In a nutshell
- You already know the top attractions in Innsbruck and are now looking for real Innsbruck hidden gems? We’ve got you covered — here are 7 off-the-beaten-path highlights the crowds haven’t fully discovered yet.
- Two of our favorite secret spots are the Inn riverbank south of the city center and the Baggersee swimming lake. For a great hike from the city, head up to Arzler Alm — and for a day trip, Hall in Tirol is seriously underrated.
- At the end of the article we also share our restaurant picks and accommodation recommendations in Innsbruck — so you’re set for the whole trip.
The Inn Riverbank
The Inn flows right through the heart of Innsbruck and is an inseparable part of the city’s character. On both sides of the river you’ll find beautiful promenades for walking and cycling.
The most well-known stretch is near the Marktplatz in the old town — but that’s hardly a hidden gem anymore. The riverbank south of the Universitätsbrücke, however, still is.
We especially love the side of the river opposite the historic center (open in Google Maps). Here you’ll find a slackline park, ping-pong tables, and playgrounds — it’s a totally different vibe from the tourist-heavy stretch.
Another off-the-beaten-path tip is the Inn cycling path. From Innsbruck, you can ride out to Völs — that’s 5 kilometers each way and a really lovely ride.
Baggersee
The Baggersee is the go-to swimming spot in Innsbruck — which makes it one of the best Innsbruck secret spots to know about if you’re visiting in summer.
During swimming season (mid-May to mid-September), between 9 AM and 6 PM, you pay an entry fee of €5.60 to access the Baggersee grounds.
In the evenings and outside of swimming season, entry is free.
There’s also a restaurant at the lake, public restrooms, and plenty of sports facilities like volleyball nets and ping-pong tables.
Right next to the Baggersee, you can also play mini golf — which makes it especially great for families.
Arzler Alm
The Arzler Alm is no longer a secret among Innsbruck regulars. But if it’s your first time in the city, or you’ve only ever made a day trip to Innsbruck, chances are you haven’t been there yet — and you’re missing out.
It sits about 500 meters above Innsbruck in elevation and makes for a wonderful outing if you want to hike straight from the city center.
From the old quarter, you walk to the Alpine Zoo, then continue on to Hungerburg (or take the Nordkettenbahn up to this point), and from there it’s just a short stretch to the Arzler Alm.
The alm serves delicious, traditional Tyrolean food that you can enjoy on the terrace with a seriously stunning panorama over Innsbruck. There’s also a playground for kids.
Note: The Arzler Alm is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can still hike up on those days, but it won’t be staffed or serving food.
Hall in Tirol
Hall in Tirol is a small town east of Innsbruck, and honestly one of the most underrated Innsbruck hidden gems. The absolute standout is Hasegg Castle, whose striking tower rises above the town center.
Inside the castle, you’ll find a museum dedicated to coin minting — super interesting if that’s your thing!
But even beyond the castle, the town center of Hall in Tirol is totally charming and perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Also worth knowing: Just like Innsbruck, Hall in Tirol sits on the Inn, making it a great destination for a bike ride along the river. It’s about 10 kilometers from city center to city center.
Try New Sports
Innsbruck is undeniably a sports city — and you can try some genuinely unusual activities here. In winter, for example, cross-country skiing is a really fun option that many visitors overlook.
In summer, alongside hiking, you can tackle a via ferrata — there’s a huge selection of routes around Innsbruck to suit all experience levels.
If you’re after something more thrilling, a paragliding flight might be just the thing, or you can race down the Inn on a rafting trip.
We share more recommendations in our article about the coolest things to do in Innsbruck.
Rafting tour through the Imst Gorge from Innsbruck
Paragliding flight in Innsbruck
Restaurant Insider Tips
Beyond our Innsbruck insider tips for things to see and do, here are our top picks for great food and drink in the city.
- Café Bar Moustache: a hip bar next to St. Jakob’s Cathedral with tasty sandwiches and salads. Great for a drink in the afternoon or evening.
- Restaurant Stiftskeller: not exactly a secret, but a true Innsbruck classic. Head here for hearty, traditional cuisine.
- Kaffeehaus zum Großen Gott: a cozy, rustic café with delicious cakes, located just outside the city center — totally worth the short detour.
- karaffu | coffee culture: a great coffee selection and cakes, with plenty of vegan options. Excellent location near the train station.
Accommodation Insider Tips
By now you’ve got a whole bunch of insider tips for Innsbruck from us. But do you already know where you want to stay in Innsbruck?
If not, here’s a small selection of great under-the-radar places to stay in Innsbruck.
Nala Individuellhotel: a cozy, personal boutique hotel in the center of Innsbruck with an excellent price-to-value ratio.
Rufi’s Hotel Innsbruck: located right on the Inn and a 20-minute walk from the center. A standout perk is the free parking, and the rooms are nice and spacious.
Pradl elf my apartment: affordable apartments with a kitchen, a 20-minute walk from the center. There’s even a bike rental on site.
