Geography Of Alpbach
A side valley of the Lower Inn Valley, Alpbach is situated in the state of Tyrol’s Kufstein area. It lies some 30 kilometers south of Kufstein, the closest town, and around 50 km east of Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol. Alpbach has a population of roughly 2,500 and an area of 58.37 km2.
Location
Surrounded by the magnificent peaks of the Kitzbühel Alps, Alpbach is situated on a sunny plateau 975 m above sea level. East to west orientation characterizes the about 8 km long hamlet. At 2,424 metres, the Großer Galtenberg is the municipality’s highest point; the Alpbach River, which meanders down the valley at 670 metres, is its lowest.
The following municipalities border Alpbach: Radfeld, Brandenberg, Wildschönau, Kramsach, Brixlegg, Reith im Alpbachtal, and Breitenbach am Inn. Included in the Alpbachtal Seenland tourist region are the nearby valleys of Brandenberg, Rofan, and Zillertal.
About 60 kilometers distant, Innsbruck Airport is the closest airport and offers both local and international flights. Alpbach may then be reached by rail, bus, or taxi. Flying into Munich Airport, around 150 km farther and with better connections, is an other option. Alpbach may be reached later by rental vehicles or shuttle buses.
Alpbach and the nearby cities of Innsbruck, Kufstein, Wörgl are all served by regular bus routes. Simple access is offered via the central bus station, which is well situated in the village center next to the tourist office. Alpbachtal Card, a guest card providing a number of advantages and savings for tourists, easily covers bus fares.
Alpbach is reachable by vehicle from Innsbruck via the A12 highway. Once out at Kramsach, tourists follow the directions to Alpbach. The 1926-established scenic road offers breath-taking vistas of the mountains and farmland. The hamlet has plenty of parking places, some of which are free and some of which cost.
About 10 kilometers distant, Brixlegg is the closest train station on the major line that connects Innsbruck and Kufstein. Brixlegg visitors may easily transfer to Alpbach via bus or cab. Alpbachtal Card holders get free train tickets, which makes travel even more convenient.
Terrain and Topography
There are mild hills and meadows as well as high cliffs and rocky slopes in Alpbach. Situated on a plateau with an average gradient of around 6%, the settlement slowly descends from east to west. The Alpbach River divides the plateau; it flows through the valley from south to north and at certain points creates a small canyon. Numerous tributaries, including the Luegergraben, the Greitergraben, and the Inneralpbach, rise in the neighboring mountains and supply the river.
A mountain range that runs from the Zillertal in the west to the Saalach Valley in the east, the Kitzbühel Alps include the mountains that encircle the Alpbach Valley. The Alpine orogeny raised the sedimentary rocks, primarily limestone and dolomite, that make up the Kitzbühel Alps during the Mesozoic era. Often encircled by glaciers and snowfields, the mountains have a distinctive morphology with rounded tops and steep slopes.
Großer Galtenberg is the highest peak in the Kitzbühel Alps and the highest mountain in the Alpbach Valley. Situated close to the Wildschönau Valley boundary at the southernmost point of the valley, it is 2,424 m above sea level. Skiers and mountaineers frequent the Großer Galtenberg because of its expansive views of the neighboring peaks and valleys. An uncommon butterfly species found solely in high-altitude settings, the Apollo butterfly, also calls the mountain home.
Situated close to the settlement of Inneralpbach at the eastern end of the Alpbach Valley, the Wiedersberger Horn is another prominent peak at 2,127 m. Because a cable car links the hamlet to the slopes and top, the Wiedersberger Horn is the primary ski area of Alpbach. Many of the pathways that lead to picturesque vistas and alpine chalets on the Wiedersberger Horn make it a well-liked hiking destination as well.
Rivers’ deposition and mountain erosion have created several valleys and basins in the Alpbach Valley. Alpbach Valley itself, which is around 16 km long and 2 km wide, is the most well-known valley. Farms and villages dot the valley sides, which are largely covered with grassland and woodland. Being inhabited since the Bronze Age and maintaining its ancient architecture and traditions, the valley has a rich cultural and historical legacy.
The Greiter Valley, which divides off from the main valley close to the settlement of Alpbach and runs around 4 km to the south, is another significant valley in the Alpbach Valley. High mountains like the Schatzberg, Joelspitze and Sonnwendjoch encircle the small and remote Greiter Valley. Except from a few alpine pastures and cottages, the valley is largely deserted and a natural reserve home to a diverse range of plants and animals. Because the valley has several paths that go to the mountains and the other valleys, hikers and cyclists regularly use it.
