Vals, Tyrol facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vals
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 Vals
Location in Austria
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| Country | Austria | |
| State | Tyrol | |
| District | Innsbruck Land | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 48.71 km2 (18.81 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 1,129 m (3,704 ft) | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
| Postal code |
6152
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| Area code | 05279 | |
| Vehicle registration | IL | |
| Website | www.vals.at | |
Vals is a small town, also called a municipality, in the southern part of the Innsbruck-Land District. It is located in the beautiful Austrian state of Tyrol. Vals is known for its stunning mountain scenery and rich history.
Contents
Geography of Vals: Mountains and Streams
Vals is about 26 kilometers (16 miles) southeast of the city of Innsbruck. It sits in a valley called Valsertal, which is named after the town itself. This valley branches off from a larger valley known as Wipptal.
The Valsertal Valley and Its Peaks
The Valsertal valley stretches for about seven kilometers (4.3 miles). It reaches all the way to the Zillertal Alps, which are a large mountain range. The valley is surrounded by impressive mountain peaks. Some of these tall peaks include Kaser, Olperer, Schrammacher, and Hohe Wand.
Rivers and Waterways in Vals
A stream called Valser flows through the valley. It is joined by several smaller streams. These include the Alpeiner, Tscheisch, and Paduaner. These waterways add to the natural beauty of the area.
History of Vals: From Romans to Modern Times
The area where Vals is located has a long and interesting history. People have lived and worked here for many centuries.
Early Beginnings and First Mentions
Long ago, Roman farmers used this region for grazing their animals. The name "Vals" comes from the Latin word "Vallis," which means "valley." The town was first officially mentioned in records in the year 1313.
Marble Mining in the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, people in Vals mined marble from the mountains. This marble was very valuable. It was used to create beautiful floors for important buildings. For example, it was used in the Imperial Palace and the Cathedral of Innsbruck.
Vals During Historical Conflicts
In 1809, the Wipptal valley and nearby areas, including Vals, were part of a big battle. This was the Battle of Bergisel. It was fought between the people of Tyrol and armies from the Kingdom of Bavaria and the First French Empire.
Later, during the Second World War, the valley was declared a nature reserve in 1941. However, in 1942, a tunnel system was built high up in the mountains. This was for mining a metal called molybdenum. People were forced to work there during the war.
The Coat of Arms of Vals
Every town has a special symbol called a coat of arms. The coat of arms for Vals is a red shield. On this shield, there is a black letter "V" at the top. Inside the "V" is a golden crown. This crown is said to represent Saint Jodok, an important figure.
See also
In Spanish: Vals (Austria) para niños
