Fodor's Expert Review Schloss Ambras

This Renaissance castle, just outside Innsbruck but easily reached by regular or Sightseer bus, is now home to one of the oldest museums in the world. It all began when Archduke Ferdinand II was begrudgingly allowed to marry the commoner Philippine Welser, but only if the couple lived outside the city. He therefore had an existing 10th-century castle virtually rebuilt from scratch, and it was completed in 1556. He made sure the new castle, Schloss Ambras, had every luxury, including a sunken bath, acres of gardens, and statement rooms like the exquisite Spanish Hall, home to 27 full-length portraits of Tyrol rulers.

The initial 16th-century castle collections, started by avid collector Ferdinand, have been expanded over the years, and now contain a fascinating mix of natural, scientific, and artistic curios. In particular, look out for a suit of armor belonging to the court's giant Bartlmä Bont, and a series of portraits of "Hairy Man" Pedro Gonzalez and his children.