Ambras Castle
Schloss Ambras
A Renaissance castle famous across Europe for Archduke Ferdinand II's Chamber of Art and Curiosities, its armoury and its Habsburg portrait gallery.
Ambras Castle sits on a hillside southeast of Innsbruck. In the 16th century, Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol remodelled it for his commoner wife, Philippine Welser. The castle now belongs to the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna and is divided into the Lower Castle and the Upper Castle. The Lower Castle's Kunst- und Wunderkammer (Chamber of Art and Wonders) is one of the oldest surviving collections of its kind, displaying coral, rare stones, automata and curious portraits. Its armoury hall holds a large collection of knights' armour. The Upper Castle houses a Habsburg family portrait gallery of hundreds of paintings. Its most splendid room, the Spanish Hall, is one of the most important independent Renaissance halls in the German-speaking world, with a richly decorated wooden ceiling and murals. Around the castle are English-style gardens where peacocks stroll. Admission is around €10 to €20; check the official website. It is included with the Innsbruck Card. From the city centre, take a shuttle bus or bus 4134, about 15 minutes.
Opening hours
About 10:00–17:00 (winter closures: check the official website)
Nearby sights
- Das Tirol Panorama
- Bergisel Ski Jump
- Wilten Basilica & Abbey
- Grassmayr Bell Foundry & Museum
- Tyrolean State Museum Ferdinandeum
- Triumphal Arch
- Hofgarten
- Tyrolean Folk Art Museum