Archaeologically significant sites, the Gothic parish church of St. John, the Late Gothic Viertlsäule, hiking trails, protected wet meadows and a natural ice rink that operates depending on the weather give Ampass a variety of attractions. These specific cultural and natural features can help you get a sense of the place as you plan your stay.

Location and archaeological character

Ampass lies on the south bank of the Inn on the old salt road to Hall. Relative to its area, Ampass has the highest density of archaeologically significant sites in Tyrol. Its archaeological character is therefore a distinct focus alongside the individual named buildings and landscape features of the town.

The Viertlsäule and the Parish Church of St. John

The Viertlsäule stands on the Sonnenbühel hill beside the road to Hall. It is considered the most significant Late Gothic sculpted column in North Tyrol from an art-historical perspective. Its art-historical significance makes it a specific point of interest for anyone interested in Late Gothic sculptures.

The Gothic parish church of St. John is associated with several historical events. In 1567, it burned down completely 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 church is also a popular wedding church.

The Viertlsäule represents a single Late Gothic sculpture; at the church, alongside its architectural style, the fire, the fresco and its role as a wedding church stand out. The two cultural sites thus offer different points of interest.

Hiking trails, wet meadows and ice skating

The Innsbruck Alpine Pasture Trail is a hiking trail around Ampass. The Kaspar Sautner Trail is also a hiking trail around Ampass. It is named after a Tyrolean freedom fighter. The trail’s name thus adds a historical connection to its local setting. Check local trail conditions before setting out on a hike.

The small Taxerhofsee, also called Köglmoor, is located within the municipality of Ampass. Its reed beds and wet meadows are protected. This natural feature differs from the named hiking trails: the focus here is on a wetland habitat and its protected status.

Another activity is the Ampass natural ice rink. Its ice surface, approximately 55 × 25 metres in size, is intended for ice skating, ice hockey and Bavarian curling. It operates seasonally and depending on the weather. This is a key factor in planning: all three activities use the same ice surface, but whether they are possible at your desired time depends on the weather.

Planning your journey and stay

For bus travel, regional bus route 505 is one option to consider. VVT information dated 9 July 2024 lists services from Ampass to Innsbruck and Hall every half hour from Monday to Saturday. It also describes the route’s extension to Mils. Check the current timetable before travelling.

The different features of Ampass can help guide your choice of activities during your stay: archaeological sites, buildings of art-historical significance, hiking trails, protected wet meadows or a weather-dependent activity on the ice. Once you have chosen Ampass as your destination, you can search for hotels there and plan the rest of your trip around the interests that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Scharnitz, Ranggen, Fulpmes, Navis, Gnadenwald, Volderau, Telfes Im Stubai, Kolsass.

Return to the regional travel overview: Innsbruck-Land.