Silz: Innau, Mill and Culture

The Silz Innau is a rare remnant of a riparian forest in the Tyrolean Inn Valley and gives Silz an unusual natural accent. Those who enjoy taking a closer look while on holiday can get to know a landscape with a distinctive character here and include nature observation in their travel plans. More than 40 bird species have been recorded in the Silz Innau area; around 25 of them breed in the Silz riparian forest.

Access to the Silz Innau is via the road from Silz to Silzer Pirchet, followed by a walk through the underpass beneath the railway embankment. This makes it possible to plan the excursion as a separate nature experience. For families with different interests, it is appealing not to combine nature experiences with a fixed programme, but to alternate them with cultural and culinary discoveries.

Culture and History in Silz

The parish church of St Peter and Paul in Silz is a three-nave hall church with two bays. Its frescoes in the nave were created by Heinrich Kluibenschedl and his pupil Emanuel Raffeiner from 1903 to 1905. For travellers interested in culture, the church provides a specific opportunity to explore sacred architecture and painting.

St Petersberg Castle also tells the story of the town and the region. It is privately owned and can only be viewed from the outside. It was first mentioned in documents in 1090/97. Originally, it was Welf property or an imperial fief and the centre of the county in the Upper Inn Valley. Those interested in historic sites can therefore combine an external view with an exploration of medieval history without planning an interior visit.

Another insight into the region’s history of technology and resource use is available at the Silz Visitor Centre at the Silz power station: TIWAG offers guided tours there by prior arrangement. A planned visit thus complements the freely arranged explorations of nature and the town.

From Grain to Bread: Mill, Trails and Enjoyment

The Silz Mill combines craftsmanship and regional food. Silz potato bread is made there using grain and potatoes from local Silz agriculture. On the first Saturday of every month from March to December, bread-baking days with the sale of various types of bread take place. A guided tour of the mill museum is available on request and provides interesting insights into the history of the municipal mill.

The themed trail “From Grain to Bread” fits in well with this topic and includes various interactive and educational stations. It can be reached by bus route 8352 to the “Silz Kirchplatz” stop or by train to “Silz Bahnhof” station. These specific connections are particularly useful when planning a journey without your own car.

Those who prefer to combine regional specialities with a cycling tour can consider the Inntal Culinary Cycle Route. Along the route, 24 stations offer culinary treats such as honey, schnapps and fruit. The Inn Cycle Path runs along the banks of the Inn, gently descending and without any uphill sections. By contrast, the route to the summit cross of Faltegartenköpfl offers views of the Mieming Plateau and the Inn Valley.

Silz as a Base for Holiday Planning

When looking for a holiday apartment in Silz, you can make your preferred mix of travel experiences the starting point for your decision: The Silz Innau is ideal for nature observation, the church and castle for culture, the mill for regional traditions, and the cycle paths for active days. This allows you to choose accommodation in Silz according to your personal priorities, without having to assume any specific accommodation features.

The municipal area of Silz extends as far as Kühtai. For travel access, Silz has a motorway connection at Silz/Mötz as well as a railway connection operated by the Austrian Federal Railways. These two reference points help you consider your desired mobility as early as when choosing your holiday location. Families can therefore view nature, history, mill traditions and cycle paths as different ideas for days out and enjoy a varied stay.

Further local pages for travel planning: Sölden, Thannrain, Karrösten, Umhausen, Stams, Karres, Köfles.

For the higher-level travel overview: Imst.