The Austrian landscape boasts stunning views, as most of the country is made up of the Alps and valleys in the foothills. In the south are the central eastern Alps, which stretch from east to south. The mountainous area is a system of mountains and valleys, which are distinguished by their isolated climate; on many mountain peaks there are eternal glaciers, from which mountain rivers begin, which feed numerous mountain lakes.
Climate in Austria
The Austrian climate is characterized by distribution into vertical zones that stretch from plains to mountain peaks covered with eternal snow. On many slopes of the mountain I even cultivate grapes, especially warm in northeastern Austria, temperatures in Vienna during the day are kept at 25 degrees, and in January about 0 degrees, moving up the Danube valley, temperatures gradually drop, at the same time the humidity rises. A thaw begins in early spring, which leads to a sharp rise in the level of this river. Precipitation is usually higher in mountainous terrain, especially on the north-western slopes, but the cities that are located in a closed circle of mountains cannot boast of abundant rains, the maximum precipitation is observed at altitudes from one and a half to two kilometers.
Alps nature
In the Alps, there are very strong winds, the so-called hair dryers, which are created during the change of seasons due to the pressure difference on the northern and southern slopes of the mountains, so on northern slopes They manifest themselves as dry and warm descending winds, bringing warm and clear weather, which leads to snow melting in early spring, creating the threat of floods and avalanches, and in the summer, accelerated ripening of grapes. During the winter in the Alps, it manages to accumulate a large number of snow that can interfere with transport infrastructure, melting snow in spring is often disastrous.
Rivers and lakes of Austria
All of Austria is located in the Danube basin, but the western part of the country already belongs to the Rhine. The Danube has tributaries Morava, Drava, Ens and Inn with Salzach. Mountain rivers are steep, have significant energy resources, and tourist excursions with an overview of stunning views are held at hydroelectric power plants. The Danube itself is gaining a maximum value in the summer, while its tributaries, the Inn, Salzach, Ens become shallow.
There are about 580 lakes in the country, most of them are glacial, the smokest lake of Constance, which has common borders with Switzerland and Germany, Lake Neusiedler is shared with Hungary, there are a lot of lakes in the northern foothills of the Alps and in the south in the Klagenfurt Basin, but temperatures the waters are not very high, for that the water is clear.
Austrian vegetation, forests
Austria shows plant diversity, which is characterized by altitudinal zonation and human activity, an oak-beech forest grows in the valleys, a beech-spruce forest appears on the mountains and valleys over half a kilometer, and only a coniferous forest remains above 2 kilometers. Interestingly, in terms of the forest area in Europe, Austria is in third place after Finland and Sweden, the Styria region is considered the green heart of Austria, where even national costumes are green. In the south of Austria there are also subtropical vegetation, in the west there are mainly beech, chestnut and oak forests, and in the east there is a forest-steppe. At an altitude of 2 kilometers of vegetation, humidity, temperature fluctuations and strong winds, only grasses survive here.
Fauna and fauna of Austria
There is an alpine type of fauna, while in the Alps there are more wild animals than on the plains of Europe, as you understand the animals, people have displaced them, mountain sheep, deer, chamois, goats go to graze in the meadows in summer, and in winter they climb the mountains, and from birds it is possible to distinguish the predominance of wood grouses, black grouses, partridges. There are no animals on the lands that were converted into agricultural plots, however, you can sometimes see hares and foxes.
Großglockner Sightseeing Road
The highest point in Austria is Mount Großglockner with a height of 3798 meters with the largest glacier in Austria Pasterez. The Grossglockner excursion road passes to the mountain in the form of a serpentine of 36 turns, the length of which is 48 kilometers, the road rises into the mountains to a height of 2504 meters. The road starts at Fusch an der Großglocknerstrasse and ends at Heiligenblut. The road is paid and offers wonderful views of the Pasterets glacier. Please note that the road is open from the first days of May to October, depending on weather conditions, the passage is open from May to mid-June from six in the morning to eight in the evening, until mid-September to half past nine in the evening and from mid-September to October from six in the morning to half-past seven in the evening. A single ride on a car costs 34 euros, an electric car costs 24 euros, a monthly pass 52 euros.
The Danube Valley contains the Carpathian and Alpine foothills, which connect with the northern Alps and the Tauern in the south. Tourists will be interested in the charming mountain lakes in the Salzkammergut, next to Vienna Woods and the Bohemian massif. In the north of Austria there is Pannonia or the Vienna Basin, where the lowest points of the country are located, including Lake Neusiedler See.
