Innsbruck is easy with children: the Alpine Zoo (€9 for ages 6 to 17) sits on the funicular up to the Nordkette, Swarovski Crystal Worlds has a Playtower and a maze, and the Bergisel ski jump sells a €24 family ticket. Under 19s go free at the Hofburg, Ambras Castle and the Tiroler Landesmuseen. In winter add tobogganing and the family ski areas around the city; in summer, the Baggersee bathing lake and the mountain carts on the Muttereralm.
The Alpenzoo keeps about 2,000 animals from about 150 alpine species and calls itself Europe's highest themed zoo. It opens every day of the year, 09:00 to 17:00 from November to March and 09:00 to 18:00 from April to October.
Children 6 to 17 pay €9 and infants 4 to 5 pay €4 (adults €16). The best way in is the Hungerburgbahn from the Congress station near the old town, which stops at the zoo: the funicular plus zoo combi costs €23 for adults and €14 for children. Bus W from Marktplatz is the alternative.
The zoo is built on a slope, so bring a carrier or a sturdy buggy for small children and allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Alpine Zoo Innsbruck (Alpenzoo): tickets, opening hours and the Hungerburg funicular
GetYourGuide · 4.4/5 from 729 reviews
The classic family half day in Innsbruck: ride the Zaha Hadid funicular up from the old town, spend a couple of hours with wolves, bears and lynx at the Alpine Zoo, and carry on to the Hungerburg viewpoint before riding back.
Departs from Hungerburgbahn station beside Congress Innsbruck, Rennweg 3 · Valid for one day; allow 2.5 to 3 hours
GetYourGuide · 4.3/5 from 70 reviews
Entry only to the Alpine Zoo, for visitors who will walk, take bus W or already have transport sorted.
Departs from Alpine Zoo, Innsbruck, at 750 m below the Nordkette · Valid for one day; allow about 2 hours
Our take on each: Alpine Zoo and Hungerburg funicular combi ticket · Alpine Zoo Innsbruck tickets (Alpenzoo).
Hotels to look at
Mariahilf, across the Inn from the old town, Innsbruck old town · 4 stars · 29 rooms
Family-run four-star across the Inn from the old town, a short walk from the funicular
A small, family-run four-star in the painted riverside houses facing the old town; a warm choice for couples and families.
From £137 a night
From the city centre, the Hungerburgbahn, Seegrubenbahn and Hafelekarbahn climb to 2,256 m. Children under 6 ride free with a parent; on the 2026 tariff a Top of Innsbruck return costs €33.60 for a child (born 2010 to 2019) and €56 for an adult, and the Top of Innsbruck plus Zoo ticket costs €39 for a child.
At the top, a wide path leads to the Hafelekarspitze in 10 to 15 minutes, with geology stations on the way. Families with younger children can stay lower: walks from Hungerburg to nearby huts and pastures take 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
In Advent, the Hungerburg Christmas market (20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027) holds a story hour for children on Saturdays from 16:00 to 17:00. The lifts are closed for maintenance from 2 to 19 November 2026.
Nordkette Innsbruck: cable car tickets, prices and what to do at the top
GetYourGuide · 4.6/5 from 421 reviews
The best value full day above Innsbruck: the return ride to the Top of Innsbruck plus the Alpine Zoo, which sits on the same funicular line.
Departs from Hungerburgbahn station beside Congress Innsbruck, Rennweg 3 · Valid for one day; allow 5 to 6 hours for both
GetYourGuide · 4.8/5 from 1194 reviews
The one mountain trip almost every visitor should make: from the old town to 2,256 m in about 20 minutes, with the whole of Innsbruck below you and the Karwendel behind.
Departs from Hungerburgbahn station, next to Congress Innsbruck, Rennweg 3 · Valid for one day; the ride up takes about 20 minutes, allow half a day
GetYourGuide · 4.3/5 from 176 reviews
The quick, cheap way up above Innsbruck: 8 minutes from the old town to the Hungerburg at 860 m, through stations designed by Zaha Hadid, with the city spread out below.
Departs from Congress station, Rennweg 3, Innsbruck · Valid for one day; the ride takes about 8 minutes each way
Our take on each: Nordkette and Alpine Zoo combi ticket (Top of Innsbruck plus zoo) · Nordkette cable car tickets (Top of Innsbruck) · Hungerburg funicular tickets (Hungerburgbahn return).
Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens has a Playtower (10:00 to 18:00) and a playground and maze (09:00 to 19:00) beside the Chambers of Wonder. Children 6 to 17 pay €9 and under 6 go free; with the e-shuttle from the Hauptbahnhof the child Day Pass costs €16.
The Bergisel ski jump, at the end of tram line 1, has a funicular and a lift to the viewing terrace: child 6 to 14 €6.50, family €24, under 6 free. From early May to mid October children can watch ski jumpers train, free, 10:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 15:00, weather permitting.
In town, the Audioversum science centre on hearing (children 7 to 15 €9) and the Grassmayr Bell Museum, where children stand inside a giant singing bowl, both work for curious children of school age.
