In Igls, archaeological evidence, church culture and mountain themes sit side by side. Goldbichl and the museum in the Haus des Gastes offer insights into early history; the pilgrimage church of Heiligwasser and the summer church concerts add their own distinctive touches. The Zirbenweg trail passes through an old stand of stone pines, while the Patscherkofel ski area offers a range of winter activities. To plan your trip, you can first consider whether culture, landscape or winter sports should shape your stay.
Goldbichl and the Museum in Igls
About 4,000 years ago, Goldbichl was a powerful sanctuary of regional importance. Along the archaeological trail, illustrated panels explain aspects of daily life and religious rites. In addition to the history of the sanctuary, they address how people lived at the time and which religious rites played a role. The panels connect the archaeological subject with everyday life and religion.
Further finds from the Goldbichl sacrificial site are on display in a small museum on the first floor of the Haus des Gastes in Igls. Several display cases contain metal and ceramic artefacts from the Bronze and Iron Ages. The collection also includes a nativity scene with hand-carved figures, traditional Huttler costumes and masks, and a winter sports exhibition. The museum thus brings together archaeological finds, religious customs and the history of winter sports. If you are particularly interested in prehistory, you will find a different way to explore it here than on the trail: the display cases focus on specific finds, while the trail explains everyday life and rites.
Heiligwasser and Church Concerts
The pilgrimage church of Heiligwasser was built in 1661. It is situated in the forest about halfway up the Patscherkofel and is a popular destination for excursions. Its history adds a different cultural-historical focus to the much older history of the Goldbichl sanctuary.
The parish church of Igls is a separate site: church concerts are held there during the summer months. If attending a concert is important to your trip, check the specific dates and plan accordingly. This helps distinguish this seasonal event from the cultural sites described as being open year-round.
Zirbenweg and Winter Activities at Patscherkofel
The Zirbenweg runs along the tree line at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, passing through a centuries-old, dense stand of stone pines. Views of the Inn Valley accompany the entire route. Here, the forest and views take centre stage; Goldbichl and the museum, by contrast, focus on cultural history. These different themes can help you decide between landscape and history when planning your stay.
The Patscherkofel ski area has a large beginner area, several practice slopes and a children’s area. There are also signposted ski touring routes and a panoramic snowshoe trail. The activities differ: the beginner area and practice slopes are part of the ski area, while ski touring and snowshoeing offer separate winter options. You can plan around whichever of these interests you, without treating them as one combined offering.
When looking for a holiday apartment in Igls, your travel focus may be the deciding factor: Goldbichl, the museum and Heiligwasser are associated with cultural history; the Zirbenweg with forests and views; and the ski area with a range of winter activities. If you would also like to attend a church concert, include its specific dates in your plans.
Discover more destinations: Zirl, Rinn, Volderau, Tulfes, Statz, Götzens, Aldrans, Mils bei Hall.
Go to the regional travel overview: Innsbruck-Land.
