Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Innsbruck is that rare city where medieval charm, dramatic peaks, and effortless modernity come together. We spent one unforgettable winter day exploring it from the cobbled streets to the snowy heights — and the journey getting there was half the fun.
We kicked things off with a ride in ÖBB Business Class from Salzburg to Innsbruck — and it honestly set the tone for the entire day. Big windows, plush seats, excellent quiet, and a hot drink included. The scenery along the way? Just as breathtaking as what awaited us in Tyrol. It’s a small upgrade from First Class, but absolutely worth it if you like comfort and calm.
We started our day in the Altstadt, where centuries-old facades glow with baroque and rococo flair. The mix of soft winter sunlight and lightly powdered rooftops gave the whole scene a storybook quality.
Crossing over to the Inn River, we stopped to take in one of Innsbruck’s most iconic views: the row of pastel townhouses backed by craggy alpine peaks. You could spend hours here just watching the light change.
From the city center, we caught the futuristic Nordkette funicular and cable car system, which whisks you from cobbled lanes to ski slopes in minutes. The first major stop: Seegrube, offering panoramic views over the valley. This is where Innsbruck starts to feel truly magical.
At the very top, Hafelekarspitze, the views are downright celestial. The air is thin, the snow is crisp, and the peaks roll out like waves on a frozen sea. The white building you see here is part of the cable car station — stark against the open blue.
It’s hard to be cold when you’re this happy. We were absolutely buzzing from the views and the sun (and maybe the altitude). A mountain crow decided to photobomb for extra alpine character.
Standing along the summit ridge, you feel on the edge of the world. No clouds just pure blue sky and everything feels peaceful in that way only snowy mountaintops can.
At Seegrube on the way back down, we kicked back with the locals in deck chairs set directly in the snow. Sunlight, laughter, mountain views — and not a single ski required.
By evening, the Christmas market lit up the streets in gold. As the deep blue sky settled over Innsbruck and the Nordkette turned indigo, we strolled through twinkling lanes, warm drinks in hand, utterly content.
From baroque boulevards to snowy summits, Innsbruck delivered a day of contrast and cohesion. And arriving in style via ÖBB Business Class? It was the perfect prologue. If you’re looking for a winter escape that blends alpine majesty with Austrian charm — this is it.