Discover Wattens: Crystal Worlds, museums and Himmelreich

Wattens combines art, local history and archaeological traces with opportunities for hiking and cycling. These themes offer different ways to spend your stay: you can explore installations and museums, or discover historic sites and trails outdoors. When planning, both scheduled visiting times and conditions along a route are relevant.

Art and change in Wattens

At Swarovski Crystal Worlds, the Chambers of Wonder serve as a stage and playground for immersive installations by international artists and designers. The concept brings together art and design in specially created spaces. If you are interested in the work of international art and design practitioners, the focus here is on the staging of the installations. Crystal Worlds is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; last admission is at 6:00 p.m. Check the opening times again before your trip.

The Wattens Museum offers a different perspective on the town. It explores Wattens’ transformation from a typical Tyrolean farming village into an internationally connected industrial town. The local history thus complements the artistic perspective of Crystal Worlds with economic and social change. The museum is accessible to visitors with disabilities. The main entrance is at ground level; the permanent exhibition and the Laboratory are accessible by lift. Check these current accessibility details before your visit.

Typewriters, writing and design

The Wattens Typewriter Museum traces the development of the typewriter, writing culture, script and text design. These themes range from the technical development of a writing instrument to the question of how script and texts are designed. The museum also has a collection depot with more than 500 machines. Admission is free, and the museum is wheelchair accessible; check these details before your visit.

Himmelreich: settlement and circular hiking trail

The Raetian settlement of Himmelreich lies on a knoll between Wattens and Volders and has been laid out as an open-air museum. Within the settlement area, enclosed by a still-visible circular rampart, visitors can see the foundations of eight buildings. The terraced settlement was inhabited from the 2nd century BC to the 4th century AD. The rampart, building foundations and period of habitation give the site a clear archaeological focus.

The Historic Circular Hiking Trail starts at the car park by Karlskirche, at the Volderer Inn Bridge, and passes the Himmelreich open-air museum. At around 9.5 kilometres, it is relatively easy and also suitable for families with children. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

Cycling route and visit planning

There is also a specific local connection for cycling: the well-known Inn Cycle Path from Innsbruck to Passau runs directly through Wattens. If you would like to combine your journey with a visit to Swarovski Crystal Worlds, you can consider taking the Crystal Worlds e-shuttle bus. It connects Innsbruck Central Station with Wattens five times a day. Check the current timetable before travelling, as schedules can change.

The activities also differ in how they need to be planned: for a visit to Crystal Worlds, opening hours and admission times are key; for the Historic Circular Hiking Trail, you should take trail conditions into account. This helps you choose what suits your stay without having to treat a museum visit, hike and cycling tour as one single itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Obernberg Am Brenner, Schönberg Im Stubaital, Seefeld In Tirol, Pettnau, Statz, Fulpmes, Inzing, Sankt Jodock Am Brenner.

Return to the regional travel overview: Innsbruck-Land.