Overview
The Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) is Innsbruck's most famous landmark, a late-Gothic oriel window added to the Neuer Hof (New Court) residence in 1500. Its roof of 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles glitters above Friedrich-Straße, catching light reflected off the Nordkette mountains.
Highlights
- Gilded Tiles: 2,657 fire-gilded copper shingles weighing about 14 kg of gold create the distinctive gleam.
- Relief Panels: Carved reliefs depict Emperor Maximilian I with his two wives, dancers, and heraldic symbols.
- Maximilian Museum: A small museum inside documents Maximilian's life and the oriel's construction.
History
Emperor Maximilian I commissioned architect Niklas Türing the Elder to build the balcony in 1497–1500. It served as a royal box from which Maximilian could watch tournaments and festivals in the square below.
Visitor Tips
- The exterior is free and visible 24/7 — the museum inside costs €5.
- Best photographed in the morning when the east-facing tiles catch the sun.
- Duration: 10–20 minutes (exterior); add 30 min for the museum.