Der schönste Teil Österreichs, von dem du noch nie gehört hast

Nestled amongst the peaks of the Karwendel mountain range and just a short drive east of Innsbruck, Hall in Tirol is the most beautiful Austrian town you’ve never even heard of. The Hall-Wattens region covers Hall in Tirol (simply referred to as ‘Hall’), as well as many other picturesque smaller towns and villages such as Wattens and Absam. Hall in Tirol stands out with its medieval charm and rich minting history, and it was once one of the wealthiest places in the entire region. With multiple beautiful churches, a magical Christmas market, and so much more to keep you occupied, Hall is the perfect base to explore the Hall-Wattens region. Want to go skiing? You’re on the doorstep of Glungezer, where you can take the scenic Glungezerbahn cable car to the ski areas, where you’ll be treated to epic views over the mountains around you and the valleys below.

The views of the peaks surrounding you at the top of the Glungezerbahn.

Ever had the urge to go trekking with llamas in the mountains? No? Well, even if you haven’t, you can still do this in Wattenberg, with a local llama farmer (their wool is used to make local artisan products as well) while you enjoy a beautiful view of Hall in Tirol before you trek into the dense mountain forests. Want something with a little bit of ✨sparkle✨? Well, Wattens (not to be confused with Wattenberg, just to clarify!) is home to Swarovski Crystal World, the most spectacular (and shiny) museum and art gallery I’ve ever seen in my life! Hall in Tirol is also home to the incredible ‘Hall im Advent’ Christmas market, where the buildings around the town’s square are illuminated with the numbers you’d see on an Advent calendar. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in a life-size Advent calendar, now you can!

Reaching the Hall-Wattens region in Tyrol is straightforward from major hubs like Innsbruck. You can fly into Innsbruck (the most convenient), but it’s also easily accessible by public transport from Salzburg and Vienna, as well as from Munich across the border in Germany. Here's how to get there: **By Train:** - **From Innsbruck:** Take the S4 train from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof to Hall in Tirol Bahnhof (approximately 10 minutes). - **From Salzburg**: Take the 972 train in direction Innsbruck, and alight at Jenbach. Change to the S4 train and ride 7 stops (23 min) to Hall in Tirol Bahnhof. - **From Vienna**: Take the ‘rjx’ train from Vienna Airport, Main Station or Vienna Meidling to Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof (4H+), then change to train S4 to Hall in Tirol Bahnhof. **By Bus:** - **From Innsbruck:** Bus line 504 departs from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof to Hall in Tirol Unterer Stadtplatz, taking about 24 minutes. Alternatively, bus lines 456 and 469 depart from Innsbruck Terminal Marktplatz to Hall in Tirol Unterer Stadtplatz (approx. 28 minutes). - **From Innsbruck Airport**: Bus line F departs from Innsbruck Flughafen (Airport) to Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, taking 16 minutes. From there, take bus line 504 as above. **By Car:** - **From Innsbruck:** Drive via the A12 motorway, taking the Hall Mitte exit. From there, follow signs to Hall in Tirol. **Seasonal Considerations:** - **Winter:** From November 1 to April 15, winter tires are mandatory in Austria during snowy conditions. (hall-wattens.at) For detailed schedules and real-time updates, consult the official Hall-Wattens website or local transport providers.

Hall in Tirol's old town is a treasure trove of history and culture, offering a delightful blend of architectural beauty and local charm. Begin your exploration at the **Rathaus** (Town Hall), a striking example of Renaissance architecture. Its ornate façade and intricate details make it a focal point of the town. Nearby, the **Jesuitenkirche** (Jesuit Church) stands as a testament to Baroque artistry, with its lavish interior and serene courtyard. Wander through the cobblestone streets to discover the **St. Nikolaus Church**, renowned for its impressive Baroque design and ornate altar. The church's interior, adorned with detailed frescoes, offers a peaceful retreat. Adjacent to the church, the Pfarrplatz (Parish Square) serves as a lively gathering spot, perfect for people-watching and soaking in the local atmosphere. For a deeper dive into the region's mining heritage, visit the **Bergbau Mining Museum**. Located in the heart of the old town, the museum provides interactive exhibits and a replica of the Halltal Valley Salt Mine, offering insights into the town's rich mining history. Visiting Burg Hasegg and climbing the **Mint Tower** is an absolute must. Don't miss out on minting your own coin either! I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the Old Town, which the tourism board run on a regular basis. As you stroll, take time to explore the local shops and cafés. The town's artisanal boutiques offer unique Tyrolean crafts, while the cozy cafés serve traditional pastries and coffee, allowing you to savour the local flavours. To fully appreciate the town's charm, consider following a walking route that includes these highlights, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Hall in Tirol.

