The small town of Wattens hosts the dazzling Swarovski Kristallwelten. Touted as a crystal museum, the facility includes a museum/art gallery, Swarovski store, restaurant and park. The exit is clearly marked off the main expressway. From there follow the clearly marked signage. And if you still muck it up, as we did, have no fear. Apparently there are plenty of similar directionally challenged dingbats around. There are signs re directing you back on route. Thanks Wattens!

As this year was our 15 year anniversary, (Yikes! Already?) Doug suggested the trip to Austria. A traditional 15 year gift is crystal. And Swarovski just so happens to specialize in crystals. And is in Austria. Thus the entire “excuse” for a trip. So, of course we needed to come to Kristallwelten. It’s the whole reason for our holiday.

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The Chambers Of Wonder

Located under a snowy knoll is the entrance to the underground museum, Wunderkammern. Split into 15 different “halls,” each room has a different display. We were pleasantly surprised at how much we thoroughly enjoyed each room. I won’t go into all the details, some things must remain unspoiled by words and merely experienced.

Probably the most known room is the Crystal Dome. Stepping inside, one is surrounded by a dome of nearly 600 mirrors to mimic being inside a crystal. The darkened room is illuminated by color changing lights that creep along the mirrors in ever changing patterns. With this change, certain “mirrors” reveal crowns within. The total effect is mesmerizing and lovely. Difficult to snap a photo of.

The Art of Performance hall displays a multitude of costumes worn by various celebrities. Marilyn Monroe’s dress from President Kennedy’s Birthday party. Nicole Kidman’s sparkling number from Moulin Rouge. There’s also a replica of the Heart of the Ocean Necklace from Titanic and Cinderella’s glass slipper.

One of my favorite’s was the Chandelier of Grief. In this room a solitary crystal chandelier hung surrounded by mirrors. The effect is infinite chandeliers. Another top contender was Eden, where poles resembling branches held giant crystals.

The most gorgeous display just might be the Pulse Voronoi hall. In this dark room 7,000 crystals are suspended in the air. White light pulses throughout the crystals in the room. The effect is stunning.

I believe Doug found the optic display the most interesting. Nothing quite like binoculars cut in half to WOW you. Boys are weird.

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Swarovski Store

While there is a separate entrance to the store, if you’ve entered the museum, you will conveniently be dumped directly in the rear of the store. From here you can either cut directly to the exit, weaving through winding displays, OR enjoy all the sparkling delights within. I suggest the latter. And Doug humored me greatly here. Can’t take a girl into a shiny shop and not let her, well, shop. I was much too busy looking to take photo’s.

The store is sectioned into various “color” sections. Pink, green, blue, yellow for jewelry. There may be more but those stood out in my mind. There are sections with Disney characters, various figurines and all sorts of sparkling delights.

Perhaps my spirit animal is a crow. They like shiny things. So do I. They are also super annoying and loyal to each other. I’m rather annoying at times. And tend to be loyal to a fault. Of course they also murder baby birds and bunnies. Can’t say as I do that. Though I’ve certainly chased bunnies out of my yard like a mad woman. Dang things will annihilate your garden. I don’t really care for crows. Or bunnies in my yard.

Anyhow, back to the glittering world of crystals. The crystals come in all shapes and sizes. Want a ring, bracelet, necklace and matching earrings? They’ve got you covered. In just about any size stone or color. As an indecisive human being it’s overwhelming to say the least. After MUCH debate and trying on multiple necklaces repeatedly I selected two. One delightful pink chunky casual necklace and one classic crystal necklace for more formal events. Now I just need to go anywhere that warrants a necklace quite like that. Not something I’ll wear shoveling the driveway or to book club.

Naturally, if one prefers lab created diamonds, they are for purchase as well. At a significantly higher price point. I saw a lady whose husband bought her a gorgeous ring. They were seated in the VIP section and she was gushing about the ring to her companions. Curiosity peeked and I promptly asked to see her ring. There’s such a thing as getting equal delight in admiring something beautiful and having said item admired by another when it belongs to you. Bonus if the admiration is from a woman. Sorry guys. I’d rather be admired by another female. It feels more genuine. This lady did well. The ring was gorgeous. And it was cute how she flushed with happiness to show it off. Aww. So cute.

All that aside I’m not sure how we wound up in the VIP section. I’m not the VIP type. But I appreciated the proffered Prosecco and admired the Swarovski glasses it came in. Very pretty. Watch out for the nut mix though, the wasabi covered peanuts can be a shocker if you’re not expecting it.

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Swarovski Garden

Paths meander throughout the park. It includes a maze, carousel, overlook, children’s play tower and playground, the crystal cloud and a giant face spewing water into a pond. The latter is Kristallwelten’s mascot of sorts. A little odd but quite artsy.

The crystal cloud is made to appear as a copse of trees with leaves of crystals. The effect, when sunny, is dazzling dancing lights reflected off all the gleaming “leaves.” It’s quite lovely. Arguably they may be clouds. But, my eyes saw tree’s so tree’s they are.

The park is definitely worth strolling through. We avoided the children’s area but if one brought kids and they have energy to burn, the play areas seemed to be a hit.

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Daniel’s Kristallwelten

We made reservations for lunch and this is the only place I’m not 100% sure we needed reservations. The tables are cutely decorated with little shiny bits on top. The food was tasty and well presented. There were a few non Austrian options on the menu. I went for the Vietnamese Pho and Doug selected the Porcini Mushroom Risotto. I could not even come close to finishing the Pho, though I enjoyed it. The risotto was deliciously creamy and everything a risotto should be. And very rich. I enjoyed a bite but I don’t think my stomach would have appreciated a whole plate. Doug made good work of it. We left satiated and happy.

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