10 Great Reasons to Visit Innsbruck with Autistic Children

Travelling as a family with autistic children means we look for destinations that that are peaceful and calm, or have lots of sensory friendly activities — without sacrificing beauty or adventure. Innsbruck, Austria, was one of those rare places that ticked all our boxes.

Spring and summer is the perfect time to visit — when mountain air mingles with the scent of fresh flowers and the days are sunny but not too hot. In April the Easter Market fills the harbour side with stall holders selling the most delicious treats and large decorative eggs adorn the town.

We really had a fantastic time during our 5 night stay, and highly recommend it for families who enjoy spending time together outdoors.

Here are ten great reasons to choose Innsbruck for your next family adventure:

1. The Peaceful Alpine Scenery – And “The Top of Innsbruck”

Surrounded by snow-dusted peaks, Innsbruck offers a soothing natural environment. One of the most memorable activities of our trip was taking the Nordkette cable cars all the way up to “The Top of Innsbruck” at Hafelekar, where we had a brilliant alpine picnic!

2. Castle Ambras – A Quiet, Storybook Adventure

Schloss Ambras feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Surrounded by peaceful gardens and tucked into the hills above Innsbruck, this Renaissance-era castle is much quieter than more touristy spots. Inside, you’ll find beautifully curated rooms and collections, including armour displays and historical portraits — often fascinating for detail-focused children. The castle grounds offer a peaceful place to picnic, wander, or simply sit and listen to the birds. The boys were so excited to see their first actual peacocks, especially when one showed off all its feathers!

3. A Day Trip on the No. 6 Forest Tram

Looking for a gentle, scenic outing? The No. 6 tram from central Innsbruck to Igls is one of the city's best-kept secrets. Its absolutely perfect if your autistic child loves trains / trams or enjoys looking out the window in peace.

The bright red tram slowly winds its way out of the city and into the southern highlands and wooded hills beyond. It’s a soothing quiet ride through forested landscapes, and at each station there are miles of walking trails that are accessible to children of all ages. We had a brilliant day in the forest and found the most wonderful forest playground!

4. The Old Town & Family Friendly Easter Market

The old town is really beautiful, with traditional buildings, little side streets, plenty of cafes and the most stunning mountain views around every corner. Through in the famous golden roof and a dazzling swarovski shop and I was sold!

From mid-March through to Easter Sunday, the harbourside transforms into a festive market square. The Easter Market is gentle and low-key with stalls selling hand-painted eggs, traditional crafts, and delicious food – trust me, the potato tornado’s were to die for!

The market is typically less crowded than the Christmas market, and weekday mornings are ideal for a less busy experience. Children can enjoy the family tent with crafts and games, and the friendly stallholders are used to welcoming families.

5. Nature Walks, Parks, and Woodland Paths

For movement seekers or those who just need space, Innsbruck has easy-access nature all around. The Hofgarten, a large, peaceful park, has a fun playground, wide paths, fountains, and a lovely little café.

For more of a forest feel, the Panoramaweg or walks around Bergisel Hill offer gentle terrain and fresh air without the need to “go hiking” in a traditional sense. These environments offer quiet, regulated sensory input and plenty of freedom to go at your pace.

6. Direct flights and a small airport

One of the biggest wins? Innsbruck is just a 90 minute direct flight from London by plane, and the airport experience is ideal for children who need calm and structure. No endless corridors or overwhelming terminals—just a smooth, quiet arrival into a manageable, stress-free environment.

Taxis and buses are right outside the terminal, and you can be in the city center within 15–20 minutes of getting off the plane!

7. Great public transport

Once you’re in town, things stay easy. Innsbruck’s public transport is reliable and straightforward, with trams and buses running like clockwork. We used it loads and were very impressed. The city’s compact size means you won’t need to rely on long drives or complicated connections—everything is within reach.

8. Tyrol Panorama and the Innsbruck Ski Jump Trail

For a unique blend of culture, history, and light outdoor activity, head to the Tyrol Panorama Museum and Bergisel Ski Jump. This area offers a fascinating look at Tyrolean heritage through immersive exhibits and the impressive 360-degree cyclorama painting of a historic battle. It’s housed in a calm, modern space with accessible pathways. There is a very family friendly cafe / bar next door with amazing views, toys for kids and outdoor seating.

Right next door is the iconic Bergisel Ski Jump, a striking architectural feature that also functions as a viewing platform. You can reach the top via elevator, and the views over Innsbruck are expansive but not overwhelming. Although our route to the cafe and the museum took us up a pretty steep hill(!) I must admit I really enjoyed the views from the lookout, as well as seeing the Olympic Rings and the place where the Olympic flame had been lit. It was worth the effort!

The walking trail between the museum and the ski jump is easy to navigate and lined with benches, trees, and peaceful views—ideal for kids who enjoy a calm stroll with clear start and end points. It's a great way to balance sensory experiences: interesting visuals, manageable activity, and lots of open space.

9. Trying Traditional Food: A Tasty (and Often Fun!) Adventure

Austrian cuisine often leans toward comforting dishes with a range of textures and straightforward flavours – this was great for our kids who are very selective eaters and need a lot of routine in their meals. Here are a few favourites that our family had fun trying:

• Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel): Lightly sweet, soft pastry filled with spiced apple, served warm with cream or vanilla sauce.

• Wiener Schnitzel: Breaded and fried meat (usually pork, veal, or chicken), served with fries or potatoes.

• Local Cheese Platters: Creamy Tyrolean cheeses with crusty bread and pickles.

• Tornado Potato Sticks: Spiral-cut potatoes on a stick, crisped and topped with delicious spice blends like paprika and herbs.

It was a simple moment but being able to sit together in a quiet café in the old town and share a warm strudel and some other Austrian cakes was a real highlight for the whole family.

10. The Innsbruck Welcome Card+: Stress-Free Savings and Simpler Planning

If you're staying 3 nights or more in accommodation that's partnered with the Innsbruck Tourist Board, you'll automatically receive the Welcome Card+. This handy card includes:

• Free access to public transport, including buses, trams, and regional trains

• 20% discount on the Top of Innsbruck (Nordkette cable car)

• Discounts on museums, attractions, and guided walks

• Free rides on the No. 6 Forest Tram and selected nearby lifts

For families with autistic children, the predictability and simplicity of having free and discounted access to key experiences takes a lot of the pressure off and helps keep the day calm and manageable.

Final Thoughts: Innsbruck is a place where autistic families can truly breathe

Innsbruck isn’t just a destination—it’s a sense of ease. With manageable travel, kind locals, quiet beauty, and thoughtful perks like the Welcome Card+, it offers something incredibly special for families with autistic children who have to navigate the world a little differently.

Whether we were wandering through the Easter Market, taking in mountain views, or simply enjoying a peaceful tram ride through the forest, Innsbruck made us feel super welcomed, totally relaxed and very much at home.