Almbach

The Almbach, officially named Oberalm, is a clear mountain stream in Salzburg. It begins at the Hintersee lake and flows for about seventeen kilometres before joining the Salzach near Hallein. The name Oberalm refers to the nearby village of the same name and reflects the pale water that gives the stream its identity. The Almbach has powered mills and small hydro plants for centuries. Its upper reaches include the Felsenbad, a natural rock pool popular for wild swimming. Below this lies the Strubklamm gorge, where an old dam once fed a small power station whose reservoir is now silted up. Further down, the Wiestal valley holds a larger dam and another gorge protected as a natural monument. Visitors can walk beside the reservoirs and through the gorges. The Strubklamm path follows the stream over bridges and past the ruined dam, while the Wiestalklamm trail winds through steep rock walls. Nearby villages such as Adnet and Oberalm offer quiet places to rest beside the flowing water.