In the lowest sections of the Alpbach Valley, water and silt have accumulated to create many basins. Approximately 8.8 hectares in size, Reither Lake is the most famous basin and is situated close to the hamlet of Reith im Alpbachtal. A natural lake, Reither Lake was formed in the fifteenth century by a landslip and is supplied by the Alpbach River tributary Reither Bach. With its beach, playground, restaurant and boat rental, the lake is a well-liked leisure destination. Swans, ducks, trout, carp, and other fish species also find home in the lake.
Mountain Ranges
Several mountain ranges that are a part of the Kitzbühel Alps, a subgroup of the Central Eastern Alps, encircle the Alpbach Valley. Four principal subgroups comprise the Kitzbühel Alps: the Rofan Mountains, the Brandenberg Alps, the Kitzbühel Horn Group, and the Wilder Kaiser Group. The Brandenberg Alps and the Rofan Mountains mostly define the northern and southern limits of the Alpbach Valley, respectively. Situated more east and west, respectively, the Kitzbühel Horn Group and the Wilder Kaiser Group are visible from some sections of the valley.
The 40 km long and 15 km wide Rofan Mountains go from the Inn Valley in the west to the Zillertal in the east. Comprising limestone and dolomite rocks, the Rofan Mountains are characterized by their sharp ridges and sheer cliffs. The 2,298-meter Hochiss, the highest mountain in the Rofan Mountains, is situated next to the Achensee, the biggest lake in Tyrol. Hikers, climbers, and skiers frequent the Rofan Mountains because they provide a range of paths, climbs, and slopes together with breathtaking views of the nearby lakes and valleys.
The 35 km long and 10 km broad Brandenberg Alps are a mountain range that go from the Inn Valley in the west to the Ziller Valley in the east. With its more rounded peaks and kinder slopes than the Rofan Mountains, the Brandenberg Alps are made up of gneiss and schist rocks. Near the Gerlos Pass, the Kröndlhorn, at 2,444 m, is the highest mountain in the Brandenberg Alps. Being more isolated and difficult to get than the Rofan Mountains, the Brandenberg Alps are less visited by tourists but provide a more peaceful and natural experience together with a diverse flora and wildlife.
The about 80 km long and 25 km broad Kitzbühel Horn Group of mountains runs from the Zillertal in the west to the Saalach Valley in the east. Comprising limestone and dolomite rocks, the Kitzbühel Horn Group resembles the Rofan Mountains in form, with jagged ridges and sheer cliffs. Höhere Rettenstein, 2,362 m, is the highest summit in the Kitzbühel Horn Group and is situated close to Kirchberg, Tirol. Being the site of the renowned Hahnenkamm ski race, one of the most prestigious and difficult competitions in the Alpine Ski World Cup, the Kitzbühel Horn Group is a well-known winter sports destination.
The about 25 km long and 15 km broad Wilder Kaiser Group of mountains runs from the Inn Valley in the west to the Kitzbühel Valley in the east. Comprising limestone and dolomite rocks, the Wilder Kaiser Group is characterized by its rough peaks and crown-shaped towers. At 2,344 meters above sea level, Ellmauer Halt is the highest summit in the Wilder Kaiser Group and lies close to Ellmau town. Famous for its some of the most difficult and beautiful rock climbing routes in the Alps, the Wilder Kaiser Group includes the Fleischbank, the Totenkirchl, and the Predigtstuhl.
Key Mountain Peaks
Key mountain summits in the Alpbach Valley draw tourists for their visual beauty, historical value, or recreational possibilities. Alpbach Valley mountain summits include the following:
- Großer Galtenberg: Rising to 2,424 metres, the Großer Galtenberg is the highest point in the Alpbach Valley and the Kitzbühel Alps. At 1,254 m in prominence, it is also the most noticeable peak in the area and the highest point within a 25 km radius. A difficult but worthwhile destination for mountaineers and skiers, Großer Galtenberg provides expansive vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys in addition to a rare butterfly species known as the Apollo butterfly, which is only found in high-altitude environments.
