Best Day Trips from Innsbruck

Living in Innsbruck for over 15 years, I’ve come to love how much this mountain city packs into a small space — whether that’s hiking above the Nordkette, skiing on the Patscherkofel, or wandering the charming Old Town. But even with all of that on your doorstep, there are times when you might want to explore a little further afield. Maybe the weather’s not playing ball in Innsbruck, or perhaps you’re keen to mix in some culture, history, or even a bit of cross-border adventure to balance out all that alpine air.

The good news? Innsbruck’s location makes it a perfect base for some fantastic day trips. Within a 1–3 hour drive — or in some cases, an easy train ride — you’ve got everything from royal castles and baroque towns to lakeside walks and even trips into neighbouring Germany or Italy. Some destinations are best explored by car, especially if you’re hoping to get off the beaten path, but plenty are accessible with public transport too.

Whether you’re craving a museum day, a thermal spa, a palace with a view, or just want to see what lies beyond the mountains, here are some of my top picks for day trips from Innsbruck that offer something a little different.

Day Trips within Austria 🇦🇹

Being situated in the heart of the Alps, Innsbruck is perfectly located for a number of day trips within Tirol, as well as slightly further afield. Here are some of my favorite day trips:

Lake Achensee

Travel time: 45 mins by car. 1 hour by train + bus.

Known as the “Fjord of the Alps,” Lake Achensee is Tyrol’s largest lake and a fantastic all-rounder for a day trip. Surrounded by the Karwendel and Rofan mountains, it’s perfect for combining lake views with mountain hikes, gentle walks around the lake, or even a boat cruise. The water is strikingly turquoise — and yes, cold — but great for swimming on a warm day.

The lakeside villages of Pertisau and Maurach offer relaxed cafés and scenic strolls, and the Karwendel and Rofan cable cars give you easy access to the mountains. In poor weather, the Atoll Spa or a ride on the historic steam cog railway can still make it a worthwhile trip.

Achensee is easily reached by car or by train to Jenbach, followed by a short bus ride to the lake. Instead of the bus, you could also take the steam cog railway from Jenbach up to the lake.

Ötztal Valley

Travel time: 1 hour by car. 1.5+ hours by train + bus.

The Ötztal is one of Tyrol’s most striking alpine valleys, stretching from the town of Ötz up to the glacier resorts of Sölden and beyond. It’s a paradise for outdoor lovers, with everything from hiking and biking to skiing and spa days.

For a mix of adventure and relaxation, visit the Ötzi Village open-air museum in Umhausen, take on the challenge of climbing the via ferrata next to the Stuibenfall waterfall (Tirol’s highest waterfall), or relax at the Aqua Dome thermal spa in Längenfeld.

For film buffs, don’t miss the 007 Elements installation in Sölden — an ultra-modern museum built inside the mountain at over 3,000 meters, where scenes from the movie Spectre were filmed. Even if you’re not a James Bond fan, the combination of architecture, film, and jaw-dropping views over the Ötztal Alps from the IceQ restaurant is worth the trip. It’s easily accessed via the Gaislachkoglbahn cable car from Sölden.

Ötztal is best reached by car, but you can reach it by public transport. Take the train from Innsbruck to Ötztal Bahnhof, and then change onto a bus that takes you deeper into Ötztal.

Hallstatt & the Salzkammergut

Travel time: 2.5 – 3 hours by car

The Salzkammergut is one of Austria’s most picturesque regions — think mirror-like lakes, alpine peaks, pastel-colored towns, and a deep cultural heritage rooted in centuries of salt mining. It’s perhaps best known for Hallstatt, the fairy-tale village perched on the edge of Hallstättersee, with narrow alleys, timbered houses, and dramatic mountain backdrops. Yes, it gets crowded, but visiting early or off-season makes a big difference.

Beyond Hallstatt, there’s much more to explore:

• Gosausee: A jaw-droppingly scenic lake with views of the Dachstein glacier — perfect for a short walk or just soaking in the views.
• St. Wolfgang & the Wolfgangsee: A charming village with lakeside cafés, craft shops, and the famous Pilgrimage Church with its winged altar. A boat ride across the lake is a great way to enjoy the surroundings.
• Dachstein Krippenstein: Visit the ice cave or hike to the Five Fingers viewing point for views above lake Hallstatt.
• Mondsee Basilica: For Sound of Music fans, the basilica in Mondsee was the filming location for Maria and the Captain’s wedding at the end of the movie. Although this pretty town is worth a visit even if you’re not a fan.

This region is best explored by car, as public transport is possible but can be time-consuming with multiple connections. It’s especially worth considering if you’re looking to escape rain or clouds in Innsbruck — the Salzkammergut often has better weather and a slightly milder climate thanks to its lower altitude.

