Districts & Neighborhoods in Hall in Tirol
Approximately 13,000 people live in Hall in Tirol, a small town in the district of Innsbruck-Land in Tyrol, Austria. Its rich salt mining past and old town – the largest and best preserved in the west of Austria – are well known. Hall in Tyrol has different districts and settlements, each with its own character and history.
The center of Tyrol and a cultural treasure is the old town of Hall. It dates back to the 13th century, when the Hall was a lively market and trading center, and later a center for the mint. Among several exceptional buildings in the old town are the Gothic church of St. Nicholas, the baroque Jesuit church, the town hall, Burg Hasegg with the Minting Tower and the Minting Museum. In addition to numerous charming passages, squares, fountains and cafes where guests can enjoy the view of the mountains, the old town offers a lot.
The settlement of Heiligkreuz in the south of Tyrol, built in the 15th century, is named after the Church of the Holy Cross. Pilgrims and visitors who appreciate the Gothic architecture of the church, the beautiful interior and the miraculous cross often visit this place. Heiligkreuz is also a residential area with many modern buildings and green areas.
On the slopes of the Bettelwurf mountain, lies the community of Schönegg east of Hall in Tyrol. This rustic and picturesque area includes many farms, meadows and forests, and is also a recreation area with a ski lift, toboggan run and hiking trails. Schönegg offers a panoramic view of the Tyrolean town of Hall and the valley of the river Inn.
Along the river Inn, there is the northern part of Hall in Tyrol – Milser Au. This natural and biological region includes a wetland reserve, a bird habitat and a nature trail. It is also an area for recreation, with a sports center, a swimming pool and a camp. Visitors to Milser Au can enjoy the lake and its surroundings.
Although separate municipalities, Hall in Tyrol and surrounding settlements such as Absam, Thaur, Mils and Rinn share the same territory. Each of them has unique characteristics, including the ski center in Rinno, the church in Mils, the basilica in Absam and the castle in Thaur. For residents and visitors, Hall in Tirol and the surrounding area offer a variety of events and experiences.
Altstadt (Old Town)
In western Austria, the Old Town of Hall in Tirol is a quite amazing and well-preserved medieval town center. One of the most interesting parts of the city since it is not only beautiful but also very historically important. The several sights and attractions of the area are evidence of its interesting past and active culture.
The winding streets, pastel-colored Gothic-style homes, and arresting monuments define Tirol’s ancient town of Hall. The following are the key old town sites and neighborhoods:
- Upper Town Square, the center of the old town, features the outstanding Gothic St. Nicholas Church, Town Hall, and Mint Tower. Home to the Hall Mint Museum, the Mint Tower is a well-known emblem of Hall in Tirol. Here guests may explore the interesting background of minting and coinage. Emergent in the 16th century, the Renaissance Town Hall boasts a lovely arcaded courtyard. With its stunning 65-meter-tall tower and 14th-century church, the St. Nicholas Church is an outstanding illustration of Gothic architecture. Inside the church, its general beauty is enhanced by the detailed embellishments.
- Important sites in the old town are the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the All Saints’ Church in the Monastery neighborhood. Built by Jesuits in the 17th century, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart has a magnificent Baroque style with a dome and an arresting crimson front. Originally built in the 15th century as a Gothic hall church, the All Saints’ Church had Baroque style modifications. It so distinguishes itself as the oldest Baroque church in North Tyrol.
- Originally the home of mint officials, the 14th century bastion known as the Hasegg fortification provides a breathtaking perspective of the old town. The mint found protection in the unique round tower known as Münzerturm. Additionally located in the castle is the Mining Museum Hall in Tirol, which offers knowledge about the past of salt mining and its effects on the nearby society.
- Rising above the ancient village on Glungezer Mountain, Kugelwald Adventure World is an intriguing and instructive attraction for families. Offering a range of stations and activities to enjoy among the rich wooded surroundings, this large wooden ball track is a great draw for both adults and children. Great panoramic views of the Inn Valley and the surrounding mountains are provided by the Glungezer cable car.
