Talkessel

basin valley, bowl-shaped valley

noun TAHL-kes-sel Rare

Also means

valley hollow

Usage Note

Talkessel describes a circular or bowl-shaped depression surrounded by mountains on most sides, like Innsbruck lying in one. It is a common geographical and meteorological term, since cold air pools in a Talkessel.

Examples

"Die Stadt liegt in einem weiten Talkessel, umgeben von schneebedeckten Gipfeln."

Natural Translation

The city lies in a wide basin valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Literal Translation

The city lies in a wide valley-basin, surrounded by snow-covered peaks.

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