Top 20 Gorges around Oberstdorf
Best canyons around Oberstdorf are found in a region of the Bavarian Alps, characterized by its natural gorges. This area offers diverse landscapes shaped by rivers carving through rock formations. Visitors can explore deep canyons, waterfalls, and unique geological features. The natural environment provides opportunities for various outdoor activities.
Best canyons around Oberstdorf
- The most popular canyons is Breitach Gorge, a gorge that features almost 100-meter-high, partly overhanging rock walls. It is recognized as the deepest rocky gorge in Central Europe, accessible via secured paths over a length of 1.5 kilometers.
- Another must-see spot is Starzlach Gorge, a gorge known for its spectacular waterfalls and water mills. The gorge contains unique geological formations and is part of the Allgäu Geopark.
- Visitors also love Hinanger Waterfall, a waterfall and gorge. It features impressive water flows and is accessible via new wooden stairs and railings.
- Oberstdorf is known for its gorges, waterfalls, and natural monuments. The region offers a variety of canyons to see and explore, from deep rock formations to areas with diverse geological features.
- The canyons around Oberstdorf are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 4800 upvotes and over 8300 photos shared across 39 highlights.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Breitach Gorge
Highlight • Gorge
The Breitachklamm is the deepest rocky gorge in Europe, which can be hiked over a length of 1.5 kilometers via easily accessible and secured paths. On hot summer days it is refreshingly cool here, in winter the gorge is one of the only ones open. You can find further information at: breitachklamm.com.
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Starzlach Gorge
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
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Lattice footbridges in the Breitachklamm gorge
Highlight • Bridge
The Breitachklamm Gorge is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter season. It is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer season. It is closed for a few weeks in spring and fall. Admission is €4.50 for adults and €1.50 for children.
You can find more information at breitachklamm.com.
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Hinanger Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip: Especially in the late afternoon, when the sun slowly bids farewell, the path through the waterfalls is the most impressive.
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Oytal Valley
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Tips from the Community
A great and spectacular gorge, was during the week, outside of the holidays and with partly cloudy weather, had the gorge to myself!
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Free parking lot for hikers in the immediate vicinity. Especially beautiful in winter, there is hardly anything going on and the ice formations make for a wonderful photo motif
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No Breitachklamm, but very beautiful and wonderful for hiking
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The Breitach is an approximately 21 km long mountain river and the southwestern and left headwaters of the Iller in the Allgäu Alps, in the federal states of Vorarlberg and Bavaria.
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Pure nature, beautiful circular route for "in between", easy to do with children
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Very nice gorge 👍, always worth it!
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I think the waterfalls are just great and once you get to the top you can go hiking
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After heavy rainfall, the waterfall that falls from the Seealpsee is particularly impressive!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most prominent canyons to visit near Oberstdorf?
The region around Oberstdorf is known for its impressive gorges. The two most prominent are the Breitach Gorge, recognized as the deepest rock canyon in Central Europe, and the Starzlach Gorge, known for its spectacular waterfalls and unique geological formations. Another notable natural attraction is the Hinanger Waterfall, which also features a gorge section.
Is the Breitachklamm accessible during winter?
Yes, the Breitach Gorge transforms into a magical winter wonderland. It is one of the few accessible gorges in winter, featuring bizarre ice sculptures and massive icicles. Visitors can experience torchlight hikes, but it's advisable to dress warmly due to the freezing temperatures.
What makes the Breitachklamm a unique natural attraction?
The Breitach Gorge is unique for being the deepest rock canyon in Central Europe. It features almost 100-meter-high, partly overhanging rock walls carved by the Breitach river. The gorge offers an unforgettable natural spectacle with raging white water and dramatic geological formations, accessible via well-maintained paths over 1.5 kilometers.
What can I expect when visiting the Starzlachklamm?
The Starzlach Gorge offers a blend of breathtaking natural views and challenging paths. You can expect spectacular waterfalls, unique geological formations including fossils like nummulites, and foaming water swirls. The gorge is popular for both hiking and canyoning, with opportunities for jumps, slides, and abseiling for enthusiasts.
Are there family-friendly canyons or gorges near Oberstdorf?
Yes, both the Breitach Gorge and the Oytal Valley are considered family-friendly. The Breitachklamm has easily accessible and secured paths, while the Oytal Valley offers good paths suitable for bicycles and a wonderful hike for everyone. The Hinanger Waterfall also has new wooden stairs and railings, making it nice to walk with children.
Can I go canyoning in the canyons around Oberstdorf?
Yes, the Starzlach Gorge is particularly popular for canyoning. It offers narrow and steep paths over roots and stones, with opportunities for jumps, slides, and abseiling. It's an excellent destination for those seeking an active outdoor experience.
What is the best time of year to visit the canyons near Oberstdorf?
The canyons offer different experiences throughout the year. In summer, they provide a refreshing escape from the heat, with rushing white water. In winter, the Breitach Gorge transforms into a stunning icy wonderland. Autumn offers beautiful colors, especially around the Hinanger Waterfall. The best time depends on the experience you seek.
How do the Breitachklamm and Starzlachklamm differ?
The Breitach Gorge is renowned as the deepest rock canyon in Central Europe, featuring towering rock walls and impressive depth, accessible via well-maintained paths for general hiking. The Starzlach Gorge, while also scenic with waterfalls and unique geological formations, is more known for its active canyoning opportunities and wilder, more challenging paths.
Are there hiking trails near these canyons?
Yes, the region offers numerous hiking opportunities. For easy walks, you can explore routes like 'Roaring water in the Breitachklamm' or 'Breitachklamm Loop Trail' which are part of the Easy hikes around Oberstdorf guide. For waterfall enthusiasts, the Waterfall hikes around Oberstdorf guide includes trails like 'Hinanger Waterfall – Hinanger Brook Trail loop'.
What geological features can be observed in the canyons around Oberstdorf?
The canyons in the Oberstdorf region showcase remarkable geological formations. The Breitach Gorge features almost 100-meter-high vertical and overhanging rock walls, sculpted by thousands of years of river erosion. The Starzlach Gorge is part of the Allgäu Geopark and contains unique geological formations, including fossils like nummulites (coin-shaped single-celled organisms).
What do visitors enjoy most about the canyons near Oberstdorf?
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking natural spectacle and the refreshing atmosphere, especially on hot summer days. The well-maintained paths and the sheer scale of the rock formations in the Breitach Gorge are often highlighted. For the Starzlach Gorge, the combination of impressive waterfalls and the opportunity for active canyoning experiences are highly valued.
Are there any running trails that pass by or near the canyons?
Yes, there are several running trails in the broader Oberstdorf area that offer scenic views and pass by natural attractions. For example, the Running Trails around Oberstdorf guide includes routes like 'Auwaldsee loop from Oberstdorf' and 'At the source of the Iller – Rubi Village and Chapel loop from Oberstdorf', providing opportunities to combine running with exploring the natural beauty of the region.
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