Geography Of Saalbach-Hinterglemm
Part of the Kitzbühel Alps, Saalbach-Hinterglemm municipality is situated in the Pinzgau section of the Saalach Valley, sometimes known as Glemmtal. The highest points in the area are the Hochkogel, at 2249 meters in the south, and the Spielberghorn, at 2044 meters in the north. Schattberg, the local mountain, rises to 2097 meters. Saalbach-Hinterglemm was founded by the union of Saalbach and Hinterglemm, with the Catholic Church housed in Saalbach, which has long been central to the community. Not considered as independent communities are two districts, Wiesenegg and Lengau. About two kilometers separate Saalbach and Hinterglemm, which the Glemmtaler Landesstrasse links. Via road, the neighboring town Viehhofen is around 10 kilometers away.
Location and Surroundings
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is located in the Pinzgau region of the western Salzburg state. Situated in the valley of the Saalach river, which flows from the Kitzbühel Alps to the Salzach river, is Comprising an area of 125.15 km², the municipality lies 830 to 2,096 meters above sea level.
From the north Viehhofen and Maishofen; from the east Leogang and Fieberbrunn; from the south Hochfilzen and St. Ulrich am Pillersee; from the west Jochberg and Kitzbühel bordered Saalbach-Hinterglemm. The closest main cities are Salzburg (90km), Innsbruck (120km), and Munich (150km).
One can reach Saalbach-Hinterglemm from several points of view of transportation. From Munich, the A8 motorway, the A12 motorway from Innsbruck, and the A10 motorway from Salzburg one can get it by car. Train from the Zell am See station, eighteen kilometers away, links it to the main railway network. Regular bus lines across regions and between cities serve it. By air, it is rather near to the Salzburg Airport (85km), the Innsbruck Airport (110km), and the Munich Airport (180km).
Physical Geography
Landforms in Saalbach-Hinterglemm
Mountains, hills, valleys, plateaus, and basins abound in Physical Geography Saalbach-Hinterglemm, defining it. Among the most prominent landforms are several of:
- Rising highest in the municipality, the Spielberghorn (2,044 m) offers a panoramic perspective of the valley and the nearby mountains.
- Directly linked to the neighboring Leogang by cable car, the Schattberg (2,024 m), the second highest peak in the municipality, is the main ski area of Saalbach.
- Third highest peak in the municipality, the Zwölferkogel (1,984 m) is the main ski area of Hinterglemm. It is joined to the nearby Fieberbrunn by a cable car.
- In the center of the valley sits the notable hill known as Reiterkogel (1,811 m). Connected to the Saalbach town by a cable car, this is a popular spot for biking and hiking.
- Rising in the top part of the valley, the 1,360 m Lindlingalm is a huge alpine pasture. This is a beautiful place for leisure and recreation; a cable car links it to the Hinterglemm village.
- The valley of the Saalach river, the Glemmtal (830–1,360 m), is the main settlement area and focal point of the tourism sector.
Rivers and Lakes
Originally rising in the Kitzbühel Alps and running 24 km through the valley, the Saalach river empties Saalbach-Hinterglemm before merging with the Salzach river. A tributary of the Inn river—a tributary of the Danube river—the Saalach river is Additionally a source of hydroelectric power and irrigation is the Saalach river.
Among the several small lakes and ponds in Saalbach-Hinterglemm are the Zeller See (4.5 km²), the Hinterglemmer See (0.2km²), the Spielberghaus See (0.1km²), and the Oberreiter See (0.1km²). Fishing, boating, swimming, and ice skating constitute the main uses for these lakes and ponds.
Mountain Ranges Nearby
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is surrounded by the following mountain ranges:
- Comprising elements of the Eastern Alps, the Kitzbühel Alps define the municipality’s southern and western boundaries. Comprising limestone and dolomite rocks, they are distinguished by a normal alpine scene of glaciers, meadows, and forests. They also are a popular spot for skiing, hiking, and biking.
- Comprising the Northern Limestone Alps, the Leogang Mountains define the eastern edge of the municipality. Comprising limestone and marl rocks, they are distinguished by a rough and rocky terrain including cliffs, caverns, and gorges. They are also rather well-known for paragliding, caving, and climbing.
