Ski jumping has been part of Innsbruck’s identity for a century, and the Bergisel hill on the southern edge of the city is where it happens. The jump hosted the Olympic ski jumping competitions of 1964 and 1976 and is a fixture of the Four Hills Tournament around New Year. The current structure replaced the old jump after an international design competition won by Zaha Hadid, and it was built between 2001 and 2002. Its slender concrete tower rises above the trees and ends in a curved head, a café and restaurant level that looks almost like a helmet, while the steep ramp sweeps down to the stadium bowl below. Two lifts carry visitors up to the tower and its terrace in a few minutes, and from the top you look straight down the in-run at the city, with the Inn Valley stretching away and the Nordkette rising on the far side. Even if you never intend to strap on skis, standing at the start of the jump gives you a vivid sense of the courage it takes. This page links to the official Bergisel website.
How to visit: Bergisel is on the southern edge of the city, near the Tirol Panorama museum, and is easy to reach by tram from the centre, with a short uphill walk from the stop to the ticket office. The lifts run up the tower, so the climb is effortless. The Bergisel SKY restaurant at the top serves breakfast, lunch and coffee with one of the best views in Innsbruck.
What to expect in November 2026: winter opening hours apply from November to May, Wednesday to Monday from 9:00 to 17:00 with last entry at 16:30, and the site is closed on Tuesdays. Like many Innsbruck venues it can close for a few days for maintenance in the low season, so check the official site before travelling. In early January the stadium is given over to the Four Hills Tournament, when access for sightseers is limited. The separate Restaurant 1809 at the foot of the hill closes at the end of December 2026.
Making the most of it: go on a clear day, ideally in the late morning when the light is on the city, and time a coffee or lunch at the top. If you visit while athletes are training you can watch jumpers fly past from the stands. Pair it with the Tirol Panorama nearby for the story of the 1809 battles fought on this hill.
What to expect
The experience
A lift ride to the top of Zaha Hadid’s tower, a panorama terrace above the in-run and a restaurant with views over the city.
Best time
Late morning on a clear day, any day except Tuesday from November to May.
How long
One to two hours, longer if you stay for lunch at the top.
Tips
Remember the Tuesday closing day in winter and check the official site for short maintenance closures in the low season.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Architecture fans and sports lovers who want a dramatic city panorama without going up a mountain.
- Families
- Children are thrilled by the view down the in-run and by watching jumpers in training.
- Couples
- Book a table at Bergisel SKY for coffee or lunch with the whole Inn Valley below you.
- Pair with
- The Nordkette cable cars for the view back across the valley, and the Hofburg on your return to the centre.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Is Bergisel open in November 2026?+
Yes, on winter hours, Wednesday to Monday from 9:00 to 17:00, and closed on Tuesdays. Check the official site for any short maintenance closures before you go.
Who designed the Bergisel ski jump?+
Zaha Hadid won the design competition, and the jump was built between 2001 and 2002. She also designed the Hungerburgbahn funicular stations.
Do I have to climb stairs to the top?+
No, two lifts carry visitors up the tower to the terrace and restaurant in a few minutes. The walk from the tram stop to the entrance is uphill.
Can I watch ski jumping at Bergisel?+
Yes, athletes train here regularly, and the hill hosts the Four Hills Tournament around New Year. Sightseeing access is limited on competition days.
Was Bergisel an Olympic venue?+
Yes, the hill hosted the Olympic ski jumping competitions in 1964 and 1976, when Innsbruck held the Winter Games. The current structure dates from 2002.
