A Christmas market experience like no other, Innsbruck provides the picture-perfect backdrop for a festive experience, with stalls set against the city’s dramatic mountain landscape, historic architecture, river and even a ski jump.
This year the Old Town market, held under Innsbruck’s landmark Golden Roof – built for the wedding of Emperor Maximillan I around 1500AD – celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Since 1973, the Christmas Markets have grown in popularity, and the Old Town Market is now one of seven held across the city, with other locations including the foot of the Nordkette Mountains, the landmark Bergisel Ski Jump and the historic Triumphpforte monument.
Innsbruck Tourism’s Marketing Manager, Colette Verra, said: ” Every year, Innsbruck puts on a quintessential Christmas display at its seven captivating “Christkindl” markets, featuring around 200 festive stalls.
“From the Golden Roof in the Old Town, all aglitter with festive decorations, to the majestic Nordkette mountains, an enchanting mix of art, culture and cuisine bestows a festive ambience – providing a Christmas journey like no other.”
Here’s the inside track on each of Innsbruck’s seven Christmas Markets and the dates they operate:
- Old Town (Nov 15 – Dec 23): The city’s oldest and grandest market, the Old Town Market hosts over 70 stalls, offering festive decorations and artisan crafts, all nestled among medieval buildings and set in front of Innsbruck’s famous Golden Roof. A treat for the senses, the scene is set with the glow of twinkling lights, traditional Austrian brass bands playing out from the towers and traditions in abundance.
- Maria-Theresien-Strasse (Nov 25 – Jan 6): Innsbruck’s central shopping street, Marie-Theresien-Strasse, transforms into a breathtaking display of crystal trees and lighting over the festival season, with quaint market stalls dotted throughout.
- Marktplatz (Nov 15 – Dec 23): There’s fun for all the family as the Marktplatz, under the famous Swarovski crystal tree, becomes a festive haven for young visitors against a fairytale location, with a puppet theatre, carousel and story time sessions all taking place against the waterside backdrop of the iconic coloured houses of Mariahilf, situated along the River Inn.
- Hungerburg (Nov 24 – Jan 6): Panoramic views of Innsbruck provide a captivating setting for this Christmas market, held at the foot of Nordkette mountains. The Hungerburgbahn funicular railway takes visitors almost 1000 feet above Innsbruck city centre to Hungerburg, where visitors can take in the panoramic views and a chance to savour festive Glühwein or schnapps.
- St. Nikolaus Oasis (Nov 24 – Dec 23): Named in honour of the season’s patron saint, the St. Nikolaus market in Innsbruck’s historic district provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle, and the chance to enjoy atmospheric music, homemade biscuits and handmade gifts.
- Wilten (Nov 27 – Dec 23): Head from the city centre through the Triumphpforte monument and Wilten’s Christmas market awaits, at the Wiltener Platzl, featuring traditional handicrafts and regional culinary delights.
- Kaiser Christmas Market at Bergisel (Nov 17 – Dec 23): Bergisel is home to one of Innsbruck’s most famous landmarks, Bergisel Ski Jump, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976 – and Eddie the Eagle famously braved the jump in the 1980s. Visitors can keep both feet on the ground, experiencing the spectacular panoramic views of the city while browsing traditional crafts and Christmas food stalls in this centre of alpine sporting tradition.
Innsbruck is just a few hours away from the UK, with direct services from Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle and Stansted.
From there it’s an easy and seamless transition, with a regular bus service from the airport straight to the heart of Innsbruck.
Innsbruck Tourism’s Welcome Card, provided with a stay of at least two nights at selected partner hotels and accommodation, continues this benefit of connectivity, including free public transport in the city, guided winter hikes and discounts on cultural highlights.
All the latest information on the city’s Christmas markets can be found at www.christkindlmarkt.cc
