Geography Of Annaberg-Lungötz
Annaberg-Lungötz is a municipality in the Tennengau district of Salzburg, in the Lammertal. After being part of the Pongau for many generations, it was transferred to Tennengau in 1896 when the Hallein district authority was formed. Previously a component of the Abtenau judicial district until its dissolution at the end of 2002, the municipality has been governed by the Hallein judicial district since 2003.
The mountains that abut Annaberg-Lungötz, the Tennengebirge and the Gosaukamm, characterize its geographical setting. Numerous alpine meadows in the region are popular tourist and local destinations. Among other notable pastures are Mahdalm, Gappenalm (unmanaged), Loseggalm, Körnerhütte, Stuhlalm.
As of January 1, 2022, the following eight villages make up the municipal area:
- Annaberg im Lammertal (767)
- Braunoetzhof (123)
- Gaps (184)
- Hefenscher (312)
- Klokow (49)
- Neubach (552)
- Promberg (93)
- Tax (140)
The municipality consists of these settlements plus the cadastral communities of Annaberg, Gappen, and Neubach.
Location
Situated in the western portion of Salzburg state in the centre of Austria lies Annaberg-Lungötz. It is a part of the Hallein district in Tennengau. As of 2018, the population of this 61.04 square kilometer municipality was 2,203.
Annaberg-Lungötz is located in the Salzburg Slate Alps, in the eastern Alps. To the south is the Dachstein massif; to the west are the Tennengebirge mountains; and to the north is the Osterhorn range. It is situated 13.41667 degrees east and 47.51667 degrees north.Situated 777 meters above sea level on average.
Six towns border Annaberg-Lungötz: Abtenau, Werfenweng, St. Martin am Tennengebirge, Bischofshofen, St. Johann im Pongau, and Filzmoos. East of it, where the towns of Gosau and Russbach am Pass Gschütt are situated, is the state of Upper Austria.
Road, rail, bus and aircraft are among the ways to get to Annaberg-Lungötz. The B162 follows the valley of the Lammer River and is the principal route that links the municipality to the rest of the nation. About 20 kilometers distant, in Golling a der Salzach, is the closest railway station. Busses can then transport people to Annaberg-Lungötz. About 60 kilometres distant, in Salzburg, is the nearest airport. Taxis or shuttle services can then take guests to the municipality.
Terrain and Topography
Terrain in Annaberg-Lungötz is steep and rough mountains to flat, productive lowlands. 650 meters above sea level, close to the Lammer River, is the municipality’s lowest point. At the top of Bischofsmütze mountain, 2,454 meters above sea level, is the highest point. There are 300 km of recognized hiking paths in the municipality, with varied degrees of difficulty and breathtaking scenery.Dachstein West is a ski area in the municipality with 160 km of slopes, 70 lifts, and 210 km of cross-country skiing routes.
Mountain Ranges
Several eastern Alps mountain ranges ring Annaberg-Lungötz. A sub-range of the Dachstein massif, the Gosaukamm is the most well-known. Forming the municipality’s southern boundary, the Gosaukamm is shaped like a horseshoe. Its many summits include the Edtalm, the Donnerkogel, the Zwieselalm, the Hoher Kalmberg, the Torstein, and the Niedere Dachstein.Climbers, hikers and skiers frequent the Gosaukamm.
Sub-range of the Salzburg Slate Alps, the Tennengebirge is another significant mountain range. The municipality is bounded on the west by the Tennengebirge, which is a high plateau in appearance. Peaks on it include the Raucheck, Bleikogel, Fritzerkogel, Hochkarfelderkopf, and Hochthron. Rich in richness of plants and animals, the Tennengebirge is a protected area.
The Osterhorn group, likewise a subrange of the Salzburg Slate Alps, is the third largest mountain range. The municipality is bordered north by the Osterhorn group, which has a gently undulating terrain. Among its summits are the Gaisberg, Schlenken, Osterhorn, Gennerhorn, and Gamsfeld. Hiking, biking and paragliding are common activities in the Osterhorn group.
Key Mountain Peaks
There are numerous prominent or tallest mountain summits in Annaberg-Lungötz. Part of the Gosaukamm range, the highest peak is the Bischofsmütze. Situated 2,454 metres above sea level, it is the second highest summit in the Dachstein range. Its name comes from the characteristic bishop’s hat form. Experienced climbers will find it to be both difficult and rewarding.
A other significant peak in the Gosaukamm range is the Hoher Dachstein. Standing 2,995 metres above sea level, it is the highest point in the Dachstein massif. It stands as the second highest peak in Upper Austria and the tallest in the state of Styria. Climbers, skiers and glacier hikers frequent it. Among its attractions are the Dachstein Ice Palace, the Dachstein Suspension Bridge, and the Dachstein Skywalk.
Part of the Tennengebirge range, the Raucheck is a third important summit. Situated 2,430 metres above sea level, it is the highest point in the Tennengebirge massif. For seasoned climbers, it is both a difficult and satisfying ascent. There is a broad perspective of the valleys and mountains in the vicinity.
