Natural Monument in Salzburger Tennengau
What do you think of when someone mentions the Ice Age? Vast expanses covered with ice? Prehistoric animals? In future, you might also think of the Tennengau region in the Austrian province of Salzburg. For in St. Koloman, you will discover evidence of the Würm glacial period, which occurred roughly 22 to 24 thousand years ago: the St. Koloman glacier striation. Bear in mind, this isn’t just any natural monument. It is the biggest exposed glacier striation ever found in Europe.
Awaiting you at the glacier striation…
A journey back to the Ice Age
During your family holiday in Austria, you and your children can set out on a journey back to the past as you gain fascinating insights into how the glacier striations were created. Look forward to a piece of Ice Age history you can literally reach out and touch. Amazing but true: Many thousands of years ago, the glacier striations in Salzachtal we know today lay under a 700 meters-thick sheet of ice.
The term “glacier striation”, incidentally, refers to the gouge marks left behind in the rock as the glacier slowly migrated.
Ice Age History in the middle of Tennengau
You are probably asking yourself, where all that ice that covered the glacier striations actually came from. In fact, it came from Lammertal, at that time an extension of the vast Salzach Glacier. Back in those days, it moved as much as two meters per day. The tracks it left behind can be seen to this day.
Eight info stations and four info boards teach you and your kids all about how the glacier striations were formed. Including the small caves which are also clearly visible. And why the rock, in many places, is polished completely smooth. While the children get to play on hot days in the shallow pools dotting the striations, parents can simply smile, relax and enjoy.
Tips from Cleverix for a visit to the glacier striations:
- Don’t forget to bring snacks! A picnic at this unique natural monument in SalzburgerLand guarantees unforgettable holiday memories.
- With magical mountain scenery surrounding you, hike across the Trattbergalm in St. Koloman. Ideal for families with children, including pathways also suitable for strollers.
- Enjoy free bus & rail travel in Tennengau with the TennengauPLUS-Card.
Interesting Insights into St. Koloman
During your visit to the glacier striations in St. Koloman, you will also learn how the mountains surrounding St. Koloman in Tennengau, SalzburgerLand, were created, and how the the glacier which lay here once stretched almost all the way to today’s Munich.
Contact
St. Koloman Tourist Office
Am Dorfplatz 29
5423 St. Koloman
0043 6241 22215
tourismus@stkoloman.at
www.stkoloman.info
Arrival
The trip here couldn’t possibly be any easier, since the 150 milion-years-old limestone formation is next to the road and only a ten-minute drive from St. Koloman. From the city of Salzburg, you will be able to reach this natural monument in around 30 minutes by car. Parking is available right there by the glacier striations.
Discover our top excursion destinations
For families, couples, friends and sports lovers, the diverse Tennengau region has many surprises in store. Here you will find our most beautiful excursion destinations to enjoy nature, water, culture and local traditions!
Overview of all communities
In Tennengau, our 14 idyllic communities greet you with folk-costume events and traditional festivals, culinary highlights, countless excursion destinations and a colorful spectrum of sporting and recreational opportunities for the whole family.
