Gothic oriel balcony of 2,657 gilded copper tiles, built around 1500 for Emperor Maximilian I; the Maximilianeum museum behind it explains the court of Innsbruck.
The Goldenes Dachl, or Golden Roof, is the emblem of Innsbruck and the most photographed sight in the Altstadt of Tyrol, Austria. It is a Late Gothic oriel balcony at Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, covered with 2,657 gilded copper tiles and built around 1500 for Emperor Maximilian I, who used it as a private box to watch tournaments, festivals and street performances on the square below. The balcony's front is decorated with painted stone reliefs showing coats of arms, court jesters and dancers, and the whole structure sits above an arcade of the former Neuer Hof, the late medieval residence of the Tyrolean sovereigns. Visitors see the balcony from the pedestrian street at any hour, and it is free to admire. For most people the visit is a short stop of 30 to 45 minutes combined with a stroll through the surrounding lanes, whose pastel burgher houses, arcades and shop signs make up one of the best-preserved medieval streetscapes in the Alps. The Maximilianeum museum, housed in the building behind the balcony, tells the story of Maximilian I and his court in Innsbruck through original objects, copies and multimedia displays, and gives access to a view of the roof from the inside. Allow about 30 minutes for the museum. The best photo angle is straight on from the square in front of the Stadtturm, where the Nordkette peaks can sometimes be included in the frame behind the rooftops, while a three-quarter view from the side arcades avoids the crowds standing in the middle of the street. Crowd patterns are predictable: tour groups arrive from about 10:00 and the street is busiest between late morning and mid-afternoon, particularly in July and August and during the Advent market season, when stalls fill the lanes. Early morning and evening are far quieter, and the gilded tiles catch warm low light at those times. Street musicians and cafe terraces nearby make a stop here natural before continuing to the Hofburg, the Cathedral of St. James and the Stadtturm, all within a few minutes on foot. Admission to the Maximilianeum is about EUR 6, and it is included with the Innsbruck Card.
| Admission | Street view free; Maximilianeum about EUR 6 (~$7), free with the Innsbruck Card |
|---|---|
| Hours | Museum: daily 10:00-17:00 in summer; the balcony is visible from the street at any time (check goldenes-dachl.com for seasonal hours) |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Early morning, before the tour groups arrive at about 10:00 |
| Getting there | On foot; the Old Town is pedestrian. Tram/bus stop Maria-Theresien-Straße is 4 minutes away |
| Address | Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, 6020 Innsbruck |
Location
Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, 6020 Innsbruck
47.2686, 11.3933 View on map
Highlights
- 2,657 gilded copper tiles on the Late Gothic oriel balcony
- Painted reliefs of court jesters, dancers and coats of arms
- Maximilianeum museum on Emperor Maximilian I and his court
- Medieval Altstadt arcades and pastel burgher houses around the square
Tips for visiting
- Visit before 10:00 or in the evening to avoid tour groups
- The balcony is free to view from the street; only the Maximilianeum charges admission
- Combine with the Stadtturm next door for an elevated view of the roof
- The Innsbruck Card includes museum entry
- Check goldenes-dachl.com for seasonal museum hours
When to visit
Early morning or evening, when the street is empty and the gilded tiles catch low light. Midday in summer and during the Advent market is the most crowded.
Accessibility
The balcony can be viewed from the level, cobbled pedestrian street, which is passable by wheelchair with some bumpiness. Visitors with mobility needs should check ahead with the museum about access to its upper floors.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Golden Roof take?
Viewing the balcony takes about 10 minutes, and the Maximilianeum museum adds roughly 30 minutes. Most visitors budget 30 to 45 minutes in total.
Is the Golden Roof free to see?
Yes, the balcony is visible from the street at any time at no cost. Only the Maximilianeum museum behind it charges admission, at about EUR 6.
Is it worth it for kids?
The balcony itself is a quick stop, and children usually enjoy the surrounding lanes and street performers. The museum is better suited to older children interested in history.