Spending a bit more time in Innsbruck, Austria? After checking off all the things to do in our one-day Innsbruck itinerary, plan to explore more of the surrounding region or even drop into Italy or head into Germany with our picks for the best day trips from Innsbruck.

Surrounded by amazing mountain ranges, lakes, and quaint villages, Innsbruck has a lot to offer travelers but it also offers a lot as a home base for further exploration.

Near the border of surrounding European countries, Innsbruck can be a great spot to spend the night and then catch a train or guided tour to one of these great cities, in Austria, Germany, and Italy. 

If you’ve already planned your Innsbruck travel itinerary and have an extra day or two to add on another adventure, you might want to plan a day trip from Innsbruck to one of these incredible destinations. 

Day trips from Innsbruck

1. Swarovski Crystal Worlds

Near Innsbruck, this glittering site specializes in all things shiny. Take a tour through the treasure museum that showcases the more than 100-year-old history of Swarovski. Feel like a diamond in the rough as you wander through the Cave of Wonders, I mean the Chambers of Wonder, with 17 rooms of crystal art. 

You’ll also want to explore the garden that has magical sculptures, pools, and mazes. The Crystal Cloud is a famous piece that has 800,000 hand-mounted Swarovski crystals. You can’t miss this popular thing to do near Innsbruck with its striking Giant installation on the outside, a head covered in moss and spouting water into the pond below.

2. Salzburg

In about two hours, you can take a train with Rail Europe from Innsbruck to Salzburg. Trains start around 2:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and run about every hour and a half. Once you arrive at the 150-year-old train station in Salzburg, your musical adventure begins in the land of Mozart and medieval architecture. 

Discover a few of your favorite things in this charming town and possibly sing your best rendition of do re mi as you go fa, a long, long way to run! Spend some time marveling at the historic buildings, cross Mozart Bridge, visit Mozartplatz, and relax in a beer garden sampling some great Austrian brews. 

3. Kufstein

Between Innsbruck and Salzburg lies the medieval town of Kufstein and the Kufstein Fortress. See the cobblestoned streets, lake scenery, and cute town squares before visiting the fortress that’s been drawing in visitors for more than 800 years. 

The fortress sits on a hill and keeps watch over the town with its almost 300-ft. Emperor’s Tower and its Heroes’ Organ, which can be heard throughout the town as it plays in honor of the heroes of the past.  

4. Achensee

Love lake life or want to get out on the water with the stunning Alps surrounding you? Do as the locals do and head to the vacation destination of Achensee.

Take a swim, enjoy some water sports, or go hiking in this supremely scenic part of the Tyrol region. Lake Achensee is the Tyrol region’s largest lake and is surrounded by five villages – all offering great food and cultural activities. 

5. Neuschwanstein Castle

Visit the Bavarian castle of “Mad” King Ludwig II with a fun day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle. This castle is a must-see in Germany and not only is the tour of the castle itself incredible, but there are some great walking trails for amazing panoramic shots of the castle and surrounding beauty. Do note that photography and videography is not allowed within the castle. 

6. Mittenwald

Go into Germany to discover Mittenwald, a picture-perfect village with houses painted with colorful frescoes and a gorgeous lake. It’s about an hour train ride for this day trip from Innsbruck, and the views of the Alpine peaks alone are worth the effort. Indulge in some great German food and beer while here before heading back over the border. 

7. Verona

Follow the footsteps of Romeo and Juliet (maybe not all the way to the end) as you explore Verona with a little day trip from Innsbruck into Italy! The train ride is about three and a half hours and trains run about five times per day between the two enchanting cities. 

Call out for Juliet at Juliet’s Balcony, visit the Verona Arena, and treat yourself to some gelato in this beautiful Italian city. 

Plan your trip with our one-day Verona travel itinerary!

Have you planned a day trip from Innsbruck? Tell us where you went and any travel tips you can share in the comments below or on Facebook!