Geography Of Sankt Anton am Arlberg

St. Anton is in Tyrol’s western part and near the borders of Liechtenstein and Switzerland. The site is 1,304 meters above sea level, in the Rosanna river valley, a tributary of the Inn river. The magnificent summits of the Arlberg massif, which lie within the Lechtal Alps and the Verwall Alps, round the village. Rising 3,036 meters, the Parseierspitze is the highest mountain in the area. Rising 1,793 meters, the Arlberg pass connects Tyrol and Vorarlberg and regularly sees winter snowfall.

Table Of Contents

1 Location and Surroundings
2 Terrain and Topography
3 Climate and Weather Patterns
4 Physical Geography
5 Human Geography
6 Natural Attractions
7 Administrative Divisions
8 Related Articles
9 Go Next...

Location and Surroundings

St. Anton is in the eastern Alps’ Alpine region known as Arlberg. The site covers a land area of 165.81 square kilometers and sits 1,304 meters relative to sea level. St. Anton’s coordinates geologically are 10.2676° longitude East and 47.1292° latitude North.

St. Anton is surrounded by Tyrol region’s several towns and districts as well as by neighboring nations. To the north it borders Flirsch and Pettneu am Arlberg. On the east, it borders Landeck and Strengen. To the south it borders Kappl and Ischgl. From its western side, it borders Lech and Warth, both of which fall inside the Vorarlberg state. Accessible by road or rail, St. Anton, which lies close to the Austrian border, is near Germany and Switzerland.

St. Anton boasts first-rate transportation connections via several means to the rest of Austria and Europe. St. Anton is reached mostly by:

One can reach St. Anton from Arlberg Road, a major thoroughfare connecting Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Comprising 13.97 kilometers, the Arlberg Tunnel is Austria’s longest road tunnel. The S16 expressway connects the Arlberg Road, so giving access to the A12 motorway. Together with other major cities in Austria and Germany, this motorway links St. Anton to Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol.

St. Anton boasts a railway station on the Arlberg Railway, a famous and gorgeous line linking Innsbruck to Bludenz across the Arlberg Pass. Several trains run the Arlberg Railway, including the Railjet, a high-speed service connecting St. Anton to Vienna, Zurich, Munich, and other points in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. Right in the middle of St. Anton, the railway station offers easy access to the buses and ski lifts.

Although St. Anton does not have an airport of its own, it is rather close to several foreign airports offering flights to and from different European and worldwide locations. The near airports to St. Anton are:

Innsbruck Airport (INN): located about 100 kilometers east of St. Anton, and reachable by car or train in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH): located about 130 kilometers north of St. Anton, and reachable by car or train in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Zurich Airport (ZRH): located about 200 kilometers west of St. Anton, and reachable by car or train in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Munich Airport (MUC): located about 250 kilometers north of St. Anton, and reachable by car or train in about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Terrain and Topography

St. Anton is well-known for its difficult and varied terrain, mostly shaped by Arlberg’s Alpine features. Three main zones can help to classify St. Anton’s topography:

The valley zone of St. Anton is the lowest and most level area. The Rosanna River, which runs across the town and shapes the Stanzertal Valley, defines it. With an average elevation of almost 1,300 meters, the valley area is mostly distinguished by meadows, forests, and agricultural fields. Human communities, businesses, infrastructure, and services center mostly on the valley zone.
Characterized by the raised slopes and peaks of the Arlberg region that tower over the valley, the mountain zone is the intermediate and largest portion of St. Anton. Mostly composed of snow, rocks, and alpine vegetation, the mountain zone shows an average height of almost 2,000 meters. Mostly, the mountain zone consists of the ski resorts, paths, natural attractions, and breathtaking views.
Comprising glaciers and ice fields that define the Arlberg region’s landscape, the elevated and isolated area of St. Anton known as the glacier zone Mostly covered by ice, snow, and rocks, the glacier zone is distinguished by an average height of almost 3,000 meters. Along with very rare and threatened species and vegetation, the glacier zone boasts highly difficult and daring ski routes and tours.

