Salzachöfen Gorge
The site is considered a Natural Monument of Austria.
Geography
The Salzach river has its source in the Central Eastern Alps and flows easterly through a large valley before turning north towards the Berchtesgaden Alps. Here, the Salzach cuts a narrow valley between the Hagen Mountains to the west and the Tennen Mountains to the east and terminates with the deeply incised Salzachöfen. The gorge, at the narrowest point of the valley, is located on an S-bend where the Salzach briefly flows east before cutting west then flowing north again. From this point north, the Salzach runs through mostly low-lying valleys. Salzachöfen is located just south of Golling an der Salzach in Hallein District, Salzburg.
Access
Salzachöfen serves as a tourist attraction and can be accessed via a staircase and trail from Highway B159. There is a zipline that crosses the gorge during summer months.
Whitewater kayaking is popular activity through the ravine although the waters can be treacherous and deadly. Adolf Anderle's descent of Salzachöfen in 1931 is considered the birth of whitewater kayaking.
Gallery
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Pathway to the lower gorge
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A limestone arch
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Above the lower gorge
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The Salzach flowing through the gorge
References
- ^ "Schutzgebiet". Land Salzburg. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
- ^ "Power of Elements - from the expedition to the flying fox". Golling.info. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
- ^ McWilliams, Sarah. "Origins: The History of Kayaking". ATLX. Retrieved 4 February 2019.