Brief information:
- What is Rattenberg? It is the smallest town in Austria, known for its medieval charm and as a centre of glass art.
- Where is Rattenberg located? The town is located in Tyrol, in the Alpbachtal holiday region, to the east of the Lake Achensee.
- What are the highlights? Highlights include the Augustinian Museum, the medieval pedestrian zone, the craftsmanship museum in the nail smiths' houses, the glass blowing workshops and the picturesque Christmas market.
- How much time should I plan for a visit? You should plan at least half a day to a whole day for a comprehensive visit.
- Are there any special events? Rattenberg is known for the Rattenberg Advent, an atmospheric Christmas market, and the Schlossbergspiele in summer.
- What is the catering like? The town offers a variety of restaurants and cafés, including the famous Hacker patisserie with its traditional apple strudel.
General information about Rattenberg
Rattenberg, the smallest town in Austria in terms of area, is idyllically situated between the River Inn and the Schlossberg. Despite its small size of just under 10 hectares and around 500 inhabitants, Rattenberg is a town full of cultural treasures and historical significance. First mentioned in a document in 1254, Rattenberg played a central role in the Middle Ages as a regional transport hub and important customs station.
The town centre
A stroll through the medieval pedestrian zone reveals the centrepiece of Rattenberg's charm: glass art. As Tyrol's glass town, Rattenberg is home to numerous glass shops and studios where visitors can experience the art of glassblowing up close. At Kisslinger crystal glassone of the city's best-known glass manufacturers, you can not only admire impressive glass objects, but also watch the glassblowers at work.
Another highlight is the Museum of Craftsmanship in the historic Nail smith houses. These offer a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship of times gone by. Here you can learn interesting facts about the history of shipping on the Inn and see originally furnished bedrooms, antiques and cots.
The castle ruins
The ruins of Rattenberg Castle, situated on a plateau above the town, offer a historical experience. Particularly noteworthy is the well-preserved Bienerturm, named after Chancellor Biener, who was executed there. Of the original complex, which consisted of a keep, a palas and a curtain wall, it is mainly the keep that has been preserved. A short, five-minute walk leads to the tower, from where you can enjoy a marvellous view over Rattenberg.
Gastronomy
For a culinary break, the Cafe Hacker to. The café, which has existed for over 200 years, is known for its exquisite cakes and tarts. A special tip is the traditional apple strudel, which is prepared personally by master confectioner Reinhard Hacker if ordered in advance.
Short Information:
- What is Rattenberg? It is the smallest city in Austria, known for its medieval charm and as a centre of glass art.
- Where is Rattenberg located? The city is situated in Tyrol, in the Alpbachtal holiday region, east of Lake Achensee.
- What are the highlights? Highlights include the Augustinermuseum, the medieval pedestrian zone, the Handwerkskunstmuseum in the Nagelschmiedhäuser (Nail Smith Houses), glassblowing studios, and the picturesque Christmas market.
- How much time should I plan for a visit? For a comprehensive visit, you should plan at least half a day to a full day.
- Are there any special events? Rattenberg is known for the Rattenberger Advent, a charming Christmas market, and the Schlossbergspiele (Castle Hill Plays) in the summer.
- What about dining? The city offers a variety of restaurants and cafes, including the famous Konditorei Hacker known for its traditional apple strudel.
About Rattenberg in General
Rattenberg, the smallest city in Austria in terms of area, is nestled between the Inn River and Schlossberg. Despite its small size of just under 10 hectares and around 500 inhabitants, Rattenberg is a place full of cultural treasures and historical significance. First mentioned in records in 1254, Rattenberg played a central role in the Middle Ages as a regional transportation hub and important customs station.
The Town Centre
A stroll through the medieval pedestrian zone reveals the heart of Rattenberg's charm: glass art. As the glass city of Tyrol, Rattenberg is home to numerous glass shops and studios where visitors can experience the art of glassblowing up close. At Kisslinger crystal glass, one of the city's most renowned glass manufacturers, you can not only admire impressive glass objects but also watch the glassblowers at work with their delicate craftsmanship.
Another highlight is the Craftsmanship Museum located in the historic Nail smith houses (Nail Smith Houses). These houses offer a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship of bygone eras. Here, you can learn about the history of river shipping on the Inn River and view original furnished bedrooms, antiques, and nativity scenes.
The Castle Ruin
The castle ruin of Rattenberg, located on a plateau above the city, offers a historical experience. Particularly noteworthy is the well-preserved Bienerturm (Bienert Tower), named after the chancellor Biener who was executed there. The main remaining structure is the keep (Bergfried). A short, five-minute walk leads to the tower, from where you can enjoy a splendid view of Rattenberg.
Dining
For a culinary break, Cafe Hacker is a great option. This café, in existence for over 200 years, is known for its exquisite cakes and pastries. A special recommendation is the traditional apple strudel, prepared personally by master pastry chef Reinhard Hacker upon advance order.
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