Anif (German Anif) is a commune (German Gemeinde) in Austria, in the federal state of Salzburg. It is part of the Salzburg County. The population is 4081 people (as of December 31, 2005). City covers an area of 7.61 km². The official code is 50 301.
Anif Castle stands on an artificial pond in the eponymous town of
Anif on the southern outskirts of Salzburg. The exact date of the
castle's origin has not yet been established. It is known that in
1520 a castle already existed on this site, which belonged to a
certain Praunenecker. But since 1530, Anif Castle has been
constantly mentioned as a feudal allotment issued to the Archbishop
of Salzburg. Later, the castle was transferred to the bishops from
Chiemsee, who later used it as a summer residence until 1806. The
last of the bishops laid out an English park around the castle.
In 1803, during the German mediatization, the Archbishopric of
Salzburg was turned into a kurfurche for Ferdinand III. Two years
later, in 1805, according to the terms of the Peace of Presburg, the
territories of the electors, which had previously been an
archbishopric, became part of the Austrian Empire. Thus, Anif
Castle, together with the park, became public property.
Although the castle was leased from that point on, the tenants did
not undertake any restoration work. This changed when the property
was sold to the great-grandson of Empress Maria Theresa, Count Alois
Stepperg in 1837. He rebuilt Anif Palace between 1838 and 1848 in
the New Gothic style, giving the castle a modern look. Until that
time, it consisted of a simple four-story building and a two-story
passage to the chapel.
After the death of the count in 1891,
the castle passed into the ownership of his heiress Sophie, who
married Count Ernst von Moy de Sons, from an old French aristocratic
family.
In 1918, Anif attracted public attention when King
Ludwig of Bavaria III fled here with his family and entourage to
escape the revolution. In the "Declaration of Anif", written on
November 12/13, 1918, Ludwig III refused to abdicate, but he
released all Bavarian officials, soldiers and officers from their
oath.
During World War II, the Germans were stationed at the
castle, followed by an American unit in 1945.
Currently, Anif
Castle is in the possession of the de Sons family. The castle is
closed to the public.
Not far from the Austrian city of Salzburg, in the town of Anif,
there is a zoo, which opened in 1960. Although animal breeding was
carried out here before the official establishment of the zoo. Back
in 1619, Archbishop Markus Sitticus built gardens, parks and a
zoological garden here. Historical documents show that by 1620, 100
red deer, 1 mountain goat, more than 1000 turtles lived on the
territory, and there were also cages with bears, wolves, lynxes,
eagles and storks.
Today the zoo covers an area of 95
hectares, where about 800 different animals of 140 species live. The
zoo has an interesting rocky landscape.
The concept of the
zoo lies in the geographical division of the territory into large
zones: South America, Africa and Eurasia. Animals from the African
savannah are of the greatest interest. Zebras, antelopes and rhinos,
guinea fowls, as well as various types of African birds. Also in the
zoo live kangaroos, various types of monkeys, bears, chamois.
The zoo hosts a variety of activities every day. Visitors come
to the zoo with the whole family to enjoy a leisurely walk and
interact with animals. By the way, dogs are allowed to come to the
zoo, which, nevertheless, must be kept on a short leash so as not to
frighten the permanent inhabitants. During the summer months, the
zoo is open once a week until late in the evening to show visitors
the animal lifestyle at night.
A walk in the Helbrunn Zoo
will bring great joy not only to children, but also to adults: in
one day you can learn a lot of interesting information about the
daily life of animals, their habits and predilections.
There
are not many staff at the zoo, however, the territory is kept clean
and tidy. The zoo staff urge not to feed the animals, because it can
cause huge harm to their health.
Early Origins and Name
Anif, a municipality in the
Salzburg-Umgebung District of Austria, has roots tracing back to
prehistoric times. The name "Anif" is believed to be of Celtic
origin, potentially dating to the Hallstatt era, an Iron Age culture
that flourished in the region around 800–500 BCE. The area was
likely settled continuously for millennia, with influences from
Illyrian languages as well. The first documented mention of Anif
appears in 788 CE in the Congestum Arnonis register compiled by
Bishop Arno of Salzburg. It is referred to as Ad anua Ecclesia
("Church near Aneeq"), indicating an early Christian presence in the
Duchy of Bavaria. For centuries, Anif belonged to the Archbishopric
of Salzburg, a powerful ecclesiastical principality that controlled
much of the surrounding territory. The local St. Oswald Church, a
Romanesque-style parish church, was supervised by the monks of St.
