Top Rated Attractions in Innsbruck

Located in the city of Innsbruck, the Tyrolean State Museum has an extensive collection in various fields such as historical art, archeology, science and music. Originally, established in 1823 as Ferdinandeum, it is now a part of the Tiroler Landesmuseum which manages it. It boasts a rich collection of historic Austrian as well as International art. It has a library with a superb collection of books about general history and important art history of the region. The museum also holds various events and concerts occasionally.

A part of the Bergisel hill, Bergiselschanze is a ski-jumping area that is popular with skiers. It provides a stupendous view of the surrounding countryside and the city of Innsbruck. Winters sports competitions have been held here since 1920. It was designed by Zaha Hadid, a renowned architect and stands as a reminder of the city's Olympic past. A must-visit for all winter sports enthusiasts, the Bergisel Ski Jump is an excellent place to spend an afternoon in the outdoors. Two restaurants are also located here - Bergisel Sky and 1809.

A sprawling structure steeped in history, the Schloß Ambras is a palace in which the famous Archduke Ferdinand II once resided. Built using the Renaissance style, many sections of this grand castle were turned into a museum by the Archduke during the years in which he lived here. The Wunderkammer (Gallery of Wonders) contains a display of exquisite objects like coral, ivory, a rhinoceros' horn and other artifacts brought back to Europe by explorers. The gallery also exhibits marvelous paintings of Vlad Dracula and other interesting figures. A vast space adorned with portraits of those who once ruled Tirol, the Spanish Hall features a striking design with a carefully crafted interior. The upper part of the palace houses the Habsburg's portrait gallery: an awe-inspiring collection of works by Cranach, Mor, Titian, Van Dyck and Velásquez.

Situated 727 meters (2385 feet) above sea level, the Alpenzoo is the highest zoo in the world. Rather than play host to a range of exotic creatures, this haven only contains animals that originate from the Alpine region. Visitors can see more than 2000 different species ranging from the tiny golden cockerel, to mammoth bison and the bearded vulture with a wing-span of more than 3 meters (10 feet). Otters play in the water and various weird and wonderful fish can be viewed in the extraordinary cold-water aquarium. The park rangers also nurture endangered species and return them to their natural habitat, the Alps. So, if you spot an eagle soaring through the skies of Innsbruck, it may well be thanks to the work of the Alpine zoo.

On the occasion of Swarovski's centenary, André Heller and other artists like Brian Eno and Susanne Schmogner created a place where crystal could be observed and admired. Swarovski Kristallwelten (Swarovski Crystal Worlds) is a thematic museum and attraction that will spellbind you. The 16 Chambers of Wonder built around the Giant is where strange and magical crystal forms can be viewed. This world of fantasy is a collaboration of some of the top artists around the globe. The combination of wondrous colors and music has an entrancing effect on visitors. This highly unorthodox museum is surrounded by a phantasmagorical garden with a mountain brook, wild roses in a lake and the only non-artificial labyrinth (in the shape of a hand).

Leutaschklamm is a steep gorge bordering Germany and Austria, located next to the German town of Mittenwald. It's a picturesque area that is sure to reward you with breathtaking views on every turn. From gushing waterfalls to rugged cliffs and the blue Leutascher Ache river meandering through all, the gorge is a sight to behold. There are walkways designed to make it more accessible to the general public. However, adventurous souls can try the steep climb for themselves and enjoy the breathtaking view of the waterfall.