Discover Ampass: History and Nature

Ampass lies on the south bank of the Inn, along the old salt road to Hall. Archaeological features, sacred art, hiking trails and a seasonal natural ice rink give the village several distinct points of interest. When looking for a holiday apartment, consider which of these you want to shape your stay: local history, outdoor activities or a winter activity.

Archaeology and Church Art

In proportion to its area, Ampass has the highest density of archaeologically significant sites in Tyrol. This archaeological significance is a distinctive aspect of the village, alongside its church art.

The Viertlsäule stands on the Sonnenbühel hill beside the road to Hall and is considered the most significant late Gothic image column in North Tyrol from an art-historical perspective. This classification makes it a striking example of late Gothic image art; its position on the hill also gives the monument a specific topographical setting.

The Gothic parish church of St. John was completely destroyed by fire in 1567 after being struck by lightning. During restoration work in 1955, a fresco of St. Christopher dating from the early 16th century was discovered on the south side of the choir. The fresco therefore predates the fire; it was not discovered until much later. The church is also a popular wedding venue. Ampass’s two cultural landmarks thus have distinct stories: the Viertlsäule represents late Gothic image art, while St. John’s combines a history of fire with a rediscovered fresco.

Hiking Trails and Protected Nature

There are two named hiking trails around Ampass: the Innsbrucker Almenweg and the Kaspar Sautner-Weg. The latter is named after a Tyrolean freedom fighter. If a historical connection to the area matters to you when hiking, the Kaspar Sautner-Weg offers one through its namesake. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

The small Taxerhofsee lake, also known as Köglmoor, lies within the municipality of Ampass. Its reed beds and wet meadows are protected. This natural feature differs from the hiking trails: the trails focus on the route, while here the focus is on a protected habitat.

Season and Transport Links When Choosing Accommodation

The Ampass natural ice rink adds a seasonal activity to the options. The ice surface measures approximately 55 × 25 metres and is used for ice skating, ice hockey and curling. Its operation depends on the weather. This makes the rink a different planning consideration from the village’s historic features: the right time of year is essential for ice sports, whereas local history is relevant to choosing a destination regardless of the season. Take the weather dependency into account when planning your trip.

Bus connections may also play a role when choosing a holiday apartment. According to the Verkehrsverbund Tirol timetable dated 9 July 2024, regional bus route 505 connects Ampass with Innsbruck and Hall every half hour from Monday to Saturday; it also runs as far as Mils. If you plan to use this connection, check the current timetable before travelling. This will help you consider the routes mentioned when deciding whether Ampass is among the places you would like to reach by bus during your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Volderau, Leutasch, Patsch, Reith bei Seefeld, Oberperfuss, Hall in Tirol, Gries im Sellrain, Kematen in Tirol.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Innsbruck-Land.