Chronicle
Ischgl’s Captivating History
Researchers assume that the Paznaun region was first settled in the 9th century, when Rhaetians from the Engadin region settled in today’s Ischgl. The first written record of the town goes back to the year 1104. The name “Ischgl” has its origins in the Rhaeto-Romanic language and is derived from “Ischia – Island”, since the debris cone of the Fimbach stream is reminiscent of an island.
In 1460 Archduke Sigismund granted the citizens of Ischgl the right to sell their livestock duty-free. On their return they were also allowed to import grain duty-free, which resulted in an enormous economic boom for the town – Ischgl developed into a trade centre that also spawned a flourishing transport industry. For various reasons, though, that development saw a sharp decline in the 17th century and a lot of people started to leave.
In the 19th century trade stopped entirely and many people could no longer feed themselves – resulting in an even greater exodus. But then, step by step, tourism started to take hold in Ischgl. Several shelters were put up between 1882 and 1889 and the town gradually became more and more important for tourism.
In 1964 the first Silvretta cable car was built – an important milestone for the development of tourism in Ischgl. From then on things were looking up for the citizens and the town. Today Ischgl is a synonym for ultimate winter holidays, unbridled après-ski fun and is seen as a paradise for bikers and hikers, a must for tourists who looking for some action.
Holidays in a place full of history – this is where you book online.
