The Wasserlochklamm belonging to Palfau is a real treasure and gem in the province of Styria. A gorge bordered by colossal rock walls surrounded by lush green forest everywhere. One of the gorge tour highlights is the suspension bridge over the deep ravine and the five waterfalls. Austria is full of more beautiful gorges and canyons, and the Wasserloch below is no exception.

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You will find another gem not far from here, the outlandish Nothklamm Gorge

Quick Overview

Wasserlochklamm gorge Details
Country Austria
Location Styria, Landl, Palfau
Address Wasserlochklamm, Palfau 72, 8923, Austria
Distance from Graz 2 hours / 120 km
Opening hours 09:00 - 18:00 (08:00 - 18:00)
Prices 7 - 4 euros
Hiking route in the gorge 1,6 km | 325 m
Duration 2 - 3 hours
Attractions in the gorge Waterfalls, suspension bridge
Attractions nearby Nothklamm gorge
Barrier-free? No
Kid-friendly? No official information
Dog-friendly? No official information
Website wasserlochklamm.at

Photos

Wasserlochklamm gorge, Austria

Where is the Wasserlochklamm?

Address, map, distance, approach, entrance, parking

The gorge is 6 minutes (6.3 km) from the centre of Palfau. It lies north of the Gesause National Park and east of the Kalkalpen National Park. It is located in the Alps, Austria.

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  • Address: Wasserlochklamm, Palfau 72, 8923, Austria
  • Distance from the centre of Palfau: 6 minutes / 6 km
  • Distance from Graz: 2 hours / 120 km
  • Distance from Vienna: 2.5 hours / 180 km
Wasserlochklamm map - Vienna distance

Parking

It is possible to park at the ticket offices, in front of the entrance to the gorge.

Map

Wasserlochklamm gorge map

Hiking route

The gorge is 1.6 km long, of which 900 meters are on wooden platforms. The terrain is easy and not too technical, which makes it perfect for families with children.

Hiking route Details
Gorge's length 1.6 km
Duration 2.5 - 3 hours
Level difference 325 m
Starting point Entrance
Stations 12
Hiking route in the Wasserlochklamm
Hiking in the Wasserloch Gorge

The elevation gain is 325 meters, and the hike should take approximately 1.5 hours and another 1 hour for the return journey. With children, count on an extra half hour. You will also move a little slower if there is a large crowd (summer peak season and holidays). The entire duration of the hike is about 3 hours.

  • The route starts from the ticket office and continues to the Wasserloch.
  • You get a great view of the countryside and the Salza River from the top of the gorge.
  • The route consists of a total of 12 stations.

After crossing the 65-meter suspension bridge, you begin the more exciting part of the tour. The suspension bridge crosses the Wasserloch River at the height of 21 meters.

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The gorge is not recommended if you are afraid of heights!

Waterfalls in the gorge

Your route in the gorge follows the Wasserloch River uphill. The stream forms five cascades on its way down - with a total height of 152 meters. You can admire them on wooden stairs and bridges.

  • 1st waterfall: 22 m high
  • 2nd waterfall: 26 m high
  • 3rd waterfall: 29 m high
  • 4th waterfall: 39 m high (the highest)
  • 5th waterfall: 37 m high

Opening hours

The gorge season is between April and October. Its daily opening hours vary slightly on holidays and during the summer season. It's a good idea to arrive at least 1 hour before closing, as you have to enter at least 30 minutes before closing.

  • Season: April 1 - October 31.
  • Daily opening hours: 09:00 - 18:00
  • In the high season and on holidays, the gorge opens 1 hour earlier, at 8 am.

Prices

You can buy tickets to the gorges online or on-site. If you buy the ticket online, you must select the specific time you want to go. Don't be late, because you may not be allowed into the gorge if there is a crowd.

  • Adult ticket: 7 euros
  • Child ticket: 4 euros
  • Family ticket: 18 euros

(Prices might slightly increase every year!)

Kid-friendly?

Yes, kids are also welcome in the gorge. You might consider not bringing a very young child, as they might find the level of difference challenging to endure. However, the duration and length of the hike are not hard to complete.

Barrier-free?

Unfortunately, the gorge is not barrier-free. Wheelchairs and strollers are not allowed in the gorge.

Attractions in the area

Another exciting gorge, the Nothklamm, lies only 13 km from the Wasserlochklamm. If you are a fan of the alpine gorges, it is worth combining the two canyons!

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