Krimml Waterfalls

Travel time: 2.5-3 hours by car

Tucked away in the Hohe Tauern National Park, the Krimml Waterfalls are the highest in Austria and among the tallest in Europe, plunging an incredible 380 meters in three stages. It’s a spectacular natural sight — powerful, thundering, and beautifully set against alpine forest and mountain views.

A well-maintained trail leads up alongside the falls with multiple viewing platforms, so you can get close to the action (prepare to get a little misted!). The full walk to the top takes around 1.5 hours, but even a short walk gives you impressive views. The nearby WasserWelten Krimml visitor center is great for kids and rainy days, with interactive exhibits about water, nature, and climate.

Krimml is best reached by car and works well as a full-day trip, especially in warmer months. It can also be paired with a scenic drive over the Gerlos Alpine Road for some bonus alpine views.

Tip: Not sure whether to take public transport? Check connections on the Tirolean transport website VVT.at

Day Trips to Germany 🇩🇪

Because Innsbruck is situated in the narrowest part of Austria, it’s incredibly close to both the German and Italian borders. This means that while you’re staying in Innsbruck, it’s actually really easy to take a day trip across the border into Germany or Italy.

Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau & Linderhof Palace

Travel time: 2–2.5 hrs by car

For a day steeped in Bavarian royal fantasy, few combos beat Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, and Linderhof Palace. Start your day at Hohenschwangau, the childhood home of King Ludwig II, then head up to his most famous creation: the dreamlike Neuschwanstein Castle. While both are spectacular, Linderhof — about an hour’s scenic drive away through the Ammergau Alps — is often the hidden gem.

Linderhof Palace is the only one of Ludwig’s castles he lived to see completed, and it’s arguably the most refined — think French-style formal gardens, a gold-dripping interior, and whimsical outbuildings like the Moorish Kiosk and Venus Grotto. The palace is nestled in a peaceful alpine setting that’s usually much quieter than Neuschwanstein, making for a more relaxed experience to end your day.

A car makes this route much easier and more enjoyable, giving you the freedom to time visits and enjoy the beautiful countryside in between.

Tip: To fully enjoy these castles, you need to see them from the inside, which is only possible on a guided tour. Especially during high season, you should book your tickets in advance.

Schloss Herrenchiemsee

Travel time: 2.5–3 hrs by car/train + boat

If you’re up for a slightly longer but totally unique day trip, Schloss Herrenchiemsee is one of the most spectacular and surprising destinations within reach of Innsbruck. Built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a homage to Versailles, this lavish palace sits on an island in the middle of Chiemsee, Bavaria’s largest lake. It’s all fountains, marble, mirrors, and over-the-top grandeur — a striking contrast to the mountain castles like Neuschwanstein.

To get there, you’ll drive (or take the train) to Prien am Chiemsee, then hop on a short ferry to Herreninsel (Men’s Island), where the palace is located. The boat trip across the lake adds to the charm, especially on a clear day. There’s also a lovely walk across the island to reach the palace, and you can visit the more rustic Augustinian monastery on-site as well.

This is a fantastic cultural option if you’re looking to escape bad weather in Innsbruck, especially in spring or autumn. It’s best with a car for flexibility, but it’s also doable by train with a bit of planning.

As with Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, you can only visit the inside of the palace on a guided tour, which you’ll need to book in advance.

Mittenwald, Garmisch-Partenkirchen & Lake Eibsee

Travel time: 1-1.5 hours by car or train

This corner of southern Bavaria is packed with charm, mountain majesty, and picture-perfect stops — all within a short distance of each other and just over an hour from Innsbruck.

Start in Mittenwald, a beautifully preserved alpine town famous for its colorfully frescoed houses and long tradition of violin-making. The town has a relaxed feel and makes a great coffee or lunch stop. You can visit the Geigenbaumuseum (Violin Museum), or take a stroll along the Leutaschklamm Gorge — a spectacular, family-friendly walkway through a dramatic ravine right on the Austrian border.

Just 20 minutes away lies Garmisch-Partenkirchen, home to the 1936 Winter Olympics, the Partnach Gorge, and access to Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. Whether you ride the cable car or explore the historic old towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen, there’s plenty to fill a couple of hours.

Finally, head to Eibsee, a stunning emerald lake nestled at the foot of the Zugspitze. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Bavaria — and for good reason. Walk the scenic trail around the lake, rent a boat in summer, or just soak in the views with a drink at the lakeside café. Even on cloudier days, the setting feels magical.

This area is best explored by car, though trains and local buses can also link these destinations together with a bit of planning.

