Cool Innsbruck: We reveal the 5 coolest places in the region

Updated 20.07.2022

When it's 30 degrees in the shade, it's best to go in search of cooling off. Classically at the lake and in the outdoor pool, at the summer retreat in the mountains or at "cool spots" in the middle of the city - the Innsbruck region offers a variety of refreshment options for high summer temperatures: Whether mountain peaks, gorges, river meadows or pools - Innsbruck is really cool in summer! We show you where.

High up: The mountains around Innsbruck provide cooling and a viewWithrising temperatures, keep a cool head and don't lose your overview? Then head for the high mountains! Whether it's for a summer retreat in Kühtai at 2,020 metres above sea level, where temperatures are often 10 to 15 degrees lower than in the city, or for a "siesta" on the Nordkette, where there's always a fresh breeze: if you head uphill, it's cooler. In the mountains, the rule of thumb is: for every 100 metres in altitude, the temperature drops by one degree. In Innsbruck, you can practically choose your own daytime temperature in summer - and that is almost unique among the cities of the world. In just 30 minutes you are on the Nordkette with the Hafelekar at 2,334 metres. How cool is it there today? You can easily work that out for yourself!

"Inns-Bruck" and the cool zones: "Aloha in the Alps "As the name already says - this town lies on the Inn. And when it comes to water temperature, the mountain river is at home almost all year round in the single-digit degree range. Admittedly: It's nothing for swimming, but for "chilling out" and "putting your feet up", the sandbanks, meadows and squares along the green Inn are ideal. Already at the central market square with its cafés, the magical attraction of the Inn begins to take effect; a little to the west, it is mainly students who linger by the Inn on summer evenings. In the Inn meadows to the far west of the city, there is the opportunity to "get up close and personal" with the river. Where plane spotters meet sun worshippers, sports enthusiasts will find a special action: the opportunity - rather unexpected in an Alpine town - to go surfing. In upstream surfing, you are propelled by the natural force of the river and can reach speeds of up to 35 km/h over a distance of more than 300 metres. Even further out in the west, lonely sandbanks tempt you to sunbathe - sometimes without clothing. By the way: In the vernacular, the area is called "Hawaii" because of its beauty - so there is only one thing left to say: Aloha in the Alps!

Cool off in the "Klamm-heimlich": The most beautiful gorges around the cityAlittle exercise and a lot of coolness: Innsbruck's summer offers a refreshing selection of easily "hikable" gorges. We would like to present three of them to you here: The Mühlauer Klamm is located directly in the city of Innsbruck. The entrance to the gorge is at the foot of the Nordkette in the district of Mühlau, and the path is well signposted. It is easy to get there by bike, public transport or on foot. The Ehnbachklamm gorge in the town of Zirl is a true natural jewel, only a short journey from the town by public transport or your own car. The entrance is directly below the Kalvarienberg, on which there is a chapel that can be seen from afar. A little further away, but all the more spectacular for that, is the Klammsteig including a stairway through the rock. The starting point is in the market town of Telfs, just under 30 minutes by car from Innsbruck. Of course, you can also take the bus or train directly to the start of the gorge hike. You may need a little time for the excursions into the Innsbruck gorges, but they offer much longed-for refreshment!

Historical or modern: Relaxation like in the days of the emperor or fun and games in the parkInthe immediate vicinity of the historic old town, the Hofgarten Innsbruck is an island of tranquillity in the midst of urban bustle: laid out during Habsburg times and lovingly maintained to this day, it is a sight in itself at any temperature and time of year. In summer, however, the beautiful park is one of the best places for a short break. In the shade of time-honoured chestnut trees, on the banks of the pond or on a bench under the large pine tree, you can enjoy a moment of relaxation as in the days of the emperor. Not far from the city centre and right next to the popular Sillpark shopping centre is Rapoldi Park in the Pradl district. It is its "green heart", so to speak. As soon as it gets warmer, young and old are drawn to the park: sun-seekers spread out their blankets, employees of the surrounding businesses and schoolchildren enjoy their lunch break on the park benches, Frisbees and balls fly through the air and children race each other on the playgrounds.

Hot in the City - cool at the lake & poolForthose looking for quicker cooling off, there are numerous bathing opportunities in and around Innsbruck that invite refreshing visits. The Rossau bathing lake, known to locals as the "Baggersee", offers plenty of space for splashing around and swimming. The outdoor pools Tivoli and Olympisches Dorf also invite you to (sun-)bathe, while the green glittering Natterer See beckons. Other bathing opportunities are available at the Axams leisure centre, the Völser Badl and the Lanser See. A few minutes by bike or public transport are all you need to find refreshment.

About Innsbruck TourismusInnsbruckTourismus is the official destination management organisation of theInnsbruckregion, which stretches from the Tyrolean capital over 40 towns in its surroundings - from the Inntal to the Mieminger Plateau via Kühtai to the Sellraintal. With almost 3.5 million overnight stays annually (as of 2019), the Innsbruck region is one of the largest tourism institutions in Austria and is a unique symbiosis of vibrant urban space and fascinating alpine mountains. Diverse city flair and sightseeing are only a breath away from the next cycling or hiking tour, the next skiing or winter hiking experience. The free Welcome Card guest card is the key to the boundless diversity of the region: with the free use of public transport, up and across numerous highlights can be experienced sustainably and comfortably. For the approximately 90 employees, the guest is at the centre of their thoughts and actions. Through their enthusiasm for the alpine-urban area, they convey to their guests what their own heart beats for, and thus prepare unforgettable holiday experiences in harmony with man and nature time and again. With its total of 12 tourism information sites, Innsbruck Tourism is close to its guests, in the middle of the action and with its finger on the pulse - a hub for authentic stories and personal impressions of local characters, which can be found on the popular blog and social channels under #myinnsbruck.