Geography Of Grossarl
About 70 kilometers south of Salzburg city, in the Pongau area of the state of Salzburg, lies Großarl. Standing in the Großarltal area, it divides the Hohen Tauern and Niedere Tauern mountain ranges naturally from the Radstädter Tauern. The settlements of Großarl and Hüttschlag, which are both part of the Hohe Tauern National Park, are included in the 27 km long valley that runs from the Keeskogel to the Salzach mouth.
At 924 metres above sea level, Großarl is surrounded by a towering mountain range, the highest peak being the Gamskarkogel, which rises to 2467 metres. The area is made more attractive by the Liechtensteinklamm, which reaches its lowest point at 710 meters. Over 200 meters of estuary are formed when the Großarltal, a stunning hanging valley, gently drops into the Salzach Valley.
The Großarltal road system, more especially the Großarler Landesstraße (L109), is characterized by sharp drops and complex elevation changes. After climbing 370 meters in the first six kilometers, it drops 120 meters in the next four and then climbs over 200 meters to the valley’s finish. Three tunnels—Jungfernsprungtunnel, Wachtertunnel, Schappachttunnel—as well as bridges and viaducts make connection possible as the route winds through historic terraces and difficult terrain. About 150 metres long is the Stegbachgraben Bridge near the Alte Wacht.
Drained by the Großarler Ache, the Großarltal flows mostly from south to north, merging northward into the Salzach river. Within the Grossarl cadastral district, the Ellmaubach valley is divided into several, separately elevated communities: Au, Schied, Unterberg, Eben, and Bach.
Location Of Grossarl
About 70 kilometers south of Grossarl is Salzburg, the state capital. Reachable by automobile, it is connected to the nearby towns of Bischofshofen and St. Johann im Pongau by the B311 highway. Furthermore serving Grossarl are a local bus system and a train station located in St. Johann im Pongau.
Situated 924 meters above sea level, Grossarl is part of the eastern Alps. It is situated at the Hohe Tauern National Park, the biggest natural reserve in Austria. Some of the highest and most glaciated peaks in the Alps are found in this little over 1,800 square kilometer park.
Neighboring Regions
Grossarl is bordered by the following regions:
- To the north, the Gastein Valley, which is famous for its thermal springs and ski resorts.
- To the east, the Salzach Valley, which is the main valley of the Salzburg state and the location of many historical and cultural sites.
- To the south, the Katschberg Pass, which separates the Pongau region from the Lungau region and the state of Carinthia.
- To the west, the Großglockner High Alpine Road, which is a scenic route that leads to the highest mountain in Austria, the Großglockner.
Access Points
Several transportation choices are available to conveniently reach Grossarl and may be adjusted to the season and the needs of the passengers. Among the most often used access points are as follows:
- By car: Easily reachable by automobile is the Grossarl Valley via the B311 route, which joins to the A10. Travelers will find this route to be a handy one since it connects Salzburg with Villach. Furthermore linked to the Großglockner High Alpine Road and the Gastein Valley is the B311.
- By bus: Convenient bus services are offered from neighboring Pongau region municipalities as well as from St. Johann im Pongau and Bischofshofen to Grossarl. The busses offer a practical and reasonably priced way to go to Grossarl all year round.
- By train: The nearest railway station to Grossarl is at St. Johann im Pongau, which is just 16 kilometers apart, if you would rather go by train. Providing easy connections between Salzburg, Innsbruck, and several other Austrian and German locations, this station is an essential link on the Salzburg-Tyrol Railway. From the station there are bus connections to Grossarl.
- By plane: Should you want to fly, the closest airport to Grossarl is Salzburg Airport, which is around 75 kilometers distant. Both local and international flights are offered by the airport to many locations in Europe and other regions of the world. From the airport there are bus and train connections to Grossarl and St. Johann im Pongau.
Terrain and Topography
With high mountains, glaciers, mild slopes, and meadows, Grossarl has a very diversified terrain. The Hohe Tauern and Salzburg Slate Alps round the municipality, which is located in a large basin. One of the largest and longest valleys in the Pongau area is the Grossarl Valley, which runs around 25 km from north to south.
Two parts of the basin are separated by the Salzach River tributary Grossarler Ache. The eastern part of the valley is known as the Unterberg, and the western part as the Schied. Two tunnels and many bridges connect the two areas. Forests, meadows, and farmland make up the mostly flat and productive valley bottom. Alpine meadows and woods adorn the steep and rocky valley sides. The valley ends with the Hüttschlag Valley, a small, remote valley that empties into the Keeskogel Glacier.
Mountain Ranges
Numerous mountain ranges surround Grossarl, each with special qualities and charm of its own. Among the most well-known mountain ranges are as follows:
- The Hohe Tauern: At over 120 by 50 kilometers, the Hohe Tauern is Austria’s largest and most imposing mountain range. Among the most well-known summits in the Alps are the Großglockner, Großvenediger, and Kitzsteinhorn; the range forms the southern limit of the Grossarl Valley. Within the range is located Hohe Tauern National Park, which protects the natural and cultural legacy of the area. The park offers a varied array of hiking paths, ski slopes, and picturesque views to its guests.
- The Salzburg Slate Alps: A part of the Northern Limestone Alps, the Salzburg Slate Alps are a mountain range located north and west of the Grossarl Valley. Metamorphic minerals that add to the range’s distinctiveness include slate, schist, and gneiss. Deep canyons, waterfalls, and tunnels are among the range’s famously rough and untamed scenery. Furthermore, the range offers some of the best chances in the area for rock climbing and mountaineering.
