Innsbruck

If you’re dreaming of a perfect winter escape — where mountains rise dramatically from the city’s doorstep, where every turn reveals centuries-old architecture bathed in soft, wintry light, and where the slopes are just as inviting after dark as they are by day — then Innsbruck is your place.

Visiting this small alpine city feels like stepping in to a postcard; one in which you can sip mulled wine in a medieval square one moment, and be on the ski slopes the next. Its small size makes it easy to get around but I would recommend staying in the Old Town with plenty of restaurants around. There’s a variety of accommodation across the area, from basic hostels to luxury suites, something for all tastes and budgets.  There is plenty to do in these magical mountains. Here are my top recommendations.

 

Skiing under the stars

For most, skiing means daytime thrills: clear blue skies, crisp snow, and sun-drenched peaks. But in Innsbruck, the fun doesn’t end when the sun sets. Some resorts offer night skiing, turning the mountains into a moonlit playground.

One of my favourites is Patscherkofel, where you can ski under floodlights on the Heiligwasserwiese until 6:30 pm.

Gliding down the slopes with the city lights below and stars above is surreal. Night skiing here is quieter, almost meditative. For a true ski-in, ski-out experience, Kühtai is perfect. As Austria’s highest resort, it offers direct access to the slopes day or night. There’s nothing quite like stepping out of your hotel and onto the piste—pure alpine bliss.

Tobogganing – fun for all ages

Not everything in Innsbruck revolves around skiing. For a more relaxed winter thrill, head to Rangger Köpfl, home to one of the longest toboggan (sledding) runs in the region. The eight-kilometre descent is pure joy.

First, there’s a slow climb through snow-covered forest; then, after a warming cup of mulled wine, you hop on your toboggan and let gravity take over.

The best part? The giddy, carefree fun of it all. You race down the mountainside, wind biting at your face as the path twists unexpectedly. It’s an adventure that brings out the child in everyone, no matter how seasoned a traveller you are.

If you need a breather, cosy huts like the Rosskogel hut offer hearty Tyrolean fare — think steaming goulash and cheese dumplings. For something quieter, nearby Simmeringalm is ideal for snowshoeing through pristine landscapes, offering stunning views over the Mieming Plateau.

Ambras Castle - a winter wonderland

For a touch of Innsbruck’s history, Ambras Castle is a must. This Renaissance castle, perched above the city, transforms into a fairytale scene in winter. Snow blankets the grounds, creating a peaceful white wonderland, perfect for a romantic stroll.

If you’re lucky, you might spot the resident peacocks, their vibrant colours standing out against the snow. From here, the views over Innsbruck, framed by mountains, are breathtaking.

After visiting the castle, hop on the Nordkette cable car, which takes you from the city to Seegrube at 2,000 metres. The lively Cloud9 sun terrace at the top is perfect for a drink with an unbeatable panorama of Innsbruck and its surrounding peaks.

 

Festive magic at the Christmas markets

Innsbruck’s charm peaks in the run-up to Christmas, when the city turns into a winter wonderland of lights, festive music, and the smell of cinnamon and spiced punch. The Christmas markets scattered across the city are a highlight, with the Old Town market, nestled beneath the Golden Roof, being a favourite. It feels like stepping back in time, with medieval houses lit up and stalls selling handmade ornaments and roasted chestnuts.

For a unique twist, the nearby town of Telfs hosts a Victorian-style Christmas market, complete with a performance of Scrooge that brings Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to life.

Whether you’re drawn to the slopes, the festive magic, or the rich culture, Innsbruck offers a lovely winter escape.

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