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Holidays in Innsbruck

An Alpine city where cable cars from the centre take you up into the snow, with Christmas markets below. Here's what Innsbruck is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

NIGHTS AWAY4 to 7
BUDGET££
BEST MONTHSJun–Aug, Dec–Feb
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Innsbruck at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 2 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
1 HR AHEAD OF THE UK
CURRENCY
EURO (€)
ENTRY
NO VISA FOR SHORT STAYS
PLUGS
TYPE C / F · 230V

The EU is bringing in new entry checks, so check the rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANSki season, best time to go
  2. FEBSki season, best time to go
  3. MARSpring skiing, a good time to go
  4. APRSpring, a good time to go
  5. MAYSpring, a good time to go
  6. JUNHiking, best time to go
  7. JULHiking, best time to go
  8. AUGHiking, best time to go
  9. SEPAutumn, a good time to go
  10. OCTBetween seasons, quieter
  11. NOVMarkets open, a good time to go
  12. DECChristmas, snow, best time to go

Mid-November to 6 January is Christmas market season, and the ski season starts in December. January to March has the most reliable snow. June to September is good for hiking and mountain lakes.

Things to do with the family

FREE

Old Town Christmas market

Stalls gather under the Golden Roof, with a giant crystal Christmas tree nearby.

TICKETED

Nordkette cable car

Funicular and cable cars rise from the city centre to over 2,000 metres in about 20 minutes.

TICKETED

Swarovski Crystal Worlds

A quirky park of crystal art rooms with a big indoor and outdoor play area, at Wattens nearby.

TICKETED

Alpine Zoo

Bears, wolves and ibex on a hillside above the city.

TICKETED

Skiing at Axamer Lizum and Glungezer

Several ski areas are within half an hour by free ski bus, and one ski pass covers them all.

TICKETED

Bergisel ski jump

Ride up to the top of the Olympic ski jump for a dizzying view.

Innsbruck: common questions

Is Innsbruck good for a family holiday?

Yes. You get a city with markets and museums plus snow and skiing within easy reach, all from one hotel.

When are the Christmas markets on?

Usually from mid-November to 6 January, so you can still catch them after Christmas.

Is there snow at Christmas?

Usually in the mountains above the city, though not always in town. Higher ski areas like the Stubai Glacier are the safest bet.

How many nights do you need?

A long weekend for the markets, or a week with skiing.

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