Nature, mobility & energy in Grossarltal
information and initiatives at a glance
In Grossarltal, various measures and initiatives are in place in the areas of nature and landscape conservation, mobility, regionality and energy. This page provides an overview of existing projects, services and specific measures throughout the valley.
Since 1980, the “Hüttschlag valley heads” have been designated as a protected landscape area. In 1991, Hüttschlag was incorporated into the Hohe Tauern National Park. Since 2008, Hüttschlag has been recognised as a ®Mountaineering Village, a project of the Austrian Alpine Club within the framework of the Alpine Convention.
Grossarltal’s water supply comes from mountain springs. Despite their exposed locations, lift stations and ski huts are also connected to the local sewerage system.
To protect wildlife, designated wildlife quiet zones have been established. Ski touring routes have been deliberately planned outside these areas in consultation with hunters and forestry professionals. Similar visitor management measures also apply to mountain bike routes in summer. Please follow the information and guidance provided on signs and in the various printed materials under the motto “Respect your limits”.
Here you can find the wildlife rest areas in Grossarltal.
Grossarltal is well connected to international bus and train services via the "Pongau-Takt". The use of public transport is supported by the Guest Mobility Ticket. With this ticket, you can travel free of charge on all public transport in SalzburgerLand during your stay (including arrival). So you can use the bus lines no. 540 (St. Johann im Pongau - Grossarl - Hüttschlag - Talschluss) and no. 541 (Ellmautal) free of charge and in winter, there is also a free ski bus service. In summer, taxi minibuses take you to the starting points of your hikes. On selected days, you can use the hiking taxi free of charge with the Guest Card. This gives guests a range of alternatives to using their own car during their stay.
Tourism and agriculture are closely connected in various areas throughout Grossarltal. The serviced mountain huts are an important part of the tourism offering, providing hikers and mountain bikers with places to stop for refreshments and enjoy regional products. The Grossarltal Genuss Region supports local food production.
If you would like to give a regional gift, Grossarltal vouchers are a suitable option. They can be redeemed with around 100 participating businesses throughout Grossarltal.
A total of 13 hydroelectric power plants are in operation along the Grossarler Ache and its tributaries. Five plants are operated by Energie AG Oberösterreich, while a further eight are privately owned.
| Facilities in Grossarltal | Output |
|---|---|
| 5 hydroelectric power plants operated by Energie AG Oberösterreich | 22.7 MW |
| 8 privately owned hydroelectric power plants | 7.0 MW |
| Total hydropower | 29.7 MW |
| Biomass combined heat and power plant – electrical output | 500 kW |
| Photovoltaic system at the heating plant | 2 x 200 kW |
| Total electrical output of these facilities | 30.6 MW |
The biomass district heating plant in Grossarl was built in 1988 and entered full operation in 1991 following a three-year trial phase. Since then, the facility has been expanded several times.
Today, around 350 buildings are connected to the district heating network. The network extends for approximately 17 kilometres. The plant has a thermal output of 10 MW from biomass and an electrical output of 500 kW. It is supplemented by a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 400 kW.
Around 60,000 m³ of wood chips are used each year. According to the operator, these are sourced from Grossarltal, mainly from the local sawmill as well as from forest owners, joineries and carpentry businesses.
Technical details of the biomass district heating plant:
- Investments to date: 25 million euros
- Number of employees: 5 employees
- Number of connected buildings: 350
- The largest customers are: Sawmill with drying plant, hotels, market town with all public buildings such as schools, retirement home, municipal office, etc.
- 95 % coverage in the town centre and in the Unterberg district
- Pipeline network: 17 km
- Thermal energy output: 10 MW thermal energy from biomass
- Electrical energy output: 500 kW electricity from biomass + 400 kW electricity from photovoltaic system
- Annual output: 30 million kWh heat + 3.8 MWh electricity
- Wood chip consumption: 60,000 m³/year. According to the operator, 100% of the wood chips used at the plant are sourced from Grossarltal. The majority comes from the local sawmill, with the remainder supplied by forest owners, joineries and carpentry businesses.
