Geographic map of Austria

Geographic map of Austria

Austria is a federal republic composed of nine Länder; it is a member of the European Union, located in Central Europe and, moreover, it has been a member of the United Nations since 1955, while the entry into the European Union took place on 1 January 1995.
This country borders Switzerland (Canton of Grisons, Canton of St. Gallen) and Liechtenstein to the west, Slovenia and Italy (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto) to the south, Hungary to the east, Slovakia to the northeast, Germany (Bavaria) and the Czech Republic to the north.
It is therefore a landlocked state, with the capital city of Vienna located on the banks of the Danube River.
Historically, the modern origins of this country date back to the 9th century, when the territory of Upper and Lower Austria became increasingly populated.

Geography –
Austria is a country located in the heart of Central Europe. Its geography is characterized by a variety of landscapes, including mountains, hills, plains and lakes.
Austria is famous for its mountains, which cover about 60% of the territory. The main mountain ranges are:
Eastern Alps: they make up the majority of the Austrian mountains and are divided into the Northern Limestone Alps, Central Alps and Southern Limestone Alps.
Austrian Alps: the highest peaks are found here, including the Grossglockner (3,798 meters), the highest mountain in Austria.
Among the plains and hills we mention:
Vienna Basin: located in the northeast, it is one of the few flat areas of the country. It is an important region for agriculture and is home to the capital, Vienna.
Pannonian Plain: a small part of this plain, which extends mainly in Hungary, is located in eastern Austria.
Also important are the rivers and lakes; These include:
Danube: Europe’s second longest river flows through Austria from west to east, providing an important navigation route and supporting irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
Inn, Mur, and Drava: Other important rivers that flow through Austria, all tributaries of the Danube.
Lake Neusiedl: Located on the border with Hungary, it is the largest lake in the country and is famous for its biodiversity and surrounding wetlands.
Lake Wolfgang, Lake Mondsee, Lake Attersee: Some of the many Alpine lakes that are popular tourist destinations.

Climate –
Austria’s climate is influenced by its geographical location in the heart of Europe and its varied topography, which includes the Alps to the west and south and a lowland region to the east. As a result, Austria has several climate zones:
Therefore, there is an Alpine climate that is prevalent in the western and southern Alpine regions and is characterised by cold, snowy winters, with cool summers. Winter temperatures can drop significantly below freezing, especially at higher altitudes. Precipitation is abundant, mainly in the form of snow in winter and rain in summer.
A Continental climate is also present in the eastern and north-eastern parts of the country, including Vienna.
Here, winters are cold and relatively dry, with warm, humid summers. Temperatures can vary widely, with hot summers often exceeding 30°C and winters with temperatures dropping below freezing.
We then move to a Transitional climate, present in the central part of the country, between the Alps and the eastern lowland region. Here there is a mix of Alpine and continental influences, with cold and snowy winters and hot and rainy summers. Precipitation is well distributed throughout the year.
The seasons in Austria are therefore characterized by a winter (December-February), in which temperatures vary widely depending on the region. In the Alpine areas, temperatures are very low, often below freezing. In the eastern regions, temperatures are cold but can be slightly milder.
Precipitation is mainly in the form of snow in the Alpine regions, while in the eastern part mixed precipitation can also occur.
Spring lasts from March to May, with temperatures rising, with days becoming progressively warmer. Daytime temperatures can vary from 10°C to 20°C.
In this season precipitation increases, with frequent rains, especially in the Alpine areas.
Summer lasts from June to August; This season is characterized by warm temperatures, especially in the eastern regions, where temperatures can exceed 30°C. In the Alpine regions, summers are cool with temperatures rarely exceeding 25°C.
Precipitation occurs with frequent rain, often in the form of afternoon thunderstorms.
Finally, autumn, from September to November, where temperatures are decreasing, with days that become progressively cooler. Daytime temperatures can vary from 10°C to 20°C at the beginning of the season, dropping towards freezing by the end of November.
During autumn, precipitation is characterized by frequent rain, especially at the beginning of the season. In the Alpine regions, the first snowfalls can occur as early as October.
Austria, with its regional climatic variations, therefore offers a wide range of weather conditions that can satisfy both lovers of winter sports and those of outdoor activities during the summer.