Peter's Abbey in Salzburg, underscoring the area's religious
significance during the medieval period.
Medieval and Early
Modern Period
During the Middle Ages, Anif remained under the
jurisdiction of the Salzburg archbishops. The region's history is
closely tied to its landmarks, particularly what would become Anif
Palace (Schloss Anif). The palace's origins are somewhat mysterious
but are first documented around 1520 as a property called
Oberweiher, owned by Lienhart Praunecker, the dominion directory
bailiff. By 1530, it is regularly mentioned as a fief granted by the
Archbishop of Salzburg. Initially a simple water castle built on a
small artificial island in a pond, it consisted of a plain
four-story dwelling connected to a chapel. In 1693,
Prince-Archbishop Johann Ernst von Thun restored and rebuilt the
structure, transforming it into a summer residence for the Bishops
of Chiemsee, who used it as a retreat.
Anif also featured several
historic inns that reflect its role as a waystation. The Kaiserhof
was first mentioned in the 15th century and later became a hotel.
The Friesacher, granted beverage-serving rights in the 16th century,
originated from a farmhouse called Puechnergut. The Zum Husaren
dates to 1877, though its building was established in 1645, and the
Schlosswirt was first noted in 1380, with wine and beer licenses
from 1607.
Folklore from the area includes a tale recorded by the
Brothers Grimm in 1782 from the Brixener Volksbuch, about a peasant
and a "Wild-woman" (Wilde Frau), highlighting local cultural
traditions.
19th Century Development and Independence
The
Napoleonic Wars brought significant changes. In 1806, after the
secularization of the Archbishopric and Salzburg's incorporation
into the Austrian Empire, Anif Palace and its surrounding pond
became public property and were leased out. In 1837, the property
was sold to Alois Count Arco-Stepperg, who undertook a major
remodeling between 1838 and 1848, converting it into a neo-Gothic
style palace that defines its current appearance. This romantic
water castle, surrounded by a moat-like pond, became a symbol of
19th-century architectural revival.
Politically, Anif was part of
the nearby village of Grödig until the late 19th century. On July
17, 1884, Anif, along with neighboring Niederalm, separated to form
an independent municipality. Later, a third section, Neu Anif, was
established. In 1891, following Count Arco-Stepperg's death, the
palace passed to his relative Sophie, married to Count Ernst von Moy
de Sons, bringing it into the hands of an old French noble family,
where it remains privately owned today.
20th Century Events
and World Wars
The early 20th century saw Anif Palace play a role
in European royal history. In November 1918, during the German
Revolution, the deposed King Ludwig III of Bavaria and his family
fled to the palace for safety. There, on November 12–13, he issued
the "Declaration of Anif," refusing to abdicate but releasing
Bavarian officials, soldiers, and officers from their oaths of
loyalty.
During World War II, the palace accommodated German
Wehrmacht units, and in 1945, it was occupied by American forces.
Post-war, Anif evolved into an affluent suburb of Salzburg. The
palace underwent fundamental restoration between 1995 and 2000 by
the von Moy family. In 2001, controversy arose when historic
furniture from the palace was offered for sale at Sotheby's in
Amsterdam; some pieces were returned to Austria and are now
displayed in the Museum Carolino Augusteum in Salzburg.
Anif
gained international fame through its palace's appearances in films,
including as the von Trapp family home in The Sound of Music (1965),
Baron von Stuppe's residence in The Great Race (1965), Roschmann's
castle in The Odessa File (1974), and Cinderella's home in The
Slipper and the Rose (1976).
Notable residents included conductor
Herbert von Karajan, who lived in Anif for many years and is buried
in the local cemetery.
Modern Day and Geography
Today,
Anif is one of Salzburg's wealthiest southern suburbs, with a
population of 4,195 as of 2018 (up from 4,000 in 2011) and a density
of 551 people per km². Covering just 7.61 km², it is among the
smallest municipalities in Salzburg state by area, situated at an
elevation of 434 meters at the southern limits of Salzburg city,
bordering Hallein District to the south. Geographically part of the
Flachgau region, it includes attractions like the Salzburg Zoo,
which extends from Hellbrunn Palace gardens into Anif, and historic
sites such as the palace and church. The main employer is a Sony
DADC manufacturing plant in Niederalm, contributing to its economic
prosperity.
