Geography Of Dorfgastein

Geography Of Dorfgastein_Austria Travel Guide

Within the Hohe Tauern mountain range, at the northern entrance of the Gastein Valley, is the municipality of Dorfgastein in the Austrian state of Salzburg.As of 2018, the population of this 54.09 km2 place was 1,614.Via the Tauerntunnel, which crosses the Alpine crest, the Tauern Railway ascends to Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein.The cadastral villages of Dorfgastein and Klammstein make up the municipality.Both the ski resort at Dorfgastein, which is a part of the wider Ski Amadé region, and the ancient Klammstein Castle are well-known.

Location

Dorfgastein is located south of the larger Salzach Valley, near the northern entry to the Gastein Valley. With a population of roughly 1,600, it is a part of the St. Johann im Pongau District. cadastral communities of Dorfgastein and Klammstein make up the municipality.

Dorfgastein is a town in the Central Eastern Alps, namely in the Hohe Tauern range. Many peaks, including the Fulseck (2,033 m), the Schuhflicker (2,214 m), the Kieser (2,176 m), and the Gamskarkogel (2,467 m), encircle it. The settlement lies 812 metres above sea level.

The following municipalities border Dorfgastein: Bad Hofgastein, Großarl, Lend, Mühlbach am Hochkönig, and Schwarzach im Pongau. To the south it also shares a border with the state of Carinthia.

Dorfgastein is reachable by train and car. The B167, which joins the Gastein Valley with the Salzach Valley and the A10 highway, is the primary route that runs through the community. Furthermore passing through Dorfgastein, the Tauern Railway ascends to Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein before traversing the Alpine crest via the Tauerntunnel. Dorfgastein is served regularly by train and bus.

Terrain and Topography

With its pleasant hills and meadows to its high slopes and rocky cliffs, Dorfgastein boasts a diverse geography. The past and current glacial and fluvial activities have molded the terrain. With its tributaries, the Gastein Ache river sculpted the distinctive U-shaped Gastein Valley. Though the valley walls are high and narrow, the valley floor is comparatively large and level. High mountains, some with glaciers and snowfields, ring the valley.

Mountain Ranges

Terrain and Topography

Ankogel Group is a subdivision of Hohe Tauern mountain range that includes Dorfgastein. The Ankogel (3,252 m), the group’s tallest summit, is the source of its name. Subgroups within the Ankogel Group include the Gastein Group, Radstädter Tauern, Goldberg Group, and Schladminger Tauern. The Fulseck, the Schuhflicker, the Kieser and the Gamskarkogel are members of the Gastein Group, the nearest subgroup to Dorfgastein.

Key mountain summits close to Dorfgastein include:

  • The local mountain of Dorfgastein, the Fulseck (2,033 m), provides a broad perspective over the Gastein Valley and the neighboring summits. Reached by chairlift or cable car, it is a well-liked hiking and skiing location.
  • Schuhflicker (2,214 m): This summit has a characteristic shoe-heel shape. Part of the Schuhflicker Nature Reserve, it is south of the Fulseck. Hiking it is difficult and calls for certain climbing knowledge and gear.
  • Kieser (2,176 m): Rising above the Klammstein Castle, an old stronghold that formerly defended the Gastein Valley’s entry, is the Kieser. There’s a view of the valley and the castle on this easy climb.
  • Gamskarkogel (2,467 m): Home of a range of alpine flora and animals, the Gamskarkogel is the highest grass-covered peak in Europe. Reached via toll road or designated route, it is situated west of Dorfgastein. Along with a mountain lodge that provides a haven for hikers and skiers, it contains a summit cross.

Notable Summits

Terrain and Topography

Several noteworthy mountains are close to Dorfgastein:

  • The mountain pass Arltörl (1,980 m) links the Großarl Valley with the Gastein Valley. A view of the Hohe Tauern mountains and valleys may be had from this picturesque location. It is bike- or foot-accessible and features a mountain lodge with food and lodging.
  • Klammstein (1,116 m): The Gastein canyon and Klammstein Castle are seen from this peak. It is a historic location that was formerly an observation point and a fortified community. The castle parking lot is the starting point of this short and simple climb.
  • The Schlossalm (2,050 m) is a mountain pasture situated halfway between the Angertal Valley and the Gastein Valley. With several mountain cabins and restaurants, it is a well-liked hiking and skiing destination. One may get there from Bad Hofgastein via chairlift or cable car.

