These recommendations are centered on Innsbruck and Zillertal which are known for their infrequent but unpredictable changes in weather. It’s common for conditions to shift dramatically throughout the day, going from warm to rain, hail, and wind on very bad days. Be sure to bring warm clothes, good hiking shoes, and rain jackets if you plan to explore the trails!
Start your visit by wandering through Innsbruck’s charming Old Town, where you can admire its colorful buildings and medieval architecture. Be sure to stop by the Golden Roof, one of the city’s most famous landmarks, where Emperor Maximilian I once resided. The lively square around it is perfect for enjoying a coffee or people-watching.
Innsbruck is home to a variety of museums, making it a great destination for art and history lovers. Highlights include the Tyrolean State Museum (Ferdinandeum), which showcases Tyrolean art and culture, and the Museum of Tyrolean Folk Art, offering a glimpse into the region’s traditional life. For contemporary art, the Kunsthalle Innsbruck is a must-visit.
The Alpenzoo is one of the highest-altitude zoos in Europe, located on the slopes of the Nordkette mountains. It’s home to a wide range of Alpine animals, including bears, lynxes, and eagles. A visit to the zoo is perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike, and it offers fantastic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
For breathtaking views of the Alps, take the Nordkette cable car from the city center up to the mountain range. Whether you’re in the mood for hiking, climbing, or simply enjoying panoramic views from the top, this is a must-see. The journey up includes several stops, offering different perspectives of the city and mountains, with plenty of spots for scenic summer walks or rock climbing for the adventurous.
Located near the imperial Hofburg Palace, the Hofgarten is a beautifully landscaped park, perfect for a peaceful afternoon walk. The gardens are lovely year-round, and you can relax by the pond, enjoy the sculptures, or visit the pavilion often used for concerts.
One of Innsbruck’s iconic sports venues, the Bergisel Ski Jump, offers not only a look into the world of competitive skiing but also stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the city below. You can visit the top of the ski jump for panoramic views or even have a meal at the restaurant with a view.
Make sure to not miss the daily hop-on hop-off city bus tour to explore Innsbruck’s iconic sights at your own pace. Notable stops include some as mentioned above: Innsbruck City Center: Discover the Golden Roof and historic Old Town. Nordkette Cable Car: Enjoy stunning views and access to hiking trails. Ambras Castle: Explore the beautiful gardens and art collections. Olympiaworld Innsbruck: Visit the site of the Winter Olympics. Bergisel Ski Jump: Take in panoramic views from this architectural marvel.
moving on from Innsbruck, lets head straight on to things you can do in Zillertal - the place where the wedding and reception take place. It's the valley Marie grew up in and I'm sure you're going to love it's sights and views and will reluctantly agree that it's the most beautiful valley in Tyrol once you've explored it.
During the warmer months, Zillertal turns into a haven for hikers and nature lovers. There are countless trails that offer stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains. A particularly beautiful route is the hike to Platzlalm, which also happens to be the wedding venue. Surrounded by breathtaking Alpine scenery, it’s the perfect spot to soak in nature, and you can enjoy traditional Tyrolean cuisine at the mountain huts along the way. The Zillertal High Alpine Nature Park is another great area for nature walks, with trails suited for all fitness levels.
For those seeking adventure, Zillertal offers thrilling activities like paragliding and ziplining. The lush summer landscape of the valley provides the perfect backdrop as you soar through the air or zip down mountainsides. It’s an exhilarating way to take in the breathtaking views from a different perspective.
After a day of exploring, treat yourself to some relaxation at the Erlebnistherme Zillertal in Fügen. This thermal spa offers indoor pools, saunas, and wellness treatments, making it the perfect spot to unwind. It’s great for families too, with a variety of fun water slides and areas for children to enjoy.
The Zillertalbahn is a historic narrow-gauge railway that takes you on a scenic journey through the valley. Operating between Jenbach and Mayrhofen, the train offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and villages. It’s a great way to see more of the Zillertal region while relaxing in an old-fashioned train carriage.
Zillertal is also a paradise for cyclists. With its extensive network of biking trails, you can rent a mountain bike and explore the valley on two wheels. Trails range from easy routes for casual riders to more challenging mountain paths for experienced bikers.
Don’t miss a visit to the ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal, a working dairy farm where you can see how traditional Tyrolean cheese is made. Here, you can enjoy a cheese tasting tour, sampling a variety of fresh, locally made cheeses. It’s a fun and delicious way to experience the region’s agricultural heritage, and you’ll also learn about the production process from farm to table. Perfect for food lovers looking to indulge in authentic Alpine flavors.
For a scenic ride through the Alps, the Zillertaler Bergbahnen offer gondola rides that provide access to hiking trails, mountain restaurants, and stunning panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks. In the summer, the cable cars are a gateway to a range of outdoor activities like paragliding, hiking, and mountain biking. The lifts operate in various locations across Zillertal, making it easy to explore different parts of the region’s mountain landscapes.
Its the best cake you'll ever have.
...If you’ve read this far and are considering visiting some of the places mentioned, you’re guaranteed an awesome stay in Tyrol! This itinerary reflects a variety of activities that Marie, her bridal party, and her family love to do themselves—a true local treat!