Flora –
Austria, due to its location in the heart of Central Europe, has a rich and varied flora, thanks to its geographical position and the diversity of its landscapes, which range from the Alps to the hilly and flat regions. The Austrian flora reflects the variety of climates and altitudes present in the country.
The Austrian Alps are known for their unique alpine flora, which includes many endemic and rare species adapted to the rigours of the mountain environment.
The typical plants of high altitudes include the genepì (Artemisia genipi), the mountain arnica (Arnica montana), the ferruginous rhododendron (Rhododendron ferrugineum) and the edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum), the symbol of the Alps.
In the alpine meadows we find areas that are dominated by herbs and flowers such as the gentian (Gentiana spp.), the bellflower (Campanula spp.), and various species of clover (Trifolium spp.).
Forests cover approximately 47% of Austria’s territory and vary greatly by altitude and region.
Coniferous forests predominate in the mountainous regions and include species such as Norway spruce (Picea abies), Swiss pine (Pinus cembra), larch (Larix decidua) and mountain pine (Pinus mugo).
Mixed forests are found in the subalpine and hilly areas, with mixed coniferous and deciduous forests, including species such as beech (Fagus sylvatica), silver fir (Abies alba) and sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus).
In lower regions, such as the Danube plains and the eastern hills, the flora is influenced by a more temperate climate.
The meadows and pastures are characterised by a variety of herbs and wild flowers such as buttercup (Ranunculus spp.), red clover (Trifolium pratense) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
The areas along rivers and in marshes are home to plants such as common reed (Phragmites australis), yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus) and various sedge species (Carex spp.).
In parts of southern Styria and Burgenland, where the climate is warmer and drier, Mediterranean plant species such as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and lavender (Lavandula spp.) can be found.
Austria is committed to the conservation of its plant biodiversity. Several rare and endemic species are protected to prevent their extinction. These include the edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum), the alpine poppy (Papaver alpinum) and various orchid species.
Austria has established numerous national parks and nature reserves to protect its ecosystems. Some of the most notable include Hohe Tauern National Park, Kalkalpen National Park, and Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park, each of which is home to a wide range of native plant species.

Fauna –
Austria has a diverse fauna due to its diverse habitats, ranging from the Alps to the eastern plains. Mammals include: the Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), one of the largest European land mammals, is common in Austrian forests. The Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus), a frequent inhabitant of forests and agricultural areas. The Alpine Ibex (Capra ibex), often seen in the Alpine areas, is well adapted to rock faces. The Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), similar to the ibex, is found in mountain regions. The European Lynx (Lynx lynx), rarely seen, is a protected species that is slowly repopulating forest areas. The Wolf (Canis lupus), although rare, some packs are recolonizing the Alpine regions and forests. The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), widespread throughout the country, is well adapted to various habitats, including urban ones. The Alpine Marmot (Marmota marmota), common in the Alps, is often seen in alpine meadows during the summer months.
Among birds, we can mention the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), the symbol of the Alps, which nests in mountainous areas and hunts small mammals. The Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo), which is one of the largest owls in Europe, lives in forests and rocky areas. The Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), frequent in agricultural and urban areas. The Grouse (Tetraonidae), which include species such as the Capercaillie and the Hazel Grouse, inhabitants of alpine forests. The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), a migrant that arrives in Austria during the spring to nest.
Among reptiles and amphibians, we can mention the Asp Viper (Vipera aspis), present mainly in mountainous regions. The Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis), common in many areas, both rural and urban. The Alpine Newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris), found in ponds and lakes in mountain areas. The Common Frog (Rana temporaria), widespread in humid environments, from meadows to woods.
Among the fish, still common in lakes and rivers, we find the Brown Trout (Salmo trutta fario), which populates mountain streams and rivers. The Danube Salmon (Hucho hucho), which is a species endemic to the Danube basin, is one of the largest trout in the world. The Northern Pike (Esox lucius), common in lakes and rivers at low altitude.
Finally, we include some insects that we can find passing through some ecosystems such as the Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio machaon), one of the most showy butterflies in Europe, found in various habitats, including meadows and gardens. The Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus), one of the largest European beetles, present in deciduous forests.

Guido Bissanti