Time for chilling, not check lists: slow travel in the Innsbruck region

Last updated on 11.08.2026 | Innsbruck Tourismus

Rather than rushing from one must-see destination to the next, more and more holidaymakers are opting for a new, more mindful way to travel – with a focus on conscious enjoyment, local life and immersive experiences in nature. With its leisurely transport options, hearty regional cuisine and alpine retreats where slowing down is simply the natural thing to do, the Innsbruck region is the perfect place for this.

Replenish your energy in the great outdoors

Nature is one of our most valuable sources of energy – especially when you experience it with all your senses. The Tantegert forest moor right on Innsbruck’s doorstep is the kind of place where you can do just that. You can easily reach this biotope from the city, either on foot or on the Waldbahn (“forest line”) tram. Once you’re there, you will find benches to pause and relax for a while, along with a Celtic tree circle and boardwalks for exploring the moor. If you feel inclined, you can carry on wandering through the forest and meadows to the idyllically situated Lanser See lake, where you can treat yourself to a refreshing dip in its inviting waters. If you would prefer some gentler physical reinvigoration, there are great opportunities on offer up on the Rangger Köpfl or the Patscherkofel – both reachable by cable car: yoga and pilates sessions against the stunning mountain backdrop create space for you to breathe deeply, revive your spirits and explore mindful movement.

Enjoy yourself with a clear conscience

Slow travel gives you time not only to discover more, but also to enjoy much more intense experiences. Culinary encounters are ideal for slowing the pace and consciously savouring the moment. A foodie-oriented cycling tour along the Genuss-Radweg route on the Mieming Plateau will take you past numerous farm shops full of local delicacies waiting to be tasted. And if you still have a little time to spare, why not stop for a bite to eat at the nearby Gasthof Stern inn? Here you can indulge in cuisine created from regional ingredients blended with fresh flavours harvested from the inn’s own fruit and vegetable garden. This inn is also the perfect place to stay if you like to support conscious ways to use environmental resources: its eco-friendly indoor pool is heated entirely with renewable energy, and if you travel there by public transport you will get a discount on your stay.

Shift into the slow lane

In the Sellraintal valley and its idyllic tributary valleys, it’s easy to leave the mad rush of everyday live behind you. The natural mountain landscape more or less compels you to shift down a gear. The ideal way to do this is by going on a leisurely walk, perhaps along the Besinnungsweg (Path of Reflection) in Gries, where old farms and viewpoints line the way as you wander to the Gothic pilgrimage church of St. Quirin. Seasoned hikers seeking a thoroughly immersive alpine experience will find just what they are looking for on the Sellrainer Hüttenrunde (Sellrain Hut Circuit). As you make your way along steep paths, far away from the hustle and bustle of life, you can breathe in the fragrant smell of the pine forests and drink in the mountainscape with its impressively ancient-looking peaks. And if you are craving a little more comfort after spending a few nights in rustic mountain huts, there is an array of welcoming accommodation on offer back in the valley, such as the Bastls Hof or Lexhof farms.

Move around mindfully

Sustainable travel starts right from the moment you leave your home. Thanks to attractive rail connections, such as the Nightjet from Amsterdam or Hamburg and more than ten direct long-distance services a day, it is easy to get to Innsbruck from far and wide without resorting to flying or driving. If you load the Welcome Card onto your smartphone beforehand, you can also travel from the station to your pre-booked accommodation free of charge – and you can even use it as a ticket for public transport and hiking buses throughout the region during your stay. Innsbruck is also a great place for exploring on foot, since everything you need is never very far away. The Walks to Explore offer fantastic opportunities to discover the capital of Tyrol at a leisurely pace, including one that takes you through “authentic Innsbruck”. Unlike a traditional city tour, this walk leads you to hidden corners of what was once known as the Anpruggen district, covering the quarters of Mariahilf, Hötting and St. Nikolaus. Establishments like haepinest [hæp.i.nəst] in St. Nikolaus will tempt you to pause occasionally for rest and refreshment. This café serves up home-made vegan and vegetarian treats, along with the finest third-wave coffee and naturally produced, unfiltered wine.

About the Innsbruck region

The Innsbruck region is unique in its symbiosis of vibrant urbane space and captivating alpine landscape. It covers both Innsbruck itself – the capital of Tyrol – and over 40 locations in the surrounding area, with six distinct tourist regions: Innsbruck, Inntal-Telfs, Kühtai-Sellraintal, Mieminger Plateau, Patscherkofel Region and Western Plateau. Innsbruck offers all the sights and sophistication of a thriving city, yet sporting thrills and opportunities to conquer your next peak are never very far away. The free Welcome Card offers guests the chance to experience the region in all its diversity, with access to various attractions and free use of local public transport. The official destination management organisation for the Innsbruck region is Innsbruck Tourismus. Its 100 or so employees and eleven tourist information offices are on hand to help you enjoy unforgettable holiday experiences in true harmony with our local communities and natural surroundings.

Further links
Website: www.innsbruck.info/en/
Blog: www.innsbruck.info/blog/en/
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