Climate and Weather Patterns

St. Anton’s elevation and mountainous surroundings help to define a typical continental pattern that defines the climate there. One could define St. Anton’s climate as follows:

November to April is the winter season, distinguished by low temperatures and plenty of snowfall. Although it can drop below -10°C at night or at high altitudes, the mean temperature during winter is rather -3°C. Though it varies depending on the particular year and geographical area, the mean winter snowfall is around 7 meters. Because of their ideal conditions for skiing and other winter sports and activities, St. Anton sees great demand and activity during the winter.
Hot and sunny weather defines the summer, which runs from May to October. Though it can reach 25°C during daytime or at lower altitudes, the mean temperature during the summer is usually about 15°C. Though it may vary depending on the particular month and geographical area, the mean summer precipitation is almost 900 milliliters. St. Anton finds a calm and peaceful environment in the summer, which makes it the perfect time for outdoor pursuits including hiking and different summer sports.

Rapid and erratic changes in the St. Anton weather are influenced by elements including wind, clouds, and atmospheric pressure. As such, it is advised to check the avalanche warning and weather forecast before planning any outdoor activities in St. Anton.

Physical Geography

St. Anton gains from a rich and varied physical geography that offers a range of natural features and phenomena. The physical geography of St. Anton consists in several important elements:

Landforms in St. Anton am Arlberg

Physical Geography

St. Anton’s complex and varied landform is the result of Arlberg region geological and glacial activities. Notable St. Anton landforms consist:

Apart from acting as a natural border between the Lechtal Alps and the Verwall Alps, the Arlberg Pass is a mountain pass connecting Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Rising to 1,793 meters, the ancient and important Arlberg Pass is a thoroughfare of the Alps. Renowned for its outstanding and varied ski trails in St. Anton, the Arlberg Pass is also the name for the ski area including the slopes and summits surrounding it.
Second highest summit in the Verwall Alps and tallest summit in the Arlberg region is the Valluga. Rising to 2,811 meters, the Valluga is located west of St. Anton. Because of its amazing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, the Valluga is a very sought-after site for mountaineers and skiers. One can reach the Valluga from St. Anton by cable car or from the Arlberg Pass by demanding climb or ascent.
Rising to the south of St. Anton, the Rendl is a well-known mountain massif. It forms a natural component of the Verwall Alps. Standing exactly across from the Arlberg Pass, the Rendl is 2,630 meters above sea level. Because of its vast and well-lit slopes as well as its first-rate terrain parks, the Rendl is a highly sought-after venue for skiers and snowboarders. One can reach the Rendl by cable car from St. Anton or by moderately difficult bike ride or climb from the Rosanna Valley.

Rivers and Lakes

Physical Geography

Many rivers and streams cross St. Anton, and its terrain is enhanced by many lakes and ponds, so adding to its visual appeal and diversity. Notable St. Anton rivers and lakes consist in:

The main river running through St. Anton that sculpts the Stanzertal Valley is the Rosanna River. Originating from the Verwall Alps’ glaciers, the Rosanna River joins the Sanna River close to Landeck to form the Inn River. Prospects for rafting and kayaking activities abound along the fast and turbulent Rosanna River. For St. Anton and the neighboring towns, the Rosanna River provides both water and electricity.
Comprising a part of the Kops Reservoir, the Kartellsee is a reservoir lake south of St. Anton. Built on the Rosanna River, a dam producing 13.5 million cubic meters of storage capacity formed the Kartellsee in 1969. The Kartellsee provides boating, fishing, and hydroelectric power generation among other uses. Beautiful views of the Rendl and Verwall Alps abound from the Kartellsee.
To the west of St. Anton sits the naturally occurring lake known as Moostalsee. It is in the Lechquellen Mountains. Supplied by the Moosbach stream, the Moostalsee stands at 2,040 meters. A little and shallow body of water, the Moostalsee freezes in winter and thaws in summer. The beautiful location of the Moostalsee among alpine meadows and forests draws a lot of bikers and hikers.

