The Golden Roof and Imperial Innsbruck: An Old Town Walking Tour

Innsbruck has been a gateway between northern Europe and Italy for over 2,000 years. On this walking tour, you’ll explore its beautifully preserved Old Town, from opulent Habsburg palaces to charming medieval alleyways, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Karwendel mountain range. You’ll also discover the imperial splendour of this historic Alpine town that’s nestled in the heart of the Alps.

This tour starts at the beginning of the pedestrian zone in Maria-Theresien-Strasse. You’ll weave past the ornate Court Church with its remarkable “black figures,” and into the heart of the Old Town. Along the way, you’ll discover how Innsbruck developed from a simple bridge over the Inn River into the cultural and political centre of the Tyrol region.

You’ll make your way to the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) with its 2,657 fire-gilded copper shingles, commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I as a royal box to watch city festivities. As you walk, you’ll see historic restaurants dating back to the 14th century, colourful merchant houses with ornate facades, and the impressive City Tower offering panoramic views. The tour ends near Kolben Tower, a medieval structure that’s witnessed centuries of Innsbruck’s history.

On this 60-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• Visit the Hofburg Palace, one of Austria’s three most important imperial residences alongside Vienna’s Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palace
• Admire the elaborate tomb of Emperor Maximilian I in the Court Church, guarded by 28 remarkable bronze statues
• See Helbling House with its extravagant rococo ornamentation
• Explore the Ottoburg, Innsbruck’s oldest building dating back to 1180
• Discover historic inns where Mozart, Goethe, and European royalty once stayed
• Browse the Market Hall with its vibrant array of local Tyrolean products
• Learn about Andreas Hofer, Tyrol’s national hero who led an uprising against Bavarian rule
• Admire traditional Tyrolean architecture with its colourful facades and ornate bay windows

Enjoy this introduction to beautiful Innsbruck that will give you a solid foundation for further exploration of this Alpine gem.