Geography Of Steyr
Steyr is a city situated in the federal state of Upper Austria, where the Steyr and Enns rivers meet. Although it is not part of Steyr-Land District, it serves as the administrative capital. Steyr, located in Austria, has a population of approximately 38,000 people, making it the 12th most populated town in the country and the 3rd largest city in Upper Austria.
Steyr is located in a picturesque valley, enveloped by rolling hills and majestic mountains from the Upper Austrian Prealps. The city is located at the confluence of the Steyr and Enns rivers, where they form a Y-shaped junction. The climate in Steyr is characterized by four distinct seasons and moderate precipitation throughout the year.
Steyr boasts a wide range of natural resources and a pristine environment, both of which play a crucial role in driving the city’s economic and social progress. Water, forests, agriculture, and industry are the primary natural resources. The rivers, forests, National Park Kalkalpen, and air quality are the main environmental features.
The urban and rural structure of Steyr is well balanced and harmonious, showcasing the city’s rich historical and geographical features. The primary urban and rural regions consist of the old town, the new town, and the rural areas. The old town serves as the heart of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, while the new town represents the city’s progress and industrial development. The rural areas, on the other hand, showcase the city’s natural beauty and agricultural heritage.
The Location and Coordinates of Steyr
Steyr is located in the Traunviertel region, in the northeastern part of Upper Austria. The city is located at the confluence of the Steyr and Enns rivers, both of which flow into the Danube River. Steyr is located approximately 40 km southeast of Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, and around 200 km west of Vienna, the capital of Austria.
The city of Steyr spans a total area of 26.48 km2 (10.22 sq mi), with 24.92 km2 (9.62 sq mi) being land and 1.56 km2 (0.60 sq mi) being water. The city is comprised of 13 districts, each with its own unique name: Christkindl, Föhrenschacherl, Gleink, Hinterberg, Jägerberg, Sarning, Stein, Steyr, Tabor, Unterdambach, Unterhimmel, Wehrgraben, and Wieserfeld.
The coordinates for Steyr are 48° 02’ 33.86″ N, 14° 25’ 16.68″ E. Steyr’s elevation varies from 310 m (1,017 ft) to 380 m (1,247 ft) above sea level. Steyr boasts the Jägerberg as its highest point, reaching an impressive elevation of 379.8 m (1,246 ft). On the other hand, the Enns River sits at a lower point, standing at 310 m (1,017 ft) above sea level.
The Climate and Weather of Steyr
Steyr experiences a temperate continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons and moderate precipitation throughout the year. The annual temperature in Steyr averages at 9.5 °C (49.1 °F), while the average annual precipitation stands at 853 mm (33.6 in).
July is the warmest month in Steyr, boasting an average temperature of 19.2 °C (66.6 °F). On the other hand, January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of -0.7 °C (30.7 °F). In Steyr, June is the wettest month, receiving an average precipitation of 105 mm (4.1 in), while February is the driest month with an average precipitation of 49 mm (1.9 in).
Here is a table displaying the monthly averages of temperature and precipitation in Steyr:
| Month | Temperature (°C) | Precipitation (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| January | -0.7 | 58 |
| February | 1.1 | 49 |
| March | 5.4 | 64 |
| April | 10.1 | 66 |
| May | 14.7 | 88 |
| June | 19.2 | 105 |
| July | 20.4 | 103 |
| August | 19.7 | 92 |
| September | 15.5 | 74 |
| October | 10.1 | 67 |
| November | 4.5 | 69 |
| December | 0.5 | 66 |
The Topography and Landscape of Steyr
Steyr is situated in a picturesque valley, enveloped by majestic hills and mountains from the Upper Austrian Prealps. The city is located at the confluence of the Steyr and Enns rivers, creating a Y-shaped junction. The rivers gracefully meander through the city, forming numerous islands and elegant bridges.
The hills surrounding Steyr ascend in elevation and extend towards the southern and western directions of the city, reaching an impressive height of 1,000 m (3,281 ft) above sea level. The hills are adorned with lush forests, picturesque meadows, and sprawling fields, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surrounding area. The hills near Steyr include the Damberg, Jägerberg, Tabor, and Himmelreich.
