Although the first signs of the Alpbach region didn´t appeared in cronicles until 1150, habitation of this region started somewhere around the beginning of the present era. The village originates in the times of minery flourishing period. Even today more than 100 Bauernhofs (farming estates) can be found here. Since 1945 Alpbach has been known for hosting the meetings of the European Forum Alpbach. The Congress Center is located in the middle of the village and was built to harmonize with the surroundings. In 1983 1983 Alpbach was awarded "The most beutiful village in Austria" an "The most beautiful flower village of the Europe" acknowledgments thanks to its unified wood-style structure and its flower beauty. The picturesque village amidst the mountains captivates writers as well as the thinkers from all around the world. Alpbach has 2496 inhabitants and is situated off the beaten track. In 1975 Alpbach was declared a region with the cleanest air in Austria. St. Oswalda church is a baroque building with a gothic core from the beginning of the 18th century. In Alpbach a unique furnishing style has been developed. This style can be seen in many housholds, Museum of Mountain farming in Alpbach is a 400-year-old farm house, which used to be inhabited until 1955. In its interier you may see more than 1000 various items . Cateringe Menus of cosy pensions, pubs and restaurants feature not only international specialties, but also healthy home food. Major part of this food has its basis in biological agriculture and its ingredients grow ín the close surrounding of the region. Enterntainment A number of cultural events will entertain you throughout the year: Tirol evenings Concerts Slide projection Summer feasts Village Evenings Processions Folk music evenings Live music Local Feasts "Dorffest" Sonnwendfeuer -„Bonfires" Almabtrieb - driving a herd of cattle from the sheepcote Christmas events Hüttengaudi - Feasts at the chalets Discos ........ Infrastructure and shopping in Alpbach You can use services of the following Alpbach shops and facilities: lphysician, banks, bakery, chemist´s Schlecker, a shop with electrical equpment, barber´s, indoor swimming pool, car service, a gas station Shell, post office, souvenir shops, grocery SPAR, sports shops and rentals (ski eqiupment and snowboards, mountain bikes), shoe shop Gschösser, taxi, tourist informaition kiosk, etc... You may also go shopping to Wörgl (24 km), Kufstein (44 km), Schwaz (24 km) and Innsbruck (51 km). Visits and guided tours in surroundings Reith im Alpbachtal (6,8 km far) The Matzen Castle -The Folk museum - is situated in the Keep of the Matzen Castle. National park Matzen with four magical lakes, historical sights, and more than 40 different types of trees from all around the world lies nearby. Right in the middle of the town, The Reith lake offers an exciting bathing experience. Brixlegg (7,7 km) Mineral spa Mehrn - For centuries, the power of the magical healing spring in Mehrne was appreciated by the locals. The healing calcium-sulphurous spring and modern therapeutic centre are condidered to be the health well for human´s body and soul. The museum of Tirol chalets and mining allows you to experience various periods of the mining history in Unterinntal (a part of Tirol). The wax candle factory offers a unique opportunity to see handmaking of artistic candles. Rattenberg/Radfeld (10,3 km) With its 600 inhabitants, Rattenberg is the smallest town in Austria. Town of glass - Rattenberg is known for its shops that offer glass products, e. g. Kisslinger Kristallglas) You will be given a demonstration of glass elevation and beautiful products of glass. In the confectionery Hacker sweet delicacies have been produced for more than 200 years. The Museum of folk crafts is situated in the western part of the town. Augustinske museum belongs to the most beautiful medieval sights. Castle Games - a theatre in nature. Kramsach (13,4 km) Reintal lake, Krummsee lake and Berglstein lake rank among the wormest Tirol lakes. Average summer temperature moderates between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius. Both Frauensee lake and Buchsee lake are wildlife reserves. Zireiner lake is situated 2000 meters above the sea level and belongs among most favourite tourist destination. Museum of Tirol farming estates offers the oportuinity so see typical farming estates from dirrerent valleys of the Tirol region. Cemetery museum is a „funny cemetery" without the dead. Art Forum Troadkastn is a exhibition place for the present and international art. Branderberg (19 km) The Triftsteig Canyon is a suitable place for a romantic walk. Brandenberg Prügel cake is a kulinárskou zvlaštnosťou of the region. It´s a certain type of a "tree cake". Kundl/Wildschönau (18 km) Bummelzug train will drive you to the edge of the Kundler Klamm Ravine. Zillertal (11 km) Zillertal valley offers a number of attractions, sights and specialties that are worth visiting. Moreover you can go for interesting walks, hikes and bike tours.