Top 10 Gorges around Wangen
Best canyons around Wangen include several impressive gorges and water-carved landscapes, often referred to as "Schluchten" in German. The region, while not featuring arid canyons, offers deep, natural formations shaped by water. These areas provide diverse outdoor experiences for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The landscape is characterized by rushing waters, rock formations, and unique vegetation.
Best canyons around Wangen
- The most popular canyons is Schelmenklinge Water Features, a gorge that features water feature models built by the Swabian Albverein. This rugged, narrow forest gorge offers an additional attraction for visitors, especially children, with its trickling and rippling waters.
- Another must-see spot is Himmelsleiter (Heaven’s Ladder) — Staircase at Schelmenklinge, an other man-made trail. This staircase facilitates ascent or descent to the Schelmenklinge gorge and offers impressive views.
- Visitors also love Walkersbach Valley, a gorge with great scenery. It features relatively quiet and well-maintained paths, making it a popular ascent for cyclists.
- Wangen is known for gorges, valleys, and water features. The region offers a variety of natural landscapes to explore, from rugged forest gorges to scenic valleys with well-maintained trails.
- The canyons around Wangen are appreciated by the komoot community. There are more than 1900 photos and over 950 upvotes from visitors who have explored these natural attractions.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Schelmenklinge Water Features
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
The rogue blade offers at the bottom of about 500 m in length a comfortable footpath with moderate climbs along the steep cuts of the stream. In the middle part of the way is quite steep. After falling rocks, the path had to be diverted over a steep staircase for safety reasons, but offers a view of imposing sandstone cliffs. Since April 2010, another waterfall crashes over these rocks, it was repaired after a rockfall consuming. When the path becomes flatter again, the edge of the forest is soon reached. Over a mountain meadow you can reach the road that leads from Lorch to Bruck and on to Alfdorf and Welzheim.
Source: schelmenklinge.de
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Himmelsleiter (Heaven’s Ladder) — Staircase at Schelmenklinge
Highlight • Structure
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Walkersbach Valley
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Tiefklinge (Mittlerer Schurwald)
Highlight • Gorge
the deep blade, like every blade, has a small notched valley caused by water and debris erosion and usually side valleys of larger valleys. They form short, narrow, but steep valleys without a valley floor. The further deepening through erosion and receding erosion is mainly caused by the water from rivulets and streams and their gradient and can still be observed today. Erosion, sedimentation and transport are mutually dependent.
The name "Klinge" for small notched valleys is said to come from the noise of the streams during high water. Another interpretation says that the valleys were struck as if by blades. In the whole of south-west Germany, including the Swabian and Franconian Jura, small notched valleys are known as the Klinge, Tobel and Klammen.
As the name suggests, the deep blade is a deeper blade.
The Deep Blade is also the habitat of the midwife toad.
Source: partly Wikipedia
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Katzenbachtal
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Tips from the Community
The Katzenbachtal is also very nice for an extensive hike.
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A beautiful valley with beautiful paths.
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Location and history: The Tiefklinge is located about 600 m -700 m west of Lichtenwald-Hegenlohe, at the intersection of the Seeteichweg and the Tiefklingenweg. the deep blade, like every blade, has a small notched valley caused by water and debris erosion and usually side valleys of larger valleys. They form short, narrow, but steep valleys without a valley floor. The further deepening through erosion and receding erosion is mainly caused by the water from rivulets and streams and their gradient and can still be observed today. Erosion, sedimentation and transport are mutually dependent. The name "Klinge" for small notched valleys is said to come from the noise of the streams during high water. Another interpretation says that the valleys were struck as if by blades. In the whole of south-west Germany, including the Swabian and Franconian Jura, small notched valleys are known as the Klinge, Tobel and Klammen. As the name suggests, the deep blade is a deeper blade. The Deep Blade is also the habitat of the midwife toad. Source: partly Wikipedia
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Location and history: The Katzenbachtal is located between the towns of Hohengehren and Lichtenwald in the conservation area of middle Schurwald. But it is not as you might think, that the Katzenbach also flows there. No, the upper part of the Reichenbach flows there in the Katzenbachtal. The Katzenbach valley begins where the Riedwiesenbach flows into the Reichenbach and ends where the Eitisbach also flows into the Reichenbach. The Katzenbachtal is an idyllic valley along the upper Reichenbach and has a length of about 1.87 km In the vernacular, this upper part of the Reichenbach is still called Katzenbach today. Unfortunately, it is not known why he is called Katzenbach.
