Bischofshofen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bischofshofen
Municipality
View over Bischofshofen
Flag Coat of arms
Bischofshofen Location in Austria
Country	Austria
State	Salzburg
District	St. Johann im Pongau
Area
• Total	49.61 km2 (19.15 sq mi)
Elevation	544 m (1,785 ft)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	5500
Area code	06462
Vehicle registration	JO
Website	bischofshofen.at

Bischofshofen is a town in the Salzburg region of Austria. It is located in the St. Johann im Pongau area. This town is a very important place for travel. It sits on a main railway line and a big highway called the Tauern Autobahn. This highway helps people cross the Alps.

Where is Bischofshofen?

Bischofshofen is in a beautiful valley. This valley is part of the Northern Limestone Alps. The Salzach river flows through the valley. The town is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Salzburg, a big city in Austria.

Mountains Around Bischofshofen

High mountains surround Bischofshofen. To the west, you can see the Hochkönig massif. This is part of the Berchtesgaden Alps. The Tennen Mountains are to the northeast. The Salzburg Slate Alps are in the southeast.

Local Areas and Population

The town of Bischofshofen includes several smaller areas. These are called cadastral communities. They are Bischofshofen itself, Buchberg, Haidberg, and Winkl.

Here are the main villages and their populations:

• Alpfahrt - 149 people
• Bischofshofen - 7,134 people
• Buchberg - 440 people
• Gainfeld - 109 people
• Haidberg - 98 people
• Kreuzberg - 263 people
• Laideregg - 488 people
• Mitterberghütten - 1,323 people
• Winkl - 83 people
• Asten - 50 people

What is the History of Bischofshofen?

St Maximilian's Church

Bischofshofen has a long history. Thousands of years ago, during the Stone Age, Celtic tribes lived here. They mined copper and salt from the nearby hills. Later, the powerful Roman Empire took over the area. It became part of a Roman province called Noricum. In the 3rd and 4th centuries, a Roman road connected the Salzach valley to the Enns river.

Early Settlements and Churches

In the 700s, Bavarian tribes moved into the region. They were encouraged by local leaders and Bishop Rupert of Salzburg. The area, known as Pongau, was first mentioned in a document from 711. A monastery called Cella Maximiliana was built then. It was supported by the Archbishops of Salzburg. Later, other tribes destroyed this monastery. The village of Hoven was first named in 1151. In the 1100s, the Archbishop of Salzburg gave a special gift to St. Maxmillian's church. It was St. Rupert's crucifix, decorated with gold and gems.

Growth and Challenges

Bischofshofen grew over time. In the 1300s, it gained "market rights." This meant it could hold markets and became an important trading center. It also became a home for the Bishops of Chiemsee. However, the 1500s were difficult. There were natural disasters and economic problems. There were also big conflicts, like the German Peasants' War in 1525–26. Later, many people had to leave the area because of religious changes. Many of these people, known as Salzburg Protestants, found new homes in East Prussia.

Modern Development

Bischofshofen became important again in the late 1800s. This happened when the Salzburg-Tyrol Railway line was built. The town became a busy railway center. In 1900, it was officially named a "market town." Then, on September 24, 2000, Bischofshofen received "town privileges." This means it became a full town.

What Schools are in Bischofshofen?

Bischofshofen has many schools for different ages:

Elementary Schools

• VS Markt
• VS Neue Heimat
• VS Pöham

High Schools

• Hermann-Wielandner-HS
• Franz-Moßhammer-HS

Professional and Other Schools

• Polytechnische Schule (Polytechnic School)
• Privatgymnasium Sankt Rupert (Private High School)
• TS Bischofshofen der Salzburger Tourismusschulen (Tourism School)
• die BAKIP, Bundesbildungsanstalt für Kindergartenpädagogik (School for Kindergarten Teachers)
• Zweigstelle des Musikum (Music School branch)

What Sports Events Happen in Bischofshofen?

Bischofshofen is famous for winter sports. The last competition of the Four Hills Tournament in ski jumping happens here every year. This big event takes place around January 6th at the Paul-Ausserleitner-Schanze ski jump. Bischofshofen also hosted the large hill ski jumping events for the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 1999.

Who is the Mayor of Bischofshofen?

The current mayor of Bischofshofen is Hansjörg Obinger. He is from the SPÖ political party. He became mayor in April 2014. Before him, Jakob Rohrmoser was the mayor.

Who are Some Famous People from Bischofshofen?

Many notable people have come from Bischofshofen.

Scientists

• Heinz Oberhummer (1941–2015) was a physicist. He studied how elements are made in stars, a process called nucleosynthesis.

Athletes

• Hannes Schroll (1909–1985) was an Austrian Alpine ski racer. He also founded the Sugar Bowl Ski Resort in California, USA.
• Paul Ausserleitner (1925–1952) was a ski jumper. The famous ski jump in Bischofshofen is named after him.
• Elisabeth Pall (born 1951) is an alpine skier.
• Patrick Reiter (born 1972) is a judoka, a type of martial arts athlete.

See also

In Spanish: Bischofshofen para niños