Top 20 Gorges around Bad Hofgastein

The Gadaunerer Gorge is an excellent choice. It's situated along the Gasteiner Höhenweg and can be reached from the center of Bad Hofgastein with about a 45-minute walk. The path through the gorge is notably accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, making it very family-friendly. It also features the Katharinastollen in the Gadauner Gorge, a 68-meter-long tunnel that ensures safe passage.

In the Gadaunerer Gorge, you can observe unique geological features, including pyrite-bearing rock that weathers into different shades of color, and stones that appear to 'bloom.' The gorge also offers views of roaring waterfalls and shimmering rocks. The Liechtensteinklamm Gorge, while further afield, is known for its dramatic rock faces, thundering waterfalls, and the possibility of seeing rainbows in the water spray.

Yes, within the Gadaunerer Gorge, you'll find the Katharinastollen. This nearly 50-meter-long tunnel was carved into the rock to ensure safe passage after the original bridge was repeatedly destroyed by storms, making it a significant historical and engineering feature within the natural landscape.

The Gadaunerer Gorge is part of the scenic Gasteiner Höhenweg, which connects Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein. This trail is well-developed and suitable for families. For more extensive hiking options in the wider region, you can explore various Mountain Hikes around Bad Hofgastein, which include routes like the Bruder Klaus Mountain Chapel loop.

The 'Helix' staircase is an impressive spiral staircase made of Corten steel, located within the Liechtensteinklamm Gorge. It descends 30 meters into the gorge, offering visitors a unique architectural element and breathtaking views of the natural spectacle. It was installed as part of renovations following a rockfall.

Absolutely. While the canyons themselves are primarily walking experiences, the Bad Hofgastein area offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find Gravel biking routes around Bad Hofgastein, such as the 'View of Bad Hofgastein – Gadaunerer Hochalmen loop,' which can be a great way to explore the surrounding landscapes before or after visiting a gorge.

The Gadaunerer Gorge was voted Austria's most beautiful place in 2024 by the ORF TV programme '9 Plätze 9 Schätze.' Its combination of roaring waterfalls, shimmering rocks, unique geological features, and panoramic views, along with its accessibility, makes it a captivating experience for nature lovers and hikers.

The Liechtensteinklamm Gorge is located near St. Johann im Pongau, approximately 28-30 km from Bad Hofgastein, which is about a 28-minute drive. It is considered one of the most spectacular and deepest gorges in the Alps, with rock faces up to 300 meters deep and an impressive 'Helix' staircase. Many visitors find its sheer scale and adventurous pathways make it a must-see attraction in the wider Salzburg region.

Yes, the region around Bad Hofgastein offers several Running Trails. For example, you can find routes like the 'Gamskarkogel trail circuit' or the 'Alpine Spa Park, Bad Hofgastein – Gastein River loop,' which provide opportunities for jogging and trail running in the beautiful natural surroundings.

The canyons around Bad Hofgastein are highly appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1100 upvotes and over 1400 photos shared across the highlights. Visitors often describe the Liechtensteinklamm Gorge as a 'terrific experience' and 'must see,' while the Gadaunerer Gorge is praised for its 'wildly romantic' atmosphere and being a 'beautiful promenade, easy to walk'.

The 'Gasteiner Klamm' primarily refers to the historical Klammpass, which forms the natural entrance to the Gastein Valley from the Salzach Valley, between Dorfgastein and Lend. Historically, the old Gasteiner Straße passed through this gorge. While geographically significant, it is not developed as a tourist canyon experience with dedicated visitor paths in the same way as the Gadaunerer Gorge or Liechtensteinklamm.