Geography Of Kleinarl
Kleinarl is a town and a well-liked ski resort in Salzburg, Austria. Situated near the southern end of the Salzach valley, the Pongau area. Part of the Ski Amadé network, Kleinarl has access to 270 ski lifts and over 760 km of ski slopes.
Kleinarl sits on the eastern side of the Alpine divide separating the Rhine from the Danube watershed. A tributary valley of the Enns valley running into the Danube, the Kleinarl valley is Originating from the Jägersee lake, the Kleinarl stream winds through the community and empties into the Enns river close to Wagrain.
Kleinarl borders the following towns and areas:
- To the north: Wagrain and Flachau
- To the east: Altenmarkt im Pongau and Zauchensee
- To the south: Radstadt and Untertauern
- To the west: Sankt Martin bei Lofer and Weißbach bei Lofer
One can get Kleinarl by plane, rail, or road. Connecting Salzburg and Villach, Flachau on the A10 Tauern Autobahn is the closest motorway exit. From there, the B 163 federal road carries one roughly 16 km to Kleinarl. Radstadt, 22km away and with links to Salzburg, Graz, and Vienna, is the closest train station Serving both domestic and international flights, Salzburg Airport is 75 miles distant.
Terrain and Topography
Kleinarl sits in a narrow, steep valley surrounded by tall, rough mountains. There are meadows, woodlands, and rocks on the generally alpine terrain. Reaching 2,486 meters, the Gamskogel is the highest point in the municipality. With 840 meters, the Enns river represents the lowest point. The valley’s general gradient is 5.1%.
Key Mountain Peaks
Among Kleinarl’s most well-known and often visited mountain tops are:
- Gamskogel (2,467 m): Popular ski spot Kleinarl boasts the highest mountain. It presents panoramic views of the Kleinarl valley and the neighboring mountains.
- Penkkopf (2,011 m): A picturesque peak overlooking the Jägersee lake and the Tappenkarsee lake is Penkkopf (2,011 m). One may reach there by a hiking trek and a cable car.
- Ennskraxn (2,410 m): A difficult summit needing alpine tools and expertise. It provides views of the Enns river and the Dachstein massif and is situated on the boundary between Kleinarl and Radstadt.
- Hochgründeck (1,827 m): A mild peak fit for novices and families. It provides views of the Salzach valley and the Bischofsmütze and is situated on the border between Kleinarl and Wagrain.
Valleys and Basins
Kleinarl is located in a tributary valley of the Enns valley, Kleinarl valley. About 10 kilometers long and 2km wide, the Kleinarl valley The Kleinarl stream separates it in two: the lower valley and the higher valley. Whereas the lower valley is more level and spacious, the upper valley is more narrow and steep. Small basins and valleys like the Tappenkar valley, the Jägersee basin, the Schwabalm basin, and the Brandstatt basin ring the Kleinarl valley.
Among Kleinarl’s most striking and exquisite valleys are some:
- Tappenkar valley: Leading to the greatest mountain lake in the Eastern Alps, the Tappenkar valley is a remote and wild one. The valley boasts a cottage and a waterfall as well as a great abundance of plants and animals.
- Jägersee basin: Comprising the Jägersee lake, a natural beauty reflecting the surrounding mountains, the lovely and peaceful Jägersee basin is Hiking, biking, fishing, and boating all find great popularity in the basin.
- Schwabalm basin: The Schwabalm alpine pasture, a classic and comfortable lodge serving regional cuisine, situated in a picturesque, sunny basin. Watching animals, lounging about, and appreciating the surroundings all find great place in the basin.
Bodies of Water
Lakes
The two main lakes Kleinarl owns are Tappenkarsee lake and Jägersee lake. Comprising 13 hectares, the Jägersee lake is a naturally occurring lake fed by the Kleinarl stream. Rising from the Tappenkar stream, the glacial lake known as Tappenkarsee covers 38 hectares on surface area. Both lakes provide swimming, boating, and fishing among other leisure pursuits and surround breathtaking landscape.
Rivers and Streams
The longest river in Austria, the Enns river is a tributary of the Danube. Following Kleinarl’s eastern boundary, the Enns river empties into the Salzach river close to Pass Lueg. A tributary of the Enns river, the Kleinarl stream is the lifeline of the valley. Starting from the Jägersee lake, the Kleinarl stream flows through the lower valley and passes across the town. Kleinarl has other streams as the Tappenkar stream, the Brandstatt stream, the Schwabalm stream, and the Zehnerkar stream. These streams join the Kleinarl stream from the highlands and the upper valley.
Waterfalls and Springs
Several waterfalls and springs found in Kleinarl enhance its appeal and attractiveness. Karst and glacial characteristics of the area help to create the waterfalls and springs. Among Kleinarl’s most remarkable and appealing waterfalls and springs are:
- Tappenkarsee waterfall: Rising from the Tappenkarsee lake into the Tappenkar valley, this magnificent waterfall is Visible from the Tappenkarsee hut, the waterfall is roughly eighty meters high.
- Jägersee waterfall: Rising from the Jägersee lake into the Jägersee basin, the picturesque Jägersee waterfall One can access the waterfall by a trekking path around the lake; it is approximately twenty meters high.
- Kleinarl spring: Natural spring Kleinarl spring rises from the ground close to the settlement core. Kleinarl stream originates from the spring, which also boasts significant mineral concentration. Drinking water and spa treatments also take advantage of the spring.
Scenic Views
Kleinarl presents numerous breathtaking vistas of its natural richness and beauty. One can appreciate the views from several sites, including summits, cottages, paths, and cable cars. Among Kleinarl’s most amazing and magnificent scenic vues are:
- Gamskogel view: From the Gamskogel peak, the Kleinarl valley and the surrounding mountains are seen panoristically. One can get the perspective by a trekking path and a cable vehicle.
- Tappenkarsee view: From the Tappenkarsee hut, the Tappenkar valley and lake are seen in a lovely perspective. One can access the perspective by mountain bike or trekking trail.
- Jägersee view: From the Jägersee trail, Jägersee view: a calm perspective of the lake and basin. One can get the view by a bike road or a hiking trail.
- Hochgründeck view: From the Hochgründeck peak, the Salzach valley and the Bischofsmütze are brilliantly seen. One can get the perspective by a ski trip or a hiking trail.
