Day trip from Innsbruck - suggestions ?

A few years ago, I had a day in Innsbruck. I had heard so much about Brenner Pass that I decided to see it for myself. I took the train up to Brennero, at the top of the pass, just into Italy. Brenner Pass, by the way, compared to Colorado Rocky Mountain passes, is a joke. I could have said, "Italy, check", and returned to Austria, but I decided to see a little more of the northern region of Italy. I took another train an hour down the valley to an Italian town, had a pizza, and returned to Innsbruck. If you haven't been to Italy, that might be a way to start. Another trip would be to go up the regional line towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Seefeld, at the top of the pass is a very pretty town, and you could also go on the Mittenwald before returning to Innsbruck.

You can take day trips by train to either the Stubaital or the Zillertal. Both have fantastic scenery and the opportunity for some great hikes.

I would suggest renting a car, and just start driving east or west. There are 50 peaks over 10,000 ft. within eyesight of the city. I prefer driving up into the mountains going from village to village just enjoying the scenery. The local roads are well paved and easy to drive if a little crooked. The Swarovski crystal experience is 10 miles east, and we've been there a couple of times. You could also visit the Garmish area (northwest) on the German border.
Neuschwanstein Castle is another popular tourist site just north of the border to the west of Innsbruck.

Hi Susan, If it's a clear day, I'd take the Nordkettenbahn funicular/cable car trip right from Innsbruck. Starting across the street from the Congress just outside the pedestrian zone, take the funicular/tram up to Hungerburg, overlooking Innsbruck. Here you board a cable car to the next station, Seegrube. From here you change cable cars and head to the top station, Hafelekar. The views are amazing. http://www.nordkette.com/en/the-mountain-in-summer.html http://www.worldisround.com/articles/362561/index.html If you want to spend the day outside of Innsbruck, I'd head to Mittenwald, Germany, about an hour away. It is THE quintessential Bavarian village with an alpine back. The Karwendelbahn cable car trip here is also worthwhile. http://www.alpenwelt-karwendel.de/en/mittenwald http://www.karwendelbahn.de/english/summer http://www.worldisround.com/articles/324763/index.html Just for clarification: the Brenner Pass is the LOWEST in elevation of alpine passes. Comparing it to "Rocky Mt." passes is an unfair comparison. Take the Stelvio Pass and then compare. Paul

Thanks so much for the information. I'm printing it out and keeping it in my files !
Sue

Another option is Hall in Tirol. It's just down the road, so easy by car or train, and has a really nice old center. It's good for a few hours of strolling and seeing the sights, more if you visit the museums (coin museum is the one I recall) and have a lunch.

Hi Susan... If you get a good weather day, my recommendation is to consider the lift at the Patscherkofel http://www.patscherkofelbahnen.at/en/summer/mountain-summer/hiking The website gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect, different trails and hiking times, etc. I prefer to ride the whole way up and hike back down. Don't forget your camera -- the photo ops will be awesome, reasonable footgear, to stretch before exercising, and note it'll be noticeably cooler up top. Oh, and check the website to make sure the lift is running. It shuts down for a while after summer hiking season and before winter ski season, but I think you should be all right. Enjoy!

Take the train to Mittenwald, Germany. The ride up the mountain is spectacular and it is an adorable town with the painted scenes on the buildings. It is a historical violin making town.