- Comprising a part of the Berchtesgaden Alps, the Steinernes Meer defines the northern edge of the municipality. Comprising limestone and dolomite rocks, the terrain is high and level and features basins, plateaus, and karst features. Trekking, mountaineering, and skiing also find great appeal there.
Human Geography
Population Distribution
As of 2020 Saalbach-Hinterglemm has a population density of 24.3 people per km² and 3,039 total residents. Mostly concentrated in the two main villages of Saalbach and Hinterglemm, respectively in the lower and middle sections of the valley, respectively, the population is The surviving people live in smaller farms and hamlets including Lindling, Jausern, Vorderglemm, and Lengau.
Urban Development
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is distinguished by a fusion of modern and classic architecture, which produces a typical alpine urban development. Churches, stone homes, and wooden chalets—which reflect the local history and way of life—define the communities. Designed to satisfy visitor needs, the villages also feature hotels, restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues. Roads, cable cars, and ski lifts link the towns, so enhancing the accessibility and mobility of the locals as well as of guests.
Infrastructure and Transportation
The well-developed infrastructure and transportation system of the municipality helps Saalbach-Hinterglemm’s social and economic activities to be advanced. Following are the main infrastructure and transportation hubs:
- Connecting the municipality to Munich, Innsbruck, and Salzburg, the A8 motorway is the main road of access to the area.
- The Zell am See railway station links the municipality to the main railway network, so providing the main means of train access to the area.
- The main air gateway to the area, the Salzburg Airport links the municipality to the main air network.
- Local public transportation and connections between the towns and hamlets inside the municipality come from the Saalbach-Hinterglemm bus network.
- Linking the towns and ski resorts inside the municipality, the Saalbach-Hinterglemm cable car network offers local and regional transportation.
- Saalbach-Hinterglemm’s ski lift system links the ski hills and trails within the municipality and provides local and regional transportation.
Natural Attractions
Comprising Saalbach-Hinterglemm, the Kitzbühel Alps offer magnificent views and a range of settings. The following are several of the regional natural beauties:
- Saalbach Valley: The valley was created by the Saalach river, which passes via the towns of Saalbach and Hinterglemm. The valley boasts many paths fit for cross-country skiing, cycling, and walking in addition to a profusion of flora and fauna.
- Rising 2,097 meters, Schattberg is the highest mountain in the municipality. From Saalbach, it is reachable by cable car and offers a broad perspective of the valley and the neighboring mountains. Offering slopes suitable for all skill levels, Schattberg is also a very sought-after ski destination.
- Another remarkable mountain in the municipality is Zwölferkogel, which stands at 1,984 m. From Hinterglemm, it is reachable by cable car and features a varied range of ski runs, including the world cup downhill course. Thrill-seekers can also find a viewing platform, a zip line, and a suspension bridge at Zwölferkogel.
- Rising 1,360 meters, Lindlingalm is a mountain pasture site with cultural legacy. Families and nature lovers especially enjoy this place for its petting zoo, playground, museum, and restaurant. Lindlingalm also forms the base for many bike and walking paths, including the Seven Summits Tour and the Saalachtaler Höhenweg.
Parks and Green Spaces
Saalbach-Hinterglemm has many parks and green areas that present chances for leisure, entertainment, and recreation. Nearby are several parks and green areas including:
- The three-kilometer Adventure Path Montelino created links the summit station of the Kohlmais cable car to the middle station. It is meant for families and kids and comprises interactive stations, games, puzzles, and surprises. Children have the chance to help amiable clown Montelino find his lost toys and friends along the way.
- Rising to a height of up to thirty meters, the 1km-long Treetop Path winds across the forest canopy. One can reach it by foot or by bus from the end of the valley. It offers a unique perspective of the natural world and animals, together with instructional boards, viewing platforms, and a 200-meter-long slide.
- Spiegelhouse: Rising 1,311 meters, Spielberghaus is a mountain hut and park. One can reach it by foot, bike, or car from Saalbach. There is a playground, a barbecue area, a pond, and a large grass field. It also offers guests lodging, food, and drink.
