What is Swarovski Crystal Worlds?
Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Swarovski Kristallwelten) is a rather extraordinary attraction in Wattens, 20 kilometres east of Innsbruck. Created by multimedia artist André Heller in 1995 to celebrate Swarovski’s 100th anniversary, it’s part art museum, part fantasy realm, part family attraction — and honestly, part shopping experience. The whole thing sprawls across a 7.5-hectare (19-acre) park.
The entrance alone is memorable: you walk through the mouth of a 17-metre-high “Giant” covered in crystals and grass, with water cascading from its mouth like he’s perpetually drooling. Since opening, it’s welcomed over 15 million visitors and ranks among Austria’s most popular tourist attractions. That’s a lot of people willing to walk into a giant’s mouth.
It’s advisable to book tickets online in advance. Either go for a straight entry ticket or a ticket with shuttle bus transfer from Innsbruck.
What to see at Swarovski Crystal Worlds
The Chambers of Wonder at Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Inside the Giant are 18 underground exhibition chambers featuring installations by world-renowned artists including Yayoi Kusama, James Turrell, Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, Brian Eno, Niki de Saint Phalle, and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. Each chamber offers a unique sensory experience interpreting crystal through art. It’s genuinely impressive — where else can you see works by Dalí, Warhol, and Kusama all in one location?
Highlights include:
- Silent Light — An icy chamber with snow year-round. Yes, actual snow. In Austria. They’ve committed to the theme.
- The Art of Performance — Hollywood costumes including a replica of Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday Mr. President” dress, Dorothy’s ruby slippers, and outfits worn by Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Elton John.
- Umbra by James Turrell — A physical-meditative light experience, unique in German-speaking countries. Turrell’s work with light is legendary, and this doesn’t disappoint.
- Pulse Voronoi by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer — 7,000 crystals responding to visitors’ heartbeats. It’s the largest Chamber of Wonder and genuinely mesmerising.
- Blue Hall — Painted in Yves Klein’s signature International Klein Blue. That particular shade of blue has a way of making you stop and stare.
The Swarovski Crystal Worlds garden
The outdoor garden features spectacular art installations that are worth as much time as the indoor chambers:
- Crystal Cloud — 800,000 hand-mounted Swarovski crystals floating above a black Mirror Pool. It’s the world’s largest installation of its kind, covering 1,400 square metres. The effect, especially on a sunny day, is genuinely breathtaking.
- Play Tower — A 14-metre-high climbing tower by Snøhetta architects with 160 unique crystalline facets. Kids love it, adults photograph it.
- Carousel — A black-and-white carousel designed by Jaime Hayon with 15 million crystals. It’s functional, not just decorative.
- Hand-shaped labyrinth by André Heller.
- Sculptures by Barry Flanagan, Erwin Wurm (“Fat Bus” — you’ll know it when you see it), and Arik Levy.
- Roman excavations — Wall remains and 702 Roman silver coins discovered during 2014 reconstruction. Unexpected archaeological bonus.
- Alpine garden with observation deck.
The Swarovski Crystal Worlds store and restaurant
One of the world’s largest Swarovski stores offers jewellery, home accessories, and souvenirs, with many items at discount prices up to 50%. If you’re planning to buy Swarovski products anyway, this is the place to do it.
Restaurant Daniels Kristallwelten serves Austrian and international cuisine with a patisserie. The food’s decent, and the setting’s pleasant.
Five great things to do in Innsbruck
- 🚵 Explore the Alpine villages on an ebike tour.
- 🍽️ Take a traditional food tour and indulge in classic Tyrolean dishes.
- 🪂 Fly over the Stubai Valley on a tandem paragliding adventure.
- 🏰 Take a private day tour to the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle.
- 🎶 Embrace the cheese at a Tyrolean folk show.
Visiting Swarovski Crystal Worlds: practical information
Swarovski Crystal Worlds opening hours and admission
Opening hours: Daily 9.00am to 7.00pm (last entry 6.00pm).
Special hours:
- 24th December 2025: 9.00am to 1.00pm (last entry 12.00pm).
- 31st December 2025: 9.00am to 4.00pm (last entry 3.00pm).
Play Tower and Carousel: Daily 10.00am to 6.00pm.
Admission prices:
- Online: Adults €24 | Youth (6 to 17) €7.50.
- At ticket office: Adults €26 | Youth (6 to 17) €7.50.
- Children 0 to 5: Free.
- Free with Innsbruck Card.
Audio guides: €2 (available in 10 languages including English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, and Dutch).
Important tip: Buy tickets online to save €2 and skip ticket counter queues. Flex tickets are valid for 5 days from purchase date, which gives you flexibility if plans change.
Why book the Innsbruck Card for sightseeing and transport?
- Free access to top attractions: Visit museums, historic sites and landmarks in Innsbruck without paying individual entrance fees.
- Free public transport included: Use buses and trains within the city at no extra cost, making it easier to get around.
