The imposing Ambras Castle towers high above the city. It’s one of the most beautiful attractions in Innsbruck. During your city break, you mustn’t miss this. You’ll enjoy the rooms, the unique collections, the view of the city, and not to forget, the large castle park. We’ll guide you through the highlights of Ambras Castle.
History of Ambras castle
This site is said to have been inhabited as early as the 10th century. Henry the Proud completely destroyed the fortress in 1133. About 150 years later, a new fortress was built on this spot. When the last counts of Andechs died without heirs, the castle passed to the Habsburgs in 1363.
In the 16th century, Archduke Ferdinand II of Austria had the castle built in Renaissance style. He was an avid collector. Therefore, he commissioned the construction of a museum in part of the castle. This made Ambras Castle the oldest museum in the world. We can still enjoy the colourful collection that Ferdinand II built up over 400 years ago.
Philippine Welser, the common woman in Ambras castle
The Habsburgs were clever: by arranging the right marriages, they managed to continually expand the Habsburg empire and its influence in Europe. A list of marriage candidates was already prepared for Archduke Ferdinand II. It included a French and Portuguese princess and the queens Mary Tudor and Mary Stuart. A further increase in power was in prospect.
But Ferdinand II made his own choice. He secretly married Philippine Welser. She was a “common” woman, the daughter of a merchant. Philippine came to the palace, but no one knew about the marriage. A few years later, he informed his father about his choice. His father demanded strict confidentiality. Philippine was not allowed to appear in public as Ferdinand II’s wife.
However, she became enormously popular with the people. She did a lot to combat disease and care for the sick in the region. In the museum, there’s a permanent exhibition dedicated to Philippine Welser. Additionally, you can admire her ingenious bathhouse. You’ll see the only preserved bathing facility from the 16th century.
The armouries of Ambras castle
Ferdinand II was apparently a fan of armour and tournament weapons. He collected no less than 120 suits of armour in all sizes and types. The armour for children is particularly interesting. It must have been an immense task for the youth to walk around with all those kilos.
In addition, there are many tournament weapons to admire. You get a good impression of how knights attacked each other with lances, spears, and other weaponry in a medieval knight’s tournament.
The Spanish Hall
The absolute highlight of Ambras Castle is the Spanish Hall. According to experts, this is one of the most beautiful Renaissance halls in Austria. Ferdinand II wanted to use this hall for representative purposes. In 1572, he could organise his first meetings here. The hall is 43 metres long, and upon entering, you’re overwhelmed by the sight. Looking up, you can’t take your eyes off the fully wooden coffered ceiling, which is partly gilded.
Then your gaze falls on the 27 portraits of all Tyrolean rulers. Of course, Ferdinand II is among them. These are immense images of the leaders. All are portrayed against a landscape background.
The windows and all pedestals are adorned with colourful illustrations. You can admire all virtues and liberal arts and the story of Romulus and Remus. Finally, the last eye-catcher is the large door. Ferdinand II’s house carpenter used many different types of wood here.
Patio of Ambras castle
In the beautiful courtyard of the castle, you get the idea that you’re looking at an immense image of an Escher artwork. Optical illusions are incorporated into the frescoes. The interplay of lines also makes the courtyard appear wider than it actually is.
All walls depict themes of princely virtues and muses, female and male heroes, and heroic deeds from mythology. It provides a particularly beautiful sight. There’s also a terrace in this courtyard. It’s an excellent place to enjoy the decorations with a cup of coffee.
Habsburg portrait gallery
The Habsburg portrait gallery comprises about 200 paintings from the 14th to the 18th century. This was the period when the Habsburgs had enormous power in Europe. You can admire all the famous Habsburgs here.
It’s striking that there are many portraits of children. Many of the artworks were created by famous painters from Europe. If you were impressed by the National Portrait Gallery in London, then you should definitely visit these halls in Ambras Castle. This is only possible from May to October. The portrait gallery is closed in the other months.
Chamber of art and curiosities
Ferdinand II collected unique art and curiosities from all corners of the world. You can admire these in the Chamber of Art and Curiosities. You’ll see a lot of silver and goldsmith work, coins, crystal goblets, musical instruments, and scientific instruments. He also collected unusual portraits of people or animals that he labelled as “wonders of nature”. You’ll see images of disabled or deformed people.
St. Nicholas chapel
The St. Nicholas chapel is a beautiful, intimate place for reflection. The chapel is particularly colourful, thanks to the many frescoes and the beautiful blue vaulted ceiling.
Be sure to take a look in the vestibule of the chapel. Here you’ll see indulgences from the 14th century, beautifully embroidered robes, and stunning church silver.
The park surrounding Ambras castle
Surrounding Ambras Castle lies an immense castle park of 20 hectares. Ferdinand II had this beautiful Renaissance garden laid out in the 16th century. The waterfall created at that time was unique. In the park, you can quietly process all the impressions from your visit to Ambras Castle.
On this warm July day, it was lovely to seek some cooling in the shade. It also proves to be a favourite spot for the residents of Innsbruck. Many were enjoying a picnic here. If you fancy it, you can walk all the way back to the city through the castle park.
Practical information for your visit to Ambras castle
- You can visit Ambras Castle daily between 10 am and 5 pm.
- A ticket for adults costs €16 from April to October. In the remaining months, the admission price is €14.
- An audio guide costs €5. It’s certainly recommended. You can then walk around at your own pace and still get a lot of information about Ambras Castle.
- For all information about Ambras Castle, be sure to check the website of this attraction.
- Ambras Castle is located at Schlossstrasse 20 in Innsbruck. Because it’s high up and outside the city, it’s better not to walk to the castle. Going by car is also not very convenient. There’s a very small car park with limited space. Additionally, paid parking has been introduced since 2020. We noticed that the enforcement is very strict.
- It’s better to go by public transport. Bus line 4134 takes you to the entrance of Ambras Castle. With the free Innsbruck Welcome Card, you can use public transport in the city and region free of charge.
- Finally, the “Sightseer Bus” takes you to the Castle every 40 minutes. This hop-on-hop-off bus runs along the main attractions in the city. Note that the Welcome Card is not valid on the Sightseer Bus. You need a separate ticket for this.