- Wiedersberger Horn: Rising to a height of 2,127 metres, the Wiedersberger Horn is Alpbach’s principal ski region. Visitors may easily approach the settlement from the slopes and summit thanks to the cable car. Because the Wiedersberger Horn contains various routes that lead to picturesque vistas and mountain lodges, including the Hornboden, the Gmahkopf, and the Kohlgrubenalm, it is also a well-liked hiking destination. The Wiedersberger Horn is renowned for its hang gliding and paragliding possibilities as well. Visitors may fly above the valley and take in the amazing views from a launch spot close to the peak.
- Schatzberg: Situated close to the Wildschönau Valley boundary at the southernmost point of the Greiter Valley, the Schatzberg is a 1,898 m high mountain summit. Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau includes the Schatzberg and uses a gondola lift to link the ski regions of Alpbach and Wildschönau. A fun park and a toboggan run are among the easy and intermediate slopes that make the Schatzberg a family-friendly ski resort. Because of its circular track that leads to the Schatzbergalm, a cozy mountain hut with a breathtaking view of the Großer Galtenberg and traditional Tyrolean cuisine, the Schatzberg is also a hiking attraction.
- Gratlspitz: Situated close to Inneralpbach hamlet at the eastern end of the Alpbach Valley, the Gratlspitz is a 1,899 m high mountain summit. Being the scene of a bloody conflict between the Bavarian forces and the Tyrolean rebels during the Tyrolean War of Independence in 1809, the Gratlspitz is a historical and cultural monument. Using their understanding of the terrain and their guerilla tactics, the outnumbered Bavarian forces were routed by the Tyrolean rebels, headed by the great Andreas Hofer. A crucifix and a plaque honouring the battle’s fallen warriors make the Gratlspitz a memorial place. A route to the peak of the Gratlspitz offers hikers a sweeping panorama of the Zillertal Alps and the Alpbach Valley.
Notable Summits
The Alpbach Valley has a number of key mountain peaks that are of interest for the visitors, either for their scenic beauty, their historical significance, or their recreational opportunities. Some of the most notable mountain peaks in the Alpbach Valley are:
- Großer Galtenberg: Rising to 2,424 meters, the Großer Galtenberg is the highest point in the Alpbach Valley and the Kitzbühel Alps. At 1,254 meters in prominence, it is also the most noticeable peak in the area and the highest point within a 25-kilometer radius. With its expansive views of the neighboring peaks and valleys and its rare Apollo butterfly species, which is only found in high-altitude environments, the Großer Galtenberg is a demanding but worthwhile destination for mountaineers and skiers.
- Wiedersberger Horn: Rising to a height of 2,127 metres, the Wiedersberger Horn is the primary ski area in Alpbach. It is conveniently reachable for tourists thanks to the cable car that links the settlement with the slopes and the peak. With so many routes leading to picturesque vistas and mountain huts, including the Hornboden, the Gmahkopf, and the Kohlgrubenalm, the Wiedersberger Horn is also a well-liked hiking destination. With a launch station close to the peak, the Wiedersberger Horn is especially well-known for its paragliding and hang gliding possibilities, which let guests fly above the valley and take in the amazing vistas.
- Schatzberg: Situated close to the Wildschönau Valley boundary at the southern end of the Greiter Valley, the Schatzberg is a 1,898 m high mountain summit. Part of the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski resort, the Schatzberg is connected by gondola lift to the ski regions of Alpbach and Wildschönau. Family-friendly, the Schatzberg ski area features a toboggan run, a fun park, and beginner to moderate slopes. Because the Schatzberg has a circular route that leads to the Schatzbergalm, a cozy mountain lodge with a breathtaking view of the Großer Galtenberg, it is also a popular hiker’s destination.
- Gratlspitz: The 1,899 m high Gratlspitz is a mountain peak close to the settlement of Inneralpbach at the eastern end of the Alpbach Valley. A historical and cultural monument, the Gratlspitz saw bloody combat in 1809 between Bavarian forces and Tyrolean rebels during the Tyrolean War of Independence. The Bavarian forces, who outnumbered the Tyrolean rebels, were routed by the former’s guerilla tactics and topographical expertise. A plaque and a cross honoring the battle’s fallen warriors make the Gratlspitz a memorial place. A path to the peak of the Gratlspitz offers hikers a sweeping panorama of the Zillertal Alps and the Alpbach Valley.