80% of Austria is mountainous, 50% is forests, agriculture valleys are involved, which turn into forests in the foothills with spruces, pines and a variety of deciduous trees.
On the territory of Salzburg, Carinthia and Tyrol there is national park The Hohe Tauern is the largest nature reserve in Central Europe; the Lichtensteinklamm gorge and the picturesque Golling and Krimml waterfalls are also interesting here.
Lake Gruner See
This curious place is famous for the fact that the size of the lake changes throughout the year. It is located near the town of Trages. In winter, the depth of the reservoir is only 1 m, and in summer the lowland is filled with water to 12 m. And the entire territory of the park in this place goes under water. The lake attracts divers. Pure water makes it possible to see the paths and benches at the bottom.
Waterways of Austria
The main rivers of Austria are the Danube and the Rhine, they bear the heaviest load, are navigable and very picturesque. This is the real pride of the country.
The main river in Austria is the Danube. It flows through the capital Vienna. Within the city you can find many rivers of the same name - Small, New, Old Danube. The latter has a beach, where you can have a good time and take a break from the bustle of the city. Many people come here to do active aquatic species sports.
List of rivers in Austria
But besides the Danube and the Rhine, there are many others - small and large.
Here is a list of Austrian rivers in alphabetical order:
- Bolgenach - just over a kilometer long, crosses the border with Germany;
- Vienna - 34 km long, flows in the capital, has a vast pool;
- Gaill is a small mountain river;
- Gurk - 120 km;
- Donaukanal is a natural river, a tributary of the Danube, 17.3 km long;
- Drava - powerful river in southeastern Europe, a tributary of the Danube, total length 720 km;
- Dyje is a mountain river 235 km long, partly flows in the Czech Republic;
- Zaalakh originates at an altitude of 2000 m, its length is 103 km;
- Salzach - the main river of the Salzbkrga, the source in the Alps;
- Zamina in Austria flows only 5 km, the rest (12 km) is in Liechtenstein;
- The Ibs flows into the Danube in the city of the same name Ibs-on-Danube;
- Isar - source in the mountains on the border with Germany, a small river;
- Ill - 72 km, there are several hydroelectric power plants on the river;
- Inn - flows from Lake Lungin in Switzerland, length - 2484 m;
- Lekkner-Akh - length 8.9 km, source in the mountains at an altitude of 1600 m;
- Lech - one of the tributaries of the Danube, length - 250 km;
- Malshe - flows on the border with the Czech Republic, total length 22 km;
- Mura - refers to the Danube basin, the source - in the Alps;
- Rab - 250 km long, there are many cities in Austria and Hungary;
- Schwarzbach - length 6 km;
- Ens - a tributary of the Danube;
- Etztaler-Ahe - located in the Austrian Tyrol.
A small stream passes through the capital of Austria for 15 km, then flows into one of the tributaries of the Danube. The source is located in the famous Vienna Woods.
Interesting fact: the riverbed is still in late XIX century completely lined with stones and concrete slabs along the banks. The fact is that Vienna tends to flood strongly in the spring. Its banks are entirely composed of sandstone, which does not absorb water, but gives it to the river bed. People were tired of constant flooding during melting snows and heavy downpours, and it was decided to strengthen the banks of the Austrian river.
This is one of the largest rivers in Austria. The total length of the Drava - 720 km, flows in countries such as Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, and originates in the Italian Alps. The Drava plays an essential shipping role. Almost all navigable, only 70 km from the source flows along the mountain slopes. There are cities on the river: Lienz, Spittal an der Drau, Villach, Ferlach.
Gurk river
The rivers and lakes of Austria in the lands of Carinthia are very picturesque. It is in this region that the small river Gurk flows (120 km). It originates from two small lakes called Gurksee and Torersee. Almost the entire path passes through picturesque valleys and mountain gorges... This is the second longest waterway located exclusively within the country. Connects with Drava. On it are the cities of Klagenfurt and Völkermarkt.
Light River
All major rivers and lakes in Austria border on neighboring countries. The Lajta River originates in Austria and ends in Hungary. It is a large, but non-navigable river. It flows into the Danube. It stretches between the cities of Wiener Neustad (near the estuary) and Brook an der Lait. There are also many small villages and towns on the slopes. The river performs an important function, since hydroelectric power plants have been built on its artificial branches.
