The Paznaun valley
The Paznaun is a picturesque Alpine valley in western Tyrol, Austria, which stretches for around 40 kilometres from Pians to the Bielerhöhe. Nestled between the imposing mountain ranges of the Verwall mountains in the north and the Samnaun mountains and Silvretta mountains in the south, the Trisanna river flows through the valley. The most important towns in Paznaun are See, Kappl, Ischgl and Galtür, each of which has its own character and offers numerous leisure activities.
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
The settlement of Paznaun goes back a long way. Historical records suggest that the upper Paznaun, in particular the areas around Ischgl and Galtür, were settled as early as the 9th century by Rhaeto-Romanic people from the Engadin via the Fimber and Futschöl passes. They initially used the area as grazing land.
Around the year 1300, there was a new settlement by the Walser, who further developed the area. The lower Paznaun, which includes Kappl and See, was settled by settlers from Serfaus and Fiss. The name "Paznaun" was first mentioned around 1275 as "Baschenowe" and developed into the current spelling by 1400.
Today, Paznaun is not only known for its breathtaking nature and wide range of sporting activities, but also for its deep-rooted traditions and culture.
THE SURROUNDING MOUNTAIN RANGES
Paznaun is surrounded by three important mountain groups in the Eastern Alps: the Silvretta mountains, the Samnaun mountains and the Verwall mountains. These mountain ranges not only shape the landscape, but also the flora, fauna and geological appearance of the region.
GEOLOGY
The three mountain groups belong to the Eastern Alpine crystalline cover of the Central Alps and have been formed over millions of years. They are characterised by different types of rock:
- Silvretta mountains: Consists mainly of gneiss and slate, which were overprinted during the formation of the Alps. Amphibolites and marbles also occur.
- Samnaun mountains: Contains gneiss, mica schist and amphibolites as well as Bündner schist, a mixture of limestones, clay schists and breccias.
- Verwall mountains: Shows a wide variety of paragneisses, orthogneisses and amphibolites. Particularly resistant quartzites characterise the landscape.
FLORA
The mountain landscape of the Paznaun is characterised by an extraordinary variety of plants. The Silvretta region in particular is home to over 900 different plant species, offering a remarkable variety in a small area.
- At lower altitudes: coniferous forests with spruce, fir and larch trees
- At medium altitudes: Subalpine mountain pine stands and alder bushes
- In alpine areas:
- The rusty-leaved alpine rose (Rhododendron ferrugineum)
- The protected edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum)
- Various gentian species (Gentiana spp.)
- Orchid species and colourful anemones
- Alpine aster (Aster alpinus) on flowering meadows
Lichen species also play an important role in the region. The rare lichen Miriquidica invadens has been found in these mountains. It grows as an obligate juvenile parasite on other lichen species of the genus Sporastatia.
FAUNA
The largely unspoilt nature of the Paznaun provides a protected habitat for numerous animal species.
- Mammals:
- Alpine ibex (Capra ibex)
- Alpine marmot (Marmota marmota)
- Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra)
- Red deer (Cervus elaphus)
- Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)
- Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
- Birds:
- Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
- Rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)
- Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
- Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) - the fastest bird in the world with speeds of up to 300 km/h
- Amphibians & reptiles:
- Alpine salamander (Salamandra atra)
- Various frog species
The Verwall mountains are particularly important as a refuge for numerous mountain birds, including the rock ptarmigan, capercaillie and peregrine falcon.
TOURISM, ALPINISM AND DEVELOPMENT
The region around Paznaun was systematically explored and developed in the 19th century. Important first ascents took place in the Silvretta mountains in particular, including Piz Buin (3,312 m), the highest peak in the group.
The Samnaun mountains were developed later, towards the end of the 19th century, while the Verwall mountains were intensively mapped and developed for tourism by the German and Austrian Alpine Association.
Today, all three mountain ranges offer numerous opportunities for mountaineering & climbing, hiking & trekking as well as skiing & winter sports. The extensive networks of mountain lodges and hiking trails make the area a popular destination for alpinists and nature lovers.