- Public park Hinterglemm Leisure Park lies right in the middle of Hinterglemm. Among the several facilities and activities it provides are a skate park, beach volleyball court, tennis court, mini golf course, and soccer field. It features a pavillion, a restaurant, and a stage as well.
Nature Reserves
Numerous nature reserves devoted to the preservation and protection of the natural surroundings and biodiversity abound in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. A handful of the surrounding nature reserves are listed here:
- Glemmtal Nature Reserve: Comprising the whole Saalbach valley and some of the neighboring valleys, Glemmtal Nature Reserve is 3,800-hectared protected area. Its founding goal in 1990 was to protect alpine ecosystems, water supplies, and cultural legacy. It also advances education, research, and environmentally friendly travel.
- Langeckalm Nature Reserve: Located on the northern side of the valley, close to the town of Vorderglemm, the 120 ha protected area known as Langeckalm Nature Reserve Established in 1984, its goal was to protect the wetlands, meadows, and woods. Numerous rare and threatened species, including the black grouse, the alpine salamander, and the orchids, also find home there.
- Hochtorsee Nature Reserve: Situated on the southern side of the valley in close proximity to the town of Lengau, the 40 ha protected area known as Hochtorsee Nature Reserve Established in 1984, its goal was to protect the moorlands, the nearby marshes, and the lake, Hochtorsee. Among the many insects, amphibians, and birds it also provides a habitat for the dragonfly, common tern, and fire salamander.
Scenic Points of Interest
Saalbach-Hinterglemm features many beautiful sites with amazing views and unique experiences. The area has many picturesque sites including:
- Golden Gate Bridge of the Alps: Rising to a height of 42 meters and spanning 200 meters, the Golden Gate Bridge of the Alps links the Schattberg and Zwölferkogel mountains. It is a part of the circular Baumzipfelweg trail, which also runs the Treetop Path. For guests, this is a must-see site offering an amazing perspective of the mountains and the valley.
- Stemmerkogel: Standing 2,127 meters above sea level, Stemmerkogel is a mountain peak. From the Westgipfel cable car’s summit station, it is reachable by foot and requires a modest climb lasting around one hour. It offers a whole 360° view of the nearby mountains, including the Wilder Kaiser, Grossvenediger, and Grossglockner.
- Sonnkopf: With an elevation of 1,864 meters, Sonnkopf is a mountain top. From the Reiterkogel cable car’s summit station, one can reach it on foot; the climb takes thirty minutes. It offers a view of the Saalbach valley and the Glemmtal Nature Reserve together with a wooden cross and a bench at the top.
- Lamprechtshöhle: A cave system close to the entrance of the valley in St. Martin municipality Among the longest and deepest cavernues in the world, it stretches more than 50 km and reaches a depth of over 1,600 m. Publically accessible, it provides a guided tour of roughly 700 meters stressing the stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations.
Administrative Divisions
Four cadastral communities exist in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, each further split into many villages and hamlets. The four cadastral communities consist as follows:
- Saalbach: At about 1,500 people, Saalbach is the most central and biggest cadastral community. It covers the hamlets of Bachwinkl, Eder, Glemmtaler Landesstrasse, Hintermais, Kohlmais, Oberdorf, and Unterwirt as well as the villages of Saalbach, Jausern, Schwarzach, and Wiesern.
- Hinterglemm: At about 1,000 people, Hinterglemm is the second biggest and most western cadastral community. It includes the village of Hinterglemm as well as the hamlets of Glemmtaler Landesstrasse, Hasenau, Lengau, and Reiter.
- Vorderglemm: Comprising a population of almost 300 people, Vorderglemm is the third largest and most eastern cadastral community. It includes the hamlets of Lindling, Viehhofen, and Glemmtaler Landesstrange as well as the village of Vorderglemm.
- Rain: With a population of about 200, Rain is the smallest and southernmost cadastral community. It covers the hamlets at Saalalm, Hinterlengau, Rain, and Glemmtaler Landesstrange.