Location
Anif is a municipality located in the Salzburg-Umgebung
District of the Austrian state of Salzburg. It lies directly south of
the city of Salzburg, effectively functioning as a wealthy suburb, and
borders the Hallein District to the south. Positioned at approximately
47.750° N latitude and 13.067° E longitude, Anif sits at an elevation of
434 meters (1,424 feet) above sea level. The municipality covers a
compact area of 7.61 square kilometers (2.94 square miles), making it
one of the smallest in Salzburg by land area. Its proximity to Salzburg
places it within the broader Salzburg metropolitan area, with easy
access to urban amenities while maintaining a semi-rural character.
Topography and Landforms
Anif's topography is defined by its
transitional position between the flat valley of the Salzach River and
the rising wooded hills that mark the northern edge of the Alps. The
landscape features a mix of lowland river plains and gently undulating
terrain, with the area generally sloping southward toward the Alpine
foothills. To the east and south, the terrain becomes more hilly,
influenced by the nearby Northern Limestone Alps, including the
prominent Untersberg massif just a few kilometers away. This creates a
varied elevation profile within the small municipality, though the
average remains around 434 meters. The wooded hills provide natural
barriers and contribute to the area's scenic beauty, with forests
covering portions of the higher ground.
Hydrography
The
Salzach River forms a key hydrological feature for Anif, running along
its western boundary and serving as a natural divider between Anif and
neighboring areas. This major Alpine river, which originates in the High
Tauern mountains and flows northward into the Inn River (a Danube
tributary), influences local drainage and provides fertile alluvial
soils in the valley floor. Smaller streams and drainage channels may
feed into the Salzach, supporting local wetlands or meadows, though no
major lakes are present within Anif itself. The river's presence also
contributes to occasional flood risks in low-lying areas, typical of
Alpine river valleys.
Climate
Anif experiences a temperate
oceanic climate (Köppen classification Cfb) with Alpine influences,
characterized by mild summers, cool winters, and significant
precipitation year-round. Average annual temperatures hover around
9–10°C (48–50°F), with July being the warmest month at about 18–20°C
(64–68°F) and January the coldest at around -1 to 1°C (30–34°F).
Rainfall is distributed evenly, totaling approximately 1,100–1,300 mm
(43–51 inches) annually, with peaks in summer due to thunderstorms.
Snowfall is common in winter, averaging 50–70 cm (20–28 inches) per
season at lower elevations, though higher hills may see more. The area's
position in the Salzburg Basin shelters it somewhat from extreme winds,
but foehn winds from the south can bring rapid warming and dry
conditions periodically.
Land Use and Vegetation
Land use in
Anif is predominantly residential and agricultural, with a population of
around 4,195 (as of 2018) yielding a density of 551 people per square
kilometer. The valley floor supports farmland and meadows, while wooded
hills are covered in mixed deciduous and coniferous forests, typical of
the Alpine foreland. Notable features include the extension of Salzburg
Zoo into Anif, occupying green spaces near Hellbrunn Palace, which blend
recreational and natural areas. Urban development is concentrated in
village centers, with upscale housing reflecting the area's affluent
status. Protected natural zones, including riverbanks and forests, help
preserve biodiversity, featuring species like deer, birds, and riparian
flora.
Geological Features
Geologically, Anif lies in the
Northern Alpine Foreland, with sediments from glacial and fluvial
deposits shaping the landscape. The underlying bedrock includes
limestone and moraine from Pleistocene glaciations, contributing to
fertile soils in the valley and karst features in nearby hills. This
setting makes the area prone to minor seismic activity, though rare, due
to its proximity to the Alpine orogeny.
Population Distribution
and Human Geography
The population is unevenly distributed, with
denser settlements in the northern parts near Salzburg and sparser
habitation in the southern hills. As a commuter suburb, infrastructure
like roads and public transport links it closely to Salzburg,
influencing land development patterns toward residential expansion while
maintaining green belts.
With an area of only 7.6 km², Anif is one of
the smallest communities in the Salzburg region. The high proportion
of pasture increased significantly in 1998; by a majority decision
in December 1998, a new zoning plan came into force, which allocated
500,000 m² of building land or commercial space in pastures, which
is mainly due to farmers who "want to remain farmers" and therefore
agreed to a significant rezoning. In addition, it also benefits the
green belt of the city of Salzburg, which has recently also been
explicitly placed under building protection.
Together with
PGV Austria Trunk GmbH and Sony DADC, the two large companies are
located in Anif (actually in Niederalm). The remaining companies are
located in a business park built in 1998.
The municipality of Anif has a primary school, a kindergarten and an extended day.