Mountain Ranges Nearby

Physical Geography

Renowned for being among the most varied and breathtaking mountainous regions in the Alps, St. Anton is in the central part of the Arlberg area. Comprising several mountain ranges with unique characteristics and seductive appeal, the Arlberg area Notable mountain ranges near St. Anton consist of:

The Verwall Alps: Comprising the St. Anton area as well as the southern and western portions of the Arlberg range, the Verwall Alps The Verwall Alps show a rough and steep topography and consist of crystalline rocks, more especially granite and gneiss. Among the Arlberg area’s highest and most conspicuous summits, the Verwall Alps boasts the Valluga, Parseierspitze, and Patteriol among others. Among the glaciers of the Verwall Alps are the Gamsplatzferner and the Schnapsgletscher. Along with great and isolated hiking and biking paths, the Verwall Alps offer outstanding and challenging ski routes and tours in St. Anton.
The Lechtal Alps: Comprising the northern and eastern portions of the Arlberg region, the Lechtal Alps are the mountain range north of St. Anton. Mostly consisting of sedimentary rocks—more especially, limestone and dolomite—the Lechtal Alps have a clear, rounded look. Among the many plant and animal species found in the Lechtal Alps in the Arlberg area are the ibex, golden eagle, and edelweiss flower. Renowned for their cascades—including the Stuibenfall and the Fallbachfall—the Lechtal Alps The Lechtal Alps feature large ski slopes and terrain parks in St. Anton, well-known for lots of sunshine. The area also provides energising bike and walking paths ideal for leisure and renewal.
The Lechquellen Mountains: Comprising the furthest western part of the Arlberg region, the Lechquellen Mountains are located west of St. Anton The metamorphic rocks—more especially, schist and marble—that make up the Lechquellen Mountains provide their varied and striking look. Among the remarkable and rare geological features of the Lechquellen Mountains in the Arlberg area are the Rote Wand, the Formarinsee, and the Körbersee. Among the well-known cavernues of the Lechquellen Mountains are the Bärenloch and the Höhlensteintal ones. Along with breathtaking and exciting skiing paths and tours in St. Anton, the Lechquellen Mountains feature fascinating and mysterious hiking and biking paths.

Human Geography

Population Distribution

Human Geography

According to the most recent census, St. Anton boasts almost 2,500 citizens. Still, the time of year and the degree of tourism will greatly affect this number. With daily influx of up to 10,000 people, St. Anton sees great winter tourism. This makes this ski resort among the busiest and most colorful ones in the world. Establishing itself as one of the most calm and peaceful mountain resorts worldwide, St. Anton can welcome a maximum of 5,000 daily visitors during the summer.

St. Anton’s population is mostly concentrated in the valley region, where towns and villages abound. Providing the most services and conveniences for both locals and visitors, St. Anton is the most populous and developed town in the municipality. St. Anton consists of Dorf, Nasserein, St. Jakob, and St. Christoph among several districts. Small size and rural character define the villages of St. Anton, which provide guests a real and traditional experience. The St. Anton area includes Strengen, Flirsch, Pattneu am Arlberg, and Schnann.

Indigenous Tyrolean people make up most of St. Anton’s population; they have a special and strong feeling of identity and culture. Immigrants and foreigners make up St. Anton’s population; they have given the town their own variety and cultural riches. Although some people of St. Anton follow other religious and spiritual beliefs, most of the population there is Catholic. Though there are some linguistic and dialectal variances, most people in St. Anton speak German.

Urban Development

Human Geography

Rich and complex urban development history of St. Anton reflects the challenges and changes of its social and geographical surroundings. St. Anton’s urban growth can be summed up rather quickly as:

The period known as pre-modern is ancient times to the 19th century. St. Anton was a small and remote mountain town mostly engaged in pastoralism and agriculture during this time. The difficult and hostile surroundings as well as the lack of enough infrastructure and communication limited St. Anton’s urban growth. St. Anton’s urban growth was distinguished by a simple, utilitarian architecture using indigenous materials and techniques including clay, stone, and wood, all of which reflected Many religious and cultural traditions, including the Walser style, Baroque style, and Gothic style, shaped St. Anton’s urban development.
The modern era is the one spanning the late 19th century until the present. Mostly driven on tourism and business, St. Anton has developed into a well-known and vibrant ski resort and municipality over this period. The improvement and enlargement of the infrastructure and communication—including the Arlberg Road, the Arlberg Railway, and the Arlberg Tunnel—helps St. Anton’s urban development to be strengthened. St. Anton’s urban growth was typified by a varied and innovative architecture using fresh materials and techniques including glass, steel, and concrete. Different international and modern architectural movements, including the Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, and Postmodern forms, helped to define St. Anton’s urban growth.

