Schlosspark Ambras

The history of Schlosspark Ambras is closely linked to the history of Ambras Castle, which was originally a medieval fortress built by the Counts of Andechs in the 10th century. The castle was acquired by the Habsburgs in the 14th century and became the residence of Archduke Ferdinand II, the ruler of Tyrol and a patron of arts and sciences. Archduke Ferdinand II transformed the castle into a splendid Renaissance palace in 1567, and commissioned the design of the castle park as well. He hired the Dutch scholar Stephanus Venandus Pighius to create a detailed plan of the park, which included woodlands, fish ponds, game reserve, vineyards, gardens, and vacation cottages. Pighius also wrote a thorough description of the park in his book Ambrasiorum Libri Duo, published in 1574.

The park was divided into three sections surrounding the core Renaissance castle: the wildlife park to the east of the castle, the manicured park to the west and north, and the Keuchengarten (kitchen garden) as a Renaissance garden on the south side. The wildlife park was designed to resemble a natural landscape, with a mixed deciduous forest, rocks, gorges, walkways, bridges, and an artificial waterfall that was fed by a branch of the Aldranser Bach, a nearby stream. The manicured park was intended to be a pleasure garden, with ornamental plants, fountains, statues, and pavilions. The Keuchengarten was used for cultivation and production of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

The park was maintained and enjoyed by Archduke Ferdinand II and his wife, Philippine Welser, a noblewoman from Augsburg who was famous for her beauty and intelligence. They also hosted many guests and events at the park, such as tournaments, banquets, and festivals. The park was also a place of scientific and artistic exploration, as Archduke Ferdinand II collected and displayed many rare and exotic specimens, such as plants, animals, minerals, and artworks, in his famous Kunstkammer (art chamber), which was located in the lower castle.

After the death of Archduke Ferdinand II in 1595, the park fell into decline and was neglected for many years. The castle and the park were inherited by his son, Archduke Karl II, who had little interest in them. The park was used for agricultural purposes and some of the garden structures, such as the rock cellar and the Bacchus grotto, survived. The castle and the park were later transferred to Emperor Leopold I, who gave them to his son, Archduke Karl Ludwig, the governor of Tyrol, in 1653.

Archduke Karl Ludwig revived the park and had the summer palace enlarged in 1855. He hired the landscape architect Franz Xaver Riedl to redesign the park in the style of an English landscape garden. The northern and western sections of the park were landscaped with solitary trees and clusters of trees, and a large pond was created in the lower part of the park. The pond was named the Great Weiher and was visible immediately after the main entrance. The pond was also decorated with a small island, a bridge, and a fountain. The eastern section of the park remained as a wildlife park, with some additions of exotic animals, such as deer, peacocks, and pheasants.

The park underwent some changes in the second half of the 20th century, due to the construction of the highway and the urban development of Innsbruck. The park lost some of its acreage on the north side and some of the original features, such as the fish ponds and the game reserve, were removed. The Keuchengarten area, parts of the previously unplanted courtyards, and the entrance from the west gate were all rebuilt in the 1970s style. A playground was also constructed in the animal park.