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Terfens
Coat of arms of Terfens
Coat of arms
Terfens is located in Austria
Terfens
Terfens
Location in Austria
Country Austria
State Tyrol
District Schwaz
Area
 • Total 15.22 km2 (5.88 sq mi)
Elevation
591 m (1,939 ft)
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
6123
Area code 05224
Vehicle registration SZ

Terfens is a small town in Austria. It is located in the state of Tyrol. About 2,116 people live there. Terfens is in the Schwaz district. It is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) northeast of Innsbruck. Innsbruck is a larger city in the same region. Terfens is in a beautiful area called the Lower Inn Valley.

Geography of Terfens

Terfens is found in the Lower Inn Valley. This valley is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Innsbruck. The Inn River forms the southern border of the town. To the north and east, the town's boundary is marked by the Vomperbach brook. This brook flows into the Inn River. Between these two water bodies, you can find a small lake called Weißlahnsee.

Terfens Town Symbols

The town of Terfens has its own special symbol. This symbol is called a coat of arms. It was officially given to the town on September 3, 1974. The name Terfens comes from an old Celtic word. This word meant "oak" or "acorn." Because of this, the coat of arms shows five pairs of golden acorns. They are arranged in a line across the shield.

Towns Near Terfens

Terfens is surrounded by several other towns. These are its neighboring municipalities. The towns close to Terfens include Weer, Kolsass, Weerberg, Pill, Fritzens, and Kolsassberg.

Local Traditions and Music

Terfens has many interesting traditions. One important group is the Chapel of Terfens. This is a traditional brass orchestra. It was started in 1796. This happened when the Maria Larch church was reopened. In 2016, the orchestra had 55 active musicians. They play music for the community.

Autumn Cow Parade

In the autumn, there is a special custom. It is called an Almabtrieb. This is when cows are brought down from the mountain pastures. The cows come from a place called Engalm. They travel through Lamsenjoch and the streets of Vomp to Terfens. The cows are decorated with traditional flowers on their heads. This parade celebrates their safe return from the summer pastures.

Spring Bell Ringing

Grasausläuten in Terfens
Grasausläuten in Terfens in the 1930s

Another tradition happens in the spring. It is called Grasausläuten. This custom is also found in other towns in the Schwaz district. Young boys from the village walk through the town. They carry bells and ring them loudly. This bell ringing announces that winter is over. It welcomes the arrival of spring.

Famous Buildings in Terfens

Terfens is known for some unique buildings. These buildings attract visitors.

Maria Larch Pilgrimage Church

Maria Larch
The church Maria Larch

One of the most important landmarks is the Maria Larch pilgrimage church. This church was built in 1678. It was built where a statue of the Virgin Mary was once attached to a larch tree. The story of the statue began in 1665. A farmer's wife prayed to the larch tree. She told her story to a hermit named Johann Weiss. He then created the clay statue. The church was updated in 1994.

The Upside-Down House

Haus steht Kopf Vomperbach
Upside-down house in Terfens

Terfens is also famous for its upside-down house. This house is a popular place for tourists to visit. It was built in 2012. Two architects from Poland designed and built this unusual house. Everything inside, even the furniture, is upside down!

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Terfens para niños

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