We kicked off the holiday season by visiting the Innsbruck Christmas Market on its opening day, and it was every bit as magical as you’d expect.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best markets, what to expect, tips to make the most of your visit, plenty of photos, and even a walking tour video to bring the experience to life.
Jump to:
Top Christmas Markets
The Old Town of Innsbruck has three Christmas markets within easy reach.
These are the main Christmas markets of the city, and the ones that should be on your bucket list!
- Old Town — The one at the heart of the city and the most traditional one.
- Market Square — Located on the Inn river side near the Old Town market.
- Maria Theresien Street — A huge car-free square, just down the street from the Old Town market.
Additionally, the city organizes Christmas markets in the following locations:
- Wiltener Platz — In the vicinity of the Maria Theresien Street.
- St. Nikolaus Christmas Market — On the other side of the town and the Inn river.
- Hungerburg — Christmas Market overlooking Innsbruck.
- Bergisel — At the Bergisel Ski Jump venue overlooking the city.
Photos & Walking Tour Video
What to Expect and What We Loved
We visited the old town and market square Christmas market on the opening day.
These two markets, including the Bergisel Christmas market, are the first ones to open in Innsbruck and Europe this season.
Honestly, I think you will be busy with the 3 markets in the old town, and you don't necessarily have to wander off to the Christmas markets outside town.
The old town markets offer everything that you need for a perfect traditional Christmas market experience.
Yet, if you want to have a panoramic view of the city, you will want to venture to the Bergisel or the Hungerburg Christmas market.
If you are visiting on a weekend and the main old town Christmas markets are loaded with people, head to the alternatives, the Wilterner and St.Nikolaus Christmas markets as they are within walking distance.
Tip: Look out for the small mini Christmas Market hosted by Augustiner Bräu for a more intimate, romantic Christmas market feel. Follow the Street of Giants to get there.
Old Town Christmas Market
I think the old town market is great anytime, day or night, as the medieval architecture sets the background for this enchanting market.
The Innsbruck Old Town Christmas market is special for a reason. Two themes set the scene, with a road decorated with fabled giants, and another retelling popular Grimm Brothers and Anderson tales.
You will find various sellers specializing in their craft. A few of the artists sell their products there, and if you get to chat with them, ask them questions about their products, they will be happy to assist you with your purchase.
The stalls are within a good distance of each other, which adds a spacious environment to the market, as it can get really full when people are queuing at the food stalls.
Tip: Head to the Golden Roof at 5:30 pm for the daily trumpet play. Look out for the kid's Marionette Theater in the street of tales.
Market Square Christmas Market
This is a much more compact Christmas market, with shops and food stalls placed in a row on both sides along the 4 entrance points.
Here you will find the iconic Swarovski crystal tree and the historic carousel. Newer attractions, such as the virtual reality Sledge rides, have kids immersed in another world.
Look out for unique shopping experiences and special Christmas market gifts in this Christmas market.
I recommend visiting outside the major visiting hours, as it can get super cramped.
More Christmas Market Reads
Comments
No Comments