Family-Friendly Adventures in Innsbruck, Tyrol!

Court Church (Hofkirche)

Why Visit?

Morning - Visit to Court Church (Hofkirche)

Start your family day out at the historic Court Church, also known as the Hofkirche or Cathedral of St. Leodegar, located in the heart of Lucerne, Switzerland. This iconic church, a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, was built during the 17th century. A must-see feature is the intricately carved wooden pulpit and the beautiful organ which is considered one of the most important in Switzerland.

*Getting There:* Hofkirche is easily accessible by public transport. Take bus number 1 from Lucerne train station and get off at the "Luzern, Hofkirche" stop. The church is just a short walk from the bus stop.

*Interesting Fact:* The Hofkirche is well-known for its twin towers, which dominate Lucerne’s skyline. Unlike many other churches, these towers survived a large fire in 1633.

Midday - Lunch by the Lake

After exploring the church, enjoy a leisurely lunch by Lake Lucerne, just a few steps from Hofkirchen. Pack a picnic or dine at one of the lakeside restaurants. The serene views of the lake and mountains provide a perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal.

Afternoon - Glacier Garden (Gletschergarten)

A 15-minute walk from Hofkirche, the Glacier Garden (Gletschergarten) is an exciting next stop. This natural monument offers insight into the ice age with glacial potholes and fascinating rock formations.

*Getting There:* Walk west towards Denkmalstrasse, then turn right onto Gletschergartenweg.

*Interesting Fact:* The Glacier Garden also contains a mirror maze, dating back to 1896, which is a hit with both kids and adults.

Evening - Return and Stroll

End your day with a gentle stroll back towards the city center. The lakeside promenade offers picturesque views during sunset, perfect for some memorable family photos. Grab an ice cream from a local vendor and soak up the last of Lucerne’s charm before heading back to your stay.

This curated itinerary covers a blend of historical, natural, and leisure activities, ensuring a fulfilling day out for the whole family in Lucerne.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Hungerburg Railway (Hungerburgbahn)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Visiting Hungerburg Railway (Hungerburgbahn)

Morning: Arrival and Ascent

Begin your adventure at Congress Station in Innsbruck"s city center, where you and your family can easily hop on the Hungerburgbahn. The funicular railway, redesigned by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, mimics Alpine glaciers with its sleek, flowing lines. The journey to the top takes about 8 minutes and offers panoramic views that are sure to captivate everyone.

Mid-Morning: Alpine Zoo

Once you reach Hungerburg, consider taking a short 5-minute walk to the Alpenzoo, one of the highest zoos in Europe. The zoo specializes in European mountain species, so you"ll see creatures you might not find in other zoos, such as ibexes, chamois, and the majestic golden eagle. It"s both an entertaining and educational spot, perfect for children and adults alike.

Lunch: Local Cuisine at Hungerburg

Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants or cafes in Hungerburg. Many places offer traditional Tyrolean dishes that allow you to savor the local flavors, like käsespätzle (cheese noodles) or Tiroler Gröstl (potato and meat fry-up), catering to both adult and child palates.

Afternoon: Nordkette Cable Car

Post-lunch, take the Nordkette Cable Car, which is adjacent to the Hungerburg station. This ride to the Seegrube Station at 1905 meters is thrilling and provides an awe-inspiring view of Innsbruck below. It’s a fantastic spot for memorable family photos!

Late Afternoon: Return to Innsbruck

Head back down on the Hungerburgbahn, enjoying the descent"s scenic vistas. Once back in Innsburg, stroll through the Old Town to see the famous Golden Roof or enjoy a relaxing walk along the Inn River before dinner.

This itinerary blends natural beauty with unique architectural achievements, making for an unforgettable day up and down the Hungerburgbahn with your family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Innsbruck City Tower (Stadtturm)

Why Visit?

Morning: Visit to Innsbruck City Tower (Stadtturm)

Start your family day out in Innsbruck with a visit to the iconic City Tower located in the heart of the old town. The tower offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the surrounding Alps. To reach there, you can easily walk from the main train station (Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof) which is about a 15-minute walk, or take the tram to nearby stops such as "Museumstraße" or "Anichstraße/Rathausgalerien".

Admission to the tower is family-friendly with reduced rates for children and students. Open from 10 AM, consider climbing the 133 steps to the viewing platform. As you ascend, share with the kids that the tower was built in the 1400s and was once used to watch for fires and other dangers.

