10 Souvenirs to Pick Up in Innsbruck

In the months leading up to Christmas, Innsbruck transforms into a magical winter wonderland, with markets popping up around the city bringing much-needed seasonal cheer. Some unique items you can pick up include tree hangings, wooden puppets, snow globes with a mountainous scene inside or Tracht-clad animals, all delicately and lovingly handcrafted. Try the market outside the Golden Roof in the Old Town for an authentically Austrian experience.

House shoes are considered an imperative in many Austrian households, especially when the snow starts to fall outside. Doggln are traditional slippers, made from felt, that are among the most frequently sported in Innsbruck and around the rest of Tyrol. You can find them at markets or shoe stores around the city.

Tirolean bacon – a type of ham flavoured with the sharp zing of juniper berries – can be picked up at farmers’ markets or in village butcher shops. The Market Hall farmer’s market, taking place Monday-Friday has many stalls where you can sample this specialty and the Farmers’ Market at Sparkassenplatz Square also has a wide variety. Some locals claim that the secret to perfecting the meat is the time given to the smoking process. As it usually comes conveniently vacuum packed, smell-free transportation shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

Tirolean grey cheese, named as such for the grey mold that grows on the rind, possesses an incredibly pungent aroma, therefore you’ll want to make sure it’s securely wrapped before taking it on the plane. Traditionally served with vinegar, oil and occasionally onion, or in a soup – it is a boldly flavoured cheese that is usually created by farmers in the Alps.

This peculiar, otherworldly grassy mound, located just outside Innsbruck, is the gateway to a blindingly glitzy underground museum that holds dazzling crystals, where you can pick up some sparkling souvenirs. Founded in 1995, to celebrate the anniversary of the company being founded, the ‘crystal world’ houses a rich collection of precious gems, arranged inside ’16 chambers of wonder.’ Alternatively, if this diamond-studded play park proves too trippy (and who could blame you), there is a store located in the Old Town where you can smother yourself in the shimmering stones.

The enchanting snow globe, now a staple in souvenir stores worldwide, was created in Austria by surgical instrument mechanic Mr Perzy I in 1900. He came up with the idea when attempting to improve the brightness of the newly invented electric lamp. There are a few Innsbruck monuments to choose as the setting inside your globe, including The Golden Roof or a mountain scene.

You will find a variety of animals around Innsbruck sporting the traditional attire but the cuddly bear is probably the most popular. These outfits, known as Tracht, comprising leather breeches for men and frilly corset dresses for the women, are originally from the Alpine regions of Austria. If you want to go full-throttle Austrian, then pick up an outfit for yourself — they are available in both children and adult sizes.