Rab river
It is the medium-sized river in Austria. It flows mainly through the lands of Shtriya (Austria), there is also a source at the foot of Mount Ossers. Then, flowing through a narrow gorge, it acquires a powerful stream and washes the cities of Feldbach and Gleisdorf. Ends in the lands of Hungary. In total, the water stream has to cover a distance of 250 km. It has a wide basin, the streams flow into Rab: Marzal, Pinka, Lafnitz and Rabza. It flows into the Danube.
The Raba River is the main source of electricity for the land of Shtriya. Flowing through the mountains, it creates a powerful stream capable of providing light whole city... In total, there are about a dozen hydroelectric power plants on the river.
It is one of the largest rivers not only in Austria, but in the whole of Central Eastern Europe. On its banks you can find many medieval castles, shrouded in stories and legends. Flowing through Austria, it follows to Germany, and then in Switzerland joins the Danube.
Innsbruck stands on the Inn River. It is a beautiful city with a rich history. Its symbol is the central bridge, which stands on the Inn River. Near the river there is a beautiful promenade with a green alley that leads to Waltpark. This place is a favorite among tourists, because here you can feel the smell of the Old Town, the remains of which have been preserved from the Middle Ages. On the embankment, you can visit restaurants, have a good time, contemplating the landscapes of the huge river.
It is noteworthy that in Vienna there is a statue of Pallas Athena. At her feet lies a statue symbolizing the Inn River and its rich pastures, meadows and forests. Since ancient times, these territories along the river have been used by landowners. It is known that bloody battles took place here between princes for the right to own these noble lands.
This article provides an overview of the largest and most picturesque rivers of Austria, and also below are their photos and some characteristics.
The longest river in Austria
... The following larger rivers flow through the territory: Danube, Inn, Salzach, Ens and some smaller ones.
Danube River - main river Austria
... It is worth noting that the length of the Danube River within the borders of Austria is about 349.8 km. The Danube River is rightfully the most important waterway in the country of Austria.
River Inn... The rather long river Inn, which originates in the territory of the neighboring country, and flows out of Lake Lungin, which is located at an altitude of about 2485 meters above sea level, near the Maloya mountain pass.
Further, river inn flows through the territory of such and Germany.
River Inn is the right tributary of the famous large river Danube and in a large German city Passau in scenic location the confluence of the three rivers Danube, Inna and Iltsa flows into the Danube. The total length of the Inn river reaches about 517 km.
The city of Burghausen on the banks of the Salzach River
Salzach river... The largest tributary of the Inn is the Salzach River, which is 225 km long.
Salzach river originates in the Kitzbühel Alps near the picturesque cascade of the Krimml waterfalls, which is located on a tributary of the Salzach River, that is, on the Krimler Ache River.
Mountain Salzach river flows through the territory of two countries and Germany. First the river flows into eastward to the small village of Schwarzach or Pongau, then the Salzach river turns north and flows through the Austrian cities of Hallein and Salzburg.
Salzach river flows into the larger river Inn in the vicinity Austrian city Braunau am Inn. The Salzach River, for almost 70 km of its route, forms the natural border between the country of Germany (federal state of Bavaria) and.
On the beautiful banks of the Salzach River there are cities such as Salzburg (), as well as three cities of the European country Germany: Laufen, Tittmoning and Burghausen.
It is noteworthy that the Salzach River is the main river in the Austrian state of Salzburg.
River Ens... Another large river in the Austrian federal state of Salzburg is the Enns, which has a length of approximately 254 km. The Ens River is the right tributary of the large Danube River.
The source of the Enns River is located in the Lower Tauern mountain range, which is part of the Alps mountain system, which are popular among tourists with skiers who have bought tours to Austria.
Further Ens river flows in a northeastern direction through the territory of the Austrian federal state Styria in a green valley between the picturesque mountain ranges of the Eastern Alps.
North of the Austrian city of Steyr Ens river forms a natural border between the so-called Upper and Lower Austria.
The River Ens flows into the Danube River in the vicinity of the Austrian commune of Mauthausen and the town of the same name of Ens.
