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Is it possible to live for less than 1000 USD in the picturesque town of Wattens?
Wattens, located in Austria’s Tyrol state, is a small town with stunning mountain views and a warm community. However, it’s also known for its high cost of living. The question on the minds of many people looking to settle in the area is whether it’s possible to live in Wattens on a budget of under 1000 USD per month. In this blog post, we delve into whether or not it’s possible to live in Wattens for less than 1000 USD.
The cost of living in Wattens
Firstly, let’s take a closer look at the cost of living in Wattens. As with any place, the cost of living depends on various factors, such as food, rent, transportation, and leisure activities. Wattens is a small town, and therefore some prices may be higher than in bigger cities. However, it’s also a town with a strong sense of community, an excellent quality of life, and unbeatable scenery.
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in Wattens is one of the town’s pricier elements. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Wattens costs between 550 and 800 USD per month, with additional costs for heating and electricity. However, there are options such as shared apartments which can be more budget-friendly.
Food and Groceries
The cost of food and groceries varies depending on where you shop. In Wattens, there are various small supermarkets that offer a wide range of food, with prices in the range of 200-350 USD per month if you cook at home. Eating out can vary in price, but lunch menus usually cost around 10-15 USD per meal.
Transportation
Wattens is a small town, and therefore, transportation costs can be relatively low. There is public transportation, but most people cycle or walk around the town. Still, we would suggest that anyone moving to Watts purchases a used bicycle or brings their own to reduce costs.
Leisure activities
Wattens offers various leisure activities, including hiking, skiing, and swimming. Most of these activities are either free or have a small entrance fee with discounts available for locals. One can also play sports like tennis or football with an annual subscription starting from around 160 USD.
Can you live on less than 1000 USD per month in Wattens?
After analyzing the cost of living in Wattens, it’s evident that living on a budget of less than 1000 USD per month is indeed possible but not in the luxury lifestyle. If you’re willing to share accommodation or live in a studio apartment, cook at home, and cycle or walk instead of using public transport, you could live on less than 1000 USD per month. Living frugally may not be for everyone, but the town’s stunning natural beauty, fantastic sense of community, and comfortable living make it worth it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wattens may not be as affordable as some upcoming cities in Europe or outside. Still, it’s quite possible to live comfortably by adopting a minimalist and financially responsible lifestyle. It may take some cutbacks in rent and leisure activities, but the community and scenery make up for it all. Therefore, living in Wattens under 1000 USD per month is achievable, and the quality of life and the sense of community is well worth the compromise.
The Insider’s Guide to Wattens, Austria
Wattens, a picturesque town in the state of Tyrol, Austria, is best known for being the home of Swarovski Crystal. However, this charming Austrian town has much more to offer than just crystal. From its stunning mountain views to its historic sites, Wattens is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take you through the top attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions for visitors.
Top Attractions
When in Wattens, a visit to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds is a must. The museum is not just an attraction but an entire experience that stimulates the senses. It includes 14 underground chambers filled with dazzling crystal artworks, a garden of crystals, exhibition spaces, and a play tower for kids. The whole museum is designed by different artists, making it a fascinating and unique experience.
For nature lovers, a visit to the Wattental Nature Reserve is a perfect way to explore the stunning mountain views of Tyrol. The reserve encompasses over 6,000 hectares of lush forests, streams, and meadows and is home to many species of wildlife. Hiking and cycling trails wind their way through the reserve, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the area firsthand.
Dining Spots
Austrian cuisine is delicious, and Wattens has some exceptional traditional restaurants. One of the best is the Gasthof Weißes Rössl, which offers traditional Tyrolean cuisine like Knödel, Schweinsbraten, and Wiener Schnitzel. The restaurant is in a beautiful location and has an outdoor seating area that lets you enjoy delicious food with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
Another great option is the Schlosswirt dining establishment, which is housed in a historic castle. Here guests can enjoy delicious local cuisine in a cozy and elegant atmosphere. Schlosswirt also offers guided tours of the castle that highlights its rich history.
Cultural Experiences
Apart from the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, Wattens has much to offer in terms of cultural experiences. The Wattens Museum, situated in the town center, showcases the town’s history through a range of multimedia exhibits. The museum includes displays on the town’s traditional agriculture, mountain rescue services, and even the production of herbs grown in the area.
One of the cultural highlights of Wattens is the annual Tyrolean Festival of Erl. The festival attracts renowned artists and is held every summer in the town of Erl, only 30 minutes drive from Wattens. With opera, theatre, and classical music, the festival is an excellent opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the local cultural scene.
Local History
Wattens is a charming town with a long and interesting history, from the Celts to the modern-day. Visitors interested in the town’s history should visit the St. Michael Parish Church, built-in 1855 in the neo-gothic style. Another must-visit is the Hörtnaglhöhle, a cave system dating back to prehistoric times.
One of the most notable historical sites in the town is the famous Rattenberg, a medieval fortified town about 5 kilometers from Wattens. This charming town, set on the banks of the Inn River, is almost an open-air museum. It is famous for its well-preserved 12th-century architecture and is a beautiful spot to explore.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
A visit to the Bienenalm Alpine Bee Museum is a unique experience that is worth the trip. The museum showcases the world of bees and the vital role they play in the ecosystem. visitors can participate in interactive exhibits, taste different types of honey and explore the outdoor bee trail.
Another great day trip from Wattens is a visit to the stunning Achensee. The lake is the largest in Tyrol, and its crystal-clear water surrounded by the majestic Karwendel and Rofan mountain ranges makes for stunning views. Visitors can enjoy a plethora of activities, including boat cruises, hiking, cycling, and swimming.
Conclusion
Wattens may be famous for being the home of Swarovski Crystal, but as we’ve shown, there is so much more to the town than just that. From stunning nature reserves to traditional restaurants, rich cultural experiences to local history, Wattens is a fantastic destination for visitors to Tyrol. With so many exciting things to see and do, Wattens is a must-visit location for any traveler to Austria.
