The Tauern refers to several major mountain ranges located within the Central Eastern Alps in Austria. The term historically derived from a word denoting a high mountain pass, but it has since come to identify the massifs themselves. The region is primarily divided into two major sections: the Hohe Tauern (High Tauern) to the west and the Niedere Tauern (Lower Tauern) to the east.
Geography and Topography
The Tauern mountains form the main chain of the Austrian Alps, stretching across the federal states of Salzburg, Carinthia, and Tyrol (East Tyrol).
- Hohe Tauern: This range contains the highest peaks in Austria, including the Grossglockner (3,798 meters) and the Grossvenediger (3,657 meters). It is characterized by extensive glaciation and rugged terrain. Much of this area is protected within the Hohe Tauern National Park, which is one of the largest nature reserves in Central Europe.
- Niedere Tauern: Situated to the east of the Hohe Tauern and separated by the Murtörl pass, this range is lower in elevation and lacks large glaciers. Its highest peak is the Hochgolling (2,863 meters). It is further subdivided into the Radstadt Tauern, Schladming Tauern, Rottenmann and Wölz Tauern, and Seckau Tauern.
Geology
The Tauern window (Tauernfenster) is a significant geological feature of the range. It is a tectonic window where erosion has exposed deeper layers of the Earth's crust—specifically Penninic nappes—underlying the Austroalpine nappes. This window provides geologists with critical insights into the tectonic processes that formed the Alps.
Transport and Infrastructure
The Tauern ranges represent a significant geographical barrier for north-south transit in Europe. Historically, mountain passes such as the Hoher Tauern and the Radstädter Tauern Pass were the primary means of crossing. In the modern era, several major engineering projects have facilitated transport:
- Tauern Railway Tunnel: A 15.3-kilometer railway tunnel completed in 1909.
- Tauern Road Tunnel: Part of the Tauern Autobahn (A10), this tunnel is a major artery for vehicular traffic crossing the Alpine main chain.
Etymology
The name "Tauern" is believed to be of pre-Roman or Celtic origin, later adapted into Middle High German. In local dialects and historical contexts, a "Tauern" specifically referred to a high-altitude pass used for crossing the mountains, a usage that persists in the names of specific crossings like the Felber Tauern. Over time, the name was extended to describe the entire mountain system.