Geography Of Schwaz
About 30 kilometers east of Innsbruck, in the lower Inn valley, Schwaz is a city within the Austrian state of Tyrol. Comprising an area of 1,887.49 km2 and a population of 79,511 as of 2012, it is the administrative centre of the Schwaz district. Popular tourist destination Schwaz is renowned for its rich history, culture, and natural surroundings.Unique and varied geography of Schwaz provides a range of settings, temperatures, and habitats. Rich and varied flora and fauna abound in the city and the district, so highlighting the beauty and variation of nature.
Physical Geography
At the base of the Kellerjoch and Eiblschrofen mountains, Schwaz stands 545 m above sea level. Sitting on the banks of the Inn river, which runs from west to east across the valley, the city Covering 20.17 km2, the city boasts 38.5% of forested area, 34.9% of agricultural, 14.9% of built-up, and 11.7% of water or other.
The breathtaking Alpine landscape, which presents a range of settings and temperatures, surrounds Schwaz. The district includes the lower Inn valley, the whole Zillertal valley with its tributary valleys (such as the Tuxertal), and the Achental valley featuring the Achensee. The Tux Alps, Zillertal Alps, Kitzbühel Alps, Karwendel and Rofan mountain ranges fall inside the district.
Rising in the Zillertal Alps, the 3,509 m high Hochfeiler is the highest point in the district. At 511 m height and close to the Innsbruck-Land district’s border, the Inn river marks the lowest point. With a surface area of 6.8 km, the Achensee, 6.8km long and 1.1km wide lake, is the biggest one in the district.
Climate
Schwaz boasts a continental temperature, with warm summers and chilly winters. January’s average temperature is two degrees Celsius; July’s is nineteen degrees Celsius. About 900 mm of rain falls on average annually; more rain in summer and more snow in winter. Though more sun in spring and autumn, the average yearly sunshine hours are roughly 1,800.
The Alps forms a barrier to the humid air masses from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, so affecting the temperature of Schwaz. Additionally serving as a funnel for the warm air masses from the south and the cold air masses from the north is the Inn valley. Depending on the altitude, orientation, and vegetation, the microclimates of the Zillertal and Achental valleys differ.
Schwaz has a climate fit for many kinds of activities and events all year long. Summer visitors can savor the water and the entertainment as well as the seasonal festive mood. Visitors can enjoy the winter sports and activities as well as the seasonal festivities during winter. Visitors may enjoy the colors and freshness of spring and autumn while exploring the city and the countryside.
Flora and Fauna
Rich and varied flora and fauna of Schwaz mirror the several ecosystems and habitats of the area. There are many species of plants and animals in the city and the district; some are rare, protected, or endemic.
Schwaz’s vegetation is varied, ranging from forests to meadows, pastures to wetlands and alpine grasslands. Along with deciduous trees including beech, oak, and maple, coniferous trees including spruce, fir, and pine predominate in the forests. Grasses, herbs, and flowers—including daisies, buttercups, and orchids—cover the meadows and pastues. Along with carnivorous plants including sundews and butterworts, the wetlands provide home for reeds, sedges, and water lilies. Low-growing species including alpine roses, edelweiss, and gentians define the alpine grasslands.
Schwaz’s fauna includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects among other kinds of creatures. The mammals comprise small rodents including squirrels, marmots, and voles as well as big herbivores including deer, chamis, and ibex. Along with songbirds including robins, finches, and tits, the birds comprise raptors including eagles, hawks, and owls. Included among the reptiles and amphibians are lizards, snakes, frogs, and salamanders. Along with rare species like the Danube salmon and the European bullhead, the fish consist in trout, char, and carp. Among the insects are native species including the Schwaz firefly and the Zillertal Apollo in addition to butterflies, beetles, and bees.
