Nordkette, Innsbruck: What to expect and how to get there on the cable car

What is Nordkette – and is it worth visiting?

Nordkette is the southernmost mountain chain of the Karwendel Alps, standing directly above the city of Innsbruck in Tyrol, Austria. Unlike many alpine destinations that require long drives or winding up steep mountain roads, you can start your visit to Nordkette from Innsbruck city centre via a funicular and a cable car, making it a perfect place to visit for travellers on short trips.

The name refers to the ‘north chain’ of mountains that form a stunningly beautiful and dramatic natural wall behind Innsbruck. The peaks rise steeply from the Inn Valley, the raw alpine wilderness above creating an unusual contrast with the medieval streets, colourful buildings and baroque churches of the city below.Nordkette’s highest accessible point, Hafelekar, reaches over 2,300 metres, offering stunning panoramas over Innsbruck, the Inn Valley and the surrounding Alps, and a trip to the top should not be missed by any visitor to Innsbruck. 

Why Nordkette is one of the best things to do in Innsbruck

Nordkette isn’t just a popular attraction – it’s iconic. It is, in fact, Austria’s largest nature park, and it consistently ranks as one of the top attractions in Innsbruck because of its

Unmatched accessibility – there are very few cities which allow you to reach high-alpine terrain as quickly 

Year-round appeal – visitors can go any in any season and experience snowy winter landscapes, green summer hiking and crisp autumn views

Spectacular viewpoints – on clear days, views can stretch all the way to Italy

Architectural interest – the futuristic cable car stations were designed by the architect Zaha Hadid and are an attraction in themselves

For visitors short on time, Nordkette delivers a true alpine experience without the need for a car or complex planning.

How to get to Nordkette in three easy steps

One of the most impressive things about Nordkette is how easy it is to reach – you can be at the top in around 30 minutes with the cable car and lifts. Here’s how. 

Step 1: Innsbruck Old Town to Hungerburg funicular

The journey begins at Congress Station, located near Innsbruck’s old town. From here, the Hungerburgbahn funicular railway climbs steeply through tunnels and forested slopes to Hungerburg, a residential area overlooking the city. Ticketsstart from €8.40. 

The Hungerburgbahn stations are famous for their flowing, futuristic design by architect Zaha Hadid, adding a modern contrast to the alpine surroundings.

Alternative step: You can also take the J bus route from the city centre to Hungerburg station if you don’t want to take the funicular. 

Step 2: Hungerburg to Seegrube cable car

From Hungerburg, a cable car continues upward to Seegrube, which lies at around 1,900 metres above the city. This is where many visitors choose to stop, especially in winter. 

At Seegrube, you’ll find:

• A large panoramic terrace
• A restaurant with outdoor seating
• Stunning views directly over Innsbruck
• The Path of Perspectives walking trail

Queues to get into the cable car can be long, so do allow time for waiting and make sure that you’ll have enough time to get up to the top and enjoy your time but also catch the last cable car back down. 

Also note that you get a 20% discount if you take the cable car 9.30 a.m. and after 3 p.m.

Step 3: Seegrube to Hafelekar cable car

For those who want the full experience, the final cable car continues to Hafelekar, the highest point accessible by the Nordkette cable car. Here, the landscape becomes stark and dramatic, with sharp ridgelines and deep alpine silence.

Return cable car tickets currently cost €56.00. You can buy them from the ticket office at Hungerburg, or buy online. 

Nordkette in Winter

Winter transforms Nordkette into a dramatic alpine landscape.

Highlights include:

• Snow-covered peaks above Innsbruck
• Winter hiking routes
• Skiing and snowboarding at Seegrube
• Crisp air and exceptional visibility

Unlike a lot of large ski resorts, Nordkette feels raw and untamed. It’s particularly popular with advanced skiers and those looking for a more rugged mountain atmosphere.

Nordkette in Summer

In summer, Nordkette and the Karwendel nature park become a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. 

Popular activities include:

• Panoramic hiking trails
• Alpine photography
• Wildlife spotting
• Escaping the summer heat of the city

Temperatures up in Nordkette can be much cooler than those down in Innsbruck, making it a perfect summer escape.

How much time do you need for Nordkette?

Most visitors to Nordkette spend:

• 2–3 hours for a relaxed visit (taking in the Hungerburg + Seegrube)
• Half a day if continuing to up to Hafelekar or hiking the Perspectives Path

Nordkette works brilliantly as a half-day itinerary, especially when combined with exploring Innsbruck’s old town.

What to expect at the Top of Innsbruck

I visited in December 2025, just before the ski season began, when I was in Innsbruck for a short work trip. A colleague recommended it to me, and I’m very glad I decided to go for it.

Since I didn’t have winter boots and equipment, I decided to stop at Seegrube and not go up to Hafelekar. I had only planned to spend a little time there, but I was so blown away by the atmosphere and the amazing views that I ended up spending most of the day there, including a delicious lunch of gulash and sachertorte in the restaaurant. 

Walking away from the terrace, you’ll find the Path of Perspectives, which includes a bridge sticking out of the side of the mountain, affording incredible views across Nordkette. Since it was snowy and I didn’t have the right footwear, I didn’t attempt to get down to it, but some brave souls did.

The incredible views begin before you’ve even stepped foot off the cable car, and only get better once you’ve stepped out on the terrace. The view across the valley and the Alps is simply breathtaking – you can sit for hours just staring at the rugged mountains and not get bored. 

As it was Christmas time, there was a DJ playing Christmas songs while people enjoyed a spritz or a beer on the terrace and kids and families played on sledges, so the atmosphere was really vibrant. Hearing Mariah Carrey and Wham! blasting out of such a wintry scene made my visit a lot of fun. 

Adding to the sense of awe was watching hang gliders launch themselves off the outcrops and glide serenely across the valley. It took me back to my own hang gliding experience in Nepal, but I bet it was much colder.

I definitely recommend a visit if you’re in Innsbruck. 

Practical tips for visiting Nordkette

• Check the weather before going – you don’t want to miss the views if it’s cloudy
• Dress for altitude, even in summer, since the temperatures can be quite cool
• Book tickets online during busy periods, and remember that queues can get quite long
• Go early or late for the best light and fewer crowds, plus the 20% discount on cable care tickets before 9.30 a.m. and after 3.30 p.m.
• Factor in time for queues so you don’t miss the last ride down

Is Nordkette worth it?

Absolutely – I had a blast, and I will definitely go back whenever I visit Innsbruck again, since each season has something different to offer. Nordkette is way more than just a viewpoint across the city – it’s an essential experience that defines the city. Being able step from urban life into high-alpine terrain in less than 30 minutes is rare, and Nordkette delivers it effortlessly.

Whether you visit in winter snow or summer sunshine, Nordkette offers one of the most memorable mountain experiences in Austria.

Final thoughts

Nordkette is more than just the top of Innsbruck – it’s a reminder of how closely nature and city life coexist in Tyrol and a fabulous experience for anyone. For first-time visitors, it’s a must-do, and for returning travellers, it’s totally worth revisiting in every season.

More to explore:

If European travel is on your list, these might help you plan your trip or inspire your next walk or visit:

My San Marino travel guide – how to visit the fifth smallest country in the world and why it’s like walking in a fairytale.

https://postcardsfromdan.com/2025/10/02/san-marino-travel-guide-day-trip-from-rimini-things-to-do-and-cable-car/

Or my guide on to the best photography spots in Rome.

https://postcardsfromdan.com/2025/04/26/rome-photography-guide-best-photo-spots/

And if you’ve been to Nordkette, or you’re planning a trip there or to Austria, feel free to share your tips and thoughts in the comments below.