Tirol’s Top-Ten Attractions

As the most mountainous of Austria’s nine provinces, the Tirol region is well known as a year-round destination: winter sports enthusiasts love it for the varied terrain and the many resorts with snow guarantee, whilst in summer, the beautiful alpine landscape provides ample opportunities for leisurely walks as well as adventure-sports alike. According to the list of top-10 most visited attractions just released by the Tirol Tourist Board, however, Tirol’s numerous cultural highlights seem to be the biggest draw for visitors from all over the world:

1. Swarovski Kristallwelten, Wattens, Innsbruck
As the top of the list, with 680,000 visitors in 2012, are the crystal worlds of wonder close to Tirol’s capital, Innsbruck. The Crystal worlds are a testament to the work of Daniel Swarovski, who moved to Wattens in 1895 with a newly-invented machine for cutting and polishing crystal stones. Now a household name, Swarovski today is synonymous with jewelry and fashion. Swarovski Crystal Worlds, hidden in the belly of a giant which guards the entrance, consists of 14 unique Chambers of Wonder, designed by André Heller to highlight the various facets and qualities of crystal. Dive into a universe of mirrors and crystals, where crystals in different shapes and colors seemingly come alive through multimedia installations by various renowned artists. The recently renovated Swarovski store in Innsbruck’s Old Town is also very popular. It offers a sparkling shopping experience and enchants with brilliantly designed interior spaces, such as the tremendous Mirrored Wall in the entrance foyer.
€: Tickets cost €11 for adults; no fee for children under 15 

2. Alpenzoo, Innsbruck
The Alpenzoo prides itself on being the highest zoo in Europe and affords spectacular views of Innsbruck. 248,388 visitors ascended to the Alpenzoo Station in 2012 with the architecturally stunning Hungerburgbahn funicular. Home to over 2000 animals and 150 species, the zoo offers wonderful insights into the biodiversity of the Alps.
€: Tickets are €9 for adults; €4.50 for children; free for children under 3

3. Kufstein Fortress
Kufstein became part of Tirol in 1342, and for the next 500 year, its 13th century fortress was the arena of many bloody battles for control over the region. Its location, which afforded views of Kufstein and the region beyond, proved to be valuable for the protection of the town against enemies. Nowadays the same incredible views make the fortress one of the most popular tourist attractions of the region. With 174,000 visitors, it ranks number three in the list of Tirol’s top attractions. Explore the Kaiserturm tower, which served as a state prison, the 60-metre deep "Deep Well", the underground passage, as well as the state-of-the-art local history museum.
€: Tickets cost €11 for adults; €6.50 for children; free for kids under 5

4. Bergisel Ski Jump Stadium
Towering above the city of Innsbruck, the Olympic Ski Jump on Bergiselwas constructed for the 1964 and 1976 Olympics. It has since been redesigned by the award-winning architect Zaha Hadid. In 2012, 140,000 visitors gained a new perspective on what a ski jumper accomplishes with each takeoff. The view down from the jumping platform is breathtaking and terrifying at the same time, especially since it includes a beautiful cemetery right behind the arena. Luckily the futuristic panorama-restaurant "Café im Turm" provides culinary delights and magnificent panoramic views that help regain one’s composure.
€: Tickets cost €9 for adults; €4 for children; free for children under 6

5. The Tirol Panorama with Kaiserjägermuseum, Bergisel Innsbruck
Opened in 1880, the original museum of the Tirolean Imperial Infantry (Kaiserjäger) was located on the site of the fateful battle of 1809, in which local hero Andreas Hofer and Tirolean freedom fighters defeated French and Bavarian troops fighting for Napoleon. A gigantic 10,700 square footpanorama painting which depicts the battle for freedom, was relocated in 2011 to a newly constructed building next door – a feat which must excite every architecture enthusiast. The painting is now the centerpiece of a number of exhibitions tracing Tirolean social and cultural heritage through the ages, which draws 126,223 visitors annually. Thanks to its elevated location, the museum offers fantastic views over Innsbruck and the Nordkette mountains.
€: Adults from €7

6. Hofkirche (Imperial Church), Innsbruck
Constructed in 1555, the gothic Hofkirche (Imperial Church) serves as a memorial of Emperor Maximilian I, the Habsburg ruler who laid the foundations for his family to become a major world power. Since Innsbruck was his favorite residence, he was instrumental in increasing its power and prestige. Taking more than 80 years to complete, the ornate white marble cenotaph is surrounded by 28 larger-than-life bronze statues of Maximilian’s ancestors, relatives and heroes. The church also contains the tomb of Andreas Hofer, Tirol’s national hero. The Hofkirche, which counted 124,569 visitors in 2012, is located in Innsbruck’s Old Town, only a few steps away from one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, the Golden Roof, which was commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I as a place from which to observe spectacles taking place on the square below.

7. Hofburg (Imperial Residence), Innsbruck
The Hofburg (115,977 visitors) in Innsbruck is one of Austria’s three most important historical buildings, after Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg in Vienna. The much beloved residence of the Habsburgs was expanded under Empress Maria Theresia by an ornate ceremonial room, a chapel and an exhibition room presenting paintings of her 16 children. Following recent remodeling and renovation work, the Hofburg now comprises five exhibitions which illustrate different aspects of the political and cultural history of the former imperial residence. Among them the Maria Theresia Room in original 18th century style, the Empress Elisabeth Apartment replicated in 19th century style, as well as a small Furniture Museum, the Ancestral Gallery and the Painting Gallery.
€: Tickets cost €8 for adults, free for children under 19

8. Schloss Ambras (Castle Ambras), Innsbruck
Perched dramatically above Innsbruck, Ambras Castle (90,956 visitors) was originally a fortress of the Counts of Andechs, who lived over a 1000 years ago. It was only in 1564, that the castle was transformed into today’s palace. Archduke Ferdinand II commissioned the splendid Spanish Hall, one of the earliest examples of German Renaissance interiors. Visitors can explore the Lower Castle, containing arms and armor, the valuable art collection on the first floor, paintings and sculptures in the Upper Castle and the bathroom of Philippine Welser, Ferdinand’s wife, which happens to be one of the few private bathrooms left from the 16th century.
€: Tickets cost €10 for adults; free for children under 19

9. Silberbergwerk (Silver Mine), Schwaz
In the Middle Ages, the town of Schwaz was the mining centre of Europe, providing more than 85% of the world’s silver production. With over 10,000 miners searching for silver and copper, Tirol became one of the richest states in Europe. Be prepared for an adventurous journey into the mountain and gain fascinating insights into the heyday of silver mining. (85,881 visitors)
€: €16 for adults; €8 for children; free for children under 5

10. Stadtturm Innsbruck (City Tower)
Built between 1442 and 1450, the City Tower (80,000 visitors) is one of Innsbruck’s most important historical landmarks, after the Golden Roof. Climb the 148 spiral steps onto the viewing platform and admire the striking 360-degree view of the historic rooftops, spires and rugged mountains surrounding the city.
€: €3 for adults; €1.50 for children

For more information on the Tirol region go to www.tyrol.com or stay up-to-date at www.facebook.com/visittirol