- The Radstadt Tauern: Part of the Central Eastern Alps, the Radstadt Tauern mountain range is located east of the Grossarl Valley. The range’s gray and green tones are ascribed to the existence of crystalline rocks such as granite, diorite and gabbro. The range’s smooth, rounded tops stand in sharp contrast to the Hohe Tauern’s pointy, jagged peaks. The range is well-known for its skiing and trekking possibilities in addition to its alpine pastures and lodges.
Key Mountain Peaks
Many famous mountain summits in Grossarl offer climbers demanding routes and stunning views. Among the most important mountain summits are:
- The Keeskogel: The tallest mountain in the Grossarl Valley is 2,884-meter-tall Keeskogel. Situated at the end of Hüttschlag Valley, it is a part of the main Hohe Tauern ridge. Smothering the summit is the Keeskogel Glacier, one of the biggest in the area. The mountain can be reached via tricky climb or arduous hike, depending on the season and the route.
- The Draugstein: The second tallest mountain in the Grossarl Valley is the 2,356-meter-tall Draugstein. Part of the Salzburg Slate Alps, it is situated on the western side of the valley. The peak is distinguished by its unusual shape, which resembles a dragon’s head rather a lot. The mountain may be reached via a strenuous climb or a gentle trip, depending on the season and the path.
- The Schuhflicker: Standing at 2,214 metres, the Schuhflicker is the third highest mountain in the Grossarl Valley. Part of the Radstadt Tauern, it is located on the eastern slope of the valley. A story that claims a shoemaker once fixed an underprivileged pilgrim’s shoes on the top is the reason for the peak’s moniker. Depending on the season and the path, a straightforward trek or a tough climb might get you to the top.
Bodies of Water
Lakes
Many manmade and natural lakes in Grossarl offer recreational opportunities and stunning scenery. Among the streams are the following:
- The Tappenkarsee: At over 38 hectares and around 36 meters deep, Tappenkarsee is the biggest alpine lake in the Eastern Alps. Elevated to 1,762 meters, the lake is located in a glacial cirque between the Hochkönig and the Draugstein. Many springs and streams supply the lake, which drains into the Kleinarl Valley. Wintertime activities on the lake include fishing, rowing, mountaineering, and ice skating and snowshoeing.
- The Ötzlsee: About two hectares in size and ten meters deep make up the little, picturesque Ötzlsee lake. Situated 1,540 meters above sea level in a wooded clearing close to the Mooslehen Valley, sits the lake. One spring supplies the lake, which drains into the Grossarler Ache. The lake is a great spot for winter ice skating and snowshoeing as well as for picnics, swimming, and relaxing.
- The Spiegelsee: Approximately 0.5 hectares in size and around 5 meters deep is the Spiegelsee, a little manmade lake. Situated 1,860 metres above sea level, the lake is on the Kreuzkogel’s inclination. The lake, which empties into the Grossarler Ache, is replenished by a pump. Because the lake reflects both the sky and the surrounding mountains, it is a lovely place. In the winter, a lot of people go swimming, falling, playing, and ice skating as well as snowshoeing.
Rivers and Streams
Numerous rivers and streams in Grossarl add to the beauty and variety of the scenery. Several of the rivers and their tributaries are:
- The Grossarler Ache: Stretching around 25 kilometers from south to north, the Grossarler Ache is the main river in the municipality and basin. The Keeskogel Glacier created the watercourse, which empties into the Salzach right next to St. Johann im Pongau. The river provides water, energy, and leisure to the town and the valley. The river also forms a great deal of pools, rapids, and cascades throughout its path.
- The Hüttschlag Ache: A tributary to the Grossarler Ache, the Hüttschlag Ache flows around ten kilometers from south to north. The river rises on the Keeskogel Glacier and empties itself into the Grossarler Ache close to Hüttschlag. Nestled inside the Hohe Tauern National Park, the river is well-known for its immaculate and natural surroundings. The river also forms a great deal of pools, rapids, and cascades throughout its course.
- The Kleinarler Ache: A tributary of the Salzach River, the Kleinarler Ache runs around 15 kilometers from south to north. The stream rises in the Tappenkarsee and empties into the Salzach river close to Wagrain. For entertainment, electricity, and water, the Kleinarl Valley and the surrounding communities depend on the river. The river also forms several pools, rapids, and cascades throughout its course.
Scenic Views
Many picturesque views in Grossarl demonstrate the amazing harmony and contrast between the water and the mountains. A number of the picturesque views consist of:
- The Liechtenstein Gorge: At up to 300 meters deep and almost 4 kilometers long, this canyon is among the longest and deepest in the Alps. At the northernmost point of the Grossarl Valley, the gorge is carved by the Grossarler Ache. Amazing rock formations, waterfalls, and rapids abound in this natural wonder of a gorge. Beautiful views and a better knowledge of the local fauna and geology may be had from a boardwalk that spans the gorge.
- The Kitzlochklamm: A another stunning gorge, the Kitzlochklamm, is almost three kilometers long and as deep as 150 meters. The canyon at the easternmost point of the Grossarl Valley was formed by the Rauriser Ache. Attractive rock formations, tunnels, and bridges abound in this natural marvel of a canyon. Views and thrilling encounters abound along a route that winds down the canyon.
- The Arltörl: Historic Arltörl pass connects the Gastein Valley with the Grossarl Valley. The pass is located at 1,797 metres above sea level, near the southernmost point of the valley. From the pass, one may see the Gastein Valley, the Hohe Tauern, the Keeskogel and the Draugstein. Situated in the pass, the shrine, honouring St. Leonhard, the patron saint of animals, was founded in the eighteenth century.
