During our stay in the Reiter's Posthotel in Achenkirch Tyrol we had planned to look around the hotel. But the weather gods didn't cooperate on one day of our stay. It rained a lot. Our boat trip across Lake Achensee simply fell through. We decide to take a trip to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens in Tyrol. Our pictures from the Swarovski Crystal Worlds show what awaits you.
The Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens in Tyrol
The exhibition in the Swarovski Crystal Worlds is one of the Austrian Leading Sights. This makes them one of the main tourist attractions in the country. We wanted to take a closer look. The Swarovski Crystal Worlds have been open since 1995. You are at the company's headquarters in Wattens in Tyrol. Daniel Swarovski, Arman Kosman and Franz Weis founded the company in 1895. The company produces glass crystals. To do this, she uses a process that the founders patented in Prague in 1891. Glass ceramic is ground and polished to manufacture the Swarovski stones. This is how the crystals get their shape. These are processed into jewelry today. However, they are also used for other purposes. This is shown in the exhibition in the Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
Excursion from Lake Achensee to Wattens
Since we didn't want to spend the day in the hotel, we decided to drive to Wattens in Tyrol. Forty minutes away is the Swarovski Crystal Worlds. We had wanted to see this for a long time. On our Austria Traveling in the direction of the Brenner Pass, the signs made me curious. So this rainy day was just right for us.
Visit to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens in Tyrol
We weren't the only ones who came up with the idea in this weather. The visitor car park in front of the factory halls is already full. The queues in front of the ticket counters also promised crowds inside the "giant". The Swarovski Crystal Worlds are located in a hill. The head of the giant adorns the front. A river flows out of its mouth and ends in a pond. Apparently, the operators of the "giant" are used to such an onslaught. After we passed the entrance hall of the giant, the crowds quickly dispersed. We enter a world of fantasy, crystals, glitter, art and kitsch created by André Heller and other artists. They take us into a magical world in which the rainy weather no longer plays a role.
What is there to see in the Crystal Worlds of Swarovski
The largest crystal in the world is displayed in a display case in the entrance hall with 300.000 carats. He lies on a horse whose back is decorated with a copy of a jeweled blanket. A maharajah from India once had these made for his favorite horse. Next to it is a statue of Niki de Saint Phalle. Artworks in this hall are by Salvador Dali, Andy Wharhol and other artists.
In the rooms we go through the worlds: the theatre, the crystal dome, past the winter dream, into the kaleidoscope, to the crystal theatre, through the ice alley to the objects of the giant, to the prima donna assoluta, the reflections. In these and other exhibition spaces, imagination and Swarovski crystals play the leading role. We present the impressions we gained in our selection from the Swarovski Crystal Worlds pictures.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds Pictures
In the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, artists have created a world of fantasy that amazes us. They are not only worth a visit in rainy weather.
Daniels Kristallwelten - a restaurant that wins awards
At the end of your visit, you definitely shouldn't miss a coffee break, a snack or dinner in the Daniels Kristallwelten restaurant. The restaurant offers world and regional dishes. There are also specialties from Tyrol. Particular emphasis is placed on offering seasonal dishes. It also has a patisserie that makes cakes. We tried out for ourselves how good they are. But even if you're just a little hungry, they'll tempt you macarons, cupcakes as well as the muffins for a short break.
This is worth it. Because Daniels Kristallwelten has "cooked" itself a toque from Gault Millau. On top of that, the Falstaff restaurant and inn guide recommends the restaurant with a Falstaff fork.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Crystal World Road 1
6112 Wattens / Tyrol, Austria
Tel. +43 5224 51080
Opening hours:
Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m. (including public holidays)
Last entry: 18:00 p.m
The play tower and the carousel in the garden:
Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m
Restaurant Daniel's Crystal Worlds:
Daily from 11:00 a.m. to 20:00 p.m
Hot meals from 12:00 p.m. to 19:30 p.m
Travel Arrangements:
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.
Arrival by plane, train and long-distance bus to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds
For example, book your journey here by flight, bus or train*. Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and other airlines fly to Innsbruck. Also drive Long-distance buses * to Innsbruck. From the main train station in Innsbruck there is a shuttle bus directly to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds. It is also possible to travel to Fritzens-Wattens by train: Timetable and booking*.
Car Rentals:
Cheap Car Hire - Book Fast and Easy! *
Accommodation in Wattens*
Do you want to stay overnight in Wattens? For example, with our partner booking.com you can easily book hotels and accommodations online.
Do you like to travel by motorhome?
- Do you want to rent a mobile home? Then you can find information here, for example, and booking options. Or would you prefer to stay overnight instead in a roof tent on the car? In addition, the overnight stay in camping tents is possible.
- Be sure to check our packing list for campers to see whether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour.
- Practical camper accessories You can also find it here.
- Austria has a nationwide network of campsites. There are parking spaces in all parts of the country. On some, for example, you can have your dinner in one Dutch Oven am portable grill or maybe on a campfire prepare. You can also find Dutch oven accessories You can also find it here. Or use our tips Cooking and baking in the mobile home for your choice of recipe.
- However, you are only allowed to stay a maximum of one night outside of campsites and parking spaces. But be careful: there are additional bans in Tyrol and Vienna. Camping Guide for Austria * You can therefore buy it here.
- Here you will also find tips for Cooking in the mobile home.
- Why is a folding e-bike useful when camping?
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
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Source Swarovski Crystal Worlds: research on site. Our opinions definitely remain our own.
Text Swarovski Crystal Worlds Images: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