- Flexible duration options: Choose a 24-hour, 48-hour or 72-hour pass to match your travel schedule.
- Save time and money: One pass covers many things — great for first-time visitors wanting convenience and value.
- Easy digital format: Use the card on your phone — no need to print any tickets or vouchers.
Getting to Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Address: Kristallweltenstraße 1, 6112 Wattens, Austria.
By shuttle bus (recommended): Kristallwelten e-shuttle runs 5 times daily between Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof and Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
- Round-trip: Adults €12 | Children (6 to 17) €4.
- One-way: Adults €8 | Children (6 to 17) €4.
- Children under 6: Free (with adult).
- Add shuttle ticket when booking online or pay cash on bus.
- Wheelchair accessible with lift.
By train: S-4 line to Fritzens-Wattens Bahnhof, then RegioFlink shuttle service to the attraction.
By public bus: Lines 4123, 4125, 8330, 8380 to Wattens Kristallwelten/B171 stop (2-minute walk).
By car: Via Inntal Autobahn/E60, exit 61-Wattens. Free parking for cars, buses, 10 caravan spots, and 8 disabled parking spaces. EV charging station available.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds accessibility
Barrier-free access throughout. Wheelchair-accessible entrances, paths, and facilities. One space reserved for wheelchair users on the shuttle bus. Barrier-free toilets available. Free Wi-Fi throughout for digital visitor guide access.
How long to spend at Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Minimum: 1.5 hours for Chambers of Wonder. Recommended: 2.5 to 3 hours to include gardens and outdoor attractions. Full experience: Half a day is entirely possible if you’re eager/ thorough.
Don’t rush through the Chambers — each genuinely deserves time to appreciate. And the outdoor installations, particularly the Crystal Cloud, reward lingering.
Contact information for Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Phone: +43 5224 51080. Email: [email protected]. Service line: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Tips for visiting Swarovski Crystal Worlds
- Best time: Early morning (9.00am to 10.00am) or before noon for fewer crowds. Summer afternoons can get busy.
- Book online for the €2 discount and skip-the-queue access — it’s genuinely worth it during peak periods.
- Don’t rush through the Chambers — the James Turrell installation alone deserves 10 to 15 minutes.
- Explore the garden thoroughly — the outdoor installations are as spectacular as what’s inside, and many visitors don’t give them enough time.
- Kids absolutely love the play tower, carousel, and labyrinth. Budget extra time if you’re visiting with children.
- The restaurant offers decent views and proper Austrian cuisine if you fancy a proper meal.
- Allow time for the store — it’s extensive, and those discount prices (up to 50% off) are legitimate.
- Photography is permitted (usually without flash) — bring a proper camera for the Crystal Cloud.
- It’s appropriate for all ages and weather conditions, which makes it ideal for unpredictable Alpine weather.
- Dogs aren’t permitted inside (allowed in arrival building only, on lead and muzzled).
- Check for special exhibitions and seasonal events — Winter Wonderland during Christmas, Easter Magic in spring, summer circus shows.
Why visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds?
Swarovski Crystal Worlds offers a genuinely one-of-a-kind experience. It’s part art museum (and a good one — that roster of artists is seriously impressive), part fantasy realm, part family attraction. The combination of world-class contemporary art installations, the magical garden with its 800,000-crystal Cloud, and the sheer spectacle of it all makes it unlike any other museum you’ll visit.
What’s particularly impressive is how it successfully appeals to diverse audiences. Art lovers appreciate seeing works by Dalí, Warhol, Kusama, and Turrell all in one location, each interpreting crystal in their unique vision. Families enjoy the play areas, carousel, and general sense of wonder. Fashion enthusiasts marvel at the Hollywood costumes. And honestly, everyone is enchanted by those sparkling installations — it’s hard not to be.
The Austrian Eco-Label certification demonstrates environmental commitment, whilst the Roman excavations add unexpected archaeological interest. It’s genuinely thoughtful in ways you might not expect from what could have been just a corporate showcase.
Is it essentially a very elaborate advertisement for Swarovski? Yes, absolutely. But it’s done with such genuine artistry and commitment to the experience that it transcends corporate self-promotion. If you’re going to create a monument to crystals, this is how you do it.
The short trip from Innsbruck (20km, easy shuttle service) makes it an accessible day trip that offers something completely different from Innsbruck’s historical attractions such as the Hofkirche, Golden Roof and City Tower. Whether you’re interested in contemporary art, crystal craftsmanship, stunning design, or simply want a memorable family outing, it delivers a sparkling experience that justifies the journey.
More Innsbruck travel
Other Innsbruck travel articles include:
- Is the Bergisel ski jump in Innsbruck worth the entry fee?
- The incredible range of strudels at Innsbruck’s Kroll café.
- A practical guide to the Innsbruck Alpine Zoo.
- Visitor tips for St James’ Cathedral in Innsbruck.
- Visiting the world’s oldest existing museum at Schloss Ambras.
