How long does it take to walk through Innsbruck's old town?

A focused walk through the Altstadt takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but exploring the full folklore route including the walk to Wilten takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes. This allows time for photos and reading about the history of the landmarks.

Is the Innsbruck folklore walk suitable for families?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. The stories of giants and mountain spirits are engaging for children, and the route is mostly flat and easy to navigate with strollers, though the old town has some cobblestones.

Who was Giant Haymon?

Haymon is a legendary figure in Tyrolean lore, a giant who supposedly founded Wilten Abbey in the 10th century. According to the myth, he killed another giant named Thyrsus and later became a monk to atone for his violence.

Can I see the Golden Roof for free?

Yes, you can view the exterior of the Golden Roof and its famous gilded tiles for free from the square. There is a museum inside that requires a ticket if you wish to see the interior and get a closer look at the history of Emperor Maximilian I.

What is the best time of day for this walk?

Morning is ideal, specifically around 10:00 AM, to avoid the largest crowds in the Altstadt and to ensure the museums and churches are open for visitors. The afternoon sun also provides great lighting for photographs of the Golden Roof.

Is the route accessible for wheelchairs?

The majority of the route is accessible as it follows city sidewalks. However, the Stadtturm (City Tower) is only accessible via a narrow spiral staircase, and some parts of the Altstadt feature historic cobblestone paving.

Are there public toilets along the walking route?

Yes, public toilets can be found near the Golden Roof, in the Rathaus Galerien shopping mall on Maria-Theresien-Straße, and at the main train station near the end of the route.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into a world where the rugged peaks of the Nordkette mountains meet the whispered legends of the Tyrolean people. This self-guided walk through Innsbruck invites you to peel back the layers of history and discover the folklore that has shaped this Alpine capital for centuries. From the protective spirits of the mountains to the giants that supposedly roamed these valleys, the city's Altstadt is more than just a collection of beautiful buildings; it is a living storybook. As you wander through the narrow, medieval alleys, you will encounter the legacy of Emperor Maximilian I, the protector of the arts and the architect of the city's most iconic symbols. This neighborhood stroll takes you beyond the surface-level architecture to explore the symbolism hidden in plain sight, such as the grotesque masks of the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum and the enigmatic figures adorning the Golden Roof. You will learn about the deep-seated traditions of the Alps, where religious devotion and pagan roots often intertwine. The route leads you from the bustling heart of the old town toward the quieter, southern reaches of the city, following the path of ancient processions. Along the way, the towering mountains provide a constant backdrop, serving as a reminder of the wild nature that inspired the local myths. Whether you are intrigued by the stories of benevolent giants or the political maneuvering of the Habsburgs, this walking route offers a unique perspective on Innsbruck. By exploring independently, you can take the time to notice the intricate details of the wrought-iron signs and the weathered stone of the Triumphal Arch, all while uncovering the cultural soul of Tyrol at your own pace.

Highlights

The intricate masks and alpine traditions at the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum

Panoramic views and watchman stories from the historic Stadtturm

The mysterious relief carvings of the world-famous Golden Roof

The symbolic St. Anne’s Column in the heart of Maria-Theresien-Straße

The dual-themed Triumphal Arch representing joy and mourning

The legendary statue of the giant Haymon at Wilten Abbey

Tour Stops (6)

Tyrolean Folk Art Museum

Begin your self-guided adventure at the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, often cited as one of the finest heritage museums in Europe. This building holds the keys to understanding the Tyrolean soul. Inside, you will find the 'Perchten'—elaborate, often frightening masks used in winter festivals to drive away evil spirits. These traditions date back centuries and highlight the deep connection between the Alpine people and the cycles of nature. The museum also houses meticulously reconstructed wooden parlors from local farmhouses, showing how families lived through the harsh mountain winters. It is here that the legends of the mountains were whispered by the fireside, passing down stories of spirits and saints that still resonate in the region today.

Stadtturm (City Tower)

Standing tall over the cobblestones of the Altstadt, the Stadtturm has served as the city's watchtower for over 450 years. In the medieval era, the tower guards were the eyes of the city, watching for fires or approaching enemies. Legend has it that the guards had to call out the hour every night to prove they were awake. Climbing the steps offers a view that helps you understand why folklore here is so tied to the landscape; the mountains hem the city in so tightly that they feel like watchful giants themselves. From this height, you can see the layout of the medieval town, which remains remarkably intact, preserving the atmosphere of the days when these legends were born.

Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)

The Golden Roof is Innsbruck’s most famous landmark, built for Emperor Maximilian I around 1500. While the 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles are breathtaking, the real folklore lies in the reliefs. Look closely at the figures depicted on the balcony; they include acrobats and dancers in strange, contorted poses. Some historians believe these represent the 'Moriskentanz,' a popular folk dance of the time. There is also a long-standing mystery regarding the inscription behind the figures, which has never been fully deciphered. For centuries, locals have debated whether it is a secret code, a religious blessing, or perhaps a clever joke left by the Emperor himself to keep the world guessing.

Annasäule (St. Anne's Column)

As you walk down the elegant Maria-Theresien-Straße, you reach the Annasäule. This column was erected to commemorate the 'Bavarian Rummel' during the War of the Spanish Succession. On July 26, 1703—St. Anne's Day—the last of the Bavarian troops were expelled from the city. The locals viewed this as a divine miracle orchestrated by St. Anne. The column is made of red Tyrolean marble and is topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a symbol of Tyrolean identity and resilience, marking a moment where history and religious legend merged to define the city's character in the 18th century.

Triumphal Arch (Triumphpforte)

At the southern end of the main street stands the Triumphal Arch, a monument with a bittersweet story. It was commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa in 1765 to celebrate the wedding of her son, Leopold. However, during the celebrations, her beloved husband, Emperor Francis I Stephen, unexpectedly died. The arch was modified to reflect both events: the southern side depicts the joy of the wedding with festive motifs, while the northern side represents the mourning of the Emperor’s death, featuring symbols of grief and a profile of the widowed Empress. It is a striking stone representation of the duality of life, a theme common in many European folk tales.

Riese Haymon (Giant Haymon)

The final stop on this walking route brings you to the Wilten district to meet Riese Haymon. According to 10th-century legend, Haymon was a giant who lived in the valley. After a fierce and deadly battle with another giant named Thyrsus, Haymon felt a deep sense of remorse. Seeking atonement, he converted to Christianity and founded the Wilten Abbey on this very spot. You can see a larger-than-life statue of him guarding the entrance to the monastery church. The story of the repentant giant is one of the most beloved in Tyrolean folklore, symbolizing the transition from the wild, mythical past of the Alps to the established religious order of the Middle Ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best route starts at the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum in the Altstadt and moves south through Maria-Theresien-Straße to the Wilten district. This path covers major landmarks like the Golden Roof and concludes with the legendary statue of Giant Haymon at Wilten Abbey, a total distance of about 2 kilometers.