Leslie Massey
Austria is a landlocked country in Western Europe, known for its Alpine landscape and historic cities. The Austrian Alps cover approximately 60% of the country's surface area, which is around 83,879 square kilometres. The country shares borders with eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The landscape is dominated by the Alps in the west and south, while the hills of the Vienna Woods and the Pannonian Plain are found in the east.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surface area | 83,879 square kilometers |
| Population | 9.13 million people |
| Population density | 108.9 inhabitants per square kilometer |
| Population living in urban areas | 59.5% |
| Population living in capital, Vienna | ~20% |
| Second and third largest cities | Graz and Linz |
| Highest point | Grossglockner mountain, 3,798 meters |
| Average altitude | 910 meters above sea level |
| Landscape | 75% mountains, 60% covered by Austrian Alps |
| Climate | Influenced by the Alps, alpine in western high mountains, warmer in lower-lying eastern areas |
| Annual income | 55,030 USD |
| Crime rate | One of the lowest in the world |
| Bordering countries | 8: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's surface area is around 83,879 square kilometres
Austria is a landlocked country in Western Europe, bordering eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The landscape is dominated by the Alps in the west and south, with the Austrian Alps covering approximately 60% of the country's surface area. The Grossglockner mountain, located on the border between Carinthia and Tyrol, is the highest peak in Austria at 3,798 meters above sea level. On average, the country sits at an altitude of 910 meters above sea level.
Austria's surface area is around 83,879 square kilometers, and it has a population of approximately 9.13 million people. This equates to a population density of about 108.9 inhabitants per square kilometer, with just over half of the population (59.5%) living in urban areas. The capital, Vienna, is the most populous city, with around one in five Austrians residing there. Graz and Linz are the next largest cities, but they are not as big as Vienna.
Austria's climate is significantly influenced by the Alps, which act as a climate divide between continental Europe to the north and the extended Mediterranean region to the south. The western high mountains of the Alps can reach heights of over 3,000 meters, resulting in an alpine climate with variations depending on the orientation and shading of the valleys. Lower-lying areas in the east, such as the Vienna Basin, experience warmer temperatures, occasionally exceeding 25°C in July.
The Austrian landscape is characterized by its mountains, with three-quarters of the country covered in mountainous terrain. Skiing is an integral part of Austrian culture, and the country boasts over a thousand winter sports resorts. Austria offers some of Europe's finest ski slopes and best hiking trails, catering to beginners and experts alike. The country's mountainous regions, including the Austrian Alps, cover a significant portion of its surface area, contributing to its diverse and attractive natural landscape.
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The Austrian Alps cover 60% of the country
The Austrian Alps cover approximately 60% of the country's total land area, making them a dominant geographical feature. This vast mountain range stretches across the country, shaping the landscape and the lives of those who call Austria home. With such a significant portion of the country covered in majestic peaks and picturesque valleys, it's no wonder that the Austrian Alps are renowned worldwide for their natural beauty and cultural significance.
The Alps not only contribute to the country's physical beauty but also play a crucial role in shaping its climate and natural resources. The mountains act as a barrier to prevailing winds, causing moisture to be deposited on the windward side, resulting in lush vegetation and dense forests. This unique geography also leads to the formation of glaciers, which provide a steady source of freshwater for the country's rivers and lakes, even during the dry summer months.
The Austrian Alps are characterized by a diverse range of landscapes, from towering peaks and glaciers to gentle rolling hills and picturesque meadows. The highest mountain in Austria, Grossglockner, soars to a height of 3,798 meters (12,461 feet) and is part of the Hohe Tauern range, the largest national park in the Alps. This range alone covers an area of approximately 1,800 square kilometers, showcasing the sheer scale and diversity of the Austrian Alpine region.
Beyond their natural beauty and ecological importance, the Austrian Alps have also played a significant role in shaping the country's history and culture. For centuries, these mountains have provided a natural barrier and a strategic advantage for defense, trade, and transportation. They have also influenced the development of unique traditions, folklore, and architectural styles that are synonymous with Alpine culture.
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The country's highest point is Grossglockner
Austria's highest mountain is the Grossglockner, which rises to 3,798 metres (12,461 ft) above the Adriatic. The Grossglockner is part of the Glockner Group of the Hohe Tauern range, situated along the main ridge of the Central Eastern Alps. The mountain is located on the border between the Austrian states of Carinthia and Tyrol (East Tyrol) and forms the boundary between the East Tyrolean municipality of Kals am Grossglockner and Carinthian Heiligenblut.
