Description
Ambras Castle, located above Innsbruck and visible from afar, is one of the most important sights of the Tyrolean capital.
The Tyrolean Prince Archduke Ferdinand II. (1529-1595), son of Emperor Ferdinand l., had the medieval Ambras Castle converted into a Renaissance palace for his wife Philippine Welser and housed his valuable art collections there.
The armouries contain rare tournament armour and impressive ceremonial armour of famous generals. The armour of the giant Bartlmä Bon looks particularly impressive next to the children's armour of Ferdinand's two sons. In the Chamber of Art and Wonders you will see the oldest portrait of Count Vlad III Dracula, portraits of people who were considered to be "miracles" - such as those of hair people, as well as rare and exotic pieces of nature.
The Spanish Hall at the foot of the Upper Castle is still used today as a banqueting hall for various occasions and concerts and is one of the most important and most beautiful halls of the Renaissance.
In the Hochschloss you reach the Habsburg Portrait Gallery via the courtyard decorated with wonderful grisaille painting. The paintings are by famous painters such as Hans Burgkmair, Lucas Cranach the Younger, Titian, Giuseppe Arcimboldo, Peter Paul Rubens and others.
The completely preserved bath of the Philippine Welser is a cultural-historical rarity and provides insights into the "wellness" culture of the 16th century.
How to get there
By public transport
The Sightseer Bus travels to Ambras Castle every half hour. You can board at any Sightseer stop and interrupt your journey as often as you like with a day ticket.
If you want to travel by post bus: Use the combination ticket from bus trip and museum visit.