Valleys and Basins
Visitors are drawn to the several valleys and basins in the Alpbach Valley because of its scenic beauty, historical value, or recreational possibilities. Alpbach Valley Significant valleys and basins include:
- Alpbach Valley: The settlement of Alpbach and its hamlets are situated in this main valley of the area. The about 16 km long and 2 km wide Alpbach Valley is oriented east to west. A few farms and hamlets dot the valley sides, which are largely covered in grassland and woodland. Being inhabited since the Bronze Age and maintaining its ancient architecture and traditions, the valley has a rich cultural and historical legacy. In addition, the valley is a well-liked location for summer and winter sports like bicycling, hiking, and skiing.
- Greiter Valley: About 4 km to the south, the Greiter Valley is a side valley of the Alpbach Valley that separates from the main valley close to the settlement of Alpbach. High mountains like the Schatzberg, Joelspitze and Sonnwendjoch encircle the small and remote Greiter Valley. Except from a few alpine pastures and cottages, the valley is largely deserted and a natural reserve home to a diverse range of plants and animals. Because the valley has several paths that go to the mountains and the other valleys, hikers and cyclists regularly use it.
- Reither Lake: Situated close to the settlement of Reith im Alpbachtal, this basin spans an approximate 8.8 hectares. A natural lake, Reither Lake was formed in the fifteenth century by a landslip and is supplied by the Alpbach River tributary Reither Bach. With its beach, playground, restaurant and boat rental, the lake is a well-liked leisure destination. Swans, ducks, trout, carp, and other fish species also find home in the lake.
Geological Features
The tourists are interested in certain geological elements of the Alpbach Valley because of their scientific worth, historical relevance, or visual attractiveness. Notable geological characteristics of the Alpbach Valley include:
- Tiefenbach Gorge: The Tiefenbach River tributary, the Tiefenbach, formed the narrow and deep Tiefenbach Gorge, which is located close to the settlement of Kramsach. The about 1.5 km long and up to 300 m deep Tiefenbach Gorge is a natural wonder encircled by vertical walls of limestone and dolomite rocks. Being the setting of the well-known legend “Sage of the Tiefenbachklamm,” which describes a valiant knight who saved a princess from a dragon that dwelt in the canyon, the Tiefenbach canyon is also a historical and cultural landmark. A trail that winds through the Tiefenbach Gorge allows visitors to take in the flora and animals as well as the rock formations.
- Kaiserklamm: Close to the settlement of Brandenberg, the Brandenberger Ache, a branch of the Inn River, sculpted the narrow and steep Kaiserklamm canyon. At almost 3 km long and up to 100 m deep, the Kaiserklamm is a natural marvel encircled by craggy walls of gneiss and schist rocks. Being named after Emperor Franz Joseph I, who saw the canyon in 1891 and was struck by its beauty, the Kaiserklamm is also a historical and cultural landmark. Because it provides hiking, rafting, canyoning, and fishing among other activities, the Kaiserklamm is also a popular recreational spot.
- Kundler Klamm: Close to Kundl hamlet, the Wildschönauer Ache, a branch of the Inn River, formed the broad, level Kundler Klamm canyon. At almost 5 km long and up to 200 m wide, the Kundler Klamm is a natural marvel encircled by gentle hills and meadows. Because it includes remnants of Stone Age human dwellings and fossils of marine creatures that formerly inhabited the old Tethys Ocean, the Kundler Klamm is also a geological and archeological monument. Because of a route that winds through the canyon, the Kundler Klamm is also a popular hiking and bicycling spot where guests can take in the history, animals, and landscape.
Flora and Fauna
Because of its varied geology and terrain as well as its moderate and humid environment, the Alpbach Valley has a rich and varied flora. Many indigenous, uncommon, or endangered flora and animals may be found in the valley. Alpbach Valley flora and fauna include the following:
- Alpine Flowers: With so many various seasons and hues of alpine flowers, the Alpbach Valley is a flower lover’s dream come true. The edelweiss, alpine rose, gentian, primrose, crocus, anemone, orchid, lily and daisy are a few of the most often occurring and exquisite alpine flowers in the valley. The alpine flowers are found in meadows, pastures, woodlands, and cliffs among other places, and they draw a variety of insects and birds, including finches, hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
- Apollo Butterfly: Only in high-altitude settings, like the Großer Galtenberg, can one find the rare and endangered Apollo butterfly species. About 6 cm in wingspan, the Apollo butterfly is recognizable by its red eyespots on the hindwings and its white wings with black spots. The Apollo butterfly deposits its eggs on the stonecrop, a succulent plant that grows on rocks, and it feeds on nectar from several alpine flowers, including the thistle, gentian, and edelweiss. A protected species, the Apollo butterfly is in danger from illicit collecting, climate change, and habitat degradation.
