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Rappenlochschlucht (Rappenloch Gorge) nature hike
01:49
4.69km
200m
Hiking
The Rappenloch Gorge was already in use by humans over 200 years ago. Timber could be brought from the higher forests via the gorge's rushing waters. But the water wasn't only used for timber transport. Hydropower in the Gütle was used early on for the rapidly growing textile industry in Dornbirn in the 19th century.
But it's not the technological achievements that make a visit to the Rappenloch Gorge special, but rather the fascinating natural beauty that can be found here. From the geological features to the inconspicuous plants that grow out of the rocks and have adapted to this wet habitat. And with a little luck, you might even spot an alpine salamander or two on your way through the gorge.
Last updated: June 26, 2025
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
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86 m
Giant Sequoia in Gütle
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Tip by
539 m
Alploch Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
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1.49 km
Staufensee
Highlight • Lake
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2.12 km
Alploch Gorge
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
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3.41 km
Rappenloch Gorge
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
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4.69 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
2.12 km
1.84 km
730 m
Surfaces
2.95 km
754 m
730 m
217 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Sunday 10 May
9°C
7°C
76 %
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Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
The last time I was here, there were no smartphones. I'm already that old 😂🙈
After a night in Gütle, right on the Dornbirner Ache, we set off in the morning in light rain to the Rappenlochschlucht. A well-signposted path with many interesting information boards leads up the edge of the gorge and ends in a spectacular path that has been attached to a rock face. It offers breathtaking views of the gorge and the rockfall. At the end of the gorge you reach the Staufensee (600 m). At the southern end of the lake is the Ebensand power station, which was put into operation in 1899. The run-of-river power station generates 7 million kWh per year, draws its water from the Dornbirner Ache and is fully automated. Behind the well-known Rappenlochschlucht and the Staufensee lies the spectacular Alplochschlucht. A beautifully laid out wooden path offers wonderful gorge experiences. Highly recommended 👌
Today there was a fantastic hike near Dornbirn. By car to the Gasthof Gütle, P for a fee, there are plenty. First through the well-known Rappenlochschlucht on great footpaths on the rock up to the reservoir. Then definitely continue through the spectacular Alploch Gorge.. Caution: you will get wet😉... Beautiful to hike through one of the largest and most beautiful gorges. We went back the same way. There were also alternatives, but the weather was too uncertain. Note: at Gütle there is also a nativity scene museum and the largest Rolls-Royce museum with many historic vehicles.
Attention: Alplochschlucht is currently still closed
So, a little walk before heading home. The two gorges are small but very nice 😍 The circular route from Staufersee is not possible, there is heavy construction going on there 👷♀️🚧 The moderate rain was just right for the gorges AND I was able to enjoy them alone 👏👏 Now fill up cheaply and off we go 🛣️. Tomorrow we'll continue somewhere else, I'm looking forward to it 🐏🐑🐏🐑
Lovely morning walk with my daughter in Rappenloch
Unfortunately the Alploch is still closed and the Staufensee has hardly any water, Rappenloch also has little water
I've always wanted to go through the Rappenloch Gorge. Today the goal was on the way, which is why it worked. A grandiose natural setting where the weather doesn't matter: there's plenty of water, you're bound to get wet. 🤗