Mittenwald or Innsbruck to see Mountains?

I have been to both, i prefer Mittenwald, especially if you like hiking.
Mittenwald is a small village and that is what i prefer, the scenery is fantastic! Innsbruck is also nice but more a city vibe. If Mittenwald lodging is too pricey, look in Seefeld in Tirol, also vey nice village and 15 minutes train ride to Mittenwald.

I should preface my recommendation by stating that I am not a city person. I definitely prefer the atmosphere in a small town; 80% of my stays in Germany have been in towns smaller than 20,000 population.

That said, I would also recommend Mittenwald (Pop 7300) vs. Innsbruck (Pop 120,000); it just has a more intimate feel. Seefeld, Austria (I've been to all three), is also nice, and small.

Mittenwald definitely has a mountain feel; I guess Innsbruck is also "in the mountain", but because of the size of the city, the mountains seem farther away. The main street in Mittenwald is a pedestrian only zone lined with cafes with outdoor seating.

I've liked Seefeld in Tirol for years. There is a funicular too. Innsbruck never appealed to me...

I wouldn’t bother with Innsbruck eithet. Have you considered Garmisch- Partenkirchen? Charming. You will have your mountains there with Zugspitze..

Having stayed in both places, my vote would be for the beautiful little mountain town of Mittenwald. If you stay there I recommend the Hotel Alpen Rose (ask for second floor front corner room). I would do both the Karwendelspitze and the Zugspitze. The drive up the Leutaschtal to Seefeld has wonderful alpine meadow views as does the drive to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. For really spectacular alpine scenery the drive up the Stubaital just south of Innsbruck is hard to beat. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is another very pretty alpine town.

Having been to both, I too, would prefer Mittenwald over Innsbruck. You might consider staying those two additional days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The scenery in that area is spectacular. You have the Zugspitz close by and the Eibsee and right near town is the Partnach Gorge. There are all kinds of walking and hiking trails nearby.

Another vote for liking Mittenwald better than Innsbruck for a multiple day stay.

As noted, Mittenwald is a village. Innsbruck is a city.

We love Seefeld in Tirol, halfway between both. From Seefeld take a train to either Mittenwald or Innsbruck in a few minutes. The train ride from Seefeld to Innsbruck is spectacular.

Another vote for Mittenwald. Innsbruck is surrounded by some spectacular mountains, but other than that, it can be another big city. The cable car is pleasant, but no comparison to the Zugspitze, where you are on top of Germany. Mittenwald is in more rolling hills, Bavarian countryside, but it's quite a charming part of Germany. Because the Zugspitze is so weather dependent, I would prefer to be in nearby Mittenwald to watch for a beautiful morning then hit the road to get there early. If you are staying in Mittenwald, it's less than an hour drive up and over the mountain to Innsbruck, if you want to see it.

If you go with Mittenwald, then I would encourage a walk to the Lautersee and farther to the Ferchensee. Mittenwald is nice, but the last 10-15 years has become much more touristic. There are many Ferienwohnung/holdiay apartments there, that I would recommend over a hotel. You need more time for the Inn valley and Innsbruck. The Inn valley is like a west to east highway to other branching valleys predominantly to the south to enjoy. You can see downtown Innsbruck and take the Funicular up in a day for a taste. Really good public bus transportation too. Alternatively, you could go to the Zugspitzareana area, Ehrwald, Lemoos, Berwang etc. Nice mountains, Zugspitz, Sonnenspitze etc. but no town center as Mittenwald. I'll admit I've not been up the Karwendelbahn in years, but it was nice then. The Kranzberg Sessellift is nice too and if you have time you can walk down to the Lautersee.

We are planning a similar trip to the OP. Do you need a rental car to fully enjoy the area near Mittenwald? Or can this be done by train?

Do you need a rental car to fully enjoy the area near Mittenwald?

I don't think so.

You can get around to many places on foot. Here's a guide + map.

Garmisch and Innsbruck are short train rides away. See rail (red lines) and bus (green lines) routes on map for travel to other destinations like Oberammergau, Ettal, Linderhof:

https://bahnland-bayern.de/files/media/bahnland-bayern/tickets/regio-ticket-bayern/Regio-Ticket%20Werdenfels/beg_gr_regio-ticket_werdenfels_2020-02_ansicht.jpg

A day pass called the Regioticket Werdenfels (€29/2 adults) gets you all around by train or bus (add-on fee to Innsbruck.) There are also bus-only day passes which you can buy from the driver.

The Regioticket covers the scenic rail route through Austria to Reutte as well (bus connection there to Füssen.)

Another vote for Mittenwald. One of our favorite places in the Alps. It’s like a quintessential Bavarian village with a magnificent alpine backdrop postcard! We have done the Hungerburgbhan-Tegelbergbagphn, Zugspitze and Karwendel a number of times. Since Karwendel is closest, I’d probably pick that, as the differences aren’t all that great. That said, since you’re so close, do the Zugspitze trip if you can. Why be that close and not see the tallest peak in Germany?

Paul

If you have any interest in musical instruments or like small town history, I found the Mittenwald Violin museum to be so interesting! The people working there were charming, too.

If you have the time to add it may I recommend taking the scenic mountain train ride into Innsbruck from Mittewnald. It is by far one of my favorite train rides anywhere in the world. The train clings to a ledge as it descends over a mile in elevation down into the Inn Valley. As you are approaching the town on the right hand side look down and you will sometimes see Boeing 737s or Airbus A320 family jets in the air that are lower than your train high up on the mountain while they land on the valley floor. It is an incredible ride and it is well worth taking it. Garmish also has a scenic line over to Kempton that I have not taken but I have heard remarkable things about as well. From Kempten you can connect to a train to the Bodensee at Lindau which is the largest lake in Germany. I highly recommend both options to you. Happy Travels

We love Mittenwald with all its charm! But, if you want to experience the area around Innsbruck, stay in Hall in Tyrol for a charming village experience.

Mittenwald by a mile.

MIttenwald, for sure.