Salzach
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Salzach | |
---|---|
|
|
Origin | Kitzbühel Alps |
Mouth | Inn |
Basin countries | Austria, Germany |
Length | 225 km |
Avg. discharge | 251 m³/s |
Basin area | 6,700 km² |
The Salzach is a river in Austria and Germany. It is a right tributary of the Inn and is 225 kilometres (140 mi) in length.
The river's name is derived from the German word Salz, meaning "salt". Until the 19th century shipping of salt down the river was an important part of the local economy. The shipping ended when railways replaced the old transport system.
It is the main river of the Austrian state of Salzburg. The source is located in the Kitzbühel Alps near Krimml, Salzburg. From here it runs northwards and passes the cities of Hallein and Salzburg. Then it forms the border between Bavaria, Germany and Austria for almost 70 kilometres (43 mi). Cities on the banks in this last section include Laufen, Tittmoning and Burghausen. All these towns have border crossings. The river finally joins the Inn near Braunau.