Aist (river)

Coordinates: 48°13′52″N 14°33′53″E / 48.2311°N 14.5648°E / 48.2311; 14.5648
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Aist
The Aist near Hohensteg (Schwertberg/Upper Austria)
Location
CountryAustria
Physical characteristics
Sourceconfluence of Feldaist and Waldaist
 • coordinates48°19′14″N 14°33′56″E / 48.32056°N 14.56556°E / 48.32056; 14.56556
MouthDanube
 • coordinates
48°13′52″N 14°33′53″E / 48.2311°N 14.5648°E / 48.2311; 14.5648
Length13.7 km (8.5 mi) [1]
Basin size636 km2 (246 sq mi)
Basin features
ProgressionDanubeBlack Sea

The Aist is a river in Upper Austria, a left tributary of the Danube. It drains an area of 636 km2 (246 sq mi).[2]

The Aist is formed in Hohensteg (south of Pregarten) by the confluence of its source rivers the Feldaist (52 km) and the Waldaist (58 km). The Aist proper is 13.7 km (8.5 mi) long.[1] The Aist, Feldaist and Waldaist flow through the protected Natura 2000 site Waldaist-Naarn [de] (Fauna-Flora-Habitat Area).

History[edit]

The name "Aist" was derived from a Slavic river designation, recorded in ancient documents such as the Wilhelmine deed. Upper Austria, as well as many other parts of Europe, were at that time inhabited by Slavic peoples. The river appeared for the first time in 853 in a deed as "Agasta". In 983 it is called "Agesta". The prefix "ag" means "drive" or "fast".[3] The name of Dietmar von Aist (1140–1171), a Minnesänger, may be related to the Aist.

In the August 2002 flood, the entire Aist area was devastated.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b DORIS Atlas (Upper Austria)
  2. ^ "Flächenverzeichnis der Flussgebiete: Donaugebiet von der Enns bis zur Leitha" (PDF). Beiträge zur Hydrografie Österreichs Heft 62. December 2014. p. 15.
  3. ^ Methoden der Namenforschung: Methodologie, Methodik und Praxis Arne Ziegler, Erika Windberger Heidenkummer - 2011 "Die Aist verzweigt sich bei Hohensteg in die westliche Feldaist und in die östliche Waldaist, 1131 (Kopie nach 1356) Westeragist, Waldaigst. ON. (alle im PB Perg, O.-Ö.): Aisthofen, 983-91 (Kopie 1140-50) de Agesta;"