4 unique gorges in Austria

Most visitors to Austria come to see the mountains, but there is more special nature. Did you know that visiting different gorges is also highly recommended if you spend your summer holiday in Austria?

In our Salzburgerland you will find the most impressive gorges of Austria. All these special gorges are located at 30 minutes from our apartment house.

Visiting a gorge is actually a nice experience in all weather conditions. When it is warm, you will be refreshed by the spray of the splashing water. When it rains, you are sheltered.

In this blog I will take you to the Kitzlochklamm, the Sigmund Thun Klamm, the Seisenbergklamm and the Vorderkaserklamm. Experience the adventure and judge for yourself which one you will visit first ….

Kitzlochklamm in Taxenbach

Thousands of years ago, this gorge was created by the end of the ice time and the melting  glaciers. The name “Kitz” comes from the goats, that used to cool down in the gorge when it was very warm. The river Rauriser Ache formed a way down through the rock. This is how this giant rock was created and opened up to the public. Along the way you can admire other bridges and tunnels from the 16^th century. The route through the Kitzlochklamm takes about 1.5 – 2 hours. The gorge is 1500m long and you climb about 100m over the wooden stairs. Experience the unforgettable ‘wow’-feeling when you admire idyllic streams, stalactite caves and extremely steep rock walls. Kitzlochklamm

Sigmund Thun Klamm in Kaprun

The Sigmund Thun Klamm owes his name to Count Sigmund Thun, who was governor of the federal state Salzburg in 1893. Approx. 14.000 years ago the Kaprun valley was covered by a huge glacier. The Kapruner Ache has ground itself to a depth of 32m on its 320m long route through the Sigmund-Thun-Klamm. Almost anyone without fear of heights can walk over the wooden stairs. The tour lasts about half an hour and can be extended by walking around the coral blue Klammsee. Along the way you will come across a nice playground by the water. Sigmund Thun Klamm in Kaprun

Every Monday evening in summer an impressive torchlight procession inclusive of campfire is organized in the Sigmund Thun Klamm. On Friday evenings in the summer months the Klamm is enchantingly illuminated. This creates a fairytale scene.

De Seisenbergklamm in SalzburgerLand

Located in ‘Nature Park Weißbach‘ near Lofer. The gorge is easily accessible via a walking path. It’s a perfect family outing. The gorge is 600m long. The so-called ‘Wurzelgeist’ lives in this gorge. He takes the kids through the Seisenbergklamm and shares information about the nature. The route along bizarre rock walls, cliffs and waterfalls lasts about an hour. At the end of the gorge you can choose several walking routes back.

De Vorderkaserklamm in Saalachtal

The Vorderkaserklamm is a true discovery tour over 35 stairs with a total of 373 steps, 400m long and 80m deep. The narrowest part is 80cm wide and on top the Klamm opens up to 6m. From time to time you really have to maneuver along the rocks. In 1977 the Vorderkaserklamm was acknowledged as nature moment. To reach the entrance of the Klamm, it is really nice to walk the 2,5 km route along the stream. There are several natural swimming- and sunbathing areas. Take your sun lotion and swimwear with you on a beautiful summer day. The grand finale: Try the beautifully served and most delicious Kaiserschmarrn of Austria at restaurant the Vorderkaser. restaurant Vorderkaser

Four fantastic, different family outings in the Salzburgerland, each with its own story and unique details. Visit them all and judge for yourself which one you like best. I love them all and can’t choose which one is my favorite.

All these outings are affordable. The entrance per Klamm is approx. 6 Euro for adults and 4 Euro for kids. Dogs are allowed (free of charge). Attention: The gorges are not suitable for prams. We recommend a back carrier for the little ones.

In short, 4 fantastic family outings in the Salzburgerland!

About the author

Susan Hes

Susan and her partner are the driving force behind the accommodations at Haus Piesendorf. She has now lived in Austria for more than 12 years and therefore knows the Zell am See region on her thumb.