The Swarovski Crystal Worlds, also known as Kristallwelten, near Innsbruck in Austria is a unique tourist attraction. It features an underground tour with various chambers containing differently themed crystal artwork. Learn where to buy Swarovski Crystal Worlds Tickets and how to get there from Innsbruck.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds Tickets and Opening Times
| Entrance Fees | €24 (adults) or €8 (kids 6-17 years) |
| Opening Times | 09:00 to 19:00 |
| Address | Kristallweltenstr. 1, 6112 Wattens, Austria |
| Included in Innsbruck Card | Yes |
| Public Transport | Shuttle bus from Innsbruck, normal bus, train |
| Website | Kristallwelten Wattens |
3 Reasons to Visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds Innsbruck
1. Marvel at Creative Brilliance
Swarovski Crystal Worlds is a showcase of how art, design, and imagination collide, featuring millions of dazzling crystals brought together by renowned artists and visionaries. You’ll even get the chance to experience falling snow year-round.
The famed Chambers of Wonder, each designed by a celebrated artist, architect, or designer, offer a captivating journey through immersive installations and sparkling creativity. The newest, Umbra by James Turrell, opened in April 2022, and the Art of Performance chamber (2021) dazzles with iconic stage and screen outfits.
Visitors are treated to original and recreated costumes worn by stars such as Elton John, Cher, Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe, Katy Perry, Björk, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé—each adorned with the unmistakable shine of Swarovski crystals.
2. Family-Friendly and Accessible
With convenient public transport options—including shuttles and trains from Innsbruck—and discounted entrance fees for kids, it’s an experience for all ages.
The attraction is also included with the Innsbruck Card, adding great value for visitors. Or you can skip the queue by buying individual tickets online and spend more time inside the belly of the giant.
3. Enchanting Gardens and Playgrounds
The sprawling gardens surrounding the Giant is just as much a part of the crystal experience as the chambers of wonder. Meandering paths lead past glittering crystal installations, reflecting pools, and lush lawns—a perfect backdrop for relaxation or playful exploration.
A highlight for families is the expansive playground, designed to spark imagination in children of all ages. It’s a wonderland of inventive play equipment and creative landscaping, where little ones can climb, slide, and let their imaginations soar. There are interactive features and plenty of space to run.
For those seeking a moment’s peace, the gardens offer secluded benches and quiet nooks shaded by mature trees.
What to See in the Chambers of Wonder
The main attraction at the Kristallwelten is the 16 chambers of wonder in the belly of the Giant, a creation of André Heller. The Giant supposedly watches over his treasures – which are hidden beneath the earth – after collecting them on a world journey.
Each chamber of wonder was created by a renowned international artist, designer, or architect to show off the brilliance of Swarovski crystals. Some of the notable chambers include:
Pulse Voronoi
The largest Chamber of Wonder at Swarovski Kristallwelten, created by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, offers an immersive walk through a suspended “cloud” of 7,000 crystal shards—each born from the imagined explosion of a flawless, cubic metre of crystal.
The shards, shaped by the mathematics of a Voronoi diagram, glint with intricate facets and each glow with the recorded heartbeat of a past visitor. Five sensors in the room allow guests to add their own heartbeats to the installation. As you place your hand on a sensor, the nearest crystals pulse with your rhythm and play back the unique sound of your heartbeat.
When you leave, your heartbeat is stored and becomes part of the living memory of the space, replacing the oldest recording.
The Art of Performance
Unveiled in 2021, this chamber features iconic costumes worn by legendary performers on screen and on stage.
Original outfits worn by Elton John and Cher, alongside re-creations like Marlene Dietrich’s famed 1932 Blonde Venus gown, and Marilyn Monroe’s “Birthday Dress” are on display. There are also dazzling pieces worn by Katy Perry, Björk, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé among the displays.
Crystallizing Identity
A striking new Chamber of Wonder by Chiharu Shiota draws inspiration from a Japanese myth, which tells of invisible red threads delicately bound to our fingers, connecting those whose destinies are intertwined.
Shiota brings this vision to life using an intricate web of red wool threads, each delicately threaded with sparkling crystal beads. As the threads intertwine, they gradually take shape, culminating in two feet, two arms, and the artist’s own hand—each element meticulously crafted by the experts at Swarovski Manufaktur.
Silent Light
A wintery wonderland where snow falls year-round around the crystal-laden tree designed by Tord Boontje, with temperatures dropping to -10°C for an authentic arctic atmosphere.
Kristallwelten Garden and Playground Highlights
After leaving the belly of the giant, there is a vast park area to explore. My highlight is the Crystal Cloud floating above a black mirror pool. The “clouds” are covered in 800,000 hand-mounted Swarovski Crystals.
When he was younger, M loved the four-story play tower for kids. He also likes running around in the labyrinth. The latter, in the shape of a hand, is another design by André Heller.
Carousel
Located in the garden’s southwest corner, Spanish designer Jaime Hayon has crafted a captivating black-and-white carousel that stands in dramatic contrast to the vibrant greenery of Kristallwelten’s garden.
The carousel’s monochrome surfaces glimmer with the brilliance of 15 million Swarovski crystals, set into 12 ceiling panels and 16 wall panels.
