Roaring water in the Breitachklamm

At the border between Germany and Austria, what long ago formed a single entity is united: rushing water and jagged rock. For more than two kilometers, the roaring Breitach River wedges itself into rugged rocky landscapes, leaving behind a breathtaking natural spectacle. Along its course, it encounters limestone that formed the seabed millions of years ago. The deposits of coral and shells were folded up at this special location during the formation of the Alps and have been constantly reshaped ever since. With this natural gem, the Kleine Walsertal invites its guests into the largest rocky gorge in Central Europe.

Immediately after crossing the Austrian border, the approximately two-hour hike through the gorge begins at Walserschanz. The starting point is accessible by car and public transport. The initial descent through a forest leads to the Breitachklamm Association checkpoint. From here, there are various routes for guests to access the gorge.

Particularly rewarding is the long circular hike across colorful alpine meadows toward Alpe Dornach, which sometimes produce flowers such as the lungwort gentian. This provides impressive views over long stretches before reaching the Breitach Chapel, the gateway to the gorge. The special atmosphere of the Breitachklamm is clearly palpable from here. The cool, humid air of the lower gorge presents particular challenges for the flora and fauna living there. Numerous, sometimes rare, mosses benefit from the prevailing climate and suddenly create a completely different landscape, framed by the breathtaking rock formations.

If you keep your eyes open, with a little luck you might spot unique bird species such as the yellow wagtail flying just above the water. In addition to gazing into the riverbed, the gorge's resting places also invite you to look up. This is where the bizarre forms of the Schrattenkalk limestone come into their own. The starting point of the route is reached on the return path via the Zwingsteg bridge. This turns left shortly before the checkpoint and follows a path towards the B19 road. From there, the path leads back towards Austria to the Walserschanz car park.

Important information: Visiting the Breitachklamm and parking are subject to a fee. Opening hours vary depending on the season. Visitors can find current information at https://www.breitachklamm.com/. Those seeking peace and quiet are advised to arrive as early as possible. For family hikes, the association recommends an afternoon visit starting at 3:00 p.m., as the gorge empties somewhat after this time. Guests of Kleinwalsertal can reach the Walserschanz bus stop free of charge with their guest card.