Geography Of Bad Waltersdorf
Bad Waltersdorf is situated in the southeast Austrian state of Styria, in its eastern region. About 3,800 people live in the 52.13 square kilometer town. Natural hot springs and spas are what define the town’s steep location in the Styrian Thermal Region. Encircling the village are woods, orchards, vineyards, and undulating hills. The village is also next to the Styrian Volcano Land, a geologically distinctive area with speciality foods.
Location
Bad Waltersdorf is situated in the second-largest state of Austria, Styria, in its eastern region. As of 2018, its population was 3,790 and it occupied 52.13 square kilometres. The elevation of it is 291 meters above sea level.
Part of the Pannonian Basin, Bad Waltersdorf is located in the mountainous area of eastern Styria. Large lowlands spanning over numerous Central and Eastern European nations, including Hungary, Romania, Serbia, and Croatia, make up the Pannonian Basin. The Balkan Mountains, the Dinarides, the Alps and the Carpathians around it.
Sebersdorf, Sankt Magdalena am Lemberg, Buch-St. Magdalena, Dechantskirchen, Bad Blumau and Loipersdorf bei Fürstenfeld are the municipalities in Styria that border Bad Waltersdorf. It also borders briefly with Burgenland, the least populated and easternmost state in Austria.
Road, train and air are among the ways that one may get to Bad Waltersdorf. From Hartberg to Fürstenfeld, the B64 is the primary route that links Bad Waltersdorf to other towns and cities. The B64 crosses the A2 highway as well, which connects Austria’s capital, Vienna, with its second-largest city, Graz.
A section of the regional Thermenbahn railway line that links Hartberg and Fehring passes through Bad Waltersdorf. In addition, the Thermenbahn links to the Südbahn, a significant railway line that connects Vienna with Trieste, Italy. About sixty kilometers away, at Graz Airport, is the closest international airport to Bad Waltersdorf.
Terrain and Topography
Hilly, valleyy, and plain topography make up Bad Waltersdorf. Römerstein, a hill rising to 507 meters above sea level, is the highest point in the municipality. A museum housing Roman era archeological finds is also located at Römerstein. At 260 metres above sea level, the Feistritz river, which runs through the southern portion of Bad Waltersdorf, is the lowest point in the municipality.
Mountain Ranges
Though it is not a part of any significant mountain range, Bad Waltersdorf is near to a number of hilly regions with picturesque views and leisure activities. Part of the Eastern Alps, the Wechsel is a modest mountain range to the north of Bad Waltersdorf. Popular for cycling, skiing, and hiking, the Wechsel peaks at 1,743 meters. Part of the Styrian Prealps, Joglland is a mountainous area west of Bad Waltersdorf. With its 1,584-meter highest point, the Joglland is renowned for its cultural legacy and natural beauty.
Key Mountain Peaks
Key mountain peaks visible from Bad Waltersdorf include:
- The easternmost summit of the Alps, Schneeberg is the highest mountain in Lower Austria. Seen from Bad Waltersdorf on clear days, it is 2,076 meters above sea level. Winter sports and hiking are some well-liked pursuits there.
- Rax: A Northern Limestone Alps range including Lower Austria and Styria. Renowned for its alpine meadows and granite formations, it reaches a height of 2,007 meters. Hiking and climbing are some well-liked activities there.
- Hochschwab: An Alpine range in Styria that is a component of the Northern Limestone Alps. Its 2,277-meter highest point is the source of many rivers, including the Mur, Enns, and Mürz. Hiking and skiing abound there as well.
Geological Features
Rich geological characteristics of Bad Waltersdorf show the variety and history of the area. Several geological features of Bad Waltersdorf or close by include:
- Thermal springs are naturally occurring hot water sources that rise out of the earth and are well-known in Bad Waltersdorf. Geothermal activity in the Pannonian Basin warms the groundwater and raises it to the surface, creating the thermal springs. At around 62 degrees Celsius, the thermal springs contain 1,200 milligrammes of minerals per litre. The body and mind are soothed and healed by the thermal springs, which are therefore good for health and wellbeing.
- Volcanoes: Bad Waltersdorf lies next to a number of extinct volcanoes that are relics of the Miocene and Pliocene volcanic activity that took place in the Pannonian Basin. Dark, fine-grained igneous rock called basalt, which develops after lava cools, makes up the volcanoes. Cones, craters and domes are among the unique forms and characteristics of the volcanoes. From Bad Waltersdorf, one may view the Pauliberg, Stradner Kogel, and Gleichenberg volcanoes among other ones.
- Caves: Several natural apertures or caverns in the soil exist close to Bad Waltersdorf. The tectonic movements, erosion, and dissolution are only a few of the processes that created the caves. Different in size and shape, the caves include speleothems including stalactites and stalagmites. From Bad Waltersdorf, one may explore the Katerloch, the Grasslhöhle, and the Lurgrotte caverns.
Bodies of Water
Multiple bodies of water that offer natural resources, leisure, and beauty are a blessing to Bad Waltersdorf. In or close to Bad Waltersdorf are the following bodies of water:
- Lakes: Fishing, swimming and boating are popular activities on the few artificially created small lakes near Bad Waltersdorf. The Badeteich, Fischteich, and Schlossteich are a few of the lakes in Bad Waltersdorf. Nestled next to the thermal resort, the Badeteich is the biggest lake in Bad Waltersdorf. There is carp, trout, and pike supplied in the Fischteich fishing lake. An historical and picturesque feature of Bad Waltersdorf is the Schlossteich, a lake that encircles the castle.
- Rivers & Streams: Numerous rivers and streams that descend from the mountains onto the lowlands traverse Bad Waltersdorf. Among the rivers and streams of Bad Waltersdorf are the Feistritz, Lafnitz, Safen, and Hartberger Bach. A tributary of the Raab, the Feistritz is the principal river that passes through Bad Waltersdorf’s southern section. Tributary of the Raba, the Lafnitz is the boundary river between Styria and Burgenland. A tributary of the Feistritz, the Safen is a little river that runs through Bad Waltersdorf’s western section. A tributary of the Safen, the Hartberger Bach trickles through the northern section of Bad Waltersdorf.
Scenic Views
Numerous picturesque vistas of Bad Waltersdorf highlight its attractiveness and natural beauty. From Bad Waltersdorf, one may take in the following picturesque vistas:
- Sunrise and Sunset: Facing the Pannonian Plain in the east of Styria, Bad Waltersdorf has a breathtaking view of both. A vivid and dramatic sky created by dawn and sunset contrasts with the surrounding green and brown terrain. Best views of the dawn and sunset may be had from the Rabenwald, Heiligenkreuz, or Römerstein.
- Panorama: Because Bad Waltersdorf is located in a Pannonian Basin valley, it has a broad view of the surrounding hills and mountains. Included in the view are the Hochschwab, Schneeberg, Rax, Joglland, and Wechsel. Best views of the panorama are from the thermal spa, the castle of Bad Waltersdorf, or the observation tower on the Rabenwald.
- Vineyards: Bad Waltersdorf is situated in a wine-growing area that is a part of the Styrian Volcanic Land, hence it offers a lovely view of the vineyards. The vineyards of Bad Waltersdorf span the hills and slopes and yield premium wines such Zweigelt, Traminer, and Welschriesling. Best views of the vineyards are available from the wine museum, wine restaurants, or wine trail.
