Innsbruck: Old Town, Bergisel and Nordkette

Innsbruck brings together Old Town architecture, Tyrolean history and mountain activities. When choosing a destination, it helps to consider what you want your stay to focus on: richly decorated buildings and historic art, a glimpse into religious pilgrimage history, or activities on the Nordkette.

Old Town: buildings, decorations and architectural history

Innsbruck’s Old Town is characterized by richly decorated Baroque and Rococo buildings. One example is the Helblinghaus on Herzog-Friedrich-Straße. The Golden Roof adds its own architectural accent: it is an ornate oriel window in the heart of the Old Town, with 2,657 gilded copper tiles and elaborate fresco and relief decorations. Emperor Maximilian I had it built between 1497 and 1500.

The two examples offer different ways of looking at the city: the Helblinghaus stands out for its stylistic character and setting on Herzog-Friedrich-Straße; the Golden Roof is described through its specific architectural form, individual decorative elements and period of construction. If you are interested in architecture, this makes it possible to distinguish the Old Town’s general character from the details of a single landmark.

Art, remembrance and historical perspectives

Bergisel is associated with the Tyroleans’ struggle for freedom under their leader Andreas Hofer about 200 years ago. The Giant Panorama Painting offers another historical perspective: it depicts the third “Battle of Bergisel” of 1809. The painting is housed in the TIROL PANORAMA with the Kaiserjäger Museum and is Tyrol’s largest painted work of art.

The Bergisel Ski Jump in Innsbruck also offers an architectural perspective. It was rebuilt in 2001 and brings together the inrun, tower and tower head as an architectural work; the architect responsible was Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. Here, the focus is on the design and interplay of named structural elements, while the Giant Panorama Painting depicts a historical battle. Both subjects offer different ways of exploring Innsbruck’s history and architecture.

The Giant Hall in the Imperial Palace displays full-length portraits of Maria Theresa, Francis Stephen of Lorraine and their 16 children. The focus here is on the people depicted and their portraits, rather than on façade design as with the Old Town buildings. St. James’s Cathedral offers a different historical dimension: it is part of the Way of St. James, an important medieval Christian pilgrimage route. Anyone looking to connect Innsbruck with religious history will find a link to the tradition of pilgrimage routes alongside architecture and portrait art.

The Nordkette and a green perspective on the city

Visitors can ski, snowboard, freeride, hike and climb on the Nordkette. Activities are seasonal, so when planning, consider which ones are available during your travel dates. The Hafelekar on the Nordkette is at an altitude of 2,300 metres and within Innsbruck city limits. This named location makes elevation a concrete aspect of the mountain theme, rather than describing the Nordkette simply as a mountain backdrop.

The Nordkettenbahnen take you from the city centre to the “Top of Innsbruck” in about 30 minutes. Travel time may vary depending on operations. If it matters for your day’s plans, check the current timetable before setting off. The Hofgarten is in the heart of Innsbruck and complements the themes of mountains and architecture with a green space in the city centre.

The answer helps you decide what you want your stay in Innsbruck to focus on.

Discover more destinations: Vill, Götzens, Kolsass, Rum, Grinzens, Obernberg Am Brenner, Fritzens, Trins.

For the overview of the wider region: Innsbruck-Land.