Geography Of Mühlbach am Hochkönig
Mühlbach am Hochkönig is 45 minutes south of Salzburg and about 8 km west of Bischofshofen, at the base of the Hochkönig mountain. With an area of 51.51 km2, it has a population of more than 1,500 people. At 860 meters above sea level, it is located.
Part of the Pongau district, Mühlbach am Hochkönig is one of five districts in the state of Salzburg. Situated in the northern part of the Alps in the Salzach valley, neighbors include Dienten am Hochkönig, Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer, Bischofshofen, St. Veit im Pongau and Schwarzach im Pongau.
Mühlbach am Hochkönig surrounds between the most unusual rock formations in the Berchtesgaden Alps, the Mandlwände and the Hochkönig. Comprising the Northern Limestone Alps, the Berchtesgaden Alps are a mountain range. From the Salzach valley in the west to the Saalach valley in the east they stretch.
Mühlbach am Hochkönig can be reached by car, bus, train and plane, among other means of mobility. Accessible by car, the A10 motorway (Tauern Autobahn) connects Salzburg to Villach. Regional bus routes 540 and 541 serve the area from Bischofshofen to Mühlbach am Hochkönig. Rail access is via the Salzburg-Tyrol Railway, which stops nearby at Bischofshofen station. The nearest airport accessible by plane is Salzburg Airport, almost 60 kilometers away.
Terrain and Topography
Comprising three main mountain ranges – the Hochkönig massif, the Steinernes Meer and the Dienten mountains – Mühlbach am Hochkönig is a component of the Hochkönig region. The Hochkönig mountain dominates the area and features impressive peaks and ridges. Steinernes Meer is a karst limestone plateau distinguished by a profusion of holes and caves. Lower and more forested, the Dienten Mountains include modest slopes and meadows.
Comprising three main mountain ranges – the Hochkönig massif, the Steinernes Meer and the Dienten mountains – Mühlbach am Hochkönig is a component of the Hochkönig region. The Hochkönig mountain dominates the area and features impressive peaks and ridges. Steinernes Meer is a karst limestone plateau distinguished by a profusion of holes and caves. Lower and more forested, the Dienten Mountains include modest slopes and meadows.
Mühlbach am Hochkönig offers a remarkable viewpoint over some of the region’s most important mountain tops, including:
- Hochkönig (2941 m): Often known as the “King of Mountains”, Hochkönig (2,941 m) is the highest and grandest peak in the region. Mountaineers and climbers find this place in great demand, as they can choose from a variety of paths with different degrees of difficulty.
- Hochseiler (2793 m): Rising near the eastern edge of the Hochkönig massif, Hochseiler (2,793 m) is the second highest mountain in the region. This mountain requires strong endurance and alpine experience.
- Schneeberg (1921 m): Rising conspicuously in the Dienten mountains, Schneeberg (1921 m) has an unusual appearance with a crucifix at the top. Skiers and hikers frequent this place because they value the panoramic views and comfortable chalets.
- Palfnerkogel (1970 m): A summit in the Dienten mountains near the Arthurhaus hotel is Palfnerkogel (1970 m). Families and inexperienced climbers would be suited to this somewhat easy summit.
Mühlbach am Hochkönig is also close to many interesting basins that are worth exploring for their ecological and cultural value:
- Mühlbachtal: Connecting to Mühlbach am Hochkönig, Mühlbachtal is a subsidiary valley of the river Salzach. The valley has a small stream and a waterfall; it is narrow and wooded. Furthermore, nearby is the old copper mine known as Sunpau, which is now a museum.
- Dientenertal: Linking Dienten am Hochkönig, Dienten am Hochkönig is a subsidiary valley of the Salzach valley. This is a vast and bright valley with rich meadows and pastures. The Erichhütte, a mountain hut offering food and accommodation, is located here.
- Urslautal: Connecting Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer, Urslautal is a subsidiary valley of the Saalach valley. Comprised of a golf course and a clean, sparkling lake, the valley is calm and enchanting. Additionally located there is the Gothic Pilgrimage Church of Maria Alm, which attracts many pilgrims and visitors.