The Hofburg is one of the great Habsburg palaces of Austria, and it has stood at the northern edge of Innsbruck’s old town since the late Middle Ages. Archduke Sigmund and Emperor Maximilian I built it up into a residence, and in the 18th century Empress Maria Theresa had it remodelled in grand late-Baroque style, which is the palace you see today. A visit takes in the Imperial Apartments, a long sequence of state rooms and private quarters furnished with period pieces and portraits, including rooms associated with Empress Elisabeth, and the great ceremonial hall decorated with paintings of the imperial family. The separate Maximilian1 exhibition focuses on the emperor who made Innsbruck a capital of his empire. From 24 September 2026 to 10 January 2027 a special exhibition, Sisi as a Media Star, looks at Empress Elisabeth on film and stage, with film scenes, costumes, historical furniture and marionettes. This page links to the palace’s official page.
How to visit: the Hofburg is at Rennweg 1, opposite the Hungerburgbahn’s Congress station, and opens daily from 9:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:30. You can buy tickets for the Imperial Apartments, for Maximilian1, for the special exhibition, or in combination, and the all-three ticket is the best value on a first visit. Children and young people up to 19 enter free, and on Sundays two accompanying adults go free with them, which makes it one of the best family deals in town. The palace is barrier-free.
What to expect in November 2026: the palace is open as normal every day, and the Sisi special exhibition is running. Plan ahead for winter: the Hofburg closes for maintenance from 11 January to 7 February 2027. Guided tours can be booked by phone.
Making the most of it: start with the Imperial Apartments while you are fresh, then Maximilian1, and finish in the palace garden, the Hofgarten, across the road. The Court Church and Folk Art Museum are next door, so you can see the palace, the emperor’s cenotaph and the Golden Roof in a single morning.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided route through the Imperial Apartments and state rooms, plus the Maximilian1 exhibition and a seasonal special show.
Best time
Opening time on a weekday, or Sunday if you are travelling with children, when accompanying adults go free.
How long
Ninety minutes to two hours with all three exhibitions.
Tips
Buy the combined ticket for all three exhibitions, and note the maintenance closure from 11 January to 7 February 2027.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers who want to see how the Habsburgs lived in their Alpine capital.
- Families
- Under-20s enter free, and on Sundays two adults go free with them, so it is an easy family visit.
- Couples
- Walk from the palace across the Hofgarten for a quiet stroll after the state rooms.
- Pair with
- The Court Church next door and the Golden Roof a few minutes away.
- Time needed
- About two hours.
Good questions
What are the Hofburg Innsbruck opening hours?+
The palace is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:30. It closes for maintenance from 11 January to 7 February 2027.
Is the Hofburg free for children?+
Yes, children and young people up to 19 enter free. On Sundays, two accompanying adults also enter free.
What is the Sisi exhibition?+
Sisi as a Media Star looks at Empress Elisabeth on film and stage, with film scenes, costumes and marionettes. It runs from 24 September 2026 to 10 January 2027.
Which ticket should I buy?+
On a first visit the combined ticket for the Imperial Apartments, Maximilian1 and the special exhibition is the best value. Single tickets are available if you only want one.
Is the Hofburg accessible?+
Yes, the museum is barrier-free and was awarded the Golden Wheelchair for accessibility. Reduced tickets apply for visitors with disabilities.
