The proximity of a mountain to the south of the town means that Rattenberg, like many villages nested in steep sided valleys throughout the Tyrol region of the Alps, receives no direct sunlight for much of the winter.

It is one of the few places at a significant southerly latitude that experiences a prolonged period without direct sunlight (another is Viganella, Italy), although the sky remains bright while the town is in the mountain's shadow so there is no permanent darkness or 'polar night' as experienced north of the Arctic Circle.

Founded in the 14th century, it was built in the literal shadow of Rat Mountain to protect itself from marauders.

[4] The $2.4 million operation was suggested by Bartenbach Lichtlabor GmbH, a lighting design company.

Its abundance of crystal glass shops continue the tradition of craftsmanship.