Salzburg Alps

mountains of the Eastern Alps in Austria and the Federal Republic of Germany. Maximum altitude, 2,996 m (Dachstein). The Salzburg Alps, formed primarily of limestone and shale, are characterized by deeply pitted slopes and sharp crests. There are many picturesque lakes in this region, including the Hallstätter See, Toplitzsee, Attersee, and Traunsee. One of Europe’s largest caves, the Eisriesenwelt, is located on the Tennen massif of the Salzburg Alps. Spruce and beech forests grow on the lower slopes; alpine and subalpine meadows are found at elevations above 1,400 and 1,600 m. Salt, bauxite, copper, and iron ore are mined. A hydroelectric power plant is located in the Salzburg Alps. The region, the site of several health resorts (for example, Inzell in the FRG), is a tourist center.