Sightseeing in Ischgl
Although the village has a lengthy history, little of Ischgl’s historical core remains today. Restaurants line the narrow streets, sporting goods shops flaunt the latest in high-tech equipment, and glossy hotels stretch out along the southern foothills, each vying for a coveted “ski-in” lot. All that said, Ischgl does not feign the pretension of such highbrow resorts as Kitzbühel and St. Moritz, but instead adopts a welcoming friends-and-fun atmosphere suitable for its young clientele.
Ischgl Town
Ischgl centers on its little hilltop church and crowds its way downhill, toward the Prenner area and the Pardatschgratbahn cable car to the northeast and toward the Pasnatsch area and the Silvrettabahn gondola to the southwest. These two sides of town sandwich a maze of tiny streets, a relatively large pedestrian area, and a very convenient foot tunnel between the pedestrian center and the Fimbabahn lift. The village streets remain unnamed and, as buildings are randomly numbered, locations are best described by landmark rather than address. (Pick up a map and take a familiarization stroll as soon as you hit town.)
Ischgl’s quiet summer season runs from late June through mid-October, although what summer action there is here seems to peter out by mid-September. Winter season rolls around in mid-December and rocks on through April.
Bauernmuseum
Ischgl is a recreational resort through-and-through, and few cultural sights are to be found. The Kurz Family maintains the Bauernmuseum in nearby Mathon, four km up-valley toward Galtür. The museum offers a look at the historical lives of local peasant farmers and is open daily except Saturdays in winter and daily except Tuesdays in summer.
Mathias Schmid Museum
The Mathias Schmid Museum presents a collection of the local artist’s work and keepsakes as well as items of cultural and historical interest.
St. Nikolaus Church
The village’s St. Nikolaus Church is worth a peek for its ornate interior and flower-strewn cemetery – just wander uphill toward the bell tower.
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