Ambras Castle: Cabinet of Curiosities and Renaissance
The castle of Archduke Ferdinand II above Innsbruck
Photo: Wilfredor, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
- Duration
- 2.0 hours
- Languages
- German, English
Ambras Castle above Innsbruck holds one of the oldest museum collections in the world, the Chamber of Art and Curiosities of Archduke Ferdinand II. This private tour tells of armor, oddities and an unusual love story.
Archduke Ferdinand II expanded the castle in the 16th century for his wife Philippine Welser, a commoner from Augsburg who had secretly married the Habsburg prince. Her life at Ambras provides plenty of stories.
Ferdinand was a passionate collector. In the Chamber of Curiosities, corals, automatons, exotic objects and artworks sit side by side, while the armories hold the suits of famous commanders. The collection is considered the oldest museum still in its original location.
The Spanish Hall is one of the finest Renaissance halls north of the Alps, and the Habsburg Portrait Gallery shows faces from across the centuries. The tour ends in the castle park with its peacocks and views.
Highlights
- Chamber of Art and Curiosities
- Armories with historic suits of armor
- Renaissance Spanish Hall
- Habsburg Portrait Gallery
- Love story of Ferdinand and Philippine Welser
The route
-
1Castle courtyard
Introduction and history
-
2Lower castle
Armories and curiosities
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3Spanish Hall
Renaissance splendor
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4Castle park
Peacocks and views
Who this tour is for
Great for art lovers, history fans and curious families who enjoy oddities.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No. Entrance fees and tickets for cable cars, trains, boats or tastings are not included and are paid on site. Your guide is happy to tell you in advance what to expect.
Is the price per person or per group?
This is a private tour with a licensed Austrian tour guide. The price is per group, not per person, so it is just you and your own party.
Is Ambras Castle open all year?
The castle has seasonal opening hours and is closed on some days. Your guide plans your date accordingly; admission is not included.
