Is the Bergisel Ski Jump worth visiting?

Yes, it is one of Innsbruck's most iconic landmarks. Even if you aren't a sports fan, the Zaha Hadid architecture and the panoramic views of the Alps and the city from the top are exceptional.

Is this walking tour Innsbruck suitable for children?

Absolutely. Children usually enjoy the 'sound room' at the Bell Museum and the large-scale painting at the Tirol Panorama. The ski jump elevator is also a highlight for families.

Can I see the Wilten Boys' Choir perform?

The choir frequently performs during Sunday mass at the Wilten Basilica (usually at 10:30 AM). However, you should check their official schedule as they often tour internationally.

What is the difficulty of this walking route?

The difficulty is moderate. The first half in the Wilten neighborhood is flat, but the second half involves a steady uphill walk to reach the Bergisel attractions.

What is the best time of day to start this walk?

Morning is best. Starting around 9:00 AM ensures the museums are open and allows you to reach the Bergisel Ski Jump for lunch at the 'Sky' restaurant with a view.

Is the Tirol Panorama museum included in the Innsbruck Card?

Yes, the Tirol Panorama, the Bell Museum, and the Bergisel Ski Jump are typically included in the Innsbruck Card, making it a great value for this specific route.

Can I do this walk in the winter?

Yes, but be careful of icy patches on the paths up Bergisel Hill. The views of the snow-capped Nordkette mountains from the ski jump are particularly stunning in winter.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Nestled at the foot of the imposing Bergisel Hill, the Wilten district offers a side of Innsbruck that many travelers miss. This self-guided walk invites you to explore a landscape where the ancient echoes of bronze bells meet the sharp, futuristic lines of modern architecture. Wilten is not just a neighborhood; it is the historical soul of the Inn Valley, serving as a religious and industrial hub for centuries. As you follow this walking route, you will witness the fascinating tension between tradition and innovation that defines the Tyrolean capital. The journey begins at a 400-year-old foundry, where the art of bell-casting remains unchanged by time. From there, the path leads through the spiritual heart of the city, visiting two of Austria's most beautiful religious sites. The Wilten Basilica, a masterpiece of Rococo design, stands in elegant contrast to the nearby Stift Wilten, a Premonstratensian monastery with roots stretching back to the 12th century. These sites offer a peaceful retreat from the city center and showcase the deep-seated faith and artistry of the region. As you ascend toward the Bergisel, the theme shifts from the spiritual to the heroic and the high-tech. You will encounter the monument to Andreas Hofer, the local folk hero who led the Tyrolean rebellion against Napoleonic forces. Nearby, the Tirol Panorama provides a 360-degree look at this pivotal history through one of the world's few remaining giant panoramic paintings. The climax of this neighborhood stroll is the Bergisel Ski Jump, a striking piece of contemporary architecture designed by Zaha Hadid. Whether you are interested in the meticulous craft of bell-making, the ornate beauty of Alpine churches, or the adrenaline-fueled history of the Winter Olympics, this walking route Innsbruck provides a comprehensive look at the city's multifaceted identity. Explore independently and at your own pace, taking time to enjoy the panoramic views of the Nordkette mountains that frame every turn of this half-day adventure.

Highlights

Witness the 400-year-old tradition of bell-making at the Grassmayr Foundry.

Marvel at the ornate Rococo interiors of the Wilten Basilica.

Explore the historic Stift Wilten, home to the famous Wilten Boys' Choir.

Stand before the monumental Andreas Hofer statue on the site of historic battles.

View the massive 1,000-square-meter circular painting at the Tirol Panorama.

Experience the cutting-edge design of Zaha Hadid’s Bergisel Ski Jump.

Tour Stops (6)

Glockengießerei Grassmayr (Bell Museum)

Start exploring with Zigway at the Grassmayr Bell Foundry, a place where time seems to resonate in bronze. Since 1599, the Grassmayr family has been casting bells that now ring out in over 100 countries. This is more than a museum; it’s an active workshop where the secrets of bell-making have been passed down through 14 generations. As you walk through the sound room and the foundry, you’ll learn how the 'mathematics of music' dictates the shape and sound of every bell. The deep, vibrating tones you hear are the result of centuries of refined Tyrolean craftsmanship.

Pfarrkirche und Basilika Mariae Empfängnis

A short walk brings you to the Wilten Basilica, widely considered the most beautiful Rococo church in Austria. According to legend, Roman legionnaires once worshipped a miraculous image of Mary here. The current structure, completed in the mid-18th century, is a riot of pastel colors, delicate gold leaf, and light-filled spaces. Take a moment to look up at the ceiling frescoes, which depict the life of the Virgin Mary. The basilica is also the home of the Wilten Boys' Choir, one of the oldest and most prestigious traditional choirs in the world.

Stift Wilten (Wilten Abbey)

Just across the street lies Stift Wilten, a Premonstratensian monastery that has served as a spiritual center since 1138. The entrance is guarded by two massive stone giants, Haymon and Tyrsus, who, according to local folklore, were involved in the founding of the abbey. The interior of the abbey church is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, featuring heavy red marble columns and a magnificent high altar. The quiet cloisters and the sense of history here provide a stark contrast to the bustling city center just a few tram stops away.

Andreas Hofer Monument

As you begin your ascent of Bergisel Hill, you encounter the bronze figure of Andreas Hofer. This site is hallowed ground for Tyroleans; it was here in 1809 that Hofer led a ragtag army of farmers and locals against the professional forces of Napoleon and his Bavarian allies. Though Hofer was eventually captured and executed, he remains a symbol of Tyrolean identity and independence. The statue, erected in 1893, looks out over the valley where these historic battles for freedom took place.

Tirol Panorama and Kaiserjäger Museum

To truly understand the scale of the battles fought on this hill, step inside the Tirol Panorama. This museum houses a breathtaking 1,000-square-meter giant circular painting (Riesenrundgemälde) that depicts the third Battle of Bergisel. It is one of the few remaining panoramas of its kind in the world, offering a 360-degree immersion into the 19th-century landscape and conflict. The adjacent Kaiserjäger Museum explores the military history of the Tyrolean Imperial Infantry, rounding out the historical context of the Bergisel site.

Bergisel Ski Jump

Your self-guided adventure concludes at the pinnacle of modern Innsbruck: the Bergisel Ski Jump. Designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid and completed in 2002, this structure is a blend of a sports facility and a work of art. Its organic, sweeping lines look like a high-heeled shoe or a wave frozen in mid-air. Take the elevator to the terrace for a panoramic view that stretches from the Nordkette mountains to the Serles peak. It’s a fitting end to a walk that bridges the gap between medieval traditions and 21st-century vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full self-guided walk typically takes 3.5 to 4 hours. This includes walking time and approximately 45-60 minutes at major stops like the Grassmayr Foundry and the Bergisel Ski Jump.