Munich

Travel time: 2 Hours

If you’re craving a dose of big-city energy, Munich makes for a rewarding and surprisingly easy day trip from Innsbruck. Bavaria’s capital is packed with world-class museums, grand architecture, beer gardens, and a walkable historic center. Start in Marienplatz to see the famous Glockenspiel, then wander over to the Residenz, the sprawling royal palace, or the excellent Deutsches Museum for science and tech lovers.

In warmer months, grab a beer and a pretzel in the Englischer Garten; in winter, Munich’s Christmas markets are some of the best in Europe. Shoppers will love the variety of boutiques and department stores, and there are plenty of indoor activities if the weather turns.

Trains from Innsbruck run frequently and directly, taking about 2 hours to München Hbf, which puts you right in the heart of the action — no car needed for this one.

Day Trips to Italy 🇮🇹

One of the unique perks of basing yourself in Innsbruck is just how quickly you can cross into Italy — not just geographically, but culturally and atmospherically. Within just a couple of hours, the alpine scenery gives way to Dolomite peaks, lakeside villages, and towns where gelato, palm trees, and piazzas take the spotlight. Whether you’re after dramatic landscapes, charming South Tyrolean towns, or a taste of Italian flair, these trips offer a complete change of pace without the need for an overnight stay.

Important note: From spring 2025, major road works are taking place on the A13 Brenner highway between Innsbruck and Brenner. This can lead to major delays, especially at weekends, so if you are traveling down to Italy, leave as early as possible and avoid weekend travel.

Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee (The Dolomites)

Travel time: 2.5 hours by car

Arguably one of the most iconic lakes in the Dolomites, Lago di Braies is the kind of place that looks like it was made for Instagram — a still, emerald-green lake ringed by dramatic limestone peaks and a picturesque wooden boathouse. It’s become famous in recent years thanks to social media and Italian TV series, so it’s best visited early in the morning or off-season for a quieter experience.

You can walk the 3.5 km trail around the lake (easy and scenic), rent a rowboat in summer, or simply enjoy the views with a coffee from the lakeside café. Even in cloudy or cooler weather, the landscape is incredibly atmospheric.

Reaching Braies from Innsbruck is most convenient by car, and the drive through South Tyrol is stunning in its own right. Public transport is possible via train to Franzensfeste and a couple of bus connections, but it’s a bit of a trek for a single day unless you’re staying overnight nearby.

Keep in mind that summer access is restricted by timed entry and parking regulations, so it’s smart to check ahead and book parking or shuttle spots in advance.

Seceda & Alpe di Siusi / Val Gardena

Travel time: 2.5–3 hrs by car

For an unforgettable day in the heart of the Dolomites, combining Seceda with Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) gives you two of the region’s most iconic mountain panoramas — and an incredible contrast of rugged peaks and rolling alpine pastures.

Start your day in Ortisei, a lovely village in Val Gardena, where you can take the Seceda cable car up to the dramatic ridgeline. From the top, you’ll be met with one of the most photographed views in the Alps: sharp limestone spires jutting out of the meadows like a natural cathedral. Even a short stroll along the ridge delivers jaw-dropping photo ops, and there are mountain huts if you want to linger over a coffee or lunch.

In the afternoon, head just 15–20 minutes by car to the Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest alpine pasture. This high plateau offers a softer, more peaceful feel — wide-open meadows dotted with huts and horses, with the jagged Sciliar and Sassolungo peaks looming in the background. You can walk or rent bikes on gentle trails, or simply soak in the views from one of the panoramic cafés.

Getting around: A car is highly recommended for this route, especially if you want to see both areas in one day. Note that Alpe di Siusi has driving restrictions during the day, so it’s best to park in Seis and take the cable car or shuttle up, depending on the season and time.

This day trip is best on a clear-weather day between late spring and early autumn, when trails and lifts are fully open.

Merano / Meran

Travel time: 2.5 hours by car

Tucked into a lush valley in South Tyrol, Merano is where the Alps meet the Mediterranean — quite literally. This elegant spa town is known for its mild climate, palm-lined promenades, and a unique cultural mix of Italian and Austrian influences. It’s a great choice if you want to swap snow-capped peaks for vineyards, historic arcades, and maybe even gelato in the sun.

You can stroll the famous Tappeinerweg trail for stunning views over the valley, explore the charming old town, or visit the beautifully landscaped Trauttmansdorff Castle Gardens, a highlight especially in spring and summer. Merano is also known for its thermal baths, so it’s a perfect bad-weather escape.

The drive over the Brenner Pass and through the Passeier or Etschtal valleys is scenic and straightforward, though it does take about 2.5 hours. Public transport is possible, but requires a few connections (train to Bolzano, then local train or bus), so going by car is much more efficient for a day trip.