Rattenberg

Part of Bavaria until 1504, Rattenberg is now, covering 0.1 km², the smallest municipality in Tyrol in terms of area, and, with just a few hundred inhabitants, also the smallest town in Austria. Nevertheless this little town is known far beyond borders as 'Glass Town of Tyrol': Several glass manufacturing enterprises are located here, the products of which are sold in the local shops.

The holiday resort, characterised by its Mediaeval ambience, extends at the foot of a castle ruin from the 10th century. If you are interested in culture, there are several places of interest you can visit, including the Handicraft Museum Rattenberg in the Nail Smiths' Houses which housed nail producing workshops up to 1912 AD. Furthermore there is the Augustinian Museum Rattenberg, a regional museum with a stunning cloister and the only walkable steeple of Tyrol.

Advent is a very special period of time at Rattenberg: Contrary to other Christmas Markets, the Rattenberg Advent focus on a traditional programme, warming fireplaces in the old town, and the local Advent Wine with elderberry flavour. Pleasant winter hiking trails snake in the surroundings. An interesting fact: As parts of Rattenberg are in the shadow for a long time in winter, the Light Academy Bartenbach mapped up a concept whereupon several fixed mirrors provide these parts of Rattenberg with sunlight. Unfortunately this concept has never been put into practice.