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Summer Highlights at Swarovski Kristallwelten
Step Right Up for “Bonjour, Paris!” at Swarovski Kristallwelten
French joie de vivre, extraordinary acrobatics, and plenty of sparkling magic: this summer, the park at Swarovski Kristallwelten in Wattens has been transformed into a truly special circus stage. We had the pleasure of attending the festive opening of “Bonjour, Paris!” and experiencing the first performances by Circus-Theater Roncalli up close.
From the moment we entered the park, it was clear that this would be no ordinary visit. Surrounded by lush gardens, art installations, and sparkling crystals, an atmosphere emerged that felt like a summer getaway to Paris. Charming, playful, and full of surprises, the artists presented their open-air performances throughout the park.
Five Acts to Amaze
During the festival, five different acts are performed daily across a total of 16 shows. Throughout the day, visitors can encounter the artists again and again at various locations around the park, making it easy to combine the performances with a relaxed visit to the Chambers of Wonder and the other attractions at Swarovski Kristallwelten.
We were especially impressed by “Oh là Skates!”. The OPA duo races across the stage on roller skates, combining high-speed spins with spectacular lifts. Their movements are incredibly precise and reveal an almost limitless level of trust in one another. Their remarkable body control left a lasting impression on us.
“La Danse Aux Cristaux” takes the performance to new heights. Svetlana Wottschel showcases her acrobatic skills on a swaying pole, appearing almost weightless as she floats above the stage. Powerful poses blend with elegant, flowing movements, while sparkling elements seamlessly connect the performance with the world of Swarovski.
In “Spin de Paris”, the hoops take centre stage. Benjamin Flame offers a modern and stylish interpretation of the classic hula-hoop performance. With playful ease, he spins several hoops at once, combining technical precision with an effortless grace that captures the true spirit of French joie de vivre.
“Gravité Zéro” also draws the audience’s gaze upwards. Performing on aerial silks, Ida Viljavuori showcases expressive aerial acrobatics, elegant poses, and thrilling drops. Her performance combines courage, strength, and grace, creating some of the festival’s most impressive moments.
Finally, “Monsieur Mime” needs no words at all. Mime artist Nabil Zanabili tells small stories using only facial expressions and movement. His calm, humorous performance provides a charming contrast to the fast-paced acrobatic shows and demonstrates just how much emotion can be conveyed without a single spoken word.
Delicious Breaks Between Performances
There are also plenty of culinary options for an enjoyable break between the individual performances. Food trucks throughout the grounds serve freshly prepared dishes, including crispy pinsa and a variety of bowls—perfect for a relaxed stop before the next show or before continuing through the Chambers of Wonder. This makes the visit a treat not only for the eyes, but for the taste buds as well.
A Tribute to Marilyn Monroe
Alongside the summer circus festival, another special highlight is currently awaiting visitors at Swarovski Kristallwelten: a curated tribute to Marilyn Monroe, on display until 6 September 2026. Marking the 100th anniversary of her birth, the exhibition is dedicated to one of pop culture’s most famous icons and features selected exhibits from Ted Stampfer’s extraordinary private collection.
The display includes fashion, jewellery, accessories, fan mail, and personal memorabilia. The exhibition combines glamorous moments from Marilyn Monroe’s public life with touching insights into her private personality. The result is a multifaceted portrait of a woman who embodied elegance and strength while also revealing a sensitive and vulnerable side. It is precisely these contrasts that continue to make her so fascinating today and make the exhibition an impressive addition to the visit.
Our Thoughts on the Opening
We were delighted to attend the opening of this special summer highlight. The close interaction with the artists, the extraordinary setting, and the combination of spectacular acrobatics, subtle humour, and French charm made the visit an unforgettable experience for us.
Anyone looking for a special day-trip destination in Tyrol this summer should not miss a visit to Swarovski Kristallwelten. “Bonjour, Paris!” runs until 30 August 2026. Swarovski Kristallwelten is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with last admission at 6 p.m.
Au revoir—and step right up in Wattens!
Circus Magic at Swarovski Kristallwelten
In this episode, we take you along to the opening of “Bonjour, Paris!” at Swarovski Kristallwelten. We share our impressions of the spectacular Circus-Theater Roncalli performances, including roller-skating and aerial acrobatics, as well as the charming Monsieur Mime. We also talk about the food trucks in the park and the current exhibition dedicated to Marilyn Monroe.
