Route: Innsbruck
Area: Austria
Date of walk: 28th June 2025
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 4.1 miles
Ascent: none
Weather: Sunny and warm
On our final day in Austria we were due to fly from Innsbruck Airport late in the afternoon, which gave us the opportunity for a brief exploration of the old town (‘Aldstadt’) of Innsbruck. Having caught the train from Seefeld we left our cases in the luggage lockers at Innsbruck Railway Station and made our way to the historic part of the city, which took ten minutes or so
Innsbruck is described as ‘the city at the heart of the Alps’ and is surrounded by mountains which form an impressive backdrop to the old buildings. We passed by the Stadtturm and its 16th century green dome. It’s possible to climb the tower for a view over the city but we didn’t have time for any visits today. In common with hundreds of other tourists we paused to admire the Goldenes Dachl or Golden Roof, the tiles of which are in fact made of gilded copper. After wandering around the old town for a while it was good to get away from the crowds and walk around the Hofgarten, or Imperial Garden, Innsbruck’s largest public park
After leaving the park we crossed over the River Inn via a footbridge and turned left to walk along the riverside. This was a lovely section of the walk with good views across the river to the ancient buildings on the other bank. On reaching the Inn Bridge we crossed back over the river and, after a detour to the local market, made our way back to the start. With limited time on our hands we’d only scraped the surface of this lovely city and we hope to return one day for a longer visit
Click on the icon below for the route map, which I’ve included as it shows how to get from the railway station to the old town, and also features some of the highlights of the area. However it’s not intended to be followed step for step and most people will probably prefer to wander around as their fancy takes them
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
After a superb week of walking in the Austrian Tyrol, we gaze up to Hohe Munde for the last time. This is the view from our room at the Inntalerhof in Mösern
A taxi ride and a train ride later, we arrive at Innsbruck station and walk to the nearby Old Town
The painted facades of the old buildings were a highlight of our visit
We walk down Herzog Friedrich Strasse towards the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof)
The building dates back to 1500, and the roof has 2,657 shingles which are made of copper rather than gold
Riesengasse
A few more of our wanderings around the Altstadt (Old Town)...
We walk through the Imperial Gardens
In the 16th century the gardens were three times larger than they are today and were used by Archduke Ferdinand II as a stag hunting ground
After leaving the Imperial Gardens we cross the River Inn via a footbridge
Looking along the River Inn. We'll follow the path by the bank on the right and re-cross via the road bridge
Views back to the Old Town...
Colourful facades by the River Inn...
We make our way back into the Old Town
Historical 1577 Main House, which is 500 years old and has been renovated by Hard Rock Cafe
The Hospital Church of the Holy Spirit on Maria Theresien Street
We wish we'd had longer to explore Innsbruck but we had a plane to catch, so headed back to the station
The Triumphal Arch, built in 1765 on the occasion of the wedding of Archduke Leopold - and the final photo at the end of a wonderful week in Austria
