Rattenberg: Glass, History and Inn Valley Views

Rattenberg combines urban history, glass art and views of the Inn Valley. The medieval pedestrian zone is about 200 metres long. When planning your stay, different interests may influence your choice: church architecture and museum collections, insights into glassmaking or a seasonal cultural event. This way, you can choose a hotel to match what you would like to experience in the town.

Glass Craftsmanship and Demonstrations

At Kisslinger, visitors can watch glassblowers, glass grinders, engravers and glass painters at work. The exhibition space of Kisslinger Glas, built into the mountain, displays collectibles and art glass from the region and the Venetian area. Glass sphere blowing takes place during specific hours: guests can blow glass spheres from May to October, on Mondays and Fridays from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. If this demonstration is important to your plans, check the current schedule in advance.

Engraving is also part of the town’s glass craftsmanship: at the second Kisslinger Kristallglas branch, individual designs are engraved on glass. Glasbläserei & Gravur Schlenz is located in the heart of Rattenberg and continues a family tradition dating back to 1820. The business is now run as a mother-daughter operation in its fourth generation.

Churches and Museum Collections

The Gothic core of the town’s parish church of St. Virgil was built between 1473 and 1506; the church is considered one of the principal works of the Hagau building workshop. Its two full-fledged naves are on opposite sides: the Bürgerschiff (citizens’ nave) is to the north, and the Knappenschiff (miners’ nave) is to the south. Their names and locations clearly define the layout of the church interior.

The Augustinian Museum presents Tyrolean art treasures spanning nine centuries in an atmospheric monastery setting. An observation platform in the tower offers views over Rattenberg’s rooftops and the Inn Valley. The Handwerkskunstmuseum (Crafts Museum) in the Nagelschmiedhäuser (Nail Makers’ Houses) offers a different way to explore historic living spaces. The houses are believed to have been built in the 12th century. The museum’s exhibits include children’s beds, wood-panelled parlours, bedrooms furnished in their original style, antiques, information about shipping on the Inn and pictures. Guided tours can be booked; ask about booking conditions in advance.

Town Views and Walks

Schlossberg, with the ruins of Rattenberg Castle, is a viewpoint overlooking the town and the Inn Valley. Bienerturm is still very well preserved. A walk around the town also reveals an art print of Egon Schiele’s work pressed onto glass. His depiction can be compared directly with the town’s rooftops—an unusual opportunity to relate the actual roofscape to an artistic motif.

In Rattenberg, certified guides offer themed and costumed tours. You can reach the Rattenberg town tour by bus no. 604 or by train to Rattenberg/Kramsach station. As tour offerings and transport information may change, check dates and timetables if you have firm plans. Those interested in exercise will find the Skillpark mountain bike practice area in Rattenberg/Brixlegg, right next to the Inn Cycle Path. The walking path from Kramsach to Rattenberg is rated easy.

Apple Strudel and Seasonal Culture

Café Konditorei Hacker offers a demonstration on how to prepare traditional apple strudel, followed by a tasting. The demonstration is held by prior arrangement and requires a minimum of 15 participants. If you plan to take part, confirm in advance. Café Hacker has been making confectionery for 200 years.

Every summer, the castle ruins on Schlossberg serve as the stage for the Rattenberg Castle Plays. At the 2026 Rattenberg Advent event, candles in the windows, torches and open fires illuminate the façades of the medieval houses. Elderflower-flavoured Advent wine is served in an original Rattenberg Advent glass. On Advent Saturdays in 2026, the Advent shuttle train takes visitors from Brixlegg to Rattenberg and back. Check event dates and the timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Niederau, Angerberg, Radfeld, Brixlegg, Alpbach, Mariastein, Thiersee, Niederndorferberg.

View the main travel overview: Kufstein.