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Tiefenbachklamm – Austria’s Wild Side

Alpbachtal Seenland in the Tirol region of Austria is all about getting outdoors, soaking up dramatic scenery and breathing in the fresh Alpine air.

In summer, a hike through the Tiefenbachklamm, a spectacular gorge which carves its way through the Alpbachtal landscape, is guaranteed to give you a healthy blast of wild nature and a good measure of outdoor therapy.

Tiefenbachklamm - gorge in Tirol Austria 

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Alpbachtal Seenland in western Austria is made for outdoor adventure. But where it gets doubly exciting is that it’s equally epic in both winter and summer. As well as prime skiing and boarding in the Ski Jewel resort in winter, the area also has exceptional summer attractions.

With some fantastic hikes and walks, Alpbachtal makes the perfect base for a summer walking holiday in Austria. One of my favourite hikes was to the Tiefenbachklamm which translates as deep river gorge. Tiefenbach George is one of the main natural attractions in Alpbachtal and one of Austria’s most beautiful gorges.

Tiefenbach Gorge

The triftsteig (trail) follows the Brandenberger Ache (river) which cuts its way through stunning surroundings down the Brandenberger valley to Kramsach. It makes a wonderful half-day hike. The river has carved its way through the landscape creating a stunningly beautiful scenic canyon.

Tiefenbach Gorge

The Ache River

My first glimpse of the Ache, which is a tributary of the Inn (river), took my breath away. The pale limestone rocks beneath the swirling waters give the river a milky aquamarine appearance. In other places, where the water’s deeper, it shimmers a deep emerald green. Both equally beautiful.

Brandenderger Ache River, Austria

We started our walk alongside the river under the tree canopy with the rushing sound of the water and earthy smell of the forest a constant accompaniment. Pops of colour spiked the greenery where wild flowers bloomed in the undergrowth.

As we continued along the dense forest path we climbed higher and soon the river was below us flowing rapidly between the mist-sprayed rock face.

Crossing the first of three sturdy bridges we looked down a long straight where the eddying waters were lined with huge boulders. Absolutely breath taking – even when it started to rain!

turquoise waters of Ache River, Austria

As we walked, the landscape of the river constantly changed. From calm shallows and cascading rapids to rushing waters and raging torrents.

At some points the path is narrow with no passing places but in steeper parts there are metal walkways with steel rope safety barriers. If you walk the gorge with children be sure to keep them close by.

Bridge over Tiefenbachklamm

Rock Formations

The river twists its way through dramatic rock formations and steep-sided ravines.

If you like hiking in gorges you’ll love hiking in Wolfsklamm Gorge by MelB Travels.

Rock formations at Tienfenbachklamm Gorge

We followed its path crossing bridges, traversing boardwalks and passing a bridal veil waterfall on the way.

Bridal veil waterfall at Tienfenbachklamm

My camera kept pretty busy and when I didn’t think the scenery could get any more beautiful we’d round a bend in the trail and the wow factor upped a level. Again and again.

Log Driving

Historically, the river was integral to the local timber industry and the earliest mention of logging activity was as early as 1412. Log drivers would send logs and tree trunks down the wild waters of the Ache River. The logs would be collected at the widest point down-river and transported away.

Ache River, Brandendberger, Tirol

The last logs were transported this way in 1966. We’d visited the Tirolean Farmhouse Museum that morning and I could imagine the huge trunks being driven down the river on their way to make homes for the Tirolean farmers and their families.

Tiefenbachklamm viewing platform

At the highest point in the gorge there’s a new viewing platform where you can look down on the rushing torrent pushing its way through the narrow canyon. Looking down on the river at this point showed clearly how it had eroded the rock as it coursed its way down to the valley.

Nowadays the rapids of the Tiefenbachklamm provide an adrenaline buzz for white-water rafters and tubers or by kayak for those looking for a more leisurely ride.

Beach area at Tiefenbachklamm

If you love captivating scenery, rushing rivers and turquoise waters and the beauty of waterfalls then hiking through these dramatic rock formations shouldn’t be missed. Be sure to include a hike at Tiefenbachklamm during your stay in Alpbachtal. I came away feeling totally invigorated and energised.

Information about hiking the Tiefenbachklamm

When is Tiefenbachklamm open?

The gorge only opens from May to the end of October. It closes on days with heavy rainfall for safety reasons.

The pathway is gravel or stone in places but occasionally takes you up muddy inclines and over slippery tree roots. A good pair of walking shoes with a decent grip is essential.

How long will it take to hike Tiefenbachklamm?

I suggest starting at the car park (directions below) and follow the 4.5 k.m. trail to Jausenstation Tiefenbachklamm at the upper entrance of the gorge. Jausenstation translates as snack station but it’s more of a cafe with bar, sun terrace and children’s playground. I’d recommend checking by phone that they’re open if you want to eat.

Jausenstation opening dates and hours:

03.07.2019 – 26.10.2019
Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tel: +43 5331 20086

From Jausenstation retrace your steps back to the car park.

