Innsbruck and Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol: A Luxury Winter Itinerary
Winter in Innsbruck is a blend of Alpine scenery, festive markets, and cosy mountain luxury — and this itinerary brings together the best of it. From modern city stays with rooftop views to secluded spa escapes high above the valley, this guide is designed to help you plan the perfect December getaway. Whether you’re here for Christmas markets, cable-car panoramas, or wellness time in the mountains, Innsbruck is a destination that keeps drawing you back.
Although the main purpose of this trip was to stay at the Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol and fully experience its world-class spa and mountain setting, I decided to add an extra night in the heart of Innsbruck to begin the journey. With December being such a magical time to visit — Christmas markets, festive lights, and snow-covered Alpine views — starting in the city felt like the perfect way to ease into the region before heading into the mountains for a deeper wellness escape.
Featured Hotels
aDLERS Hotel & Rooftop, Innsbruck
Modern, panoramic and perfectly placed for exploring the city.
Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol & Spa
A secluded Alpine luxury retreat with exceptional wellness facilities.
In This Itinerary, Discover
The best luxury hotels for a split city-and-mountain stay
How to fly to Innsbruck comfortably from the UK
The top festive and winter experiences in December
Christmas markets, Alpine viewpoints & mountain dining
Day trips, spa escapes and scenic winter activities
VIP travel-advisor perks when booking with The Private Traveller
Flight Recommendations
How to fly to Innsbruck in comfort: the smoothest routes, connections and lounges.
With having to fly from Edinburgh and many of the British Airways connecting flights from London, I often stay over at the Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel, to make it the perfect location for a morning flight from Terminal 5. With there being a choice of flights to Innsbruck, but which varied by day, flying on a Thursday and back on a Sunday (December schedule) meant that I was just able to connect easily without an overnight stay.
A reasonably timed flight from Edinburgh with an 1hr 45min connection in London (just enough time for breakfast in the Concorde Lounge), gets me to Innsbruck at 3pm. With the time difference on the way back, a lunchtime flight from Innsbruck gets me back to Edinburgh late afternoon, with time for an afternoon tea in the Concorde Lounge).
Luxury Accommodation Highlights
Where to Stay in Innsbruck
Adlers Hotel & Rooftop – Why I Chose This Property
I chose aDLERS Hotel for its unbeatable combination of contemporary design and panoramic Alpine views. It’s one of Innsbruck’s most striking modern hotels, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the city and mountains from every angle — perfect for a winter stay. The location makes it easy to explore the Christmas markets, Old Town, and Nordkette cable car, while the rooftop bar offers some of the best views in the city. Stylish, convenient, and very Innsbruck.
Fast Facts - Adlers Hotel & Rooftop
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hotel | aDLERS Hotel Innsbruck |
| Address | Bruneckerstraße 1, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria |
| Nearest Transport |
Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof – approx. 3–5 mins walk Innsbruck Airport (INN) – approx. 15 mins by car |
| Rooms & Suites | 75 rooms and suites, all with panoramic floor-to-ceiling mountain and city views |
| Dining & Bar Options |
aDLERS Restaurant & Bar (12th floor) with 180° views Rooftop terrace for drinks with Alpine panorama Breakfast restaurant featuring local Tyrolean products |
| Spa & Wellness | Small wellness area with saunas and relaxation rooms overlooking the mountains; access to partner wellness facilities available |
| @adlers_innsbruck | |
| Website | adlers-innsbruck.com |
| TripAdvisor Ranking | Typically within the top boutique/lifestyle hotels in Innsbruck (ranking varies seasonally) |
| Visiting | December 2025 |
Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol
A secluded Alpine retreat set high above the valley, Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol combines sweeping mountain views with exceptional service, spacious suites, and one of Austria’s most impressive spas. It’s the kind of place where the setting, design, and tranquillity all come together — making it a perfect winter escape or wellness-focused stay.
VIP Booking Benefits at Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol
This property is bookable through both the Fora Reserve programme and the hotel’s Preferred/Platinum partner programme when reserving with The Private Traveller x Fora Travel.
Guests typically receive:
Complimentary daily breakfast for two
$100 USD property or spa/dining credit (per stay)
Room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
Early check-in & late check-out (subject to availability)
Welcome amenity and personalised note from the hotel
Priority recognition as a VIP guest
Fast Facts - Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol |
| Address | Dr.-Hans-Liebherr-Alpenstraße 1, 6410 Telfs-Buchen, Tyrol, Austria |
| Nearest Transport |
Innsbruck Airport (INN) – approx. 30 mins by car Seefeld in Tirol train station – approx. 15 mins by car |
| Rooms & Suites | 282 spacious Alpine-style rooms and suites, many with panoramic mountain views and private balconies |
| Dining & Bar Options |
Six dining venues including the award-winning **Gourmet Restaurant** and half-board main restaurant Café Wien, cosy lounges, and a cigar room Afternoon tea and terrace dining with expansive Alpine views |
| Spa & Wellness |
One of the largest hotel spas in the Alps featuring: – 50,000 sq ft of wellness space – indoor & outdoor pools – extensive sauna village – full spa treatments & relaxation areas – state-of-the-art fitness centre |
| Activities |
Direct access to winter hiking trails Cross-country skiing tracks nearby Shuttle to Seefeld ski areas Luxury car transfers, indoor golf simulator, and seasonal activities |
| @interalpenhoteltyrol | |
| Website | interalpen.com |
| TripAdvisor Ranking | Consistently one of the top luxury hotels in Tyrol; among the highest-rated Alpine spa resorts |
| Visiting | December 2025 |
Things to Do in Innsbruck at December
Winter magic, mountain views and festive moments in the heart of the Alps.