The old town of Hall in Tirol allows one to explore the vivid cultural and historical legacy of Tyrol and appreciate the beauty and appeal of a medieval town. Local foods and handcrafts are available from many of the little boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.
Heiligkreuz
Heiligkreuz is a hamlet and area of the town of Hall in Tirol in the northwest of the old town, near Thaur and Absam. With around 165 inhabitants, it retains its rural character.
Discovered in Haller Au, a flood plain near Inn, the cross brought to the community in 1440 forms the basis of the name Heiligkreuz. Soon the cross gained respect and a church was built to guard it. The Heiligkreuzkirche is a Gothic building with a prominent arch and Baroque interior, a famous shrine and cultural monument.
Heiligkreuz also has a history in spa and tourism since the 14th century, when a healing spring was discovered in the area. Among the first buildings in the hamlet, Hotel Heiligkreuz was originally a spa and a regular stop for guests and miners from the nearby Halltal salt mines. Today, this four-star hotel offers modern comfort combined with a historic atmosphere.
Heiligkreuz is surrounded by beautiful scenery and offers various activities such as golf, skiing, cycling and hiking. In addition to the attractions of the Hall-Wattens area – the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, the Karwendel Nature Park and the Glungezer ski resort – it is also close to the cultural and business centers of Hall and Innsbruck. Here you can come and enjoy the Tyrolean way of life in the beautiful and peaceful Heiligkreuz.
Schönegg
Perched on a hill above the historic town, Schönegg overlooks the Inn Valley and the Karwendel Mountains. German for “beautiful corner”, Schönegg is truly a wonderful place to visit. Originally described as a settlement of artists and farmers, Schönegg was first mentioned in 1288. together with Kovačnica and Hasegg Castle, it formed the defensive system of Hal in Tyrol. Schönegg also took a tactical part in the Tyrolean Uprising of 1809, when local people fought against French and Bavarian rule.
Among the few old buildings and monuments that Schönegg highlights are the Church of St. Magdalene, Schönegg Castle, Schönegg Chapel and Schönegg Cross. Built in the 14th century, the Gothic church of St. Inside the Magdalene is full of altars, frescoes and sculptures. Built in the 16th century by the aristocratic Fieger family, which operated the Hala mint in Tyrol and the salt mines, the Renaissance fortress known as Schönegg has a beautiful courtyard and a tower with a sundial and clock. A small chapel built in the 17th century by farmers from Schönegg is Schönegg Kapela. Her altar is baroque and shows an image of the Virgin Mary. The wooden Schönegg Cross was built by the townspeople of Schönegg in 1810 as a thank you for being freed from French and Bavarian soldiers, and is placed on a rock near the edge.
Schönegg is a place of history, but also of nature and recreation. Popular for skiing, horse riding and hiking, Schönegg offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Among the several routes that Schönegg offers to reach the nearby mountains – Bettelwurf, Glungezer and Patscherkofel, it also has a ski lift that connects it to the Glungezer ski area with pistes of all levels. Schönegg is a place where you can enjoy the beauty and peace of the Tyrolean nature, while being close to the cultural and business center of Hal in Tyrol.
Schönegg is one of the areas and villages in Hall in Tyrol that respect the rich and varied history of this town. Here you can meet past and present, urban and rural, art and the natural environment of Hall in Tirol in Schönegg. You really shouldn’t miss Schönegg while visiting Hall in Tirol.
Milser Au
Milser Au gets its name from the adjacent Mils village in the Hall-Wattens region. The esteemed Oswald-Milser-Chor choir calls Mils, the little holiday resort home. With its marshes, woods, and meadows offering a rich habitat for a wide spectrum of flora and wildlife, Milser Au is a lovely natural refuge. Residents as well as visitors who like walking, riding, and fishing find great recreation area along the river.From Milser Au to the town center, the pedestrian bridge provides an amazing perspective of the old Hasegg Castle, home of the esteemed Hall Mint Museum, and the grand Karwendel mountain range.
Milser Au reflects the town’s strong link to the environment and culture even if it may differ from the urban and historical ambiance of Hall in Tirol. Here you may unwind, have fun, and investigate the several facets of this little village.