The mountains surrounding Steyr are included in the National Park Kalkalpen, a protected area spanning 20,850 hectares (51,550 acres) and encompassing the Sengsengebirge and Reichraminger Hintergebirge ranges. The mountains are made up of limestone and dolomite, creating a karstic landscape filled with caves, sinkholes, springs, and waterfalls. The mountains are teeming with a diverse range of plant and animal life, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, climbing, and skiing. There are several impressive mountains near Steyr, including the Hohe Nock, the Hoher Zinken, the Grosser Pyhrgas, and the Warscheneck.
The Natural Resources and Environment of Steyr
The city of Steyr benefits greatly from its abundant natural resources and pristine environment, which play a crucial role in driving its economic and social progress. Here are some of the key natural resources and environmental features of Steyr:
- Water: Steyr benefits from a plentiful supply of clean water, courtesy of the Steyr and Enns rivers, along with various streams, ponds, and wells. Water serves various purposes such as drinking, irrigation, recreation, and energy production. The city and state authorities closely monitor and regulate the water quality, ensuring that the water supply and sewage systems are modern and efficient.
- Forests: The city of Steyr boasts vast and varied forests, which span approximately 60% of its total area. The forests consist of a diverse range of tree species, including beech, oak, maple, fir, spruce, and pine. The forests offer a wide range of valuable resources, including timber, firewood, mushrooms, berries, and herbs. Additionally, they play a crucial role in providing essential ecological services like carbon sequestration, soil protection, water regulation, and wildlife habitat. The forests are carefully managed and protected by the city and state authorities, as well as the forest owners. They are open to the public for recreation and education.
- Agriculture: Steyr has a long tradition and a strong potential for agriculture, especially in the rural areas of the city. The main agricultural products are cereals, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, and livestock. The agriculture is characterized by small-scale and family-owned farms, which practice organic and sustainable farming methods. The agriculture contributes to the food security, income generation, and cultural identity of the city, and is supported by the city and the state authorities, and the farmers’ associations.
- Industry: Steyr boasts a thriving and varied industry, built upon the city’s abundant natural resources and talented workforce. The primary industrial sectors include metalworking, machinery, automotive, engineering, and electronics. The industry is home to several renowned companies, including Steyr Arms, Steyr Motors, MAN Truck & Bus, BMW, SKF, ZF, and NKE. The industry contributes to employment, innovation, and exports, and is well-integrated with both regional and global markets. The industry is regulated and supported by the city and state authorities, as well as the industrial associations.
The Urban and Rural Areas of Steyr
The urban and rural structure of Steyr is well balanced and harmonious, showcasing the city’s rich historical and geographical features. Here are the urban and rural areas of Steyr:
- The Old Town: The old town is the historical and cultural core of the city, located at the confluence of the Steyr and Enns rivers. The old town has a well-preserved and diverse architecture, spanning from the medieval to the modern times. The old town has many attractions and landmarks, such as the Stadtplatz, the Bummerlhaus, the Schloss Lamberg, the Stadtpfarrkirche, the Christkindl Church, and the Steyr Valley Railway. The old town is also a lively and vibrant area, with many shops, cafés, restaurants, bars, and events.
- The New Town: The new town is the modern and industrial part of the city, located on the east bank of the Enns river. The new town has a dynamic and diverse economy, with several industrial and commercial zones, such as the Steyr Industrial Park, the Steyr Shopping Center, and the Steyr Business Park. The new town also has some attractions and landmarks, such as the Museum Arbeitswelt, the Steyr City Hall, and the Steyr Stadium. The new town is also a residential and educational area, with many housing estates, schools, and colleges.
- The Rural Areas: The rural areas are the natural and agricultural parts of the city, located on the outskirts and the hills of the city. The rural areas have a scenic and peaceful landscape, with forests, meadows, fields, and farms. The rural areas also have some attractions and landmarks, such as the National Park Kalkalpen, the Damberg, the Jägerberg, and the Christkindl Post Office. The rural areas are also a recreational and leisure area, with many hiking trails, cycling paths, golf courses, and spa centers.
