Best things to do in Innsbruck

Get a glimpse of alpine wildlife at Alpenzoo. The only zoo in the world devoted to indigenous alpine species, this site houses more than 2,000 animals. The zoo accommodates 20 alpine mammal species, 60 kinds of birds, 11 types of reptiles, and six amphibian species, as well as nearly all alpine fish species. Built on the side of the mountain, the zoo requires a lot of walking up and down the slopes. Rest at one of the picnic areas with the view of Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains. Dogs are not permitted inside the zoo.

Go back in time at Altstadt von Innsbruck to discover how numerous Habsburg rulers bestowed imperial splendor on the town. Start from the riverside and walk through small alleys alongside colorful old houses. See some of the architectural gems from the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical periods, such as the Golden Roof and the Cathedral of St. James. Taste the local beer or the authentic Tyrolean food at one of the many restaurants with a view of Alps. Stroll through the Hofgarten, a park located on the edge of the Old Town. Buy the Innsbruck card to save on the cost of attractions.

At Schloss Ambras Innsbruck, see Archduke Ferdinand II's collections of art, crafts, and curiosities. Commissioned in the 16th century by one of the most important patrons of the Habsburg family, the castle served as the archduke's residence from 1563 to 1595. In the chamber of art and curiosities, find corals arranged in cabinets, turnery made of wood and ivory, glass figurines, porcelain, and silk paintings. In two rooms of jousting armor, you can examine the suits made for the archduke. Enter the Spanish Hall, a notable example of German Renaissance architecture, and look along the wood-inlaid ceiling and walls adorned with 27 portraits of Tyrolean rulers. Compare them to the paintings of Habsburgs in the upper castle portrait gallery.

At The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), imagine how the Austrian emperor and his wife sat on the porch and watched tournaments on the square below. The symbol of the city, it overlooks the main street of Altstadt. The name of the place stems from the 2,738 fire-gilded copper tiles covering the roof. Emperor Maximilian I commissioned the three-story balcony to celebrate his marriage to Bianca Maria Sforza. Learn about Austrian history from the reliefs and murals depicting scenes of the emperor's life. Eight sculpted reliefs covering the second-floor balustrade illustrate how aristocrats amused themselves. Look for a flanking relief depicting the acrobatic and grotesque dancing of Moorish origin.

Enter Swarovski Kristallwelten, an underground museum, through a hole in the hillside and step inside a massive crystalline theater. This attraction was created in 1995 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Swarovski crystal company. Designed by multimedia artist Andre Heller, the crystal museum encompasses art, music, dance, and literature into one overwhelming experience. "The Giant," a face landscaped on the hillside with crystals for eyes and a water fountain for a mouth, greets you as you approach the entrance of the museum.

The biggest glacier ski resort in Austria, Stubaier Gletscher, guarantees snow for eight complete months. Pair that with your choice of 35 ski runs, ranging from novice to challenging and totaling 110 km (68 mi) in length, and you have an excellent reason to click on skis or a snowboard. Nestled in the Alps at altitudes between 1,750 m (5740 ft) and 3,210 m (10,530 ft), the resort features 26 lifts and cable cars. See how you do on the 10 km (6 mi) continuous run, which starts at the top of the mountain and ends in the lowest valley of the resort. Check out the man-made snow park for snowboarders and freeskiers, which includes easy, medium, and pro terrains. Numerous ski runs and games for children are available.

Built as a token of Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich's love for his mistress, Mirabell Palace is perhaps best known as the backdrop of "The Sound of Music." The former palace was built in 1606 and now houses the offices of the mayor and municipal council. The boxwood gardens contain mythology-themed statues from 1730, as well as four groups of sculptures representing the four elements. If you're a fan of "The Sound of Music," don't miss the horse fountain, where the von Trapp children sang "Do-Re-Mi." A stroll through the gardens will jog many memories from the film.

