Rattenberg is a medieval town on the Inn in the lower Inn Valley. With just 0.11 km2, Rattenberg is the smallest municipality in Austria. In winter there are often Christmas markets and visitors can warm up with coffee and hot chocolate in the friendly inns.
The town sits on the edge of a hill beneath a 10th-century fortress. Due to the hill, Rattenberg doesn't get any sunlight at all for weeks in winter, when it can get really cold. The small town developed under the protection of the fortress and the Inn river. The historic houses with their colorful facades are very well preserved.
Today Rattenberg is a very popular destination for tourists and offers handicrafts and other souvenirs in numerous shops. The glasses (cups, bowls & more) from Rattenberg, which are manufactured in numerous local companies, are particularly famous. This is how Rattenberg got the nickname Glasstadt (=city of glass).
In winter, Rattenberg turns into an enchanting setting with snow-covered alleys and festively lit houses. The traditional Christmas markets invite you to browse through artfully crafted glassware and handmade gifts. An evening stroll through the old town is particularly romantic when the snow falls gently and the lights bathe the historic town center in a warm, golden light. The combination of medieval architecture and winter atmosphere makes Rattenberg a very special winter destination that offers coziness away from the large ski areas.
Directly above the city, very easy to reach, you can visit the castle ruins in a well-kept park. From there you can also enjoy a beautiful view over Rattenberg and the Inn river.
Infos
Location: In the lower Inn valley between Kufstein and Innsbruck.
Parking: There is a large paid car park just at the entrance of the town.