GetYourGuide · 4.6/5 from 817 reviews
The easy way to see Swarovski Crystal Worlds without a car: entry and a return seat on the shuttle bus from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof on one ticket.
Departs from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, Südtiroler Platz · Valid for one day; allow half a day including the bus
GetYourGuide · 4.6/5 from 170 reviews
An easy win for almost everyone: a short trip from the centre to an Olympic ski jump, a lift up Zaha Hadid's tower and one of the best views of Innsbruck from the terrace on top.
Departs from Bergisel Schanze, Bergiselweg 3, Innsbruck; tram 1 to Bergisel or the Sightseer bus · About 1 hour, more with a meal
GetYourGuide · 4.7/5 from 4 reviews
A small, unusual museum that wins people over: a family bell foundry that still casts bells for churches around the world, with a museum and sound rooms you can play in.
Departs from Grassmayr Bell Museum, Leopoldstrasse 53, Innsbruck (Wilten); Sightseer stop Basilika Wilten · About 1 to 1.5 hours
Our take on each: Swarovski Crystal Worlds tickets with shuttle from Innsbruck · Bergisel ski jump tickets · Grassmayr Bell Museum tickets.
Hotels to look at
City centre, by the Hauptbahnhof, Innsbruck city centre · 4 stars · 88 rooms
Family-run four-star two minutes from the Hauptbahnhof and the Swarovski shuttle
A family-run four-star two minutes from the Hauptbahnhof, with a proper Tyrolean restaurant; for skiers, families and rail travellers.
From £132 a night
In winter
Toboggan runs near Innsbruck include the 10.5 km run at the Rangger Köpfl in Oberperfuss, Tyrol's longest continuous run, partly lit; two long runs with snowmaking at the Elfer in Neustift; and weekly night tobogganing at Schlick 2000. Toboggans can be hired at Die Boerse.
For first ski days, pick an area made for families. Schlick 2000 has BIG Ron's Kinderland, the Serlesbahnen have a children's area with a magic carpet and button lift at the valley station, the Glungezer is a certified family ski area and the Muttereralm and the Patscherkofel are both described as family friendly and close to town. Each area has ski schools running children's courses; book early for the Christmas and February holidays. A 2 day SKI plus CITY Pass costs €81 for children born 2012 to 2018 in 2026/27.
Off the slopes, the outdoor rink at Olympiaworld opens from 21 November 2026 to 21 February 2027 (family ticket €16), and the Marktplatz Christmas market, the organiser's family market, has a carousel and a daily Kasperl puppet show.
Skiing in Innsbruck 2026/27: ski areas, SKI plus CITY Pass prices and where to stay
GetYourGuide · 4.7/5 from 10 reviews
A ride down the Olympic ice track above Igls in a raft that needs no pilot, at up to 95 km/h.
Departs from Bobcafé, Olympic ice track, Heiligwasserwiese 1, Igls · Allow time for check-in 15 minutes ahead and a walk of about 15 minutes to the start
Our take on each: Bobrafting on the Olympic bob track in Igls.
Hotels to look at
Igls · 3 stars
Family-friendly three-star in Igls with indoor and outdoor pools at the foot of the Patscherkofel
A relaxed, family-friendly three-star in Igls with indoor and outdoor pools at the foot of the Patscherkofel; for families and skiers.
Mutters, Mutters, Lans and Axams · Hotel
Garden hotel in Mutters with an indoor pool and a free ski bus to the Muttereralm
A family-run garden hotel in the village of Mutters with an indoor pool and Nordkette views; good value for families and skiers.
Closed for the staff holiday, reopening 1 December 2026 (hotel notice); the price list shows no rates for 16 March to 18 April 2027
From £153 a night
City centre, beside the Landestheater, Innsbruck city centre · 4 stars
Big city hotel with a rooftop pool and a ski bus stop five minutes away
A big, well-equipped city hotel next to the Landestheater with a rooftop pool; for families, skiers and short city breaks.
From £215 a night
In summer
The Baggersee Rossau is the city's bathing lake, with a children's pool, a playground, minigolf and a big lawn; in summer 2026 it opened daily 09:00 to 18:00 from 9 May to 13 September, children €2.40. Freibad Tivoli has five pools, a 70 m slide and a diving tower (children €2.70), and the Natterer See, about 7 km out, has a water park and a shallow children's bay.
On the Muttereralm above Mutters, mountain carts roll down a fenced course of about 5 km to the valley station, €16 a ride plus the lift (child return €19 in summer 2026). Under 10s or under 150 cm ride with an adult on the same cart; from 10 and 150 cm on their own cart with an adult alongside. Closed shoes and photo ID are needed.
In the Stubai valley, the Serlesbahnen have a 2.8 km summer toboggan run and a water play area at the top station, and the Glungezer has the Kugelwald family area.
Lakes and swimming in Innsbruck
GetYourGuide · 4.8/5 from 1194 reviews
The one mountain trip almost every visitor should make: from the old town to 2,256 m in about 20 minutes, with the whole of Innsbruck below you and the Karwendel behind.
Departs from Hungerburgbahn station, next to Congress Innsbruck, Rennweg 3 · Valid for one day; the ride up takes about 20 minutes, allow half a day
Our take on each: Nordkette cable car tickets (Top of Innsbruck).
