Looking for a destination where city meets nature? Then Innsbruck is the place. At the invitation of Innsbruck Tourismus, I got to explore this diverse city in the Alps on the Nightjet. From historic streets to breathtaking views at an altitude of 2,300 metres - everything is within reach here. In this travelogue, I share my experiences and handy Innsbruck tips for an unforgettable stay.
With the Nightjet from Amsterdam to Innsbruck
Travelling through the night
The adventure starts at Amsterdam Central Station, where I take the Nightjet to Innsbruck. This night train takes you sustainably from the Netherlands to the heart of Tyrol in 12 to 14 hours. Of course, we love this at Honeyguide. The nice thing about the Nightjet is that you ride at night and thus wake up the next morning in the middle of the Austrian Alps.
I am happy to share my personal experience with you. I was given a private cabin on the Nightjet. This cabin is perhaps less suitable for people who don't like to sit in small spaces so much. As you can see from the photos, it is a long, narrow space in which you can sit upright and I, with my 170 centimetres tall, can just barely stretch out. You put your luggage in lockers next to the sleeping compartments and change clothes in the toilet or at the washbasin where you can also brush your teeth. Tip from a light sleeper: Be sure to bring earplugs and an eye mask. The train moves a lot and stops at a number of stations, otherwise your sleep will be interrupted.
Hotel Adlers
Arrival and breakfast with a view
After arriving at Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, we walk in a few minutes to Hotel Adlers. Here, our day starts with breakfast on the twelfth floor. While I enjoy a coffee and yoghurt, we look out over the city and the surrounding mountains. I also have a great view of the city from the room. At this hotel, you can really find peace and quiet.
On the road with guide Monika
A historic city tour
With the Innsbruck Card in hand, we met guide Monika for a city tour. Monika is a true local and her family has lived in Innsbruck for hundreds of years. Giving city tours is something she was brought up on. During the walk, we met her 85-year-old mother who was also walking through the city with a group of tourists.
Innsbruck is a colourful city. Most facades are painted in pretty pastel shades and signboards with dates hang on many buildings. The history of this city is palpable. Stroll past the Golden Roof. This balcony with 2,657 gilded copper roof tiles was built in the 15th century. The name Innsbruck literally means 'bridge over the Inn'. The river Inn flows right through the city and is a real landmark. Along the river are photogenic, coloured houses.
The Nordkette of Innsbruck
Enjoying lunch at Seegrube and hiking on the Top of Innsbruck
One of the biggest surprises of this trip to Innsbruck was how close the mountains are to the city. From the city centre, we boarded the little Nordkettenbahnen train, then the gondola - and within half an hour we were high above the city. Thanks to the Innsbruck Card, it's easy to travel along to Seegrube, where restaurant Seegrube had already reserved a table for us.
At lunch you look out over the mountain peaks and valleys; food simply tastes better with such a view. I opt for a traditional Austrian dish: Spinatknödel. This mighty but tasty dish provides a good base for the rest of the afternoon. After lunch, we take the gondola further to the Top of Innsbruck, at over 2,300 metres above sea level. Here you have a great view of the city and surrounding mountains. A nice place to unwind and take in the fresh mountain air.
Dinner at Das Brahms
Culinary delights in the city
Back in the city, we round off the day with dinner at Das Brahms restaurant. A place you should definitely add to your list of Innsbruck tips. They cook extensively with regional and seasonal produce. In August, the forests surrounding Innsbruck are teeming with chanterelles. I opt for a salad featuring these flavourful mushrooms, though there’s also a stew with a knödel on the menu. The atmospheric terrace is strung with fairy lights. A lovely way to round off the first day.
A visit to the Bergisel ski jump
An iconic start to the day
The next morning, we seek the heights at restaurant SKY on the Bergisel ski jump. From here you have views over Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains. While we are having breakfast, we see the jumpers jumping off the ski jump. After breakfast, we get a guided tour and whoever wants to can take a seat on the so-called 'bibber bench', where ski jumpers wait for their jump. I have extreme vertigo but found it impressive to see the ski jumpers doing practice jumps.
