Leutasch Gorge

Exploring the Marvels of Leutasch Gorge: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Nestled between the majestic Wettersteingebirge and the Mieminger Kette in Tyrol, Austria, lies a hidden gem of natural beauty – the Leutasch Gorge. Carved over centuries by the Leutascher Ache river, this breathtaking gorge offers a captivating blend of rugged landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring rock formations. In this blog post, we invite you to embark on a virtual journey through the Leutasch Gorge, discovering its wonders and uncovering what makes it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

1. A Geological Masterpiece: The Leutasch Gorge stands as a testament to the power of nature. Over millennia, the relentless force of the Leutascher Ache has sculpted the rocks, creating a dramatic 75-meter deep ravine. The sheer walls of the gorge showcase fascinating geological formations, displaying layers of ancient rock and revealing the intricate history of the Earth’s ever-changing landscape.
2. A Hiker’s Paradise: For avid hikers, the Leutasch Gorge presents an array of picturesque trails to explore. The well-maintained paths wind through the gorge, offering a harmonious blend of tranquility and adventure. As you hike along the rugged terrain, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Leutascher Ache, surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs. It’s an immersive experience that allows you to connect with nature in its purest form.
3. A Symphony of Waterfalls: One of the standout features of the Leutasch Gorge is its magnificent waterfalls. The Leutascher Ache cascades over rocks, creating a symphony of rushing water and a mesmerizing display of nature’s power. The sound of the water echoing through the gorge creates a soothing soundtrack as you make your way along the trails. Be prepared to be enchanted by the beauty and serenity of these natural wonders.
4. Rich Biodiversity: The Leutasch Gorge is not only a feast for the eyes but also a haven for biodiversity. The pristine ecosystem supports a variety of plant and animal species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Keep your eyes peeled for rare bird species soaring overhead, while the lush vegetation provides a habitat for a diverse range of flora. Take a moment to appreciate the delicate balance of nature and the importance of its preservation.
5. A Testament to Human Ingenuity: While the Leutasch Gorge is a natural wonder, its accessibility is thanks to human intervention. In 2006, a significant tourism project funded by the European Union transformed the once-inaccessible gorge into a remarkable tourist destination. Ingenious steel walkways, stairs, and bridges were constructed, ensuring safe passage and allowing visitors to experience the raw beauty of the gorge up close. The harmonious blend of nature and human craftsmanship is a testament to our desire to coexist with and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.

The Leutasch Gorge is a captivating destination that showcases the raw power and exquisite beauty of nature. From its towering cliffs and gushing waterfalls to its lush flora and diverse wildlife, every step along its trails reveals a new aspect of its splendor. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or simply seeking a serene escape, the Leutasch Gorge offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the wonders of our planet. So, lace up your hiking boots, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Leutasch Gorge. It’s a journey you won’t soon forget.

How to hike through the Leutasch Gorge

The Leutasch Gorge offers four distinct hiking options, each providing a unique experience. Let’s explore them in detail:

1. Leutaschklamm Waterfall Hike: The Waterfall Trail The historical Waterfall Trail was established in 1880 to make the lower part of the Leutasch Gorge accessible. Initially consisting of simple wooden planks anchored to the rocks, the trail has evolved over time. Today, visitors can venture approximately 200 meters into the narrow gorge. Please note that entry is only allowed during official opening hours, and there is an admission fee. The hike begins and ends at the entrance located in the valley near the outskirts of Mittenwald, between Köberl and Riedboden. It takes around 20 minutes to walk from Mittenwald to the starting point of the Waterfall Trail.
   • Duration: Approximately 15 minutes
   • One-way distance: 200 meters
2. Leutaschklamm Kobold Path: Following the Gnome’s Footsteps The Kobold Path starts between Köberl and Riedboden in Mittenwald, just like the Waterfall Trail. Instead of following the signpost to the paid Klammsteig, you should follow the Kobold Path signs. This trail takes you on a wide forest path that ascends to the Panorama Bridge, passing through the glacially carved landscape. Although the path is relatively wide, it is not suitable for cycling. However, cycling is permitted on the access road leading to the Kobold Path. The highlight of this hike is crossing the Leutascher Ache (river) on the Panorama Bridge. From there, you return to the starting point in Mittenwald via a steeper path.
   • Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
   • Distance: 2 kilometers
3. Leutaschklamm Circular Trail from Mittenwald: The Klammsteig The Klammsteig is the heart of the Leutasch Gorge hike, and it is a section that should not be missed. To access it, you first take the Kobold Path from Mittenwald through the forest (as mentioned above). Once you reach the top, the thrilling Klammsteig begins. This secured path runs for approximately 800 meters along the Leutascher Ache, always close to the rock faces. The path features stairs that ascend and descend, showcasing the engineering marvel of the steel structure. The highlight of this trail is the two bridges along the Klammsteig. To return to Mittenwald, you retrace your steps on the Kobold Path.
   • Duration: Approximately 120 minutes
   • Distance: 4 kilometers
4. Leutaschklamm Circular Trail from Leutasch: The Klammsteig For those who prefer to skip the initial ascent from Mittenwald, you can start directly in Leutasch. From the parking lot, follow the signposted trail through the forest. After about 600 meters, you will reach the entrance to the gorge, marked by a grand entrance gate. Beyond the gate lies the magical world of the Klammsteig. This section of the hike covers approximately 800 meters of the gorge’s wild and romantic part. You cross the Leutasch Gorge over the Höllbrücke (Hell’s Bridge) and then proceed to the Panorama Bridge. From there, a forest trail leads you back to the starting point in Leutasch.
   • Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
   • Distance: 3 kilometers