St. Anton’s urban growth has been marked by a careful balancing between preservation and modification of its natural and cultural legacy. St. Anton’s urban growth has presented a difficulty in juggling the need to resist internal and external demands with adaptation. St. Anton’s urban growth reflects its vision as a mountain resort and municipality as well as its character.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Human Geography

St. Anton’s modern and efficient transportation and infrastructure help to enable the mobility and accessibility of its citizens as well as guests. St. Anton has three main divisions for its infrastructure and transportation system:

The road network is the linked system of highways and roads connecting St. Anton with the rest of Austria and Europe. Arlberg Road, the S16 expressway, the A12 motorway and several local and regional roads make up St. Anton’s road system. The Austrian Federal Road Administration is in charge of maintaining St. Anton’s road system; it implements tolls and rules. Cars, buses, taxis, bicycles, pedestrians, and animals are just a few of the several ways of mobility the St. Anton road system fits.
The rail network is the complex network of trains and stations connecting St. Anton to all of Austria and Europe. Operating under Austrian Federal Railways, the Arlberg Railway forms part of St. Anton’s rail system. Several train companies provide access to it: Railjet, Eurocity, and Regional Express among others. The ÖBB manages St. Anton’s rail system, which is run under fares and schedule control. Apart from skiers and snowboarders who can make use of the Ski Arlberg Express, the rail network of St. Anton is used by goods and people. From the train station to the ski lifts and vice versa, this specialist service easily carries them and their gear.
The air network is the linked system of airports and flights connecting St. Anton with other places around Austria and Europe. Several surrounding international airports, including Innsbruck Airport, Friedrichshafen Airport, Zurich Airport, and Munich Airport, make up the air network serving St. Anton Among the several airlines running St. Anton’s air network are Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss, and EasyJet. The air network of St. Anton is used by visitors and travellers for quick and pleasant travel to the town. Furthermore, celebrities and businesspeople find a private landing site at the St. Anton Heliport, which is near the town core.

St. Anton’s infrastructure and transportation system is always improving to meet the needs and expectations of its residents and visitors. Serving as a cause of pride and appreciation, St. Anton’s infrastructure and transportation system are evidence of the achievements and developments of the mountain resort and municipality.

Natural Attractions

Parks and green spaces

Natural Attractions

Comprising the whole Arlberg region, the Arlberg Park is large and varied. Among the many natural and cultural sites there are the Arlberg Pass, the Valluga mountain, the Rendl peak, the Moestalsee and Kartellsee lakes, and the Arlberg Railway. The main goals of the Arlberg Park, a designated conservation area, are to protect the region’s scenic features and biodiversity as well as to promote sustainable development and give local residents and guests educational possibilities. Information centers, guided trips, hiking paths, bike lanes, ski runs, and terrain parks abound in the Arlberg Park.
Comprising a small but welcoming area beside the Rosanna River, the Rosanna Park links the town of St. Anton with the villages of Pettneu am Arlberg and Flirsch. In addition to enhancing the quality and accessibility of the Rosanna River, Rosanna Park is a leisure area meant to provide a lush and peaceful surroundings for both residents and visitors. Among the several facilities and services offered by Rosanna Park are playgrounds, picnic areas, benches, bridges, fountains, and sculptures.
Enclosed around the St. Anton Church, the charming and small St. Anton Park is situated right in the middle of St. Anton town. Designed for preservation and display of St. Anton’s historical and cultural legacy, the St. Anton Park is For the general public, it also presents a pleasing and inviting space. The St. Anton Park offers gardens, monuments, sculptures, and plaques among other facilities and features.

