Enns

The Enns River rises in the Radstadt Tauern, on the border of Salzburgerland, at an altitude of approximately 1,750 m, near the Hochennsalm above Flachau. From its source, the young Enns flows northeast through the Flachau Valley and then on towards Mandling and the Enns Valley in Styria. Flachau itself is a long village situated in this valley; the Enns flows practically the entire length of the village, thus forming the natural axis of the valley. In the section near Flachau, the Enns is still a relatively narrow, fast-flowing mountain river with clear, cold water. The valley is still quite high and narrow here, giving it a more alpine character than that of the wider Enns further downstream in Styria and Upper Austria. This mountainous character makes the Enns in the Flachau-Wagrain region ideal for activities such as whitewater rafting and kayaking, although there are also quieter stretches where you can experience the landscape. The Enns River gives the valley around Flachau an open, elongated structure, along which roads, a ribbon of villages, and recreational areas are located. The Ennsradweg, a cycling route that follows the Enns for a longer period, runs alongside the river and is known for its relatively low elevation gain, picturesque villages, and landscapes. In summer, the river serves as a recreational backbone (bank walking, cycling, and water sports), while in winter it forms the backdrop for the ski resort that climbs the valley slopes.

Pascal Brackman