This Alpine town in Tyrol was once Europe's largest silver mining center. Its mining museum, mountain trails, and annual folk festivals draw visitors to the Rofan foothills.
Schwaz, a town of 13,000 residents in Austria's Tyrol region, was once the world's largest silver mining center. Walk through Europe's only four-span Gothic church, descend 800 meters underground in historic mine tunnels on a miniature train, or climb the medieval tower of Schloss Freundsberg castle for views across the Inn River valley. The peaks of Karwendel and Tux Alps rise around the town, with trails winding through alpine meadows and forest paths.
Exploring the Historic Silver Mine
Take a miniature train 800 meters into the mountain where 7,400 miners worked during the 15th century. The temperature inside stays at 12°C year-round. Your guide will explain how medieval miners extracted silver, copper, and sulphidic ore. You'll see the 16th-century water wheel, an engineering achievement that still remains intact inside the mine.
Gothic Architecture in the Town Center
Two bell towers mark the Maria Himmelfahrt parish church, the largest Gothic church in Tyrol and Europe's only four-span church. Inside the 16th-century Franciscan monastery, you'll find Gothic frescoes depicting medieval scenes. Look up to see intricate stone carvings and painted ceiling panels, created during the town's silver mining prosperity.
Museums and Cultural Institutions
Browse ethnographic collections from around the world at the Haus der Völker museum. Watch astronomical shows and learn about space exploration at the Zeiss Planetarium. The medieval tower at Schloss Freundsberg houses the local history museum, where you'll learn about the town's development through the centuries.
Year-Round Cultural Events
Musicians gather twice yearly for major festivals: Klangspuren celebrates modern compositions, while the Outreach Festival brings local and international performers to the music academy. From late November through December, the advent market fills the streets with food stalls, craft vendors, and live music.
Mountain Activities in Karwendel Region
Follow marked trails through the Tux Alps and Karwendel Mountains, ranging from valley walks to summit climbs. Winter activities include skiing at nearby resorts and tobogganing on designated runs. Take the cable car to Kellerjoch mountain to access both hiking trails and ski slopes.
Modern Industrial Center
The town continues its industrial legacy with three major companies: Tyrolit produces abrasives, Adler Lacke creates coating systems, and DAKA manages regional waste. These industries employ many local residents, maintaining Schwaz's role as a production center.
