Geography Of Ellmau
Ellmau is a municipality in the Sölllandl region of Austria, specifically in the Kufstein district. It is situated in Tirol 12 miles southeast of Kufstein and 9 km west of Sankt Johann. It is situated 820 metres above sea level. Summer and winter activities and events abound in Ellmau, a vibrant and picturesque village in the Wilder Kaiser region.
Topographical Features
Nestled between the eastern and western Kaiser mountains in the Tyrolean valleys lies Ellmau. The administrative hub of the district and the closest big city, Kufstein, lies around 12 kilometers from Ellmau. Further significant cities within 100 miles of Ellmau are Munich (108 km), Salzburg (82 km), and Innsbruck (76 km). Ellmau is in the Northern Hemisphere, having latitude 47.51389°N. Ellmau lies in the eastern hemisphere according to its longitude of 12.30361°E1.Following towns border Ellmau: Going am Wilden Kaiser, Scheffau am Wilden Kaiser, Söll, Kirchberg in Tirol, Brixen im Thale, Westendorf, and Kufstein.
Landscape
Mountainous Terrain
Nestled at the base of the Northern Limestone Alps’ Wilder Kaiser mountain range is Ellmau. Famous are the craggy and majestic peaks, cliffs, and rock formations of the Wilder Kaiser. Reaching 2,344 metres above sea level, the Ellmauer Halt is the highest point of the Wilder Kaiser.
Valleys and Plateaus
Sölllandl is the valley that includes Ellmau and runs from the Inn river to the Kitzbüheler Ache river. Sölllandl is typified by forests, meadows, and undulating hills. An average elevation of the valley floor is around 800 meters above sea level. A plateau known as Brixentaler Sonnberg lies south of Ellmau and provides a broad perspective of the nearby mountains and valleys.
Notable Peaks
Some of the notable peaks that can be seen from Ellmau are:
- Ellmauer Halt (2,344 m): the highest peak of the Wilder Kaiser and the most prominent landmark of Ellmau.
- Treffauer (2,304 m): a peak that forms the eastern end of the Wilder Kaiser and has a distinctive pyramid shape.
- Hohe Salve (1,829 m): a mountain that is part of the Kitzbühel Alps and has a rotating panorama restaurant on its summit.
- Hartkaiser (1,530 m): a mountain that is the starting point of Ellmi’s Magic World, a mountain adventure park for children and families.
Bodies of Water
Lakes and Rivers
Ellmau has several lakes and rivers that add to its natural beauty and offer recreational opportunities. Some of them are:
- Hintersteiner See: a natural lake that is located in a nature reserve and has crystal clear water and a picturesque setting.
- Kaiserbad: an artificial lake that is part of the Kaiserbad leisure center and has a water slide, a diving tower, and a beach volleyball court.
- Ellmauer Ache: a river that flows through Ellmau and joins the Kitzbüheler Ache near Kirchberg in Tirol.
- Weißache: a river that forms the border between Ellmau and Scheffau and has a scenic gorge called the Kaiserklamm.
Water Features of Significance
Some of the water features that have a special significance for Ellmau are:
- Ellmauer Tor: a gap in the Wilder Kaiser that is also known as the “Gate to the Kaiser”. It is a popular destination for hikers and climbers and has a mountain hut called the Gruttenhütte.
- Ellmauer Wasserfall: a waterfall that is located near the Ellmauer Tor and has a height of about 60 m.
- Kaiserquelle: a spring that is located in the center of Ellmau and has a fountain that is decorated with a statue of Emperor Franz Joseph I.
Flora and Fauna
Native Plant Species
Some of the water features that have a special significance for Ellmau are:
- Ellmauer Tor: a gap in the Wilder Kaiser that is also known as the “Gate to the Kaiser”. It is a popular destination for hikers and climbers and has a mountain hut called the Gruttenhütte.
- Ellmauer Wasserfall: a waterfall that is located near the Ellmauer Tor and has a height of about 60 m.
- Kaiserquelle: a spring that is located in the center of Ellmau and has a fountain that is decorated with a statue of Emperor Franz Joseph I.
Wildlife Habitats
Ellmau has a variety of wildlife habitats, ranging from the lowland forests and meadows to the highland rocks and glaciers. Some of the wildlife habitats that can be found in Ellmau are:
- Wilder Kaiser Nature Reserve: a protected area that covers the entire Wilder Kaiser mountain range and hosts many rare and endangered species of animals and plants.
- Kaisergebirge Wildlife Park: a wildlife park that is located near the Hintersteiner See and has a collection of native and exotic animals, such as deer, lynx, bears, and monkeys.
- Ellmauer Moor: a wetland area that is located near the Ellmauer Ache and has a diverse ecosystem of birds, insects, and plants.
Protected Areas and Reserves
Ellmau has several protected areas and reserves that aim to preserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the region. Some of them are:
- Wilder Kaiser Nature Reserve: as mentioned above, this is the largest and most important protected area in Ellmau, covering an area of 10,200 hectares.
- Kaisergebirge Biosphere Reserve: a biosphere reserve that encompasses the Wilder Kaiser Nature Reserve and the surrounding municipalities, including Ellmau. It is part of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme and promotes sustainable development and conservation.
- Ellmauer Tor Landscape Protection Area: a landscape protection area that covers the Ellmauer Tor and its surroundings, including the Ellmauer Wasserfall and the Gruttenhütte. It is a scenic and recreational area that attracts many visitors.
