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Schwaz, is a small town located just 30 km east of Innsbruck, in the immediate vicinity of Wattens, the town is located along the valley of the river Inn at about 550 meters above sea level. The village and the squares where the Schwaz Christmas Markets take place are dominated by the castle (Schloss Freundsberg).
The town developed in the 15th and 16th centuries when it became a very important mining centre, in the mines of the area copper and silver were extracted, and for this Schwaz was known as the city of silver.
In memory of that golden age there are interesting buildings such as the Fuggerhaus (1525), the Handelshaus (16th century), the parish church (Stadtpfarrkirche) and the Franciscan Monastery (Franziskanerkloster). Also interesting is a visit to the silver mine (Schwazer Silberbergwerk) which can be visited via a small train that runs along it for 800 metres.
SCHWAZ CHRISTMAS MARKET
1) Schwaz Christmas Market (Schwazer Adventmarkt). Interesting market with artisans exhibiting their works. The gastronomic offer of the market is usually very large, with Tyrolean specialities.
During Advent the village of Schwaz usually hosts many traditional events, the program includes traditional Christmas afternoon crafts, torchlight processions, and musical entertainment. Nourished program dedicated to children with ponies, small animals, handicraft and face painting workshops.
The Schwaz Advent is usually rounded off by Christmas music, the Advent calendar and on weekends by puppet shows and the enchanted forest for children.