Climb to the top of Town Tower (Stadtturm) for a view of the town's historic rooftops and surrounding mountains. Built between 1442 and 1450 as an extension of the former city hall, the tower's construction represented the growing self-confidence of the medieval bourgeoisie, sending a clear message to everyone of its preparedness to defend its right and interests. The 148 steps to the top of the tower may be a difficult climb for the elderly or anyone with mobility issues, and there is no elevator. Have your photo taken at the top of the tower and access it online after your visit. Be sure to save your entry ticket to use the restrooms at the bottom of the tower for free.

Feel the healing powers of Oetztal Alps through the steam baths, saunas, and pools of Aqua Dome - Tirol Therme Laengenfeld.This spa center, embedded in the mountain scenery, features indoor and outdoor spas, two large indoor pools, a brine pool, massage pools, giant whirlpool, and fitness center. Immerse yourself in warm, invigorating thermal water coming down from a glacier. Watch the alpine scenery through the giant windows of the relaxation area, which is arranged like an opera gallery. Be aware that the spaciousness and high ceilings of the spa area can make some people feel chilly.

Ski, snowboard, and party at Ischgl-Samnaun ski area, a mecca for winter athletes. Take one of the three ropeways that lead from the village to the ski area 1,377 m (4,518 ft) above sea level. Visit a large restaurant with viewing terrace at Idalp, the main central point on the mountain. The area above it offers wide, easy runs and a challenging snow park. The steepest piste in the entire resort is in the Höllboden bowl with a gradient of 70 percent. You can access the run with the ultra-modern Lange Wand chair lift. Famous for its lively parties and boisterous nightlife, Ischgl has hosted the concerts of such international stars as Bob Dylan, Tina Turner, Beyonce, and Katy Perry.

Get a close look at the lifestyle of Austrian rulers of the past at Imperial Palace. The favorite winter residence of the Habsburgs, the palace now serves as the official presidential residence. See the rooms where Emperor Joseph II once drew up his revolutionary program of reforms. Enter the Imperial Chancellery Wing and the Amalia Residence, which contained the apartments of Franz Joseph and Elisabeth. Visit one or all of the three museums: the authentically furnished Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Silver Collection of Imperial utilitarian objects. The collections provide historically accurate insights into the tradition and daily life at the court.

With its numerous ski pistes and hiking trails, Rosshutte offers a playground for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and mountain bikers. Three different cable cars will take you to different heights and stations of the mountain.Stop at the mid-station restaurant to taste authentic mountain products. Walk down or ride in one of the summit cable cars to Seefelder Joch or across to Harmelekopf. Visit Cold Water Lake--a manmade reservoir used in the winter to feed the snowmaking facilities. Hikers must be sure-footed and have good hiking shoes.

Shop, dine, and discover the many historic buildings along Maria-Theresien-Strasse. Visit the churches, museums, and other landmarks along the boulevard. Be sure to check out the statue of and tribute to Maria Theresa. Note that this area tends to be crowded most days, so expect to wait in lines at the shops and restaurants.

Visit the canopied tomb of Archduke Maximilian III at Dom zu St. Jakob, the 18th-century Baroque cathedral dedicated to the apostle Saint James. Built between 1717 and 1724, the cathedral, with its lavish Baroque interior, is known for the painting Maria Hilf by Lucas Cranach the Elder. Considered one of the most venerated Marian images in the Christendom, it hangs above the main altar of the cathedral. Heavily damaged during World War II, the cathedral was eventually restored and features detailed artwork, sculptures, and a carefully-crafted pipe organ. Be sure to go on a guided tour to learn more about the historical background of the cathedral.

Explore the gallery featuring statues of the patron saints of the House of Hapbsurg at Hofkirche, built in 1553 by Emperor Ferdinand I as a memorial to his grandfather Emperor Maximilian I. This Gothic church houses a Renaissance organ described as one of the five most famous organs in the world, as well as the black marble sarcophagus of Emperor Maximilian I, surrounded by 28 sizeable bronze figures of friends, family, and historical figures like King Arthur of England. Admire the high altar with Viennese academic painter Johann Carl Auerbach's depiction of the crucifixion. Start your visit with the multimedia show that takes you through a series of rooms, giving you information about the historical significance of each area. Do'’t forget to visit the 16th-century Silver Chapel up the stairs opposite the entrance to the church.