Rattenberg

On the right bank of the River Inn, in one of the most picturesque spots in Tyrol, lies a tiny settlement - Rattenberg, which proudly holds the status of Austria's smallest town. The population of Rattenberg is only 443 people, but the town has a pleasant atmosphere.

The locals are always happy to welcome guests, especially young travellers who are particularly curious. This trait is considered one of the main virtues of the people of Rattenberg, because there is really something to see in Rattenberg.

When tourists arrive in Tyrol's smallest town, they feel as if they have stepped back in time. It's amazing that the magnificent architectural ensemble has been preserved in almost its original form. The bourgeois houses, the great city gates in the medieval town centre, the nail-maker's houses with their thick marble walls — all this creates that unique old-world atmosphere for which the last romantics travel to the farthest corners of the world. This Tyrolean gem requires no such sacrifice — it's much easier to get to.

Lovers of medieval architecture will be impressed by the monumental ruins of Rattenberg Castle. This Bavarian fortress was a prison, a stronghold and the home of the ruling family. Today, colourful theatre performances are staged here in the summer.

In the summer, tourists from all over the world visit this town with a special flavour. In winter, Rattenberg celebrates the Adventist Sabbath in a unique way. Artists from the region and the town itself present theatrical and musical performances to the public, following ancient customs and traditions.

But the town of Rattenberg is by no means famous for its architectural monuments (although, to be fair, they are incomparable here). The whole world knows Rattenberg as a place where skilled glassblowers live and work. The ancestors of the modern glassblowers came here from Kramsach in the 19th century, when silver mining ceased in the area. Less than two hundred years later, the production of decorative glass became the main source of income for the local glassblowers, and the town became world famous for this elegant craft.

The medieval pedestrian zone is dominated by unique glass craft exhibits in numerous shops. The glass workshops and shops of Rattenberg are particularly popular with children. Here they can not only choose and buy glass souvenirs of incredible beauty, but also see with their own eyes how they are made from the scratch.

Parents can, if they wish, organise a mini-excursion into the world of decorative glass making for their young travellers. Fortunately, there are plenty of workshops in Rattenberg. Watching glassblowers, glass artists, engravers and grinders at work is an invaluable experience and knowledge that will surely be useful to a child in the future.