Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Winter Art and crystal in and beneath the Giant at Wattens, with a play tower
Inn valley
Wattens
Inn Valley town of Swarovski, with Kristallwelten and the Wattental
Wattens is a market town in the Tyrolean Inn Valley, at about 564 m and with just over 8,000 inhabitants. It lies at the foot of the Tux Alps, not far from Innsbruck, and is known worldwide as the place where the crystal company Swarovski began.
The main draw is Swarovski Kristallwelten: in 1995 the artist André Heller had an artistic world built inside an artificial hill on the eastern edge of the village. There is also the Museum Wattens, about the industry and prehistory of the area, and a small museum with more than 450 typewriters. As a tourist destination Wattens is otherwise modest.
From Niederau, Wattens is a natural stop on a day towards Innsbruck or Hall. Those who prefer the outdoors can head into the Wattental, which leads deep into the Tux Alps as far as the Wattener Lizum and the Lizumer Hütte at just over 2,000 m. Check opening times and prices for Kristallwelten beforehand.
- Drive from Niederauapprox. 45 min.
- Elevation564 m
- RegionInn valley
- Best forSuits families after a day trip with a set attraction, also in poor weather.
What to see and do
- Swarovski Kristallwelten: an artistic crystal world inside a hill, created by André Heller in 1995.
- Museum Wattens, about the industry and prehistory of the area.
- The Wattental in the Tux Alps, with walks to alpine huts such as the Lizumer Hütte (just over 2,000 m, in summer).
- Easy to combine with Hall in Tirol or Innsbruck on the same day.
From Niederau
About 45 minutes by car from Niederau, usually via Wörgl and the A12 Inn Valley motorway towards Innsbruck.
Always check times, prices and opening dates with the provider beforehand; they can change.
Things to do in and around here
Frequently asked questions
What is Wattens known for?
Wattens is the home of the crystal company Swarovski and of Swarovski Kristallwelten, opened in 1995 in a design by André Heller.
Is Wattens worth a day trip from Niederau?
Yes, especially combined with Hall in Tirol or Innsbruck; the drive takes about 45 minutes.
Stay in Niederau Partner
Hotel Wastlhof, partner of Niederau.nl, is a family-run hotel with an indoor and an outdoor pool, wellness and its own riding stables, right in the village. For more places to stay and information you can also contact the Wildschönau tourist office.
To Hotel Wastlhof · Wildschönau tourist office · More about staying in Niederau