Notable Summits
Several prominent peaks in Annaberg-Lungötz are either the most accessible or the most picturesque in the municipality. Part of the Osterhorn group, one of them being the Gerzkopf. Standing 1,728 metres above sea level, it is the tallest summit in the Osterhorn range. The walk from the settlement of Lungötz is around two hours long and really simple. The Dachstein, Tennengebirge, and Gosaukamm massifs are all breathtakingly visible from it.
A other noteworthy peak in the Gosaukamm range is the Zwieselalm. Being 1,583 meters above sea level, it is one of the most well-liked ski resorts in the Dachstein West region. Different skill levels of skiers may be accommodated by the many slopes, lifts, and shelters. It also commands a broad perspective over the Dachstein, Bischofsmütze, and Gosaukamm massifs.
Part of the Gosaukamm range, the Edtalm is a third noteworthy peak. Standing 1,732 metres above sea level, it is one of the most well-liked hiking spots in the Dachstein West area. Its many paths lead to several huts, including the Gablonzer Hütte, Theodor-Körner-Hütte, and Edtalmhütte. The Dachstein, Bischofsmütze, and Gosaukamm massifs are also picturesquely seen from here.
Flora and Fauna
Both the most endangered and the most endemic species in the municipality may be found in Annaberg-Lungötz. Alpine roses are among them; they are a kind of plant that are found in the Gosaukamm and Tennengebirge mountains. This is a summertime blooming shrub with vivid pink flowers. A plant of symbolism, the alpine rose stands for the ruggedness and beauty of the alpine area. Furthermore protected, it is in danger from habitat destruction and overharvesting.
A further species of flora and wildlife is the chamois, a kind of goat-antelope found in the Gosaukamm and Tennengebirge mountains. It is a mammal having a white face, curled horns, and brown fur. A elegant and nimble animal, chamois can leap over boulders and ascend high hills. It is also a hunted species subject to quotas and stringent regulations.
A third kind of vegetation and wildlife is the golden eagle, a kind of predatory bird that nests in the ranges of the Tennengebirge and the Gosaukamm. This is a bird, up to 2.3 meters in wingspan, with a golden head and a dark brown body. Magnificent and strong, golden eagles can soar high in the sky and take big prey. It is likewise a scarce and weak animal that is prone to poisoning and poaching.
Lakes
Among the several lakes in Annaberg-Lungötz are the most picturesque or historically significant. Natural lake Hallstatt Lake is one of them; it is located in the Gosau basin. It is supplied by the Hallstatt Glacier-originating Traun River. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Hallstatt Lake is important both ecologically and historically. There’s the quaint Iron Age settlement of Hallstatt, which has a long history of salt extraction and trade. The Dachstein mountain, the Hallstatt Salt Mine, and the Hallstatt Skywalk are among the picturesque surroundings.
An other lake in the Gosau basin is the Gosaulacke, a seasonal lake. Melting of the snow and ice in the spring and summer creates it, and it vanishes in the fall and winter. A mystery and a shifting look characterize the enigmatic and mystical Gosaulacke lake. Deep blue in hue, its glistening clean water reflects the peaks of the Gosaukamm and Bischofsmütze. Low water levels also reveal a drowned woodland.
One such natural lake in the Tennengebirge mountain is the Egelsee. The Salzachöfen caverns’ subterranean springs supply it. A quiet, isolated lake with a restorative quality is the Egelsee. Its green hue belies a water that is reputed to be rich in minerals. There is also a tale about the lake, according to which a water nymph lives there and bestows wishes on anybody who come to see her.
Scenic Views
Several picturesque vistas in Annaberg-Lungötz are either the most spectacular or expansive in the entire municipality. Situated atop the Hoher Dachstein hill, the Dachstein Skywalk is one of them. Perched 2,700 meters above sea level, it has a steel guardrail and a glass floor. A 250-meter plunge below and a 360-degree overview of the Alps are features of the exhilarating and breathtaking Dachstein Skywalk. Reaching this vista, which calls for a cable car journey and a short walk, is both demanding and rewarding.
Perched atop the Zwieselalm mountain, the Bischofsmütze Viewpoint offers even another breathtaking vista. A wooden seat and a marker are features of this 1,583-meter-high location above sea level. A close-up of the Bischofsmütze mountain and a far-off perspective of the Dachstein massif are provided by the breathtaking and majestic Bischofsmütze Viewpoint. A leisurely stroll or cable car trip will get you to this simple and delightful viewpoint.
Perched atop the Gerzkopf summit, the Gerzkopf Viewpoint offers a third picturesque perspective. Perched 1,728 meters above sea level, it has a wooden crucifix and a flag. Offering a broad perspective over the Gosau basin and Lammer valley is the stunning Gerzkopf Viewpoint. A vehicle journey and a modest trek will get you to this rather pleasing vista.