Total walking time for the round trip is around 3 hours. You may want to factor in extra time for photo and restaurant stops or even a paddle in the ‘beach’ area near the trail entrance after you finish your hike.

Hikers on Tiefenbach Gorge

What to take when hiking in Tiefenbachklam

We hiked the gorge in July but still had rain so depending on the forecast you may need a light waterproof jacket. It can get slippery and it’s quite steep in places so wear hiking shoes or boots with a good grip. My Saloman walking shoes were perfect for the hike. Almost as important as good hiking shoes are good socks. I like Darn Tough socks which last for years and are some of the comfiest walking socks I own.

Don’t forget to take a water bottle for your water – ideally one with a loop on the handle to attach to your backpack. Don’t be that person using a plastic single use bottle.

hiking in TiefenbachklammThanks to Kathryn at Travel with Kat for capturing the moment

I used my smaller backpack by my favourite backpack brand Osprey. The Osprey Daylite pack was big enough for carrying everything I needed including my waterproof jacket, cap and camera gear but also small enough to be comfortable and light. Finally, don’t forget your camera!

Read my review about the bigger Osprey Farpoint Backpack which is great for travelling. 

How to get to Tiefenbachklamm by car

The Tiefenbachklamm trail is accessible from the road between Kramsach and Brandenberg. Approximately 3.5 km from the  Sonnwendjoch cable car station (no longer in use) you’ll find a small parking area on your left. There’s no charge for parking.

A little further up on the right-hand side of the road is a sign which indicates the start of the trail and just beyond that there’s a bus stop. This point is around a 16-minute drive from Alpbach.

How to get to Tiefenbachklamm by bus

You can get to the Tiefenbachklamm by public transport. Bus 4070 from Brixlegg to Aschau stops at the bus stop by the entrance to the Tiefenbachklamm. Check the Alpbachtal website for more bus timings and details.

This was just one hike that I enjoyed during my trip to Alpbach. Read my post about other outdoor activities in Alpbach that made it a fabulous break for outdoor adventures.

Thank you to Inghams and Tirol Tourism for inviting me to explore this gorgeous part of Austria. All thoughts, opinions and love of a good  hike are entirely my own and I retain full editorial rights. If you haven’t already guessed I loved every minute of my visit to Alpbach.

Factbox

Inghams offers a seven-night stay on a half board basis at the four-star superior Hotel Böglerhof in Alpbach, Austria, from £833 per person based on two sharing in August 2020. Price includes return flights, airport transfers and the services of the in-resort Inghams Representative. To book, visit Inghams.co.uk/lakes-mountains-holidays or call 01483 494 826.

Guests benefit from the free Alpbachtal Seenland Guest Card (https://www.alpbachtal.at/en/search-and-book/alpbachtal-seenland-card) which permits free use of the mountain lifts, free entry into local bathing lakes and swimming pools, and free entry into attractions such as the Museum of Tyrolean Farmhouses.

For more information on the resort and what’s available to see and do, visit: www.alpbachtal.at/en. For more information on the Austrian Tirol, visit: www.visittirol.co.uk.

Read more about Austria

Hiking in Mayrhofen, Austria

A Guide to Skiing in Filzmoos

A guide to Austrian Food

10 reasons to visit Alpbach in Summer 

What to see and do in Graz

Sudsteiermark – Austria’s Wine Road

Filzmoos Balloon Festival

This post contains affiliate links. By using affiliate links, we earn a small commission when you book a room, tour or buy a product without costing you a penny more on your purchase.

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Lucy

Monday 12th of August 2019

Beautiful scenery! And the colour of that water is just gorgeous.

Suzanne Jones

Monday 12th of August 2019

Alpbach and the surrounding area is stunning - I'd like to go back every summer!

Mel Butler

Monday 12th of August 2019

This was such a wonderful hiking trail and the area was beautiful. Glad to have shared this experience with you.

Suzanne Jones

Monday 12th of August 2019

It was beautiful and sharing it with like-minded people made it an even better experience!

alison abbott

Sunday 11th of August 2019

What a gorgeous spot to hike. Everything in Tiefenbachklamm feel like it's on steroids. The color of the water, height of trees and mountain peaks! Definitely another of Mother Nature's wonders. Would love to experience the area!

Suzanne Jones

Monday 12th of August 2019

It's larger than life nature all round!

Alice | Girl with a saddle bag

Sunday 11th of August 2019

Looks absolutely gorgeous! It reminds me of Vintgar gorge in the Slovenian alps. Love that you can get there by public transport too - lots of time to gaze out of the window at the scenery

Suzanne Jones

Thursday 15th of August 2019

I've seen photos of Vintgar but I haven't been - that looks pretty gorgeous as well. Always good to have a public transport option...

Mikaela Ferguson

Saturday 10th of August 2019

This looks like a wonderful hike! And thanks for providing so much detail on how to plan it. I'd never heard of this but I'll definitely be adding it to the list :)

Suzanne Jones

Saturday 10th of August 2019

It's a beautiful hike and a must-see if you're anywhere near Alpbach. I hope you get to enjoy a hike through this wonderful landscape...

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