New Year's Day started cloudy with snow over the pass, but cleared for our New Year's visit to Ambras Castle in Innsbruck with Colin. We figured we would save this visit for Colin as it has one of the best collection of armor in Europe. You can see some of it here on this page.

About Ambras Hall

In the winter, the only part of the upper castle that is open is the magnificent banquet hall. The size is a surprize - nothing else here is this large or as grand.

About Jousting

The museum has exhibits that I have not seen elsewhere recently. This is a shot of a jousting exhibit with period equipment and outfits.

About Complete Sets of Armor

This is amazing! The museum has complete sets of armor for medieval squads of the correct size for the period. I was blown away!

About Byzantine Masks

When you reach Austria, Oriental influences begin. This wall of Turkish masks shows the Byzantine influence in this region. A wonderful mixture of cultures in this region - East meets West.

About Tools of the Trade

Another item that we were not expecting to find in a Medeival museum in Austria - a very early Leatherman-type tool. One should be careful when claiming an original invention.

About Art in the Castle

Kathy loves dragon forms and this is certainly an interesting example. Blending a head with a dragon-like body. There are many more wonderful examples in the museum.