The best city hikes and walks around Wattens

Daniel Swarovski Monument, Wattens 1862 – 1956 Daniel Swarovski Monument in the church square by Gustinos Ambrosi (1961) Church Square, 6112 Wattens

Wattens Legend Park Since 1999, the Tyrolean Legends and Fairy Tales Festival has been held in the market town of Wattens. Its aim is to preserve an old Tyrolean cultural heritage from oblivion, passed down orally through generations by our ancestors – the world of Tyrolean sagas, myths, and legends – the stuff of dreams, and which now attracts over 5,000 visitors annually to Wattens Wattenberg from all over Tyrol and neighboring countries. The idea for the Wattens Legend Park was born in 2007. The plan is to display the most striking Tyrolean legendary figures year-round as an open-air museum, complete with scholarly explanations from the University of Innsbruck. The first two figures – the giant Haymon and the Sill Dragon – were created in 2007, followed by the "Fiery Dog" in 2008. https://maerchenfestival.at/index.php?id=23

St. Lawrence Church - Old Parish Church, Kirchplatz, Wattens The origins of St. Lawrence Church date back to at least 700 AD. Archaeological excavations in 1984 uncovered the remains of this first predecessor church, likely built in the 7th century. The site of this church, and simultaneously the center of the village, was a small hill that rose from the alluvial fan deposited by the Wattenbach stream over millennia. Although the first documented consecration of a church in Wattens is only recorded in 1318, the exposed foundations now indicate that the church is considerably older and possibly dates back to the late Roman period (5th century). This is further supported by the chosen patronage of the early Christian Roman martyr, St. Lawrence. The church, originally built in 1318, had likely become too small due to population growth during the heyday of mining. Around 1495-1500, a late Gothic structure by Jobst Kiesel was constructed. Following a devastating fire in 1809, the existing church building was largely rebuilt in the Neoclassical style by Franz Josef Kerle in 1810/11, incorporating usable foundations and remnants of the burned-out church. It was consecrated on February 27, 1820. The striking tower dome, still reminiscent of Baroque models, was added in 1834. In 1935, a St. Lawrence Association was founded with the aim of expanding the parish church. This involved planning a new building on the east side of the nave, extending northward, but this plan was never realized. ] ] ] ``` ] ... Text / Source: Wattens Parish, Höraltstraße 2, Wattens https://www.pfarre-wattens.at/kirchen/laurentiuskirche.html

At the heart of Swarovski Crystal Worlds unfolds the majestic masterpiece of the artist duo Studio Job: a four-meter-high, cartographically precise globe that captivates visitors with its glittering brilliance. This imposing globe is not merely a work of art; it is a symbol of power, knowledge, and hope, shimmering with sparkling facets and inviting contemplation. Weighing 1,000 kilograms and boasting a diameter of 175 centimeters, the globe shines in all its splendor, encased in half a million radiant Swarovski crystals. Each crystal reflects the light in a mesmerizing way, transforming the globe into a dazzling spectacle that reflects the wonder of our planet. The combination of silver-colored nickel plating, Indian rosewood, and the sparkling crystals lends this unique piece an unparalleled brilliance. Standing before this masterful work, one inevitably feels connected to the entire world. It is an impressive testament to human creativity and a glittering monument to knowledge. This globe invites us to dream beyond boundaries and explore the endless possibilities of the Earth.

The bus stop name is Kristallwelten B171. To Swarovski Crystal Worlds: From Innsbruck Central Station, take bus 504 and change at Hall in Tirol Stadtplatz to bus 650 to Kristallwelten B171. To Innsbruck Central Station: At the Kristallwelten B171 bus stop, take bus 456 and change at the Innsbruck Mühlauer Brücke stop to bus 504 back to Innsbruck Central Station.

An absolute must for crystal fans and Swarovski enthusiasts. A very beautiful and diverse exhibition. The admission price is a bit excessive in my opinion. It's best to buy tickets online or at the ticket vending machine.

It's a highlight, but whether it's for you is up to you to decide. Admission isn't cheap, €26 for the Wunderkammer and the park. The Wunderkammer consists of 18 (?) rooms, most of which have an artistic focus and, of course, glittering stones. It's certainly worth seeing what the artists have created there. There's plenty for children in the garden, including an indoor playground and a free carousel. There's less for adults. It's a hotspot for tourists, who are bussed in on buses and constantly taking photos of their relatives. This is annoying because the rooms are usually very cramped.

Crystal Worlds highly recommended 👍