordkette, The City Mountain  

You’ll easily reach the Nordkette range at a height of 2,256 m by starting from the Hafelekar mountain-lift station. After the 30-min cable-car trip to the top, wonderful views of the city below and the neighboring Austrian Alps will be waiting for you. 

Make sure to explore the foothills of Nordkette, too. There, you and your co-adventurers, especially the little ones, can visit the Alpenzoo Innsbruck which helps the biodiversity of the area by being home to rare and endangered alpine species including mighty brown bears, howling wolves and majestic golden eagles, among others. What’s really special about it is its focus upon indigenous animals of the area and animals living in mountainous areas. Don’t miss it.

#7 Go to Patscherkofel, the Mountain of the Locals 

Only 15 min from downtown, Patscherkofel with its 86 trails of various distances and difficulties becomes a hiker’s true home in the summer. You’ll get carried away in the Alps’ largest pine forest.  

Explore the Zirbenweg, the panoramic Jochleitensteig trail or the children’s hiking trails. You can even organize kids’ birthday parties on Patscherkofel. So, start planning. 

#8 Shine Bright Like a Diamond  

Are you a fan of sparkling crystals and shiny stones? The Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal Worlds) with its many outdoor areas, including a large sculptured face, a waterfall and a hedge maze as well as some interesting indoor displays about the brand itself, is a literally shiny place that will definitely dazzle you. 

#9 Take a Stroll in Hofgarten  

Searching for a place to relax by yourself or have a picnic with your partner, family or friends? With its central location near the Hofburg Palace and its several ponds, play-park, restaurant and beautiful plant life, luscious greenery and mature trees, Hofgarten (Imperial Gardens) is a soothing and peaceful way to enjoy your summer in Innsbruck. It’s the green heart of the city where sometimes concerts are held or even chess tournaments. There’s an open-air chess set, too, so start strategizing towards checkmate.