|
Salzburg's history of economy |
|
The little Peru of the old continent The treasures to be found in the ground of each mineral area have influenced the territorial formation of Salzburg Land, the coffers of the State and continue to leave their mark today. It is important first to mention the salt of Dürrnberg, close to Hallein, which gave its name to the city and the region. At one point, the gold and silver mines of Hohe Tauern were of considerable importance (Gastein, Rauris, Muhr). In the 15th century, the Pongauer and Pinzgauer Tauern were named “the small Peru of the old continent”, as a real gold rush occurred in Gastein and Rauris. In several places copper, iron and zinc were found. The abundance of wood and the favourable transport facilities on the rivers were also important conditions for the mining and metallurgy industry. Salzburg marble from Adnet and from the northern foot of the Untersberg lent their identity and their special ornamentation to a number of profane and religious buildings. The mining reserves which were once very much in demand are now exhausted or no longer profitable. The economic interests of Salzburg are today concentrated on limestone, gypsum, marl concrete, different natural rocks, ballast and broken stones for concrete. It is possible to consider the thermal water as mineral resources. The spas are based upon these waters and are internationally appreciated for their high quality and particularly in Gastein have a long tradition. |
|
Electricity supplier and tourist attraction Already during the First World War, Austria’s lack of coal, in particular in Salzburg, led to the construction of hydro-electric power plants. The power plants of the Tauern have become the biggest alpine electricity production plants in Europe. With three reservoirs they are an indispensable provider of electricity and are also a tourist attraction. The Salzach project followed later and was developed in a systematic manner. This was favourable as it resulted in better planning and construction in the landscape and thus made it possible to preserve certain parts of the Salzach, thanks to a better ecological awareness. A number of roads were made or widened in order to facilitate the construction of the plants and in this respect benefited the good transport network already mentioned. The mountain wall of the Hohe Tauern that had always been a barrier to traffic was first conquered at the beginning of our century with the construction of the Tauern railway. It was finally overcome from 1935 thanks to a wonderful sight-seeing road in the region of the Glockner chain, open during the summer months of the year. Road traffic can pass through the mountains the whole year long via the Felbertauern road (1967) towards the east and the Tauern motorway towards the southeast which is even more convenient. The Tauernschleuse also offers an important connection between Salzburg and Carinthia (Böckstein and Mallnitz) through which cars are transported by rail. |
|
