Rattenberg

This article is about the town in Austria. For the town in Bavaria, Germany, see Rattenberg, Bavaria.
Rattenberg

Coat of arms
Rattenberg

Location within Austria

Coordinates: 47°26′20″N 11°53′36″E / 47.43889°N 11.89333°ECoordinates: 47°26′20″N 11°53′36″E / 47.43889°N 11.89333°E
Country Austria
State Tyrol
District Kufstein
Government
 • Mayor Franz Wurzenrainer
Area
 • Total 0.11 km2 (0.04 sq mi)
Elevation 521 m (1,709 ft)
Population (1 January 2014)[1]
 • Total 393
 • Density 3,600/km2 (9,300/sq mi)
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 6240
Area codes +43 5337
Vehicle registration KU
Website www.rattenberg.at

Rattenberg is a town on the Inn River in the Austrian state of Tyrol near Rattenberg mountain and Innsbruck. It is the smallest town in the country.

Geography

The geography surrounding the town, like an estimated 60 other communities nested in the Tyrol region of the Alps, means that Rattenberg receives little to no sunlight during the winter. It is one of the few places at a significant distance from the Arctic Circle that has a time of permanent darkness.

History

Founded in the 14th century, it was built in the literal shadow of Rat Mountain to protect itself from marauders. Maximilian I had the original town citadel expanded to a formidable fortress.[2]

The modern era

In November 2005, the town announced they were building 30 specialized rotating mirrors called heliostats to reflect sunlight into parts of the town during the winter months. The $2.4 million operation was suggested by Bartenbach Lichtlabor GmbH, a lighting design company. The EU planned to foot half the bill as of November 2005. However, the project was never implemented.

Population

Historical population
YearPop.±%
1869679—    
1880727+7.1%
1890737+1.4%
1900752+2.0%
1910711−5.5%
1923701−1.4%
1934742+5.8%
1939676−8.9%
1951879+30.0%
1961745−15.2%
1971652−12.5%
1981590−9.5%
1991526−10.8%
2001436−17.1%
2011405−7.1%

Economy

Rattenberg has been known for its glass making. Its abundance of crystal glass shops continue the tradition of craftsmanship.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Statistik Austria - Bevölkerung zu Jahres- und Quartalsanfang, 2014-01-01.
  2. ↑ Chizzali. Tyrol: Impressions of Tyrol. (Innsbruck: Alpina Printers and Publishers), p. 2
  3. ↑ Chizzali, p. 42

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rattenberg (Tirol).