Saalach

Infobox River
river_name = Saalach

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caption = Saalach near Bad Reichenhall
origin = Kitzbühel Alps
mouth = Salzach
coord|47|51|13|N|13|0|5|E|display=inline,title
basin_countries = Austria, Germany
length = 103 km
elevation = 2,178 m
discharge =
watershed = 1,043 km²

The Saalach is a river in Austria and Germany, left tributary of the Salzach. It has its spring at the south-eastern slopes of the Staffkogel, a Convert|2115|m|ft|0|abbr=on high peak of the Kitzbühler Alpen. As a small creek it runs to the east through the ski-resort of Saalbach-Hinterglemm until it bends north at Maishofen. It follows the broad valley to Saalfelden, and meanders further on through the narrow valley between the Leonganger and Loferer Steinberge and the Steinernes Meer to Lofer in north-western direction. There it enters a narrow gorge, famous for its white water rafting. Crossing the border to Bavaria (Germany) at Melleck it flows along the northern slopes of the Reiteralm known for its famous climbing routes. A short distance before Bad Reichenhall, a dam of a hydro-electrical power plant collects the waters of the Saalachsee. The power plant provides the energy for the railway line Salzburg, Freilassing, Bad Reichenhall to Berchtesgaden. Having passed Staufeneck, the Saalach leaves the mountains and enters the flat forests called Saalachau. From Piding on north-eastwards the border to Austria follows the river for some 10 km to Freilassing at which northern community border it merges with the river Salzach.

The name has its origin from "Saal", an old form of Salz (salt), and "Ach" which denotes a small river.

References