Whichever Leutaschklamm hike you choose, each offers its own charms and highlights. Whether you opt for the historical Waterfall Trail, the enchanting Kobold Path, or the captivating Klammsteig, you are guaranteed a memorable experience in the Leutasch Gorge. Here, nature reveals its breathtaking beauty, and the power of water has carved a stunning landscape over centuries.

Leutasch Gorge opening hours

The opening hours for the Leutasch Gorge (Leutaschklamm) are from May to the end of October. Please note that during winter, the gorge is completely closed for safety reasons. With the onset of snow or frost, rocks and even entire boulders can become dislodged from the gorge and fall uncontrollably downhill. To ensure the safety of visitors, the gorge is closed during the winter season. Therefore, it is important to adhere to the official opening hours of the Leutasch Gorge. During the summer months, you can embark on your gorge hike at any time, as it is open 24/7. If you are planning to hike the Wasserfallsteig (waterfall trail), please note that it has specific opening hours. The Alte Klamm (old gorge) has shorter opening hours compared to the new trail. The Wasserfallsteig, leading to the lower part of the Leutasch Gorge, is open from May to mid-October. Additionally, there are specific daily opening hours from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Outside of these hours, the large iron gate is closed, preventing access to the waterfall.

How to get there?

If you are coming from the Munich area, you can drive via the Walchensee into the Upper Isar Valley and reach Mittenwald. If you are coming from the Bad Tölz area, you can take the road via the Sylvensteinsee to Mittenwald. From Garmisch Partenkirchen, you can follow the B2 road to Mittenwald. Regardless of the direction you are coming from in Bavaria, the hike into the gorge begins on the outskirts of Mittenwald. For those coming from Tyrol, guests and vacationers from Seefeld and Leutasch can follow the road through the Leutasch Valley until reaching the village of Schanz, where the gorge begins.

Note:
There are two starting points for visiting the gorge, depending on whether you begin your hike in Leutasch or Mittenwald, which have different parking options. Here are the details for each variant:

Parking for the Leutasch Gorge in Mittenwald: In Mittenwald, there is no official parking lot specifically designated for the gorge. The nearest parking area for the hike is located on Innsbrucker Straße, where you can find some public parking spaces along the street. Link to the Google Map. These parking spaces are subject to fees and may not be plentiful. On beautiful days, these parking spaces can fill up quickly, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. If these parking spaces are occupied, you can use the Ried parking lot, which is also subject to fees. Both parking areas require a considerable walk to reach the entrance of the gorge.

Parking for the Leutasch Gorge in Leutasch: In Leutasch, there is a large official parking lot for the Leutasch Gorge located in the village of Schanz, right next to the road through Leutasch. This parking lot was specifically built for visitors of the Leutasch Gorge and is also subject to fees. The parking lot is only accessible during the gorge’s opening hours, and it is completely closed during the winter season. It tends to be busy here, especially on weekends and during holiday periods. If possible, it is advisable to plan your visit outside of weekends. There is usually less crowd on weekdays, especially in the late afternoon. Here is the link to the official Leutasch Gorge parking lot at Google Maps.

Leutasch Gorge Address: If you need the address for the gorge to enter it into your navigation system, simply use „Schanz 273a, 6105 Leutasch“. With this address, you will arrive directly at the parking lot in Leutasch, where the hike into the gorge begins from the top.

Frequently asked questions

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