I won’t be able to fit all of these into this visit, but Innsbruck has already convinced me it’s a place I’ll come back to — particularly for a dedicated stay at the Aqua Dome Thermal Spa and Hotel.
1. Explore Innsbruck’s Christmas Markets
December is peak festive season, and Innsbruck has six wonderfully atmospheric markets:
Old Town Market (Altstadt) – the classic one beneath the Golden Roof
Maria-Theresien-Strasse Market – modern, bright, beautifully lit
Marktplatz Family Market – carousel, food stalls, children’s activities
Hungerburg Panorama Market – Christmas market with mountain views
Wilten Market – local and more authentic
St. Nikolaus Market – quiet and traditional
Expect mulled wine, Tyrolean dishes, crafts, and Alpine Christmas vibes everywhere. The main reason for my booking was to visit the Interalpen Hotel Tyrol & Spa; so initially I didn’t think about the time of year and the Christmas markets, so these are going to be a really nice addition. Usually these markets can run from mid/late November through December to Christmas, or some into January New Year.
2. Ride the Nordkette Cable Car
One of the most iconic Innsbruck experiences. In just 20 minutes you go from the city centre to a 2,200m mountain viewpoint.
Do this for:
panoramic winter views
drinks at Seegrube
snowy walks
incredible photos of the city and Alps
If the weather is clear: this is unmissable.
3. Ski in the Nordkette, Axamer Lizum or Kühtai
Innsbruck is an urban base surrounded by Olympic-level ski areas. Perfect for half-day or full-day skiing.
Best December options:
Nordkette – advanced terrain, amazing views
Axamer Lizum – scenic + Olympic heritage
Kühtai – Austria’s highest ski resort → usually excellent early-season snow
Patscherkofel – great for beginners/intermediate
Skiing isn’t for me, but I definitely want to go up on the ski lift.
4. Visit the Imperial Palace (Hofburg)
One of the most important historic buildings in Austria outside Vienna. Beautiful Christmas decorations, warm interiors, and deeply tied to Habsburg history.
Pair this with:
Hofkirche (Court Church) – the stunning tomb of Emperor Maximilian I
Old Town wandering for truly magical medieval winter streets
5. See the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
In December this whole area feels like a fairy-tale scene — medieval facades, Christmas lights, markets, and mountain backdrop. Best at dusk.
6. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride Through Old Town
A classic winter activity — especially in the evenings when lights reflect off the cobblestones.
7. Go Ice Skating at the Olympiaworld Rink
Innsbruck hosted the Winter Olympics twice, and the rinks are world class. Open sessions run through December.
8. Visit the Tirol Panorama & Bergisel Ski Jump
Ski Jump designed by Zaha Hadid — incredible architecture
Panorama Museum — massive 360° painting of Tyrolean history
Views across Innsbruck and the valley
Take the inclined lift to the rooftop viewing platform. This is another thing that is a ‘must-do’ on my list.
9. Take a Snowshoeing or Winter Hiking Tour
Lots of options around:
Muttereralm
Igls
Stubai Valley
December typically has reliable snow at mid–high altitudes.
10. Relax at the Stubay or Aqua Dome Thermal Spas
An easy day trip. Warm outdoor pools surrounded by mountains — magical in winter. The Aqua Dome Thermal Spa (and Hotel) has been on my go-list for a while, but I hadn’t immediately realised that Innsbruck is the nearest airport for access, next up Munich. While it would be an easy day-trip from Innsbruck town centre, i really want to experience both the hotel and spa here, so I think this will have to be a separate visit
11. Try Traditional Tyrolean Food
December is perfect for hearty Alpine dishes. Don’t miss:
käsespätzle (cheesy pasta)
gröstl (pan-fried potatoes, meat, egg)
dumplings (knödel)
apple strudel
kiachl (fried dough with toppings — Christmas market favourite)
Why Book with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel
When you book through The Private Traveller in partnership with Fora Travel, you gain access to the world’s leading luxury hotel and cruise programmes — including Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Virtuoso, Marriott STARS & Luminous, Hyatt Privé, and Fora Reserve.
These elite partnerships mean you’ll always enjoy VIP recognition and exclusive extras at the same best-available rates. Typical benefits include:
Daily breakfast for two
$100 USD resort, hotel or onboard credit (varies by property or cruise)
Room or suite upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Early check-in and late check-out, whenever possible
Welcome amenity and personalised notes from the property
Whether it’s a five-star hotel stay, a private wellness retreat, or a maiden voyage aboard a new ship, I’ll design a bespoke itinerary with every detail curated and perfectly timed — so you can travel effortlessly, in true luxury.
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