Hotels to look at
Igls · Hotel
Family-run Igls bed and breakfast with a bathing pond and big family rooms
A welcoming family-run bed and breakfast in Igls by the Patscherkofel cable car, with a bathing pond and big family rooms.
From £97 a night
Lans, above Innsbruck, Mutters, Lans and Axams · 4 stars
Family-run spa hotel in Lans with a heated rooftop infinity pool
A family-run spa hotel in Lans with a heated rooftop infinity pool and panorama sauna; lovely for couples and families.
From £155 a night
Free for under 19s: the Hofburg, Ambras Castle and the Tiroler Landesmuseen (Folk Art Museum, Court Church, Zeughaus and Tirol Panorama). That alone makes a museum day with teenagers inexpensive.
Family tickets: Bergisel €24, Golden Roof Museum €12.50, the Golden Roof, City Museum and City Tower combi €21, the Hall Mint combi €28, and public skating at Olympiaworld €16 for two adults and two children. On buses and trams, the IVB 24 hour 2Plus ticket covers up to 2 adults and 3 children for €10.80.
The Innsbruck Card costs €39.50 for 48 hours for children 6 to 14 in 2026, and under 6s go free; with so many free museums for children, add up the zoo, cable car and Swarovski before buying one for them. At the Tyrolean evening, children up to 14 pay €10 for the show and under 6s go free.
Innsbruck Card: prices, what's included and whether it is worth it
GetYourGuide · 4.7/5 from 576 reviews
The best-value way to see Innsbruck if you plan a full day or two of sightseeing: the Nordkette cable cars, Swarovski Crystal Worlds with its shuttle, the museums and all the city buses and trams on one card.
Departs from Innsbruck Information, Burggraben 3, at the entrance to the old town
GetYourGuide · 4.7/5 from 1163 reviews
The classic night out in Innsbruck for anyone who wants to hear yodelling, see the slap dance and listen to instruments you will not meet anywhere else, all in one evening.
Departs from Alpensaal an der Messe, Ingenieur-Etzel-Strasse, Innsbruck (first floor); tram 1 or S-Bahn to Messe · Show about 1.5 hours (20:30 to about 22:00); 3 hours with dinner
Our take on each: Innsbruck Card with public transport · Tyrolean evening in Innsbruck with the Gundolf family.
In the city, choose a hotel with family rooms and a tram at the door, so tired legs can ride back. Out of town, Igls, Mutters and Amras give you more space, pools and free parking, with a bus or tram into the centre.
Hotels to look at
City centre, Maria-Theresien-Strasse, Innsbruck city centre · 4 stars
Modern hotel on Maria-Theresien-Strasse with family rooms and saunas
A modern, well-run hotel on Maria-Theresien-Strasse with saunas, a ski room and family rooms; a practical base for families and skiers.
From £143 a night
Pradl, opposite Rapoldipark, Innsbruck city centre · Hotel · 10 rooms
Studios and flats with kitchenettes in Pradl, good for small families
Ten air-conditioned studios and flats with kitchenettes, attached to a long-running family hotel; good for longer stays and small families.
From £141 a night
Pradl, near Olympiaworld, Innsbruck city centre · Hotel
Good-value Pradl hotel with themed rooms and breakfast included
A friendly, good-value city hotel in Pradl with themed rooms, breakfast included and a small relax area; ideal for budget-minded active travellers.
From £145 a night
Amras, Innsbruck city centre · 4 stars · 62 rooms
Family-run inn in Amras with all-wood rooms, a sauna and free parking
Traditional family-run inn in Amras with all-wood rooms, a sauna and free parking; suits drivers, families and skiers.
Yes. The Alpine Zoo, the Nordkette cable cars, Swarovski's Playtower and the Bergisel ski jump are all within a short ride of the centre, and under 19s go free at the Hofburg, Ambras Castle and the state museums. Winter adds tobogganing and family ski areas, summer the city's bathing lake.
Children 6 to 17 pay €9 and infants 4 to 5 pay €4. The combi with a Hungerburgbahn return costs €14 for a child and €23 for an adult.
Under 6s ride free with a parent. On the 2026 tariff, a Top of Innsbruck return to the Hafelekar costs €33.60 for children born 2010 to 2019.
The Rangger Köpfl in Oberperfuss has a 10.5 km run, partly lit; the Elfer in Neustift has two long runs with snowmaking; and Schlick 2000 holds weekly night tobogganing. Toboggans can be hired at Die Boerse.
Children under 10 or under 150 cm ride with an adult on the same cart. From 10 and 150 cm children ride their own cart with an adult alongside, and from 16 alone. Each ride costs €16, plus the lift.
Yes. The IVB 24 hour 2Plus ticket covers up to 2 adults and 3 children for €10.80 in 2026.
Sources: alpenzoo.at, alpenzoo.at, alpenzoo.at, nordkette.com, nordkette.com, nordkette.com, nordkette.com, christkindlmarkt.cc, christkindlmarkt.cc, kristallwelten.swarovski.com. Checked October 2026.
