Innsbruck cable car to Hafelekar: 30 minutes to 2,300m

Nordkette cable car lifts you from Innsbruck streets to snowy Hafelekar in minutes

You’ll glide from Innsbruck’s lively center straight up to Hafelekar peak by cable car, watching the city fade into mountain silence in just half an hour. Expect wide windows for panoramic views, easy access for strollers or wheelchairs, and a real sense of being somewhere high above everyday life, even if your hair gets wild in the wind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Round trip to Top of Innsbruck

• Start at Rennweg 3, Innsbruck
• Take Hungerburg Funicular
• Ride Nordkette Cable Car to Hafelekar
• Enjoy panoramic views at 2300m
• Return to city center by cable car

The experience

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect the Nordkette cable car to feel so quick. One minute we were dodging bikes on Rennweg, and then suddenly, the city was shrinking below us. The glass windows steamed up a bit from everyone’s breath (it was chilly outside), but the attendant smiled and wiped a spot clear for us. You could see the roofs of Innsbruck laid out like a model train set. I kept thinking, how is this only thirty minutes?

The climb got steeper after Hungerburg. There’s this moment when the trees thin out and it’s just rock and sky, and someone behind me whispered “wow” in German. I think it was “Wahnsinn.” The air changed too, sharper somehow. By the time we reached Hafelekar at 2,300 meters, my ears popped and I could smell snow even though it wasn’t snowing yet. There were people with strollers and even a couple in wheelchairs. Nobody seemed rushed or out of place. It felt like everyone belonged up there for their own reason.

I tried to take a selfie but mostly ended up with wind in my face and hair everywhere (not my best look). Still, that view (mountains rolling off into clouds over Innsbruck) sticks with me. I overheard a local explaining something about avalanche fences to his kid. Little details you’d miss if you weren’t listening. We took our time before heading back down, not really wanting to leave that quiet above the city behind.

What’s included

Your day includes a round-trip ticket for the Nordkette cable car journey between Innsbruck’s city center and Hafelekar mountain summit (with smooth boarding whether you’re walking or using a wheelchair or stroller), and plenty of time to soak up those high-altitude views before heading back down again.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and WednesdayLast departure this season: 2 Nov

AgesAdult (20 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (16 to 19 years) · Child (6 to 15 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 10 · max 6 per booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen Betriebs GmbH

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (16 to 19 years); Child (6 to 15 years); Infant (under 6): free.

How long does it take to reach Hafelekar from Innsbruck?

About 30 minutes by cable car from the city center to Hafelekar mountain.

Is the Nordkette cable car wheelchair accessible?

Yes, every area along the route, surfaces included, can be reached in a wheelchair.

Are service animals allowed on the cable car?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board.

Does this ticket include round-trip travel?

Yes, your ticket covers both directions between Innsbruck and Hafelekar.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the starting point.