Schwaz

Schwaz in Tyrol, Austria

Schwaz is a city in Tyrol, Austria. It is the administrative center of the Schwaz district (Bezirk). Schwaz is located at [47°21′N 11°42′E], in the lower Inn valley, and has a population of about 13,000.

At its height during the Middle Ages, it was an important silver mining center, providing mineral wealth for both the Fugger banking family and, through them, for the Austrian emperors. During this period, its population of about 20,000 inhabitants made it the second largest city in the Austrian Empire, after Vienna.

Schwaz received its city rights in 1899 by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria.

It is twinned with East Grinstead in the UK.

Schwaz at Night

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