Sustainability and hospitality in Tyrol
Familien-Landhotel Stern in Obsteig
We take a taxi to Obsteig, where Elfi receives us in Familien-Landhotel Stern. Here you can taste the warm Tyrolean hospitality. Over coffee, Elfi explained how the hotel combines sustainability and tradition. The hotel encourages sustainable choices in a fun way using the climate game. Using a strippenkaart you can save for a prize. This includes tasks such as a conscious breakfast using only local products or vegetarian choices. Or leaving the car parked for the entire stay. The hotel also works with a head-to-tail principle in the kitchen. Anything from an animal or vegetable is used in dishes or otherwise to avoid waste.
Hotel Stern is a real family hotel. For children it is a real play paradise with an outdoor playground, indoor swimming pool, tree houses in the surrounding woods and inside an area is set up as a real climbing paradise. Really awesome to see how well this hotel caters for families!
Walk through the forests of Obsteig
Rolling hills and green forests
From the hotel we took a walk through the forests of Obsteig. This area is known for its green meadows, towering trees and panoramic views. During the walk, we passed a section with bulls and cows. A bit exciting because the young bulls in particular don't find our disturbance much fun. We also take a look at Hotel Stern's outdoor play area. Hidden among the trees are wooden tree houses and cable cars. Truly a play paradise! The day ends with dinner at the hotel itself. I enjoyed a delicious vegetarian ravioli and it certainly did not disappoint. For licking your fingers.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds
A sparkling trip
The next morning, Swarovski Kristallwelten was on the programme. This magical place combines art and crystal in spectacular installations. In 1995, multimedia artist André Heller designed this wondrous place. Inside, wonder rooms have been set up. Here, several artists have created works in collaboration with Swarovski. I liked artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer's room best. Here, 7,000 crystals float. The crystals were formed by exploding a cubic metre of clear crystals.
I conclude my visit with a very tasty lunch at Daniels. This restaurant is located in the gardens of the museum. From the railway station in Innsbruck, a shuttle bus leaves every few hours in the direction of the Kristallwelten. So you can travel up and down very easily.
Coffee culture in Innsbruck
Three coffee tips not to be missed
In the afternoon, I had time to explore Innsbruck on my own. As a coffee lover, I couldn't resist exploring Innsbruck's coffee culture. I have three great tips in the centre of Innsbruck for you:
- Café-Bar Moustache: here I enjoyed one of my favourite drinks, tonic-espresso. With its bright blue wall, vintage wooden furniture, green plants and colourful posters, this place is atmospheric.
- Café Momo: this cute little coffee shop is hidden away on the top floor of the bookstore Wagner'sche Buchhandlung. This fun place serves fresh coffee, homemade cakes and tasty breakfast and lunch dishes. How about toast with avocado, tomato and poached egg?
- Karrafu: specialty coffee, premium matcha and homemade baked goods from our own bakery. This hidden gem is great for a coffee date as well as a drink to go.
Farewell dinner with panoramic view
Hotel Adlers Panorama Restaurant
My city trip in Innsbruck ended at the same place where it began: Hotel Adlers. At the Panorama Restaurant, we enjoyed a farewell dinner overlooking the city and the mountains. Overlooking the lamp-lit city, I enjoyed a risotto with gorgonzola and peach. Then it was time to take the Nightjet back to the Netherlands.
A weekend in Innsbruck offers everything: culture, nature and culinary highlights. With the Innsbruck Card you can discover the best sights with ease.
My personal highlights?
- The view from the Top of Innsbruck.
- A visit to Familien-Landhotel Stern and the walk in the surrounding forests.
- And the city walk and coffee shops in the centre of Innsbruck. There is a very relaxed atmosphere in the city centre and this makes Innsbruck a fine location for holidays.
Love,
This travel inspiration is made possible by Innsbruck Tourismus.
