From romantic walks and mouthwatering cuisine to igloo stays and tobogganing for two, Innsbruck – Austria’s ‘Capital of the Alps’ – is the perfect destination for couples looking to celebrate their love this Valentine’s Day.
Colette Vera, Marketing Manager at Innsbruck Tourismus said: “If you still haven’t picked out the perfect present for your true love this year, you’ll find just what you’re looking for in the Innsbruck region: from charming city streets to romantic Alpine scenes – and of course plenty of sporting adventures to get pulses racing – Innsbruck has all the ingredients for a perfect romantic get-away.
“Our recipe for romance is simple – take our seven magical ingredients, mix to taste and serve up as a surprise for the one you love.”
1. Romantic moments
Innsbruck’s old town, with its maze of alleyways and picturesque little eateries and boutiques, is absolutely bursting with charm. If you’re enjoying a leisurely evening stroll with your paramour, you can take the romance level up a notch by declaring your love at the Flüsterbogen – the ‘whispering arch’ – at Hofgasse 12.
Lovestruck couples will find plenty of perfect places beyond the old town too.
Take a wander through the enchanting grounds of Ambras Castle, the palace built by Archduke Ferdinand as a gift for the queen of his heart. For Valentine’s Day, the castle offers special guided tours on the theme of love.
Another palatial park – Innsbruck’s Hofgarten – also makes an idyllic setting for couples to walk hand in hand amongst its splendid collection of trees. And who knows? Maybe you’ll catch a kiss by its famous reclining Indian bean tree.
2. Unwind and relax
Accommodation that offers everything your heart’s desire – or where you’ve ‘got it made’ (‘fein haben’), as the locals would put it – is in plentiful supply here in the Innsbruck region.
From cosy rooms at the Weisses Rössl boutique hotel nestled in Innsbruck’s old town to real luxury of a suite complete with four-poster bed and chandeliers at the Hotel Schwarzer Adler.
For couples who love nothing more than bathing together, the ‘living bathrooms’ at Hotel Nala are just the thing, with a bath, bed and lounge area all in one space.
If relaxing in a spa is your preference, you could consider Hotel Schwarz in Mieming.
Or if you fancy something a little quirkier, you can even stay in an igloo at an impressive 2,000 metres above sea level in the Iglu Village in Kühtai. It may sound chilly, but hot fondue and snowshoe walks under the stars followed by a session in the sauna will keep you warm and cosy.
3. Passion and drama
Take your partner to the Innsbruck Winter Dance Festival – after all, is there any art form more expressive than dance? Produced by choreographer Enrique Gasa Valga, the festival will showcase a series of poignant and powerful performances from 30 January through to 2 March 2025.
One of the highlights on the festival programme is ‘Boléro’ – a production inspired by such universal themes as love, fate and human nature – featuring hypnotic dance moves set to fast and furious rhythms.
Fans of classical music will be delighted by the prospect of an evening concert at the Haus der Musik (House of Music) on Valentine’s Day itself, with the Tyrolean Symphony Orchestra performing masterful renditions of pieces by Mozart and Haydn under the baton of musical director Howard Arman.
4. Fun times together
If you’re keen to try something new, why not surprise your sweetheart with a truly original experience, like a pottery class at Innsbruck’s Töpferei Kathrein pottery studio. You could also while away a few hours getting creative at Pennelo in the city’s Saggen district, where you can enjoy a cosy pottery-painting session together.
For those who firmly believe that the way to the heart is through the stomach, a cookery course run by the Futterkutter could be just for you. This little eatery-on-wheels serves its fare in Franziskanerplatz at lunchtimes, so you can go and sample it for yourself beforehand too.
For coffee connoisseurs, paradise awaits in the form of coffeekult, an Innsbruck-based establishment where you can not only savour some exceptional coffee but also get brewing yourself by signing up for a barista workshop.
Or if you’re looking to spice things up a bit, head to Telfs, where you can enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the Thomas Weber mustard factory.
5. Outdoor adventure
Whether you’d rather be speeding down the ski slopes together, setting off on an invigorating snowshoe hike or taking a romantic walk through a snow-covered winter wonderland, winter in the Innsbruck region offers sport and leisure activities to suit any couple, with plenty of tempting opportunities to make you want to get out in the fresh air.
Our top tip for a truly enchanting adventure for two? Go tobogganing after dark in the Rangger Köpfl ski resort. On Tuesday and Friday evenings, you can easily take the Oberperfuss cable car up to Sulzstich before walking a short distance to the quaint Rosskogelhütte mountain hut. After spending a cosy evening in its warm and welcoming ambience, put on your helmets and headlamps and set off in tandem on a whirlwind toboggan ride down the mountain.
Remember: One cable car trip is included in the free Welcome Card for guests.
6. Temptation
What better way to round off your Valentine’s surprise than with a delicious meal? You can dine in style in Innsbruck at places like the Lichtblick rooftop restaurant with its view over the bright lights of the city.
For more breathtaking vistas while you eat, but earlier in the day, brunch in the SKY restaurant at the top of the Bergisel ski jump is an unmissable experience.
Vegetarians will relish the mouthwatering menus at Blum, while vegans will be won over by the delectable dishes available at Olive.
For traditional Tyrolean fare, head to the little village of Lans near Innsbruck, where you will find three inns – the Isserwirt, the Walzl and the Wilder Mann – all offering tasty local cuisine.
Our hot tip for something extra special – though we can’t call it a secret tip anymore, since it now features in both the Gault et Millau and Falstaff restaurant guides – is the Schwarzfischer restaurant in Stams. This establishment serves up wonderfully fresh fish caught locally.
7. Freedom to choose
The Innsbruck Card is a perfect present for your partner, presenting them with a host of options with free entry to 22 museums and attractions that are home to all the historical and cultural treasures the Tyrolean capital has to offer.
The card also offers free travel by public transport – including the Sightseer hop-on hop-off bus. More information is available online at www.innsbruck.info/en/sightseeing/innsbruck-card.
