A sprawling landscape unfolds before you. This is Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung. It’s more than just a district. It’s the heart of the Flachgau region. A place shaped by centuries of history and culture.
Imagine a time before Salzburg was a city of its own. The Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung formed part of the Salzburggau a territory under the rule of the Duchy of Bavaria. This lasted until 1275. That year marked the beginning of Salzburg’s final steps towards independence from Bavaria.
By 1328 Archbishop Friedrich III had established a new legal code. Salzburg had become a largely independent state within the Holy Roman Empire. For centuries the Archbishops ruled this fertile land known as the Land vor dem Gebirg or the Outer Mountain Region. This was in contrast to the Innergebirg or Mountain regions: the Pongau Pinzgau and Lungau.
In 1803 everything changed. The Archbishopric was secularized. Salzburg became a principality under Habsburg rule. The Flachgau entered a new chapter after a thousand years of ecclesiastical ownership. In 1805 it joined the Austrian Empire though it was briefly occupied by French forces. The dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806 ended the rule of the Prince-Archbishops. The area was transformed into a Duchy. After Napoleon’s wars the region excluding the Rupertiwinkel returned to Austrian control in 1816. Salzburg lost its independence becoming the Salzburgkreis within the Crown Land of Upper Austria. A new provincial constitution and local government were instituted in 1850.
Until the late 19th century the future Flachgau was one administrative unit with the Tennengau and Lammertal. The Hallein district office was established in 1896. The name Flachgau gained prominence during this time.
Today the Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung comprises 37 municipalities including three cities and six market towns. The administrative center moved to Seekirchen am Wallersee in 2023. This followed the establishment of a centralized district court there in 2016. The region boasts a rich tapestry of history culture and stunning natural beauty. From the picturesque lakes to the rolling hills it offers a unique blend of urban and rural life. It is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people. A place of remarkable history and unwavering spirit. It is a journey through time itself. A journey you have just begun.