Rattenberg

Rattenberg (Bavarian: Råttnberg) is a town on the Inn River in the Austrian state of Tyrol near Rattenberg mountain and Innsbruck. With just 400 inhabitants and a surface area of 10 ha, it is the smallest city in the country.

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

Rattenberg Råttnberg
Rattenberg
Coat of arms
Location within Kufstein district
Rattenberg Location within Austria
Coordinates: 47°26′20″N 11°53′36″E
Country	Austria
State	Tyrol
District	Kufstein
Government
• Mayor	Bernhard Freiberger (FPÖ)
Area [1]
• Total	0.11 km^2 (0.04 sq mi)
Elevation	521 m (1,709 ft)
Population  (2018-01-01)[2]
• Total	411
• Density	3,700/km^2 (9,700/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	6240
Area code	+43 5337
Vehicle registration	KU
Website	www.rattenberg.at

Geography

The proximity of a mountain to the south of the town means that Rattenberg, like many villages nested in steep sided valleys throughout the Tyrol region of the Alps, receives no direct sunlight for much of the winter. It is one of the few places at a significant southerly latitude that experiences a prolonged period without direct sunlight (another is Viganella, Italy), although the sky remains bright while the town is in the mountain's shadow so there is no permanent darkness or 'polar night' as experienced north of the Arctic Circle.

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.[3]

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

Year	Pop.	±%
1869	679	—
1880	727	+7.1%
1890	737	+1.4%
1900	752	+2.0%
1910	711	−5.5%
1923	701	−1.4%
1934	742	+5.8%
1939	676	−8.9%
1951	879	+30.0%
1961	745	−15.2%
1971	652	−12.5%
1981	590	−9.5%
1991	526	−10.8%
2001	436	−17.1%
2011	405	−7.1%

Economy

Rattenberg has been known for its glass making. Its abundance of crystal glass shops continue the tradition of craftsmanship.[4]

See also

• Rjukan, Norway and Viganella, Italy - other valley settlements that endure a prolonged lack of direct winter sunlight.

References

1. "Dauersiedlungsraum der Gemeinden Politischen Bezirke und Bundesländer - Gebietsstand 1.1.2018". Statistics Austria. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
2. "Einwohnerzahl 1.1.2018 nach Gemeinden mit Status, Gebietsstand 1.1.2018". Statistics Austria. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
3. Chizzali. Tyrol: Impressions of Tyrol. (Innsbruck: Alpina Printers and Publishers), p. 2
4. Chizzali, p. 42

External links

• Website of the Rattenberg Tourist Board