POIs

• Hall in Tirol
• Burg Hasegg / Münze Hall in Tirol
• Bergbaumuseum Hall in Tirol
• Herz-Jesu-Basilika
• Pfarrkirche St. Nikolaus
• Jesuitenkirche Innsbruck

Visiting Hall in Tirol's Christmas market is an absolute MUST. Known as '**Haller Adventmarkt**' (Hall Advent Market), the market will be open from the end of November until December 24th. If you're looking for a festive break without the tourist crowds of Vienna or Salzburg, Hall in Tirol might just be your new favourite winter escape. This town really comes alive during Advent, with its cobbled streets glowing under the festive lights and the scent of Glühwein floating through the crisp mountain air! The **Hall Advent Market** is equal parts charming and intimate, with wooden stalls tucked between historic buildings and a warm, community feel that makes you want to stay a little longer. Local stallholders open their doors daily to share traditional crafts, handmade gifts, and delicious treats. Expect to find everything from wooden toys and glass mosaics to porcelain tableware, hand-poured candles, ceramics, and colourful minerals. My favourite stall was one selling 'flower bouquets' made from recycled Nescafé capsules! If you're like me and love gifting something a little different (or just love spoiling yourself), this is the perfect place to buy those gifts. And of course, no Advent market is complete without food. From sweet pastries to Alpine classics, the nearby restaurants and food stalls serve up exactly what you need to keep warm while browsing. Honestly? Hall’s Christmas market is exactly the kind of festive experience that feels *real*. No mega tour groups, no overdone Instagram traps—just a wholesome festive vibe in a stunning setting.

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• Germany, Burghausen
• Germany, Gengenbach

Of course, one of the most important things to know is where to eat! If you're looking for the best places to eat in Hall in Tirol, you'll find my top recommendations below. I visited Hall in Tirol with my friend Laura, who is coeliac, so I can highly recommend **Bretze & es geht weiter** and **Bar Centrale** for how amazing they were at adapting the menu to offer her gluten-free options!

POIs

• Bretze & es geht weiter
• Bar Centrale
• FLOS coffee&bagels
• Cafe Meißl
• Rathaus Cafe
• Wurstkultur

The **Glungezer** area, nestled in the Tux Alps near Hall in Tirol, is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Its well-maintained trails, including the renowned Zirbenweg, offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The **Zirbenweg** trail is a 7-kilometre panoramic path that winds through one of Europe's largest Swiss stone pine forests. This relatively flat trail provides stunning views of the Karwendel mountain range and the Inn Valley. Starting at the Patscherkofel mountain station, the trail leads to the Tulfeinalm at 2,000 metres above sea level. For those looking to shorten the ascent, the **Glungezerbahn** cable car offers a comfortable ride from Tulfes to the Tulfeinalm station. This is particularly spectacular in winter, and you can also learn to ski here. If you know what you're doing, there are also a variety of places to rent ski equipment. The best seasons for hiking in this region are late spring through early autumn, with the summer months offering the most stable weather conditions. However, mountain weather can be unpredictable; it's advisable to check the latest forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes. ***Note****: Before setting out, ensure you're equipped with appropriate gear, including sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and sufficient water. Always inform someone about your planned route and expected return time.*

POIs

• Wattenberg
• SKISCHULE & SKIVERLEIH Glungezer // SKI SCHOOL & RENTAL SERVICE
• Glungezerbahn 1 Bergstation
• Zirbenweg

