Where is the best view of Innsbruck?

Gramartboden offers one of the best panoramic views of the city. From this clearing, you can see the entire Inn Valley, the Bergisel Ski Jump, and the southern mountain ranges.

Is the Innsbruck Botanical Garden free?

The outdoor areas of the University Botanical Garden are typically free to enter, though there may be a small fee for the greenhouses. It is open daily, but hours vary by season.

How long does it take to walk from the center to Höttinger Bild?

A direct walk takes about 60-70 minutes, but with stops at the church and botanical garden, you should allow at least 2 to 3 hours for the full experience.

Can I do this walking route in winter?

Yes, but be careful of ice. Höttinger Gasse and the forest paths to Höttinger Bild can become very slippery. Sturdy winter boots with good grip are essential.

What is the Höttinger Bild?

It is a small pilgrimage chapel in the forest above Innsbruck. It is famous as a place where students pray for help with their exams, based on a 17th-century legend.

Are there places to eat along the way?

There are several traditional guesthouses in the Hötting district, and the nearby Planötzenhof is a popular spot for Tyrolean meals with a view.

Is this neighborhood walk family-friendly?

It is suitable for active families with older children. Due to the steepness and stairs, it is not recommended for families with strollers.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Escape the bustling Old Town and ascend into Hötting, Innsbruck's sun-drenched hillside neighborhood known for its dramatic inclines and unparalleled vistas. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the 'Dorf in der Stadt' (village in the city), where the atmosphere shifts from urban riverfront to rustic alpine charm within a few thousand steps. The route begins in the atmospheric district of St. Nikolaus, often called 'Anpruggen,' the oldest part of Innsbruck. From here, you will tackle the legendary Höttinger Gasse, a street so steep it has challenged cyclists and walkers for centuries. As you climb, the architecture transitions from colorful medieval facades to traditional Tyrolean farmhouses that seem to cling to the mountainside. This neighborhood stroll is designed for those who enjoy a physical challenge rewarded by scenery. You will discover the University Botanical Garden, a peaceful sanctuary of global flora, before pushing upward toward the edge of the Nordkette mountains. The path leads to Gramartboden, a favorite local clearing that offers a sweeping panorama of the Inn Valley and the jagged peaks of the Serles and Habicht to the south. The journey concludes at the Höttinger Bild, a serene forest chapel steeped in local legend. Throughout this walking route, you will experience the unique lifestyle of Innsbruck residents who live with the mountains literally in their backyards. Whether you are interested in botanical science, religious history, or simply finding the best photography spots in the Alps, this exploration provides a deep dive into the soul of the city's northern slopes. Remember to wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as the elevation gain is significant, but the quiet forest trails and the crisp mountain air make every ounce of effort worthwhile.

Highlights

Panoramic views of the Inn Valley and the surrounding peaks

The legendary steep incline of Höttinger Gasse

The serene Innsbruck University Botanical Garden

Historic village atmosphere of the Hötting parish district

The peaceful forest pilgrimage site of Höttinger Bild

Gramartboden, a hidden meadow favored by locals for its vistas

Tour Stops (6)

Pfarramt St. Nikolaus

Start your journey in St. Nikolaus, the historic 'Anpruggen' district. This area was the first settlement on the northern bank of the Inn River. The parish office and the nearby church serve as the anchor for this colorful neighborhood, which has long been a home for working-class families and artisans. Notice the narrow, vertical houses painted in vibrant hues—a classic image of Innsbruck. Before you begin your ascent, take a moment to appreciate the riverside atmosphere where the city's medieval roots are still visible in the cobblestones and traditional storefronts.

Pfarrkirche Hötting

As you reach the heart of the former village of Hötting, you encounter its Old Parish Church. While Hötting is now a part of Innsbruck, it long maintained its independence as a farming village. This church, dedicated to St. Nicholas and later St. Leonard, features a striking cemetery that offers your first elevated view back toward the city center. The interior reflects the deep Catholic traditions of the Tyrol region, with ornate Baroque elements. The surrounding square still feels more like a mountain village than a district of a major city.

Höttinger Gasse

Prepare your legs for Höttinger Gasse, one of the most famous and steepest streets in Innsbruck. This historic thoroughfare was once the primary path for travelers and goods moving toward the mountain passes. As you climb, look at the architecture of the buildings lining the street; many have recessed windows and thick walls designed to withstand the mountain climate. This street is a favorite challenge for local athletes, and once you reach the top, you will understand why. The view looking back down toward the Golden Roof in the distance is one of the most iconic perspectives in the city.

Innsbruck University Botanical Garden

After the steep climb, enjoy a change of pace at the University Botanical Garden. Established in the early 20th century, this two-hectare site is home to over 5,000 plant species. It is particularly famous for its Alpinum, which showcases rare flora from the high Alps. This is a place of research and quiet reflection. Wander through the greenhouses or sit by the pond to recover your breath. The garden serves as a green lung for the Hötting district and provides a fascinating look at how plants adapt to the extreme altitudes of the surrounding mountains.

Gramartboden

Leaving the paved streets behind, you ascend toward Gramartboden. This wide, grassy clearing is a beloved recreational spot for Innsbruckers. It marks the transition from the residential neighborhood to the wilder slopes of the Nordkette. From here, the panorama opens up entirely, offering an unobstructed view of the Bergisel Ski Jump across the valley and the glaciers of the Stubai Alps in the far distance. It is the perfect spot for a break or a picnic, surrounded by the sound of cowbells in the summer and the scent of pine forest.

Höttinger Bild

Your final stop is the Höttinger Bild, a small pilgrimage chapel tucked deep into the forest. According to legend, a student in the 17th century brought a small painting of the Virgin Mary here and prayed for success in his exams. When his prayers were answered, the site became a popular place for students and locals to seek divine help. The current chapel dates back to 1774. It is a quiet, spiritual end to a rigorous walk, offering a moment of peace before you begin your descent back to the city center via the forest trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

This walk is considered challenging due to the steep elevation. The Höttinger Gasse is one of the steepest residential streets in Innsbruck, and the final climb to Höttinger Bild involves forest trails.