The Grossglockner has a distinctive pyramid-shaped double peak, consisting of the Grossglockner and the Kleinglockner (3,770 m or 12,370 ft). The Obere Glocknerscharte between the two peaks, at 3,766 m (12,356 ft), is the highest col in Austria. The Grossglockner's eastern slope is home to the Pasterze, Austria's most extended glacier. The Grossglockner is also part of a special protected area within the High Tauern National Park.
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, which leads from the Salzburg town of Fusch to Heiligenblut am Grossglockner, is one of the best-known landmarks in Austria and is regarded as one of the world's most beautiful excursion roads. The road is 48 kilometres long and features 36 twists and turns, offering breathtaking views of majestic mountain summits, glaciers, lush valleys, and woodlands. The road also provides access to numerous themed and panorama paths, as well as an extensive hiking path network, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Climbing the Grossglockner is a challenging multi-day endeavour that requires full climbing and glacier gear. The best time to attempt the climb is from June to September, avoiding weekends, with accommodation available at chalets and hotels in the area. The climb typically takes two days, with the first day involving a 5-7 hour hike to the Erzherzog-Johann Hutte, and the second day taking 1-3 hours to reach the Grossglockner summit from there. Descending from the summit back to the parking lot takes approximately 3-5 hours.
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Austria's average altitude is 910m above sea level
Austria is a country of varied altitudes and topographies. Half of Austria's territory is covered by tall mountains, a third by middle-sized mountains, and only one-sixth of the country is made up of hills and basins. The average altitude of the country is 910m above sea level.
Austria's highest point is the Grossglockner, which is located in the Austrian Alps. The Austrian Alps cover a vast area, with over 7,200 kilometres of ski slopes serviced by 260 chairlift companies. The coldest and snowiest period in the Alps is from late December to late January, with very little sunlight and snow levels reaching up to 20 cm. However, skiing conditions improve towards the end of February when the sun shines more. Even in June, skiing is possible at altitudes above 3000 meters, such as at the Hintertux Glacier, where the average temperature remains below 0 degrees Celsius.
The lowest point in Austria is Lake Neusiedl. The northern regions of the country receive less sunlight, with under 1500 hours of sunlight per year, while the rest of the country enjoys an average of 1850 to 2100 hours of sunlight. The southern regions experience mild winters and hot summers, making provinces like Carinthia popular recreation destinations.
Austria's diverse altitudes and climates provide a range of opportunities for outdoor activities and sports, such as skiing in the mountainous regions or enjoying the sunshine in the southern Vienna Basin. The country's varied landscapes, from tall mountains to hills and basins, contribute to its unique geography and cultural attractions.
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The climate is influenced by the Alps
The surface area of Austria is 83,879 square kilometres (32,386 sq mi). The country is home to a large part of the Alps mountain range, which covers a significant portion of its surface area.
The Alps have a profound influence on Austria's climate. The location of the Alps, along with the variations in their elevations and exposure, gives rise to diverse climatic conditions. The central location of the Alps in Europe means they are influenced by four main climatic forces. From the west, the Atlantic brings mild, moist air, while cold or cold polar air descends from northern Europe. Continental air masses from the east are cold and dry in winter, hot in summer, and to the south, warm Mediterranean air flows northward.
The daily weather in the Alps is influenced by the movement of storms and accompanying winds as they pass over the mountains. The higher elevations of the Alps mean that temperatures are generally cooler than in the surrounding lowlands. The valley bottoms, for example, are typically warmer and drier than the surrounding heights. This variation in temperature and precipitation with elevation is a critical factor influencing the distribution of flora and fauna in the region.
The Alps are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Over the 20th century, temperatures in the Alps rose by approximately 2°C, almost double the global average. This increase in temperature has resulted in a decrease in snow cover, with the period of snow cover at mid-mountain elevations in the Mont-Blanc massif decreasing by nearly a month since 1970. The glaciers of the Alps provide clear evidence of the changes caused by global warming, with many shrinking to half their previous size.
The consequences of these temperature increases are significant. The reduction in snow cover and the retreat of glaciers contribute to a feedback effect, where less solar energy is reflected back into the atmosphere, further amplifying warming. Additionally, the Alps consume around 10% more energy per capita than the European average, with private households being among the biggest energy consumers, particularly for heating.
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Frequently asked questions
The surface area of Austria is approximately 83,879 square kilometres.
The Austrian Alps cover approximately 60% of the country's surface area.
With a population of 9.13 million people, Austria's population density is 108.9 inhabitants per square kilometre.
On average, the country lies at an altitude of 910 meters above sea level.
