Spitz, Austria

Spitz
Coat of arms of Spitz
Spitz is located in Austria
Spitz
Spitz
Location within Austria
Coordinates: 48°21′N 15°25′E / 48.350°N 15.417°E / 48.350; 15.417
CountryAustria
StateLower Austria
DistrictKrems-Land
Government
 • MayorAndreas Nunzer (ÖVP) website = www.spitz-wachau.at
Area
 • Total
23.82 km2 (9.20 sq mi)
Elevation
223 m (732 ft)
Population
 (2018-01-01)[2]
 • Total
1,620
 • Density68/km2 (180/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
3620
Area code02713

Spitz an der Donau is a market town in the district of Krems-Land in the Austrian state of Lower Austria, in the midst of the UNESCO World Heritage area Wachau,[3] further down from Willendorf on the left bank of the Danube. The ferry across the Danube here is interesting in that it has no motor or sail: it is powered by rudder set against the river current, anchored to a cable above the river. The ferry carries passengers, bicycles, motorcycles, and automobiles.

History

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Occupied since Celtic times, it was first mentioned in 830. A hill "Tausendeimerberg" (the "Hill of a Thousand Buckets") is so named because of the many grapes that grow there, for the Wachau valley, for which Spitz is in, is famous for them. The Late Gothic church to St. Maurice is famous for its Apostles (1380) and an altarpiece by Kremser Schmidt. To the south of Spitz is the famous fortress of Hinterhaus.

In February 2008, Spitz made an appearance in domestic news following the poisoning of then–mayor Dr. Hannes Hirtzberger.[4]

Population

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Historical population
YearPop.±%
19712,134—    
19812,025−5.1%
19911,931−4.6%
20011,769−8.4%
20171,627−8.0%
Parish church of Spitz
Hinterhaus ruins in Spitz

Geography

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Spitz lies on the left bank of the Danube in the Waldviertel in Lower Austria. The area of the market town covers 23.83 square kilometers. 69.21 percent of the area is forested. In Spitz, the Spitzer stream flows into the Danube

Partner City

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Since 2006, Spitz and "Taufkirchen an der Pram", located in the Upper Austrian district of Schärding, have been partner communities. Meetings and visits in all areas of daily life contribute to the strengthening of the partnership.[5]

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References

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  1. ^ "Dauersiedlungsraum der Gemeinden Politischen Bezirke und Bundesländer - Gebietsstand 1.1.2018". Statistics Austria. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
  2. ^ "Einwohnerzahl 1.1.2018 nach Gemeinden mit Status, Gebietsstand 1.1.2018". Statistics Austria. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  3. ^ "Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal".
  4. ^ Mayor near death after poisoning
  5. ^ "Die Marktgemeinde Spitz".