von Nicolas Lair
04 July 2024
SUMMER
Wild, free & spectacular: The gorges of the Region Seefeld
I hear a thundering waterfall, I walk through 80-metre-deep canyons and watch the play of colours in the pools of water. Where am I? When all these impressions come together, there is a good chance that I am in one of the spectacular gorges in the Region Seefeld. Five examples of this natural phenomenon can be found in Seefeld high and the surrounding area.
A REAL NATURAL HIGHLIGHT
The spirit gorge
Spooky and family-friendly don't go together? Anyone who says something like that has never been to the spirit gorge in Leutasch. Here, hellish waters and witches' cauldrons meet natural highlights and captivating stories.
The Leutasch spirit gorge in all its colourful glory
For me, the spirit gorge between Leutasch and Mittenwald is honestly one of the biggest highlights in the whole region. Thundering waterfalls, raging canyons, gentle pools of water and spectacular paths combine to create an impressive experience for young and old alike. When I entered the gorge for the first time, I quickly realised one thing. Everything here revolves around a myth. A myth that captivates all visitors to the gorge sooner or later. Since summer 2023, the Geisterklamm gorge has been inspiring visitors with a newly designed themed trail. Visitors of all ages can hike through the gorge on four different routes and discover it in a fun way. Captivating stories, numerous games and interesting facts await. No matter which route you take to explore this gorge, the authentic experience of nature between rushing waters and picturesque mountain forest is truly unique. Younger visitors in particular are often quickly captivated by the myth. If all this hasn't convinced you yet, a certain feeling of the supernatural will creep over you when you look down from the 75 metre high bridge. An excursion is particularly suitable for families with children. Admission is free and anyone who has worked up an appetite from the hike can enjoy a special delicacy at the Klammstüberl.
NATURAL AND UNTAMED
The "Gleirsch" gorge
The Gleirsch gorge in Scharnitz is also full of magic. The combination of wild and romantic waterfalls, crystal-clear water and imposing stone tunnels creates a special natural spectacle here.
The Gleirsch gorge is an adventure for all senses
The Gleirsch gorge is rugged, it is unspoilt and above all it is one thing: untamed. It has always been characterised by imposing rocks, waterfalls and crystal-clear water. Anyone who has ever been to this gorge knows that the energy of the water can be clearly felt here. The sheer force with which the ice-cold water carves its way through the rock here demands a great deal of respect. It took me around 45 minutes to make my way over bridges and through metre-high rocks. Along the rushing water, I continued along a narrow path through the gorge. After I reached the end, I can make three recommendations. 1: No matter how warm it is, it's better to leave your flip-flops at home on this hike - you need sturdy shoes. 2: If you don't have a head for heights, you should choose another hike in the Region Seefeld. 3: If you want to get the most out of your tour through the gorge, take the time to stop several times along the way and soak up the impressive natural spectacle with all your senses. Speaking of senses: if you prick up your ears and take the time to look closely, you can discover the chirping dippers that breed in the gorge. They form a marvellous contrast to the rushing of the stream. When I asked other hikers what they liked about the Gleirschklamm gorge, the answer was almost always the same: you can rarely enjoy nature in its diversity and uniqueness as much as here. If you really want to get up close and personal with this natural highlight, take part in a nature tour accompanied by a nature park ranger.
BATHING AND RELAXING
The "Schlossbach" gorge
The third gorge in the plateau group is the Schlossbach gorge near Reith bei Seefeld. It is characterised by its typical canyony landscape with many small waterfalls.
The Schlossbach gorge is the perfect place for a cool refreshment
Over the centuries, the water has created many small pools in the Schlossbach gorge, which today invite you to take a dip, especially on hot summer days. The direct access to the water is perfect for a relaxing break and is a refreshing alternative to a public swimming pool. The paths through the Schlossbachklamm gorge are largely characterised by their gentle terrain and are therefore ideal for families. If you want to conquer the whole gorge, you will need a little more stamina and experience. But even that is no problem with older children. The practical thing about the Schlossbachklamm: a hike here becomes a round trip by train. If you start your adventure at the station in Reith, you can get out at the other end of the gorge at Hochzirl station and take the train back to the starting point. As this combination of hike and train journey also works in reverse, day trippers can choose for themselves how strenuous they want their hiking day to be. Another fun fact about the Schlossbach gorge: a film crew shot some scenes for the Hollywood film "K2" here more than 30 years ago.
If you've already discovered these three highlights, there's a chance for more nearby.
Like summer like winter
The "Partnach" gorge
The name-giving Partnach creates a beautiful play of colours in the gorge near Garmisch
Neighbouring Garmisch is home to the Partnach gorge, which is up to 80 metres deep. As soon as you enter the gorge, which was declared a natural monument in 1912, you are surrounded by massive rock faces. The water rushes wildly and irrepressibly under your feet. The interplay between the impressive rock massifs and the cool water creates new perspectives and plays of colour every few metres. Today, the Partnach Gorge, which is also open in winter, is tame and approachable for visitors, but the story used to be quite different. Back then, mountaineers had to bypass the gorge on their way to the Zugspitze, but today there are two safe paths leading through it.
For hiking and climbing
The "Ehnbach" gorge
Next to the rushing water, a small path leads through the Ehnbach gorge.
If you are travelling by car from Seefeld towards Innsbruck, you may come across a hidden gem on the way in Zirl. The Ehnbach gorge is probably the most varied of all those mentioned. After a few steps at the beginning, I first found a "typical" gorge. On a narrow, well-secured path, I made my way past rocks and water and soaked up the impressive impressions. The unique thing about the Ehnbachklamm: at the "end" of the gorge is a dam wall, behind which a wide stream bed is hidden. There, families will find a perfect place for picnics and plenty of space to play and splash around. As well as families, there are also plenty of climbers here. One of them tells me on my hike that there are over 130 routes of all levels of difficulty here.
How to get there
Travelling to the listed gorges is almost always uncomplicated and environmentally friendly.
Spirit gorge:
The Leutasch spirit gorge is very convenient and easy to reach, either by public transport or by car. Bus route 431 takes you from Telfs and Leutasch directly to the entrance of the gorge. There are also plenty of car parking spaces available. It is also possible to combine the journey with a bike tour.
Gleirsch gorge:
Take the train to Scharnitz station and from there it is a 10-minute walk to the nature park information centre, which is the starting point of the hike. The information centre can be reached by bike from anywhere on the plateau and there are also plenty of parking spaces for cars in Scharnitz.
Schlossbach gorge:
The Schlossbach gorge is particularly suitable for public transport as the gorge is located between the Hochzirl and Reith bei Seefeld railway stations. The entrances to the gorge are within walking distance of the railway stations. Both stations also have a car park.
Partnach gorge:
You can get to Garmisch from the Seefeld high plateau by train, bus and car. It takes about 25 minutes to walk from the railway station in Garmisch to the Partnach gorge. If that's too far, the village buses (lines 1 and 2) will take you to the Olympic ski stadium, the starting point of the hike. Those travelling by car can park directly at the ski stadium.
Ehnbach gorge:
By car, you can park at the Red cross car park in Zirl, which is located right next to the main road from Seefeld to Zirl. If you want to travel by public transport, you can take the bus from the plateau to Telfs and then change to a bus to Zirl. A visit to the Ehnbachklamm gorge is also possible as part of a longer cycle tour.
Water Worlds in the Region Seefeld
Whether reflective lakes, bubbling springs, rushing gorges, idyllic streams, or relaxing adventure pools – in the Region Seefeld you’ll find water places with a truly special character.
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