Klangspuren Schwaz
The internationally renowned Tyrolean festival for contemporary music takes place every September in Schwaz.
PlizioGo
A hearty pan dish found in traditional inns around the old town.
Famous Tyrolean bacon available at local butchers.
Cheese dumplings often served in soup at mountain huts and rustic taverns.
The historic street features welcoming local boutiques.
Look out for fresh Tyrolean cheeses and local honey.
A beautiful quiet garden oasis located near the town center.
A pleasant path along the stream flowing through the town.
Take the cable car up for incredibly peaceful alpine views.
Water temperature…
Schwaz, also known as the 'Silver City', is located in the Tyrolean Inn Valley and was the second-largest settlement in the Habsburg Empire after Vienna during the late Middle Ages. The city owed its immense significance to silver and copper mining, which reached its zenith in the 15th and 16th centuries, establishing Schwaz as the center of the mining world at that time. The Fugger family from Augsburg controlled large portions of the trade, bringing unprecedented wealth to the city, which is still reflected in its magnificent architecture today. A standout example is the parish church of Maria Himmelfahrt, the largest hall church in Tyrol, featuring a roof covered with over 15,000 copper plates. Other notable sights include Freundsberg Castle, which overlooks the city, and the silver show mine, where visitors can learn about the arduous underground work of the miners. Despite the decline of mining in the 19th century, Schwaz remained an important administrative and cultural center. The city was granted city rights in 1899 by Emperor Franz Joseph I and is today a modern district capital.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -3 | 1 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 2 | -3 |
| Rain mm | 83 | 65 | 81 | 84 | 149 | 175 | 172 | 185 | 119 | 91 | 70 | 74 |
See what it looks like near Schwaz right now.
Stadt Schwaz: Schwaz, Silberregion Karwendel - Silberstadt Schwaz, Eiblschrofen & Pfarrkirche Maria Himmelfahrt · 0.2 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Your day in Schwaz begins in the historic heart, exploring Gothic churches and old merchant houses. Feel the town's history with every step through the narrow streets. In the afternoon, ascend to Freundsberg Castle for panoramic views before descending deep into the earth. The day concludes with the impressive experience of the silver mine, the source of the town's former wealth. It's a day of contrasts, from sky-high towers to deep tunnels.
Morning in Schwaz begins under the shelter of the Orgler House arcades. An umbrella is essential in the narrow old town streets while heading to the parish church. At noon, Austria's largest Gothic hall church provides a dry and grand sanctuary. The short dash to the Fugger House is easily managed between rain showers. Afternoon is best spent at the Museum of Peoples, a perfect indoor retreat for a couple of hours. The walk up to Freundsberg Castle requires sturdy shoes on the wet paths. Evening concludes perfectly at the Silver Mine. Since you ride deep into the mountain, the weather outside is irrelevant – it stays consistently dry at 12 degrees.
Schwaz in winter shines with snow-capped peaks towering over the city. The morning at the town square is crisp, with snow crunching underfoot on the way to the parish church. At noon, warm up within the historic walls of the Fugger residence. The low winter sun creates a picturesque light in the windows of the Franciscan monastery cloister. Afternoon brings cozy warmth and fascinating insights at the Museum of Peoples. The path to Freundsberg Castle can be icy but rewards you with views of the wintry Inn Valley. Since the sun disappears behind the mountains by 4:30 PM, a late afternoon visit to the silver mine is ideal before finishing the day in a warm local tavern.
Hop on your bike and discover Schwaz on two wheels. The tour first takes you to the famous silver mine. After this underground experience, you'll cycle to the historic center for a lunch break. In the afternoon, conquer Freundsberg Castle – a challenge with a rewarding view. The day ends with a leisurely ride along the picturesque Inn River, where you can fully enjoy the alpine scenery.
Cycling in the rain requires good preparation in Schwaz. Head quickly from the station to the Silver Mine, where bikes can be parked safely and dry. At noon, the tour heads back to the old town. Exercise caution on the wet cobblestones, especially near the parish church. Afternoon makes the Museum of Peoples a welcome stop to dry off clothes before tackling the steep climb to Freundsberg Castle. The day ends with a cool ride along the Inn. The bike path is paved, but puddles form quickly – mudguards are a lifesaver here.
Winter cycling in Schwaz offers crisp air and great views. From the station, the path leads through the snowy landscape to the Silver Mine. At noon, head into the old town. You might want to push your bike more often here, as frozen puddles can be treacherous. Afternoon is for warming up in the Museum of Peoples. The climb to Freundsberg Castle is a real athletic challenge in winter, rewarded with hot tea. Finally, ride back along the Inn. The wind in the valley is icy, so gloves and face protection are indispensable while cycling.
With a car, you can explore Schwaz flexibly in clusters. Park in the center and discover the old town on foot. After churches, monasteries, and museums, drive up to the high-perched Freundsberg Castle. There, you'll not only enjoy the history but also lunch with a magnificent view. The afternoon is dedicated to industrial heritage: a short drive takes you to the famous silver mine for an unforgettable underground adventure.
A car tour through Schwaz is the most comfortable choice in the rain. The Stadtgalerien parking garage provides a dry start right at the edge of the old town. At noon, the walk to the parish church and Fugger House is short. Keep the car parked nearby while exploring the sacred treasures. Afternoon takes you up to Freundsberg Castle. The parking lot directly at the castle saves you from long walks in the rain. Enjoy the view from the dry interior. Finally, drive to the Silver Mine. The parking there is spacious and the entrance is close, so you get inside the mountain almost completely dry.
Schwaz by car in winter is safe as long as you are prepared for snow. The day starts coziy in the warm car with a drive to the town square. At noon, the old town sights can be easily combined. Roads are usually well-cleared, but be careful when parking near snow piles. Afternoon features the drive up to Freundsberg Castle. The steep road requires winter equipment and concentration but rewards you with winter magic. Finally, head to the Silver Mine. The visit to the warm mountain interior is the perfect contrast to the frosty drive through the Inn Valley.
The town hall of Schwaz serves as the administrative center for the Tyrolean district capital.
