Kitzlochklamm Gorge

Kitzlochklamm Gorge is a stunning natural attraction in the Salzburg region of Austria, where the Rauriser Ache river has carved a deep and narrow canyon through the limestone rocks over millions of years. The gorge is one of the most beautiful and impressive in the Alpine region, with its numerous waterfalls, bays, cliffs, bridges, and tunnels. It is also a place of historical and cultural interest, as it was once the site of a hermitage and a mining shaft. The gorge is open to visitors from May to October, and offers a variety of activities and experiences for nature lovers, hikers, and adventurers.

History and Geology

The formation of Kitzlochklamm Gorge began about 20 million years ago, when the African and European continental plates collided and pushed up the Alps. The Rauriser Ache river, which originates from the glaciers of the Hohe Tauern National Park, eroded the softer layers of limestone and shale, creating a deep and narrow valley. The river also deposited sediments and gravel, forming terraces and bays along the gorge. The gorge was further shaped by the effects of ice ages, earthquakes, and landslides.

The gorge has been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times, as evidenced by stone tools and pottery fragments found in the area. The gorge was also a place of religious significance, as a hermitage was built in the 15th century by a monk named Johannes von Taxenbach, who lived there for 20 years. The hermitage, which is still preserved today, consists of a chapel, a living room, and a cave. The gorge was also a source of economic activity, as a mining shaft was dug in the 16th century to extract copper and silver from the rocks. The shaft, known as the Ritzstollen, is about 600 meters long and can be visited on guided tours.

Attractions and Activities

Kitzlochklamm Gorge is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who can enjoy the scenic beauty and the diverse flora and fauna of the gorge. The gorge can be accessed by a well-maintained path that follows the river, with wooden walkways, bridges, and tunnels. The path is about 4 kilometers long and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. Along the way, visitors can admire the waterfalls, the rock formations, the bays, and the vegetation of the gorge. Some of the highlights include the Kitzloch waterfall, the highest waterfall in the gorge with a drop of 25 meters, the Hermitage, the Ritzstollen, and the spectacular bridge that spans the gorge at a height of 40 meters.

The gorge also offers various options for more adventurous visitors, who can explore the gorge by rafting, canyoning, or via ferrata. Rafting is a fun and exciting way to experience the rapids and the scenery of the gorge, with a state-certified guide and safety equipment. Canyoning is a thrilling activity that involves abseiling, jumping, sliding, and swimming through the gorge, with different levels of difficulty and duration. Via ferrata is a challenging and rewarding way to climb the walls of the gorge, with a fixed steel cable and iron rungs. The gorge has two via ferrata routes, one for beginners and one for experts, both offering stunning views and adrenaline rushes.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria