Schwaz is situated on the River Inn 18 miles from Innsbruck. It now has a population of 13,000 but at the height of the silver mining industry it boasted 80,000. Visitors can still visit the mine, travelling 7 miles under ground into the mountain on a miniature train through a narrow tunnel to the original workings.
Since the 15th century there have been many ‘Masters’ of Schwaz, one being of the family Frundsberg already associated with Mindelheim. There is a small Frundsberg Castle high above the town. At one time Schwaz minted the silver coins used as currency in Austria.
Schwaz has a unique church with two altars. This was constructed at a time when it was not acceptable for the workers and gentry to mix together at worship. However the dividing wooden wall has now been removed.
There are many festivals held in the town and it is a good holiday centre to reach, walk or ski in the beautiful surrounding alpine countryside.
East Grinstead hosted the Schwaz Band in 2004, and the Scouts from Schwaz came to Ardingly in 1992 to take part in the Jamboree.
