Top attractions in Austria: Swarovski Crystal Worlds

Daniel Swarovski was born in Bohemia to a family with a small glass cutting factory. He invented a machine for cutting and polishing crystal jewelry stones and chose Wattens, then a village of 500 inhabitants, for his crystal jewelry production facility because it had a train connection and water resources.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swarovski is now a fifth-generation family business with 5,000 employees, day and night. and produces its own hydropower.

Swarovski jewelry was originally marked with an edelweiss logo, which was not always recognized in  foreign markets and sometimes thought to be a starfish. It was replaced with the elegant signature swan design.

Swarovski Crystal Worlds was built for the company’s 100th anniversary. Twelve million people have visited, making it the most popular attraction in Austria after Schönbrunn Palace.

The art begins on the grounds with designs like this crystal “Yes to All” in Swarovski crystal.

Just as Swarovski jewelry is intended to make any woman feel like a diva…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…Swarovski Crystal Worlds was designed as an escape from the ordinary. The treasures inside are said to be the realm of the waterfall-spewing giant outside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The giant’s fourteen subterranean chambers were inspired by the architect’s childhood dream and are filled with a glittery fantasy world of rainbows, from theatrical effects and fairy tales…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The “Art in the Giant” is a kaleidoscope of creativity. Exhibits range from the giant’s glove…

…to crystalline interpretations of famous architecture like the Taj Mahal, Great Pyramid of Giza, Empire State Building and Lenin’s Mausoleum.

This is a world like no other.

A VIP Lounge with refreshments and displays of annual crystal creations is onsite for members of the Swarovski Crystal Society.

 

There is, of course, a gift shop at the end of the tour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, the largest Swarovski shop worldwide is nearby in a 15th century building in Innsbruck’s Old Town.

Swarovski Crystal Worlds is closed for expansion until May, 2015.

Interested in visiting?

Admission and shuttle from Innsbruck to Swarovski Crystal Worlds is € 19,50 (about $22), but is free with the Innsbruck Card, which includes entrance to Innsbruck’s museums, IVB public transportation — including trams to holiday villages — the Sightseer Hop-on Hop-off bus, a bicycle rental, and the lifts and cable cars around Innsbruck.