Everything You Need To Know About Hungerburg Funicular

About

Hungerburg Funicular is a popular attraction in Innsbruck, Austria that connects the city center with the Hungerburg neighborhood via a 2km long cable car ride. It was built in 1928 but was later redesigned by the architect Zaha Hadid and reopened in 2007. It offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. At the top, there are several activities such as a viewing platform, restaurants, hiking trails, and a cable car ride to the top of Nordkette mountain. The funicular station itself is a piece of art with its futuristic design and unique architectural elements. It is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Innsbruck.

Quick Facts About Hungerburg Funicular

Official name: Hungerburg Funicular
Location/Address: Rennweg 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Date of opening: 1 December, 2007
Timings: Varies throughout the year, typically 7:15 AM to 7:15 PM
Architect: Alois Negrelli (initially) and Zaha Hadid (during renovations)
Architectural style: Contemporary
Number of visitors per year: Approximately 800,000
Function: A funicular railway attraction, transport and viewpoint in Innsbruck, Austria.

Why Visit Hungerburg Funicular?

Breathtaking views: See Innsbruck from a new perspective at the top of Hungerburg Funicular.
Unique architecture: Experience the striking design of the funicular station, designed by Zaha Hadid.
Modern art: Explore the contemporary art exhibitions at the station, including works by prominent artists.
Nature trails: Take a walk on one of the nearby hiking trails and enjoy the picturesque Tyrolean landscape.
Fine dining: Savor delicious local cuisine at one of the several restaurants located inside the station.
Skiing: Take a ride on the funicular during the winter season to access the nearby ski slopes.
Adventure activities: Thrill-seekers can go paragliding or hang gliding from the top of the mountain.

Plan Your Visit To Hungerburg Funicular

Timings

Getting There

Facilities At Hungerburg

Visitor Tips

Opening hours during summers: From May to October, the funicular runs from around 7:30am to 8:30pm on weekdays and until 9:00pm on weekends and holidays.
Opening hours during winters: From November to April, the funicular operates from around 8:00am to 7:00pm on weekdays and until 8:30pm on weekends and holidays.
Closed on: The funicular is closed on December 24th and may have reduced operating hours on other holidays.
Best time to visit: During clear weather conditions, as the views from the top are most impressive when visibility is high. Mornings and early afternoons are also good, if you don’t want to run into crowds.

Address: Höhenstraße 145, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

Find on Map

By Car: Drive from Innsbruck City Center to Hungerburg Funicular takes around 10-15 minutes, considering the traffic conditions are normal.
By Train: No direct lines. Take the train to Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof (central station). From there, take bus line J or tram line 6 to the "Congress" stop, and then transfer to the Hungerburg Funicular, which is located next to the stop.
Total time taken: Approximately 20 minutes
By Bus: Take Line J from city center to ‘Congress’ stop. Hungerburg Funicular is right next to the stop.
Total time taken: Around 10 minutes
By Tram: Take Line 6 from city center to ‘Congress’ stop and then transfer to Hungerburg Funicular.
Total time taken: Around 10 minutes.

Modern and accessible stations with ticket counters and self-service machines.
Restrooms and seating areas available at the stations.
Dining options at the top station, including a restaurant and a cafe with panoramic views.
Souvenir shop selling local products and gifts.
Accessible for wheelchair users and strollers with some limitations.

Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes as the temperature and terrain can vary at different stations and trails.
Buy tickets in advance or online to avoid queues at the stations.
Check the weather and visibility forecast before visiting for optimal views.
Don't forget your camera or phone to capture the stunning views.
Follow the safety guidelines and instructions posted at the stations and on the trails.
Plan your visit early in the day or on weekdays to avoid crowds and long waits at the stations.
Consider getting the Innsbruck Card for discounted access to multiple attractions, including the Hungerburg Funicular.

Things To Do At Hungerburg

Hungerburg Funicular offers a range of exciting and unique experiences for visitors, including stunning panoramic views, architectural marvels, animal encounters, and cultural exhibitions. Here are some specific places and exhibitions to check out during your visit:

Innsbruck Panorama: Located at the Hungerburg middle station, this exhibition showcases a 360-degree panorama of Innsbruck, providing a unique and immersive view of the city and its surroundings.
Alpine Zoo: This zoo at the top station is home to over 2,000 animals and 150 species from the Alps and other mountain ranges, including brown bears, wolves, lynx, and eagles.
Zaha Hadid-designed Station: The futuristic architecture of the top station, designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, is an attraction in itself, offering a unique and modern aesthetic with stunning views of the mountains and the city.
Botanical Garden: Located at the Hungerburg middle station, this garden showcases a variety of plants and flowers from the region, including Alpine flora, cacti, and orchids.
Nordkette Cinema: This cinema at the top station features a short film about the natural and cultural history of the Nordkette mountain range, providing an educational and informative experience for visitors.

History of Hungerburg Funicular

The Hungerburg Funicular has a rich history dating back to 1906 when it was built to transport people to the Hungerburg area. Today, it is not just a transportation system but a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning panoramic views, exciting activities, and cultural exhibitions.

One of the significant milestones in its history was the opening of the Seegrube station in 1928, providing access to the Seegrube mountain. In 2005, the funicular underwent modernization, including the construction of the new top station designed by Zaha Hadid.

Whether you're looking for a quick and convenient way to get to the mountains or seeking a unique and unforgettable experience, the Hungerburg Funicular is definitely worth a visit.

Who Built Hungerburg Funicular?

Design by Alois Negrelli: The Hungerburg Funicular was designed by Alois Negrelli, an Austrian architect who is best known for his work on the Suez Canal. Negrelli's vision for the funicular was to provide a convenient and efficient mode of transport to the Hungerburg area.
Modernization by Zaha Hadid: In 2005, the funicular underwent a modernization that included the construction of the new top station designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Hadid's design has been praised for its futuristic and innovative style, featuring a series of interlocking spaces that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Cultural Significance: The Hungerburg Funicular and the Nordkette Cable Car, which it connects to, have been featured in various films, TV shows, and music videos, making them popular cultural attractions. These include the James Bond movie "Spectre," the Austrian TV series "Vorstadtweiber," and music videos for artists such as U2 and Coldplay.

Architecture of Hungerburg Funicular

While it was initially constructed and designed by engineer Alois Negrelli, Hungerburg Funciular has undergone some major architectural changes in 2007. Zaha Hadid reworked on the architectural style of the building, making it a mix of both modern and traditional elements, with a keen focus on sleek, curved lines and using materials like steel and glass. The building's most notable feature is its undulating roof, which was inspired by the surrounding mountain landscape. The interior of the station building features a variety of spaces for visitors, including restaurants, shops, and viewing platforms. Overall, the Hungerburg Funicular station is a stunning example of contemporary architecture that seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings.

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