Innsbruck nears completion of tactile guidance system

A new guidance system for blind and visually impaired people in Innsbruck’s Old Town is almost complete, ORF reports. White strips and grooves in the paving are designed to help people find their way; legal questions and heritage protection delayed the work.

Six parallel grooves have been cut into existing paving stones, as was previously done at Boznerplatz square. Wide white strips on either side make the route easier to see, particularly for people with some remaining vision.

The system runs through much of the Old Town, including Marktgraben, Burggraben and Franziskanerplatz, and continues through several lanes to the Schwarzmander Church. Grooves are also planned in the arcades.

The need for a guidance system was established in April 2024 under accessibility requirements. Paving work was completed in summer 2025, but the guidance system was not installed at the time. Authorities had to agree on the design and route, and secure approval from property owners and the Federal Monuments Office. Some areas, including an arcade on Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse, are partly privately owned. The city aimed to preserve the Old Town’s historic appearance.

The route avoids the carriageway on Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse and instead runs through its arcades. Between Burggraben and the Golden Roof, it follows the eastern side, passing a pharmacy, the city tower with a public accessible toilet, the Hofburg and the cathedral.

Not every lane will get new grooves. Where the paving has not been replaced, including Stiftgasse and Riesengasse, existing drainage channels are to remain as orientation aids. The Blind and Visually Impaired Association of Tyrol welcomed the system, while noting that flower planters, outdoor dining areas and crowds make the Old Town difficult to navigate. Because the route is limited to certain paths and sometimes only one side of a street, challenges will remain. The city estimates the system will cost about 200,000 euros.