A hiking trail consisting of 50 ladders and bridges leads through Kesselfallklamm Gorge, where a magnificent waterfall awaits at the end. Among the ten gorges in Styria, Kesselfall Gorge is one of the shortest yet most beloved. It offers a romantic and exciting experience, suitable for families with children. A sizeable wooden walkway, several meters high, takes you to the next level of the gorge.
During your journey, you can count several smaller and medium-sized waterfalls, the most significant being the 38-meter Kesselfall, which gives the gorge its name.
Quick Overview
- Season: Jan - Dec (every day)
- Prices: 1 - 2 Euros
- Highest waterfall: 38 meters
- Location: Semriach, Styria, Austria
- Distance from Vienna: 2 hours / 192 km
- Hike: 1.5 hours | 3 km | 180 meters
- Kid-Friendly? Yes
- Barrier-free? No
- Dog-Friendly? Yes
- Nearby attractions: Bärenschützklamm, Raabklamm, Graz
- Website: -
Map - Where is Kesselfallklamm located?
The gorge is situated within the Almenland Nature Park in Styria, Austria. You are in the midst of the Alps, with the nearest major city being Graz. The gorge belongs to the village of Semriach, located at the northern end of the gorge. The famous Bärenschützklamm (Bear Gorge) is just a short distance away.
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- Village: Semriach
- Starting point for the hike: Augraben, Sandwirt Restaurant
- Distance from Vienna: 2 hours/ 192km
- Distance from Graz: 30 minutes / 25 km
- Distance from Bear Gorge: 30 minutes / 35 km
Opening hours and prices
The gorge is open to visitors year-round. There are no specific opening hours; you can visit from morning until dark. In case of heavy rain or stormy weather, the gorge may be closed. The entrance fee typically ranges from 1 to 2 euros.
- Season: Jan - Dec
- Opening Hours: Every day, from morning to late afternoon
- Prices: 1.50 - 2 Euros
(Prices might slightly increase every year!)
More about the gorge
The Rötschbach River shapes the gorge with its rapid flow. During the hike, you'll follow the river in the opposite direction of its flow (from downstream to upstream). The gorge has been accessible via an established route for over 100 years, since 1903. The circular hike is marked with the R3 trail designation.
Hiking trail
- Trail length: 2.7 km
- Elevation gain: 180 meters
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: easy
- Trail markings: 740, 740B
- Starting and ending point: Gasthaus Sandwirt
Once you ascend the ladders and reach the upper level of the gorge, the river calms down and becomes quieter. From this point onward, a smaller creek accompanies your journey. The path soon turns right, leading you out of the gorge.
Before the hike concludes, you'll have the chance to see one of the most exciting points of the gorge, the rock formation known as the Stone Gate. Afterwards, you'll pass by a cave. Continuing, you'll return to the starting point, Gasthaus Sandwirt.
The highest point of the hike reaches 730 meters. The hike is considered easy and not particularly technical. For those with knee issues, take your time, as there are sudden changes in elevation at specific points in the gorge.
After heavy rainfall for 1-2 days, the wooden walkways can become slippery, so consider this, especially if you don't have slip-resistant footwear or hiking boots with ankle support.
Barrier-free?
No, unfortunately, the gorge is not wheelchair-accessible or suitable for strollers.
Kid-Friendly?
Yes, it's a great place to visit with children capable of climbing stairs.
Dog-Friendly?
Yes, you can bring your dog into the gorge, but be prepared with a leash and a muzzle as they may require it.
Nearby Attractions
Top attractions in the area include the regional capital, Graz, and Austria's most famous gorge, the Bear Gorge. You can find more information about all the nearby attractions in the Almenland Nature Park article.
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