Residences of the Habsburgs in Innsbruck

Imperial Palace Innsbruck

The origins of the Imperial Palace can be traced back to the Middle Ages and the first Habsburg sovereigns. Over the centuries it has undergone numerous changes.

The Imperial Palace owes its present appearance to the alterations carried out by Empress Maria Theresa in the 18th century. These gave the building a uniform and representative character in the Baroque and Rococo style.

During our guided tour we will visit:

• The state rooms from the time of Maria Theresa
• The Giant's Hall, the most beautiful banquet hall in the Alpine region
• The Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) Apartment

Immerse yourself in the personal lives of these two extraordinary ladies and learn interesting and amusing facts about the imperial household and life at court.

Afterward, we will be happy to guide you through the Habsburg Portrait Gallery.

Ambras Castle Innsbruck

Ambras Castle is one of the most important and beautiful sights in Austria. The Renaissance castle is set in an idyllic parkland on a hill on the outskirts of Innsbruck.

The Tyrolean sovereign Archduke Ferdinand II (1529-1595) had the medieval Ambras Castle converted into a magnificent Renaissance castle as a gift to his wife Philippine Welser.

For his extensive collections he built the Lower Castle and thus created the first museum building and the oldest museum in the world. Even today, a considerable part of these treasures can be admired in the three armouries and in the Chambers of Art and Wonders of Ambras Castle.

But Ambras Castle has much more to offer!

• The "Spanish Hall", the most important hall building of the late Renaissance
• In the Upper Castle, the actual residential wing, Philippine Welser's bath. This is the only completely preserved bathing facility from the 16th century.

All information at a glance:

Meeting point: Bus parking at the Hofgarten, Kaiserjägerstrasse 8 or by arrangement.
Transportation: A means of transport (bus or car) is required for this tour due to the distances involved.
Tour duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hours – If desired, it is also possible to visit just one of the two sights and to combine a visit to the Imperial Palace or Ambras Castle with a guided tour of the Old Town.
Admission fees for attractions and museums are not included.
Number of participants: for individual guests and groups

A second guide is recommended for groups of 35 or more people. For 20 or more participants, it is recommended that you bring a Quiet Vox system. Depending on availability, we can also provide audio equipment on site free of charge.