Few cities let you leave a café in the old town and stand on a high Alpine ridge within the hour, and that is exactly what the Nordkettenbahnen do. The journey runs in three stages. The Hungerburgbahn funicular starts at the Congress station by the Hofburg, runs underground beneath the old town edge, crosses the Inn on a bridge and climbs to the Hungerburg plateau, and its flowing glass-and-steel stations were designed by Zaha Hadid. From the Hungerburg the Seegrubenbahn cable car rises to the Seegrube terrace at around 1,900 metres, with restaurants, a viewing platform and the start of the winter ski runs, and the short Hafelekarbahn completes the climb to the Hafelekar station near the summit ridge at well above 2,200 metres. From the top a few minutes’ walk on a marked path leads to the summit cross, with the city laid out far below and the peaks of the Karwendel Nature Park rolling away to the north. This page links to the Tiqets Top of Innsbruck roundtrip ticket, sold by the operator itself.
How to visit: buy the Top of Innsbruck roundtrip, which covers the whole route from the Altstadt station to the top and back and includes the small Cable Railway Museum, or the PLUS version if you want the Alpenzoo too. The funicular runs from early morning into the evening, the Seegrubenbahn from around 8:30 to 17:30 and the Hafelekarbahn until late afternoon, and the last ascent is roughly two hours before closing. In winter the Seegrube is a real ski area, so expect skiers and snowboarders in the cabins.
What to expect in November 2026: the operator closes all of its facilities, including the Hungerburgbahn funicular, for maintenance from 2 to 19 November 2026, so no lift runs on those days. The winter season starts on 20 November 2026 and runs to 25 April 2027. If you are in town during the closure, the Alpenzoo can still be reached by bus W and the views will have to wait for a later day, so plan your mountain trip for the second half of the month. At the top it is much colder than in the valley, and the summit path can be icy.
Making the most of it: go up on a clear morning, when the air is sharpest and the Stubai glaciers stand out to the south, and break the descent at the Seegrube for a drink on the terrace. On the first Friday of each month the Seegrubenbahn runs late into the evening, which is the moment to see the city lights from above. Bring a warm layer, sunglasses and proper shoes even on a sunny day.
What to expect
The experience
A funicular ride and two cable car stages from the old town to the Seegrube and Hafelekar, with terraces, restaurants and a short summit walk.
Best time
A clear morning from 20 November 2026 onward, before cloud builds over the ridge.
How long
Three to four hours for the full round trip with a stop at the Seegrube, longer if you hike.
Tips
Avoid 2 to 19 November 2026, when every lift including the funicular is closed for maintenance, and pack a warm layer for the top.
Quick picks
- Best for
- The single most spectacular experience in Innsbruck: high Alpine scenery reached straight from the city centre.
- Families
- Children love the funicular tunnel and the cabins, and the Alpenzoo stop on the way down makes a full family day.
- Couples
- Ride up on the first Friday of the month for the late Seegrube evening and the city lights below.
- Pair with
- The Alpenzoo at the Hungerburgbahn’s Alpenzoo stop, and the Golden Roof a few minutes from the valley station.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Is the Nordkette open in November 2026?+
Not at the start of the month: all facilities, including the Hungerburgbahn funicular, are closed for maintenance from 2 to 19 November 2026. The winter season begins on 20 November 2026.
How long does it take to reach the top?+
With the funicular and both cable cars, allow around half an hour of travel from the old town to the Hafelekar, plus any waiting time. Add a few minutes to walk from the top station to the summit cross.
What does the Top of Innsbruck ticket include?+
It is a roundtrip from the Altstadt station to the top of the Nordkette, with admission to the Cable Railway Museum. The PLUS ticket adds the Alpenzoo.
Do I need hiking gear?+
Not for the terraces, but sturdy shoes and a warm layer are wise, as it is much colder at the top. In winter the summit path can be snowy or icy.
Who designed the funicular stations?+
The Hungerburgbahn stations were designed by Zaha Hadid, who also designed the Bergisel ski jump. Their curved glass roofs look like frozen waves.
