You could ride a miner’s train deep into a mountain, turn your world around in an upside-down house or see how nobility lived 3-400 years ago.
These are just a few of the suggestions we have for you. Tyrol is much, much more than ski resorts or hiking holidays. Moreover, if the weather isn’t the best, there are plenty of activities to keep most happy and busy for a day or three. We went to see what to do on a rainy day in Central Tyrol. The distances are small, so you can easily visit 2-3 of these attractions on the same day. For example, between Wattens and Schloss Traztberg, it’s only 19 km (12 mi).
(Click on the images to enlarge)
Haus steht Kopf
The upside-down house is a bizarre experience. They have built an entire two-floor house upside down, including a garage with a car in it. You get dizzy roaming around the house, walking on the ceilings and at the same time, looking up at the sofa or a bed. Opening the fridge and all the contents are “standing” there the wrong way … or are they, makes your head spin. It’s hard to explain; go there yourself and see it!
Check out their website for more info: Haus am Kopf.
Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal Worlds)
The crystal producer, with its headquarter in Tyrol, has built a well-known worldwide brand since its foundation in 1895. Unfortunately, you can’t visit the factory, but the company has built a crystal-themed museum next to its factory in Wattens. The museum is not a historical museum about the production of crystals but more like a gallery featuring different crystal art. In addition, there is a lovely park with sculptures, a playground and of course the Giant!
Check out their website for more info: Swarovski Kristallwelten.
Schloss Tratzberg
The magnificent white palace/castle is visible from the A12 motorway, only about 35 km from Innsbruck. It was originally built as a castle in the 12th century, but it got its present look after a fire destroyed most of the castle. During the 15th century, it was rebuilt and renovated into a palace. The guided tours give you an insight into the life of the nobles during the late middle age and the following centuries. Some remarkable furniture and interior from the baroque and renaissance are on display, including a weapon collection.
Read our article about Tratzberg CastleBergwerk Schwaz
The little town of Schwaz flourished in the Middle Ages and peaked around the 15th century. At that time, Schwaz had 20.000 inhabitants and was the second-largest city in the Austrian Empire, outnumbered by the capital Vienna. Schwaz had Europe’s largest silver mines in the Middle Ages. You can visit these mines, Bergwerk Schwaz, on guided tours and get an insight into the gruelling life of the miners and the wealth they brought to the Empire. The trip starts by riding small train 800 metres, through dark and cramped tunnels, into the mountains. Inside the mine, guides will take you through the tunnels with different showcases, explaining how they work. Hold on to your hard hat and learn about a fascinating underground world.
Check out their website for more info: Bergwerk Schwaz.
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