Innsbruck: The best tips for après-ski in the Tyrolean capital
From the pedestrian zone directly to one of the most spectacular ski areas in the Alps – and vice versa from the piste directly to the beer garden: This is only possible in the Tyrolean capital. Hip bars and restaurants await you in Innsbruck for Apres Ski – from steakhouses to vegan burger shops.
The Nordkette – Innsbruck’s legendary local mountain – is much more than just a classic ski area. Up here on the Seegrube, on the sunny southern slopes of the Karwendel, you can ski down the slopes – but most athletes don’t describe themselves as skiers and snowboarders, but rather as freeriders and freestylers who prefer to climb their lines in the steep chutes below the gondola lift look for the Hafelekar.
Especially in the last two months of the ski season, the Seegrube transforms from a small but fine ski area into a high theater high above the Tyrolean capital. In spring, when the sun slowly sets behind the Vordere Brandjochspitze – the highest peak in the Innsbruck Nordkette range – you head down to Innsbruck for apres ski.
Even skiers who prefer a classic ski area like the nearby Kühtai at more than 2,000 meters above sea level get on the bus in the direction of Innsbruck’s old town after a day’s skiing. Because while the snow is still piled high on the mountains, early summer has already arrived in the city.
Tips for the perfect stop-off
Cloud 9: The best view of the city is with a drink in the “Cloud 9” igloo bar on the Seegrube. Deckchairs invite you to relax after a day of skiing.
Café-Bar Hungerburg: The “Café Bar Hungerburg” – formerly “Hitt und Söhne” – is a bistro, café and bar at the same time, is located directly at the valley station of the Nordkette cable car and offers hungry winter sports enthusiasts delicious snacks and cakes.
Glorious Bastards: The “Glorious Bastards” restaurant treats meat fans to delicious creations – such as burgers, pizza and dry-aged steak to perfection. There are also various craft beers and sparkling aperitifs. The ambiance is hip and cozy.
Gorgeous Butcher: The “Glorious Butcher” is new – the restaurant chain’s first “Little Bastard”. Located directly on the market square in Innsbruck’s old town, burgers, fries, salads, beer and more are served here with the same passion as in the big “Glorious Bastard”.
Market bar on the Inn: The Marktbar is Innsbruck’s meeting place for sun lovers. It is characterized by homemade cakes and seasonal and regional dishes. Directly on the Inn not far from the market hall, it offers a wonderful view of the Nordkette and lots of enjoyment.
the naked indigo: Countless inspirations and taste experiences that the two owners have collected on their travels around the world come together in “the naked indigo”. There are vegan and vegetarian bowls, soups, hot pods, salads and porridge variants with fiery spices and exotic flavors.
John Montagu: John Montagu is a sandwich bistro that also hosts exhibitions. Guests will also find a café on the upper floor and a bar on the lower floor.
Hangover Noster: It is up to you when to stop here. You will be taken care of every autumn: during the day the “Kater Noster” is a café with a variety of waffles, cakes and desserts on offer and in the evenings a bar with selected beers, long drinks and cocktails.
Machete – Burrito Cartel: If you’re really hungry after a day of skiing, then the best thing for holidaymakers and winter sports enthusiasts is the “Machete – Burrito Kartell”. There are Tyrolean burritos and tacos made from regional ingredients, along with craft beer, lemonades and long drinks.
Mustache Cafe Bar: Just a few meters away from the Hungerburgbahn Congress station, you will find the Mustache Café Bar, a popular meeting place in Innsbruck. There are small snacks here and you can still play table football in your ski boots or try your hand at the selected drinks menu.
Abbey Cellar: Tyrolean specialties meet Bavarian beer here. The Stiftskeller is located in the middle of the old town and can be easily reached on foot from the Congress station. After a day of skiing, winter sports enthusiasts enjoy spring in the beer garden.
Greenhouse: The “Treibhaus” is a café, bar and cultural center and is only a few steps away from the congress. It offers snacks and meals as well as a varied selection of drinks. There are also concerts, readings and theater performances.