Nature reserves

Natural Attractions

Extensive and varied, the Verwall Nature Reserve covers the southern and western portions of the Verwall Alps. Among the several noteworthy natural elements it comprises the Parseierspitze, the Patteriol, the Schnapsgletscher, and the Gamsplatzferner. Established to protect the special and endangered species and ecosystems of the Verwall Alps, the Verwall Nature Reserve is For researchers and students, it also helps to ease scientific inquiry and instructional activities. Among the several facilities and services offered by the Verwall Nature Reserve are research stations, viewing areas for wildlife, observation platforms, and instructional courses.
Comprising the northern and eastern parts of the Lechtal Alps, the Lechtal Nature Reserve is a large and varied protected area. Along with the edelweiss flower and the ibex, a sort of mountain goat, it features a variety of natural beauties including the Stuibenfall and Fallbachfall waterfalls. Designed to safeguard the many plant and animal species present in the Lechtal Alps, the Lechtal Nature Reserve is Its main goals are to increase Lech River social relevance and protect its ecological integrity. Among the many facilities the Lechtal Nature Reserve offers are visitor centers, wildlife sanctuaries, cycling paths, and hiking trails.
Comprising the westernmost part of the Lechquellen Mountains, the Lechquellen Nature Reserve is a large and varied protected area. It features several natural sites including the Bärenloch, the Rote Wand, the Formarinsee, and the Körbersee. Designed to protect the unique and rare geological and hydrological traits of the Lechquellen Mountains, the Lechquellen Nature Reserve is It also strives to preserve the Walser people’s historical and cultural value. The Lechquellen Nature Reserve offers guided excursions, boat trips, cave visits, and museum exhibits among other facilities.

Scenic points of interest

Natural Attractions

At the top of the Valluga, a panoramic platform known as the Valluga Viewpoint is It offers a whole 360-degree perspective of the Arlberg area and surrounds. For skiers and mountaineers, the Valluga Viewpoint is a must-see since it allows them to test their abilities on some of the most difficult and exciting ski paths and tours in St. Anton and appreciate the splendor and grandeur of the Alps.
At Rendl’s summit sits a panoramic platform known as the Rendl Viewpoint. It offers a clear, large perspective of the Verwall Alps and the Stanzertal Valley. Skiers and snowboarders must not miss the Rendl Viewpoint, which offers the opportunity to enjoy a range of modern ski slopes and terrain parks in St. Anton while basking in the warmth and brightness of the sun.
Near the Moostalsee, the picturesque platform known as the Moostalsee Viewpoint is Viewers from this vantage point can see the Lechquellen Mountains and the lake in peace and quiet. While access to some of the most fascinating and mysterious hiking and biking paths in St. Anton, the Moostalsee Viewpoint is a must-visit destination for bikers and hikers looking to rejuvenate and really connect with nature.

Administrative Divisions

St. Anton has a complex and always shifting administrative system that reflects the effects and interactions of the political and economic forces shaping this area over the millennia. St. Anton’s administrative system can be divided into three main levels:

At the municipal level, administration is lowest and most localized. It answers the interests and issues of the St. Anton residents and guests. St. Anton Municipality is the official name and legal entity for the town and villages of St. Anton at the municipal level. The St. Anton Town Council, a democratically elected body speaking for the local population, runs the St. Anton Municipality. The St. Anton Mayor leads the council; he also acts as its head and council spokesman. The provision and management of public services and amenities including education, healthcare, security, tourism, and culture falls to the St. Anton Municipality.
The regional level is the intermediate and major level of governance that attends to the interests and issues of the Tyrol districts and areas. Two entities define St. Anton’s regional level: the Landeck District, the official name for the wider area including the Arlberg Region and surrounding municipalities, and the Arlberg Region, the informal name for the mountainous area including St. Anton and adjacent municipalities. Lead by the Tyrolean Governor, the Tyrolean Regional Government rules the Landeck District as well as the Arlberg Region. Elected officials serving as the body of decision-making for the regional community make up the Regional Government. Tasked with provision and administration of regional services and amenities including transportation, environment, economy, and social welfare is the Tyrolean Regional Government.
At the national level, Austria boasts the highest and most all-encompassing degree of government. It is in charge of attending to the interests and problems of the whole nation as well as of the individual states. The official and constitutional entity of the federal state covering the Landeck District and other areas is the Tyrol State, hence determining the national level of St. Anton. It also covers the official and sovereign entity of Austria, the Republic, which spans the Tyrol State and several other states. Comprising chosen representatives of the national community, the Austrian Federal Government rules the Tyrol State as well as the Austria Republic. The Austrian Chancellor is the head and spokesman for the federal government. Including defense, foreign affairs, justice, and finance, the Austrian Federal Government is responsible for the provision and running of fundamental national services and facilities.