- Alpine Marmot: Large and gregarious, alpine marmots reside in colonies in mountainous regions such the Schatzberg and Wiedersberger Horn. About 50 cm in length and 5 kg in weight, the alpine marmot has brown fur with a hint of yellow. The alpine marmot spends its winter months hibernating in burrows and eats on grasses, herbs, roots and seeds. Curiosity and playfulness abound in the alpine marmot, which frequently stands straight up and whistles to alert its companions to dangers like wolves, foxes, and eagles.
- Golden Eagle: Residing in the heights, including the Brandenberg Alps and the Rofan heights, is the magnificent and strong golden eagle. With a wingspan of almost two metres and a weight of around four kilogrammes, the golden eagle is a dark brown bird with golden accents on its head and neck. The golden eagle hunts by soaring high in the sky and descending at great speed, eating on a variety of animals including marmots, hares, chamois and grouses. A monogamous and territorial species, the golden eagle protects its nest from outsiders like crows, ravens, and other eagles.
Bodies of Water
The many bodies of water in the Alpbach Valley draw tourists for their visual beauty, historical value, or recreational possibilities. Alpbach Valley noteworthy bodies of water include:
- Alpbach River: Main river of the area, the Alpbach River travels from south to north through the Alpbach Valley and empties into the Inn River close to Brixlegg. About 25 kilometers long, the Alpbach River has a 140 km2 watershed area. Because it supplies water for agriculture, hydroelectricity, and drinking as well as a home for a variety of fish and bird species including trout, grayling, kingfisher, and dipper, the Alpbach River is a natural and cultural treasure. A popular recreational spot, the Alpbach River provides fishing, rafting, kayaking, and swimming among other sports.
- Achensee: Tucked away close to the settlement of Maurach at the westernmost point of the Rofan Mountains, the Achensee is the biggest lake in Tyrol. With a 6.8 km2 area and a depth of up to 133 m, the Achensee is supplied by many streams, including the Dalfazbach, the Falzthurnbach and the Achenbach. Achensee is a natural wonder, encircled by magnificent mountains and woods and with turquoise-colored, crystal-clear water. Being the setting of the well-known fable “Sage of the Achensee,” which describes a mermaid who fell in love with a fisherman and gave him a magical ring that brought him prosperity and happiness, the Achensee is also a historical and cultural monument. Offering a variety of sports like sailing, windsurfing, diving, and boating, the Achensee is also a popular leisure destination.
- Reintaler See: Covering an approximate 31 hectares, the Reintaler See is a natural lake close to the Kramsach hamlet. Together with five other lakes—the Krummsee, the Berglsteiner See, the Buchsee, and the Frauensee—the Reintaler See is a component of the Alpbachtal Seenland tourist area. With its beach, playground, restaurant and camping area, the Reintaler See is a well-liked leisure destination. Fish and birds like pike, perch, heron, and grebe also call the Reintaler See home.
Lakes
Numerous lakes in the Alpbach Valley draw tourists for their scenic beauty, historical value, or recreational possibilities. Alpbach Valley lakes of note include:
- Zireiner See: Natural lake Zireiner See is situated close to the settlement of Brandenberg at the easternmost point of the Rofan Mountains. About 12 hectares in size and up to 15 m in depth, the Zireiner See is supplied by various streams, including the Schafsteigbach, Rosskogelbach, and Zireiner Bach. Steep mountains and alpine meadows around the blue-green, mirror-like surface of the Zireiner See, which is a natural marvel. The Zireiner See is a popular hiking spot as well because of a route that takes people to the lake where they may take in the peace, animals, and landscape.
- Berglsteiner See: About 4 hectares in size, the Berglsteiner See is a natural lake close to Breitenbach am Inn hamlet. Together with five other lakes—the Reintaler See, the Krummsee, the Buchsee, and the Frauensee—the Berglsteiner See is a component of the Alpbachtal Seenland tourist area. A beach, a playground, a café and a fishing pond make the Berglsteiner See a well-liked leisure spot. Fish and bird species like carp, tench, coot and moorhen all find home in the Berglsteiner See.