Valleys and Basins

Terrain and Topography

Dorfgastein is situated in the Gastein Valley, which is one of the larger valleys in the Hohe Tauern area. North to south, the Gastein Valley is around 40 km long and 2 km broad. Upper, Middle, and Lower Gastein are its three divisions. With its hot springs, waterfalls, and ski resorts, the Upper Gastein comprises the villages of Bad Gastein and Böckstein. The administrative and cultural heart of the valley, the Middle Gastein comprises the town of Bad Hofgastein. The entrance to the valley, the Lower Gastein comprises the communities of Dorfgastein and Klammstein.

Remarkable valleys close to Dorfgastein include:

  • Großarl Valley is a side valley of the Salzach Valley that is joined to the Gastein Valley by the Arltörl pass. This charming valley retains its rustic, rural feel. Hiking routes, alpine lodges, and dairy products are its most well-known features.
  • Angertal Valley is a minor valley of the Gastein Valley situated halfway between Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein. There’s a raw, unspoiled beauty about this little, rocky valley. With a cross-country ski track and a ski center, it is a well-liked ski and snowshoer destination.
  • The Nassfeld Valley is a side valley of the Gastein Valley situated south of Bad Gastein. It is a quiet, isolated valley with unspoiled surroundings. With several alpine lakes and peaks, it is a hikers and mountaineers’ dream come true.

Bodies of Water

Lakes

Bodies of Water

In the vicinity of Dorfgastein are the following lakes:

  • Spiegelsee: Situated 2,030 metres above sea level on the Schlossalm, Spiegelsee is a little alpine lake. The mirror-like surface of the lake, which reflects the nearby mountains, is how it got its name. Popular with hikers and photographers, the lake is accessible from Bad Hofgastein by chairlift or cable car.
  • At 2,300 meters above sea level, in the Nassfeld, is the little alpine lake known as Reedsee. With a lovely, blue water, the lake is encircled by reeds and grasses. Numerous aquatic flora and animals find home in the lake, which is a natural reserve. A well documented path leads from Bad Gastein to the lake.
  • At 2,200 meters above sea level, on the Gamskarkogel, is the little alpine lake known as Zittrauersee. A spring supplies both fresh and cold water to the lake. Hikers and skiers may stop at the picturesque lake. There is a toll road from Dorfgastein that leads to the lake or a defined route.

Rivers and Streams

Bodies of Water

Several of the lakes close to Dorfgastein are:

  • Spiegelsee: Situated at 2,030 metres above sea level on the Schlossalm, Spiegelsee is a little alpine lake. Its mirror-like surface, which reflects the nearby mountains, is how the lake got its name. Hikers and photographers frequent the lake, which is reachable from Bad Hofgastein by chairlift or cable car.
  • At 2,300 metres above sea level, in the Nassfeld, is a little alpine lake called Reedsee. With its blue, clear water, the lake is encircled by reeds and grasses. Many aquatic flora and animals find home in the lake, which is also a natural reserve. A well documented route leads from Bad Gastein to the lake.
  • Zittrauersee: Rising to an elevation of 2,200 meters, the Zittrauersee is a little alpine lake situated on the Gamskarkogel. A spring provides fresh and cool water for the lake. Hikers and skiers may stop and relax by the picturesque lake. One may get to the lake from Dorfgastein by a toll road or a designated route.

Scenic Views

Few of the picturesque vistas in Dorfgastein include:

  • Gastein waterfall: Falling 341 meters into the Gastein Valley, the Gastein waterfall is a magnificent sight. Originating in the Hohe Tauern glaciers, the Gastein Ache river creates the waterfall. A popular tourist destination and landmark, the waterfall is visible from a number of Bad Gastein bridges and vantage points.
  • At 2,300 metres above sea level, the Stubnerkogel Suspension Bridge is an exhilarating attraction that spans 140 metres across a steep valley. Perched atop the Stubnerkogel, a mountain crest with a commanding view of the Hohe Tauern and the Gastein Valley, lies the bridge. All year long, the bridge is reachable by cable car from Bad Gastein.
  • The magnificent Gastein Viewing Platform, situated at an elevation of 2,100 meters, stretches 11 meters over the brink of a cliff. Perched atop the Fulseck, Dorfgastein’s native mountain, the platform provides an amazing vista over the Gastein Valley and the hills in the vicinity. The platform is available all year round and may be accessed from Dorfgastein by chairlift or cable car.
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