Explore with Sailer - Innsbruck Old Town Church Tour

Our favourite stops

Welcome to Explore with Sailer – your go-to podcast for discovering Innsbruck’s hidden gems, cultural highlights, and active adventures. I’m your host, and today we’re taking you on a very special walking tour through Innsbruck’s most beautiful churches.

Innsbruck is famous for its breathtaking alpine backdrop and picturesque Old Town – but did you know it’s also home to an incredible variety of churches? From baroque masterpieces to peaceful sanctuaries, this city offers a spiritual and architectural journey like no other.

So lace up your shoes and join us on a mini pilgrimage – a peaceful, cultural half-day tour starting right at the doorstep of Hotel Sailer. No bus, no tram – just your own two feet and a sense of discovery.

Transcript for the Church tour through Innsbruck

Stop 1: Spitalskirche zum Heiligen Geist

Just steps from the hotel, tucked into Maria-Theresien-Straße, you’ll find our first stop: a charming little church surrounded by cafés and shops. Small in size, but big in atmosphere – and often overlooked by the usual tourist crowds.

Stop 2: Cathedral of St. James (Dom zu St. Jakob)

A gentle stroll through the Old Town brings us to Innsbruck’s majestic cathedral. Step inside and look up – the ceiling fresco will take your breath away. And don’t miss the famous painting Maria Hilf by Lucas Cranach the Elder – a true masterpiece of devotion.

Stop 3: Court Church (Hofkirche)

History buffs, this one’s for you. The Court Church, also known as the Schwarzmanderkirche, is home to 28 larger-than-life bronze statues guarding the empty tomb of Emperor Maximilian I. A place full of legends, power, and silence.

Stop 4: Wilten Basilica

Ready to leave the Old Town behind? A bit further out lies the stunning Wilten Basilica – one of Austria’s finest examples of Rococo architecture. Catch it in the sunlight and you’ll understand why this church is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Stop 5: Wilten Abbey (Stift Wilten)

Just a short walk from the Basilica, this Augustinian abbey will leave you speechless. Intricate altars, sacred art, and a deep sense of peace await inside this baroque jewel.

Stop 6: Jesuit Church

To wrap up our tour, we head back towards the center. The Jesuit Church offers a refreshing contrast – clean lines, elegant simplicity, and a perfect acoustic. If you’re lucky, you might hear a heavenly echo under the dome.

And there we are – back at Hotel Sailer after about two hours of inspiration, architecture, and quiet reflection. Why not treat yourself to a relaxed lunch or a refined dinner in our restaurant? You’ve earned it.

Explore with Sailer tip of the day: This self-guided walking tour is the perfect half-day activity for guests who love culture, history, and a bit of movement. And of course, our team at reception is always happy to help with directions, maps, or extra suggestions.

Thanks for joining us today. Until next time – stay curious, stay active, and keep exploring!