- Frauensee: Enclosed by the hamlet of Kramsach, the Frauensee is a natural lake covering an area of around 3 acres. Together with five other lakes—the Reintaler See, the Krummsee, the Berglsteiner See, and the Buchsee—the Frauensee is a component of the Alpbachtal Seenland tourist area. With its beach, playground, restaurant and boat rental, the Frauensee is a well-liked leisure spot. Fish and bird species include perch, roach, duck, and swan also find home in the Frauensee.
Scenic Views
- Congress Centrum Alpbach: This cutting-edge facility holds a range of scientific, political, cultural, and educational conferences, seminars, workshops and festivals. The Congress Centrum Alpbach is a distinctively designed building in the heart of the Alpbach hamlet. Its glass roof and timber façade complement the surrounding natural environment and historic architecture. Offering a panoramic view of the Alpbach Valley and the Kitzbühel Alps, together with an amazing contrast between the old and the modern, the Congress Centrum Alpbach is a picturesque sight.
- Alpbacher Höhenweg: Wandering over the crest of the Wiedersberger Horn and the Gmahkopf, the Alpbacher Höhenweg links the settlements of Alpbach and Inneralpbach. About ten kilometers long and moderately tough, the Alpbacher Höhenweg may be reached by cable car from Inneralpbach or Alpbach. The Alpbacher Höhenweg is a picturesque walk that provides a stunning view of the Zillertal Alps and the Alpbach Valley together with a range of alpine plants and animals including eagles, gentians, marmots, and edelweisses.
- Alpbachtal Seenland Panoramaweg: The Reintaler See, the Krummsee, the Berglsteiner See, the Buchsee, and the Frauensee are among the lakes that make up the Alpbachtal Seenland tourist district along which a hiking and bike path winds. Accessible from Kramsach, Breitenbach am Inn, Münster, and Kundl, the Alpbachtal Seenland Panoramaweg is around 20 kilometers long and of easy difficulty level. The Alpbachtal Seenland Panoramaweg is a picturesque location that provides a range of outdoor pursuits like swimming, boating, fishing, and picnics together with stunning views of the lakes and mountains.
Rivers and Streams
Numerous rivers and streams in the Alpbach Valley draw tourists for their scenic beauty, historical value, or recreational possibilities. Alpbach Valley rivers and streams of note include:
- Tiefenbach: The stream passes across the Tiefenbach Gorge, close to the settlement of Kramsach, after rising from the Tiefenbach Glacier, close to the Großer Galtenberg. About 10 kilometers in length, the Tiefenbach has a 20 km2 catchment area. A natural marvel, the Tiefenbach is encircled by sheer walls of limestone and dolomite rocks and possesses cool, pure water. Because the route through the Tiefenbach Gorge allows tourists to take in the rock formations, waterfalls, and flora and wildlife, the Tiefenbach is also a popular hiking destination.
- Brandenberger Ache: This river rises in the Brandenberg Glacier close to the Kröndlhorn and runs through the Kaiserklamm close to the Brandenberg settlement. About 40 kilometers long, the Brandenberger Ache has a catchment area of roughly 300 km2. Because it offers water for agriculture, hydroelectricity, and drinking as well as a home for a variety of fish and bird species including trout, grayling, kingfisher, and dipper, the Brandenberger Ache is a natural and cultural treasure. Because it provides rafting, canyoning, fishing, and swimming among other sports, the Brandenberger Ache is also a popular tourist attraction.
- Wildschönauer Ache: The river Wildschönauer Ache rises in the Wildschönau Glacier close to the Großer Galtenberg and runs through the Kundler Klamm close to the Kundl settlement. roughly 25 kilometers long and roughly 100 km2 in catchment area make up the Wildschönauer Ache. The turquoise-colored, glistening-clear water of the Wildschönauer Ache is a natural treasure encircled by gentle hills and meadows. Because it includes remains of Stone Age human dwellings and fossils of marine life that thrived in the old Tethys Ocean, the Wildschönauer Ache is also a geological and archeological site. A route that winds through the Kundler Klamm in the Wildschönauer Ache offers hiking and bicycle enthusiasts the opportunity to take in the history, animals, and landscape.