Midday: Lunch and Stroll by the Inn River

After descending from the tower, head to the nearby market square for a traditional Tyrolean lunch. Try some local dishes like Tiroler Gröstl or Käsespätzle. Post lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the Inn River, which offers great spots for picturesque family photos with the colorful houses of Mariahilf as a beautiful backdrop.

Afternoon: Alpenzoo Visit

Conclude your day with a visit to the Alpenzoo, one of the highest zoos in Europe, which is just a 15-minute bus ride from the old town. You can take the Sightseer bus (Route 502) directly to the zoo. This unique zoo specializes in Alpine wildlife, and children can see and learn about over 150 species of native Alpine animals in an exciting and educational environment.

This itinerary blends a mix of historical exploration, local cuisine, scenic relaxation, and wildlife education, perfect for a family-friendly day in Innsilver.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Maria Theresien Street (Maria-Theresien-Strasse)

Why Visit?

Welcome to Maria-Theresien-Strasse, the vibrant heart of Innsbruck, nestled in the Austrian Alps! This bustling street is perfect for a family day out, filled with history, culture, and scenic views.

Morning: Arrival and St. Anne’s Column

Start your day arriving at Maria-Theresien-Strasse via the Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof (main station), easily accessible by bus or tram. Head straight to St. Anne’s Column, located centrally on the street. Erected in 1706, this monument commemorates the withdrawal of Bavarian troops on Saint Anne"s Day in 1703. It’s a great spot for a family photo!

Mid-Morning: Shopping and Café Break

Stroll down the street and enjoy a mix of modern and traditional shops. Treat the kids to some local sweets from one of the confectionery shops. Take a break at Café Munding, known as the oldest café in Innsbruck, dating back to 1803. Enjoy a traditional Austrian pastry while the kids sip on hot chocolates.

Afternoon: The Golden Roof and Imperial Palace

Walk towards the southern end of the street to visit the iconic Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl). This landmark features 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles. It was built in 1500 for Emperor Maximilian I to mark his wedding. Just a short walk away is the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Opt for a guided tour to see the lavish Habsburg staterooms—engaging and educational for all ages.

Late Afternoon: Triumphal Arch

Conclude your tour at the Triumphal Arch at the southern end of the street. Built in 1765 to commemorate the marriage of Emperor Leopold II, it also solemnly remembers the death of his father, Emperor Francis I. Its dual symbolism of joy and sorrow makes it a poignant historical site.

Maria-Theresien-Strasse is not just a street but a journey through time, blending the old with the new—a perfect family day in Innsbruck.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Swarovski Kristallwelten)

Why Visit?

### Family-Friendly Itinerary to Swarovski Crystal Worlds

Morning Arrival

Start your enchanting journey to Swarovski Crystal Worlds by catching a train or bus from Innsbruck to Wattens, Austria, where this glittering fantasy world is located. The trip is scenic and takes about 30 minutes, dropping you off conveniently close to the entrance.

Exploring the Giant’s World

Enter through the head of a giant, a fascinating work of art that heralds the magical experiences ahead. Once inside, start at the Garden of the Giant where crystal installations blend with nature to create a playground both kids and adults will love. Don"t miss the Crystal Cloud, composed of over 800,000 hand-mounted crystals, shimmering above a black mirror pool—a perfect spot for an unforgettable family photo.

Lunch Break

Around noon, head to Daniels Kristallwelten. This cafe and restaurant offers delightful meals and snacks with views of the surrounding gardens. It’s a great spot to recharge before you continue exploring.

Afternoon Activities

Post-lunch, dive into the Chambers of Wonder. Each room offers a unique universe created by artists inspired by crystals. Highlights include the Ice Passage and the Silent Light which features a crystal dome that is a favorite among children.

Playtower and Playground

Let the kids burn off some energy in the four-story Playtower, where each level offers different tactile experiences. The playground outside, with its unique equipment and ample space, is perfect for an afternoon of fun.

Departure

As your day ends, stroll through the Swarovski store, the largest Swarovski boutique in the world. It"s a great place to pick up a shimmering souvenir to remember your magical day. Head back to the bus or train station at Wattens for your journey back, filled with sparkling memories of a day well spent!

Interesting Fact: The Swarovski Crystal Worlds was opened in 1995 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Swarovski company and has since fascinated millions of visitors from around the globe.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.