Rivers of Austria photos
From what - from what, but Austria does not suffer from lack of water. Water, obtained from the purest mountain sources, serves as the basis for the life of millions of people. Lakes in Austria are so clean that you can safely drink water from them. Natural and cultural landscapes follow one another along the river banks. The springs of water in Austria are at the same time a space for living, a place for recreation and leisure. And one of the main water sources is undoubtedly the Danube.
Danube
For Austria, the Danube is more than a river: it is a cultural and water space, an economic and unspoken framework of Central and Eastern Europe.
It is also one of the most beautiful regions of the country. The Danube, which is 2,850 kilometers long and crosses Austria for 350 kilometers from the Bavarian Passau to the Slovak Pressburg, is the second largest river in Europe after the Volga. The Danube is sung with numerous songs, countless stories are told about Everyday life on its banks. The river was also used for the travels of emperors and kings, which today are reminiscent of monasteries and castles, medieval towns and lush residences. One of the most famous passengers on the Danube was, perhaps, Empress Elizabeth. In April 1854, the legendary Sisi sailed along the Danube to Vienna on a steamer, to her wedding with Emperor Franz Josef.
On the eastern outskirts of the city on the Danube stands the Freudenau power plant, the newest of all nine power plants on the Danube, which together generate a quarter of all electricity in Austria. The Danube Auen National Park stretches from here to the state border at Pressburg. Here is protected one of the last large and undeveloped areas of floodplain meadows in Central Europe, representing an amazing variety of plants and animals - from beavers to blue kingfishers, from arum to cypress milkweed. In many places on the Danube, old customs are still alive - from the festival of the grape harvest to religious processions. A very romantic boat trip through the Wachau, when the longest day of the year is celebrated on the solstice (about June 21) with lighthouses on the hills. Similarly, customs are preserved and protected on Nikolaus Day (December 6) in Spitz (Lower Austria). On this day, children send with the flow hand-made boats with candles and their desires.
Inn
The River Inn, 510 km long, is the most important tributary of the upper Danube. The Inn originates in the Swiss Engadin am Malojapass and reaches Austria near Nauders, where it first flows through the narrow valley "Oberen Gerichts" along the Samnaun mountain group. At Landeck, the Oberinnthal, a trough valley that used to be U-shaped due to the steep mountain walls formed by the Inntal glacier, is expanding.
The Inntal Valley has been inhabited since ancient times - traces of ancient sites of the Neolithic era were found near Innsbruck. The Inn played a permanent role in local trade and long-distance transport links... The region later became a bone of contention between Bavaria, Tyrol and the Habsburg Reich, as well as a strategic platform during the 1809 Tyrol War of Liberation. Changing history is witnessed not only by fortresses such as Landeck and Kufstein, but also by the opulent palace in Innsbruck and the homes of the patricians in important river cities like Landeck, Imst, Hal in Tyrol, Schwaz, Wörgl and Kufstein.
This section of the river is characterized by the presence of a large number of power plants. The most significant city in this region is the Upper Austrian Schröding with its colorful houses from the 16th to 19th century. At Passau, the river finally flows into the Danube and doubles its full waters. In total, the Inn flows on the Austrian state territory for 183 kilometers.
Bodensee
This lake is the third largest in Central Europe. Actually, Bodensee consists of two lakes: Obersee (area 473 sq. Km., Is most) and Untersee, which are connected at Constance by the "Lake Rhine" 4 kilometers long. The Rhine - the most important of more than 200 tributaries - flows into the Obersee at Harda in Austria, crosses the Bodensee and flows out of it at the Swiss town of Stein. Around the mouth of the Rhine ("Rhine Delta") arose nature reserve an area of approximately 2.000 hectares, with shallow waters, flood meadows and floodplain forests, where about 330 bird species are nestled and reared.
Neusiedler See
Neusiedler See is the westernmost steppe lake in Europe and largest lake Austria. It and the national park of the same name are considered world heritage. Together with the reed belt, the Neusiedler See is 36 kilometers long, 12 kilometers wide, and only 1.5 meters deep. It has an insignificant salt content, and in hot summers it warms up to plus 30 C. winter views sports on ice. Neusiedler See will be a real Eldorado for your holidays. It has the largest number in Austria. sunny days per year, namely 300. This steppe lake with an area of 320 km2 is warm and shallow, and therefore optimal for family holidays. Its depth is in the very deep place does not exceed 1.8 m. Paradise conditions for sailing enthusiasts and surfers who have long considered this lake with a guaranteed wind as their Mecca.