Hayon, drawing inspiration from folklore and fairy tales, designed fantastical characters to adorn the seats, while whimsical faces peer out from the roof and surrounding fence. The best of all is that the carousel is free to ride for all visitors!
Roman Excavations
Recently, the excavations of Roman walls which were discovered in 2014 have also been opened to the public.
Archaeologists believe the ancient walls were part of a Roman country estate or a small settlement that once lined the Roman road through the Lower Inn Valley. Among the most astonishing finds was a trove of 702 Roman silver coins or Antoninians.
Seasonal Surprises
Kristallwelten hosts various events in the garden alongside its permanent exhibitions. For example, the Circus-Theater Roncalli offers summer entertainment with 16 daily shows included in the entrance fee.
From November to February, the park transforms into a winter wonderland featuring luminous animal figures by Tord Boontje and a 13-metre-high Christmas tree.
Crystal Worlds Shop
I guess the highlight for shopaholics would be the Swarovski Crystal Worlds shop, which is home to one of the world’s largest collections of Swarovski products. It is a unique opportunity to buy items that are exclusively available in Wattens and Austria.
And when you´re done shopping, there is a Crystal Bar in the store where you can buy snacks or drinks from 10:00 to 16:00 daily.
Tips for Visiting Swarovski Crystal Worlds
- You can visit the Swarovski Kristallwelten Store and Daniels Kristallwelten Café and Restaurant without having to buy a ticket for the Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
- Check out the events programme at Swarovski Crystal Worlds before you visit to ensure you don´t miss out on something special like a circus performance or a light show.
- Swarovski Crystal Worlds and the shuttle bus from Innsbruck are included in the Innsbruck Card.
- If you don’t have enough time to visit the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens (or maybe your partner doesn’t understand the fuss about crystals ?) you can also pop into the Swarovski Kristallwelten Store Innsbruck. It’s near the Golden Roof in Herzog-Friedrich-Straße in the Innsbruck old town (very close to the McDonald’s).
- Locals or tourists who plan to visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds regularly can buy an annual card @ €60 for adults and €25 for children from 6 to 17 years.
- The Freizeitticket Tirol, which is available to residents of Tyrol, includes 3 free entrances to Swarovski Kristallwelten per year.
- If you´re hungry for something more than a snack at the Crystal Bar, Daniels Kristallwelten is the onsite restaurant and café in the Swarovski Crystal Worlds. They serve international and Tyrolean dishes with a focus on seasonal cuisine. The in-house patisserie also bakes delicious cakes, macarons, muffins or cupcakes.
How to Get to Swarovski Crystal World from Innsbruck
- Own transport – The address to enter in your GPS/navigation app is Kristallweltenstraße 1, 6112 Wattens, Austria. There is plenty of free parking for cars and buses outside Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
- Shuttle Bus – The Swarovski Crystal Worlds shuttle bus travels between Innsbruck and Swarovski Kristallwelten four times daily. It departs at the Innsbruck main station (Hauptbahnhof) and makes one more stop at the Innsbruck Congress/Hofburg before travelling straight to Swarovski Crystal Worlds. Return tickets cost €12 and a one-way ticket is €8, but if you have the trip is also included in the Innsbruck Card. Find the up-to-date timetable here.
- Other public transport – It´s also possible to take a regular bus or train to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds. From the Wattens/Fritzens train station, a RegioFlink shuttle bus can be booked to take you to the Crystal Worlds if you don´t want to walk. Bus 4125 also travels directly between the Innsbruck main train station and the Kristallwelten.
Accommodation near Swarovski Crystal Worlds
If you plan to stay overnight near Swarovski Crystal Worlds, Wattens offers a range of accommodation options. DION Hotel Wattens provides modern comfort and convenient amenities, making it a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Hotel Goldener Adler Wattens charms guests with its traditional Austrian hospitality and central location. Hotel Alpenland is known for its cozy alpine atmosphere, while Pension Clara offers a welcoming, budget-friendly stay, ideal for families or visitors seeking a more homely experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Swarovski Crystal Worlds?
Swarovski Crystal Worlds is in Wattens, a town in the Tyrolean region of Austria, about 20 kilometres east of Innsbruck. The exact address is Kristallweltenstraße 1, 6112 Wattens, making it easily accessible by car, shuttle, or public transport from Innsbruck and the surrounding area.
How long do you need at Swarovski Crystal Worlds?
Most visitors find that spending 2 to 4 hours at Swarovski Crystal Worlds allows enough time to explore the sparkling Chambers of Wonder, wander through the gardens, and enjoy a stop at the café or shop.
What is the best way to get from Innsbruck to Swarovski Crystal World?
The best way to get from Innsbruck to Swarovski Crystal Worlds is by taking Bus 4125, which runs directly between the Innsbruck main train station and the Kristallwelten entrance. This option is straightforward and convenient, with regular departures that make planning your visit easy.
Alternatively, you can take a regional train from Innsbruck to Wattens/Fritzens station and then book a RegioFlink shuttle bus for the final leg to Crystal Worlds, especially if you prefer a more flexible schedule.
*Disclosure*
Having fun in Austria, and then writing about it is hard work 😆 . That’s why some links in this article are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you use any of them to make a purchase. It’s totally cool if you don’t. I love to help anyway. If you do, it will help us discover another part of Austria to write about.
I had no idea this place existed, that’s really unusual.