City trip to Innsbruck from Lake Achensee
Our favourite spots for a day in the Tyrolean capital
From Pertisau and Maurach you are in the middle of Innsbruck in about 45 minutes by car — a perfect day trip, in summer as in winter. Here are our favourite spots for culture, shopping and a good coffee break.
What you have to see in Innsbruck
From culture and history to the best view over the city.
- 01
Ambras Castle
Castle & museumFor everyone who loves culture and history: the Renaissance castle of Archduke Ferdinand II sits on the edge of Innsbruck and today houses an armoury, a portrait gallery and a beautiful castle park.
- 02
Nordkette
Views all yearOur tip for the best view over Innsbruck — in summer as in winter. The Hungerburg funicular and then the cable car take you from the old town up to the Hafelekar at 2,300 m in about 20 minutes.
- 03
Old town & Golden Roof
LandmarkThe golden shingle roof gleams in the middle of the old town; right next to it the city tower leads up 133 steps to a viewing platform above the rooftops.
Browsing & shopping in Innsbruck
Two vintage favourites of ours, plus the city’s best-known shopping street.
- 01
die Diele – Vintage & Design
VintageSecond-hand and vintage clothing for grown-ups and children, hand-picked by the owner herself — sustainable shopping instead of fast fashion.
- 02
NOLLI Vintage
VintageVintage classics combined with streetwear and a pinch of humour — plus accessories such as shoes, bags and even small pieces of furniture.
- 03
Maria-Theresien-Straße
Shopping streetInnsbruck’s lively shopping street with boutiques, cafés and the Kaufhaus Tyrol — at the end of it the Nordkette rises straight ahead of you.
Our favourite coffee breaks
From the café with the loveliest view of the city to a small breakfast secret.
- 01
Marktbar am Inn
Best viewA wonderful café right by the water with a view of the mountains — this is where you get the classic picture of Innsbruck with the colourful houses, the Inn in front and the peaks behind.
- 02
Brennpunkt coffee competence
Trendy caféA popular, fashionable coffee spot in the viaduct arches — one of our Innsbruck favourites.
- 03
Spiral – More than coffee
Café & restaurantCafé and restaurant in one: breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus coffee, wine and a terrace to sit outside.
- 04
coffeelab
CaféAnother of our favourite cafés in Innsbruck — good for a coffee break in between.
- 05
karaffu | Coffee Culture
CaféA fashionable coffee spot with stylish interiors — perfect for a pause while strolling the city.
- 06
Summit & Friends
Breakfast (small)A small but excellent breakfast spot with fresh, mostly organic dishes — a lovely place to eat before heading into town.
Good to know
- Getting there
- From Pertisau or Maurach, Innsbruck is about 45 minutes away by car. Allow a full day for sights, shopping and a coffee break.
- Summer & winter
- In summer: the Nordkette, a walk through the old town and the terraces on Maria-Theresien-Straße. In winter: the Christmas market in the old town, right beneath the Golden Roof — 13 November to 23 December, daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Innsbruck from Lake Achensee?+
About 45 minutes by car.
How do you get up to the Nordkette?+
Take the Hungerburg funicular from the old town up to Hungerburg, then the cable car on to the Seegrube (1,905 m) and the Hafelekar (2,300 m). The funicular runs Mon–Fri 7:15 a.m.–7:15 p.m., Sat/Sun/holidays 8 a.m.–7:15 p.m.
When is the Christmas market in Innsbruck old town?+
From 13 November to 23 December 2026, daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (sales until 8 p.m.) — right beneath the Golden Roof.
“One day in Innsbruck gives you mountains, culture and a good cup of coffee all at once — the perfect counterpart to a day on Lake Achensee.”
— yours, Julia & Madleine
Read on
- What can you do on Lake Achensee?
- Which day trips around Lake Achensee are worthwhile?
- How many days should you plan?
- What can you do on Lake Achensee when it rains?