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Short stairs that facilitate the ascent or descent to the rascal blade. The path is very slippery when wet.
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In front of the actual stairs there is a short metal walkway, which can be quite slippery when wet or snowy.
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Be sure to use sturdy shoes and have children splash around
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Impressive, you can already see that in the photos. We got through the blade from below. This is especially better when it is also slippery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most notable gorges near Wangen im Allgäu?
The region around Wangen im Allgäu features several impressive gorges, often referred to as "Schluchten." Two of the most notable are the Eistobel Gorge, known for its powerful waterfalls and rock faces, and the Scheidegg Waterfalls and Gorge, which offers a unique experience of cascading water and challenging trails. Additionally, the Schelmenklinge Water Features is a popular local highlight with unique water models.
Are there family-friendly gorges to visit near Wangen?
Yes, several gorges near Wangen are suitable for families. The Schelmenklinge Water Features is particularly popular with children due to its water feature models. The Katzenbachtal also offers beautiful, family-friendly paths. While the Eistobel Gorge is a great natural experience, it is not suitable for strollers.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see in the gorges around Wangen?
The gorges around Wangen are characterized by deep, water-carved landscapes. You can expect to see rushing waters, powerful waterfalls, impressive rock faces shaped by the last ice age, and unique vegetation. Highlights like the Eistobel Gorge feature rapids and deep whirlpools, while the Tiefklinge (Mittlerer Schurwald) showcases a deep notched valley formed by erosion.
What is the best time to visit the gorges near Wangen?
The best time to visit most gorges near Wangen is typically from spring to autumn. The Eistobel Gorge, for example, is officially closed from November 1st to March 31st due to winter conditions. During warmer months, the water features are active, and paths are generally more accessible, though some trails, like those in Scheidegg Gorge, can be muddy even then.
How long does it take to hike through the Eistobel Gorge?
The Eistobel Gorge offers a roughly 3.5-kilometer round trip. The pure hiking time is about 2.5 hours, but many visitors spend half to a full day enjoying the scenery, picnicking, and exploring the natural beauty.
Are there challenging hiking trails in the gorges near Wangen?
Yes, for those seeking a more rugged experience, the Scheidegg Gorge features trails described as very difficult and demanding. These paths can be muddy and challenging to follow, appealing to adventurous hikers in good physical condition who wear sturdy footwear. The Himmelsleiter (Heaven’s Ladder) — Staircase at Schelmenklinge also presents a steep ascent or descent that can be slippery when wet.
What outdoor activities can I do near the gorges around Wangen?
Beyond exploring the gorges themselves, the region around Wangen offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous options for road cycling, mountain biking, and general cycling tours. The Walkersbach Valley, for instance, is a popular ascent for cyclists.
Can I swim in the whirlpools or rivers within the gorges?
No, swimming in the whirlpools and rivers within the gorges, such as those in the Eistobel Gorge, is generally prohibited due to dangerous undercurrents and for nature conservation reasons. Visitors should adhere to all posted safety warnings.
What should I wear when visiting the gorges?
When visiting the gorges, it is recommended to wear sturdy, waterproof footwear, especially since paths can be muddy and slippery, particularly in areas like the Scheidegg Gorge or the Himmelsleiter. Layered clothing is also advisable to adapt to changing weather conditions within the often-shaded gorge environments.
What do visitors enjoy most about the gorges around Wangen?
Visitors frequently appreciate the immersive natural experience, the wild beauty of the rushing waters, and the impressive rock formations. The Schelmenklinge Water Features are particularly loved by families for their unique attractions, while the Walkersbach Valley is praised for its great scenery and quiet paths.
Is there public transport available to reach the gorges?
While specific public transport details for each gorge may vary, many of these natural attractions are best accessed by car. For example, the Eistobel Gorge is approximately a half-hour drive from Wangen im Allgäu. It is advisable to check local transport options or plan for car travel to reach the trailheads.
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