One of the most unique experiences to have in Hall-Wattens is to head up to Wattenberg and meet local farmer Hans. Known as '**Lama Papa**' (which I suppose you could translate to 'llama daddy'...), Hans runs **llama treks** and even llama parties! Unfortunately, the llama parties are for kids only (boo), but the llama treks are open to anyone! The llamas act as your cargo carriers on the treks, and you can even do multi-day treks through the mountains if you're a big fan of the outdoors! We only did a few hours as we were trekking through the snow, and it only cost us €5 (€10 if you aren't staying at a hotel in the Hall-Wattens region) each. This is one of the most unique experiences I've ever had, and it was so much fun! ***Handy Info****: Every Friday at 2 pm, you can join 'Lamapapa' Hans and his llamas for a 1.5-hour hike through the forest, learning about these friendly animals along the way. Meeting point is at Haus Wattenberg 34; registration is required by Wednesday at 5 pm at the Hall tourist office.*

**Swarovski Kristallwelten** (Swarovski Crystal Worlds) in Wattens is just a short bus journey away from Hall in Tirol, and this art museum offers a unique fusion of art, nature, and crystal craftsmanship. Beyond its renowned Chambers of Wonder, the site features the Crystal Cloud, a monumental installation of 800,000 hand-mounted crystals, and the Play Tower, a four-story climbing structure designed by Snøhetta. My personal favourites of the 'Chambers of Wonder' included the **Pulse Voronoi**, where you can walk through crystals suspended in the air, and **Silent Light**, a magical crystal-adorned tree created in an artistic collaboration between Tord Boontje and Alexander McQueen, which is located in a chamber kept at around 0 to -10 degrees (and it snows!). While in Wattens, don't miss out on enjoying amazing local flavours at **das grander**. I tried their 'surprise menu' which was absolutely incredible. It's the perfect way to end a day in Wattens after visiting Swarovski Crystal Worlds!

POIs

• Swarovski Kristallwelten
• das grander

Products

• Swarovski Crystal Worlds Admission Ticket in Wattens

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Finding the right place to stay in the Hall-Wattens region doesn't mean compromising on comfort or location. In reality, the area offers a range of accommodations tailored to different traveller needs, from cozy boutique hotels to alpine chalets with excellent amenities. We stayed in the boutique **hotel kontor**, located in the heart of Hall in Tirol and just opposite the bus stop for getting to places like Wattens or nearby Innsbruck super easily! Their breakfast is amazing and will definitely prepare you for a day of adventures! Rooms start at €209 per night. **Hotel Edelweiss** is a charming option located conveniently in Hall in Tirol. It’s well-suited for families and travellers who appreciate a warm, traditional atmosphere combined with modern comforts. The hotel offers a welcoming ambiance and attentive service that makes guests feel right at home. For those seeking a blend of elegance and central location, **Parkhotel Hall in Tirol** stands out. This hotel is ideal for couples or solo travellers who want to be close to the town’s cultural highlights, but also want a hotel that has amenities like a spa and sauna. Rooms start at around €200 per night. If budget is a priority without sacrificing quality, **Hwest Hotel** is a solid pick. This hotel suits solo travellers or anyone looking for a practical, no-fuss base to explore the region, with nightly rates starting at around €76. A useful tip for booking in peak seasons is to reserve your accommodation well in advance. Many of the hotels are fairly boutique, with not many rooms, so it's best to book early to ensure they have capacity!

Products

• Hotel kontor
• Hotel Edelweiss
• Parkhotel Hall in Tirol
• Hwest Hotel

If you're hiring a car, other places in the region that would be great to stay at include: - **Hotel Purner** in Thaur - **Landgasthof Bogner** in Absam - **Hotel Huberhof** in Rum While public transport is pretty decent in the area, it would definitely be easier to have a hire car if you're staying outside of Hall in Tirol.

Products

• Hotel Huberhof
• Landgasthof Bogner by SMK Event und Gastro
• Hotel Purner

If you're looking for even more amazing places to discover in Austria, you can't miss some of the most incredible tours that take you to the best of Austria. Take a look below at some of the top tours covering some of the most beautiful parts of Austria!

Products

• Ski Austria (Weekender)
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