Discover Rattenberg: Glass, History and Views of the Inn Valley

Rattenberg combines a medieval townscape, Tyrolean craftsmanship and exceptional views within a compact area. The medieval pedestrian zone is around 200 metres long. Rattenberg’s cultural character also includes a parish church with a Gothic core, traditional glassmaking businesses and museums housed in historic buildings. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for a cultural and activity-filled holiday, you will find plenty of inspiration here for a variety of day plans – from glass demonstrations and guided tours to viewpoints, regional confectionery and an easy walking trail.

Experience Glass and Town History

Glassmaking is one of Rattenberg’s main attractions. The exhibition space built into the mountain by Kisslinger Glas showcases collectibles and art glass from the region and the Venetian area. At Kisslinger, you can watch glassblowers, glass grinders, engravers and glass painters at work. From May to October, there is also an opportunity to blow glass baubles on Mondays and Fridays from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. In the second Kisslinger crystal glass branch, individual designs can be engraved in glass.

Glasbläserei & Gravur Schlenz also represents this local craft tradition. The business continues a family tradition dating back to 1820 and is now run by the fourth generation as a mother-and-daughter business. For travellers who enjoy watching demonstrations, trying things out or looking for a special souvenir, this offers several ways to engage with the world of glass.

The parish church of St Virgil has two fully-fledged naves: the citizens’ nave in the north and the miners’ nave in the south. Its Gothic core was built between 1473 and 1506; the church is considered one of the principal works of the Hagau building workshop. The Augustinian Museum complements this with Tyrolean art treasures from nine centuries in an atmospheric monastery setting. From the viewing platform of the museum tower, you can look out over the rooftops of Rattenberg and the Inn Valley.

Historic Houses and Exceptional Views

The Nagelschmied houses are home to a museum of crafts and art featuring children’s beds, wood-panelled rooms, originally furnished bedrooms, antiques, information about shipping on the Inn and paintings. The houses were probably built in the 12th century. Guided tours of the museum can be reserved. Those who prefer to discover history through storytelling can also take themed and costumed tours in Rattenberg with officially certified guides.

The Schlossberg hill, with the ruins of Rattenberg Castle, is a viewpoint overlooking Rattenberg and the Inn Valley. The Biener Tower on the Schlossberg is also still very well preserved. During the Schlossbergspiele, the castle ruins serve as a stage every summer. Another unusual perspective is offered by the glass lift at the Malerwinkel restaurant, which takes you to a rooftop terrace overlooking the town’s rooftops.

Food, Exercise and Seasonal Impressions

At Café Konditorei Hacker, you can watch a demonstration of how an original apple strudel is prepared and then sample the strudel. The demonstration takes place by prior arrangement and with a minimum of 15 participants. Café Hacker has been producing confectionery for 200 years. For an active addition, there is an easy walking trail from Kramsach to Rattenberg. Mountain bike enthusiasts will find the Skillpark practice area in Rattenberg/Brixlegg directly next to the Inn Cycle Path.

A special seasonal atmosphere is created during Rattenberger Advent: candles in the windows, torches and open fires illuminate the façades of the medieval houses. Advent wine with elderflower flavour is served in the original Rattenberger Advent glass. On the Advent Saturdays, the Advent shuttle train takes visitors from Brixlegg to Rattenberg and back.

Guidance for Choosing Your Accommodation

When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider which experiences should be the focus of your trip. Those interested in culture may wish to allow more time for the church, museum, historic houses and guided tours. Anyone who wants to experience local craftsmanship up close can focus their stay more on glass demonstrations and engraving. For an outing involving exercise, the easy walking trail or the mountain bike practice area are options. You can reach Rattenberg’s town centre by bus no. 604 or by train to Rattenberg/Kramsach station.

If you would like to compare other destinations besides Rattenberg, the portal also features Niederau, Kundl, Niederndorferberg, Oberau Wildschönau, Söll, Mariastein, Wörgl and Angerberg.

For the overarching travel overview: Kufstein.