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A natural wonder in the heart of the Karwendel

Gleirschklamm in the Karwendel Nature Park

Discover the hidden splendor of the Gleirschklamm, one of the most spectacular natural jewels in the Karwendel Mountains. This impressive gorge, known for its majestic rock formations, gushing waterfalls, and crystal clear water, offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Amidst the breathtaking landscape of the Karwendel, the Gleirschklamm unfolds as a place of raw, untouched beauty. Here, where water has carved its way through massive rock walls for centuries, you experience nature in its most primal form. The path through the gorge, lined with lush greenery and the melodic song of water wagtails, takes you on a journey through time – back to the roots of nature.

Important Notes

  • The path through the gorge can be challenging in places. Surefootedness and absence of acrophobia are recommended.
  • The Gleirsch Gorge is a protected nature area. Please do not leave trash and respect the flora and fauna.
  • We recommend public transport to the Scharnitz Train Station. Your guest card serves as a ticket for all public bus connections in the region, including train travel between Seefeld and Scharnitz.
  • From the Scharnitz Train Station, it is only a 10-minute walk to the starting point at the Nature Park Information Center Scharnitz.

Time travel in stone

The history of the Gleirschklamm

The Gleirschklamm, a jewel in the Karwendel, enchants with its untouched beauty and a deeply rooted history. Surrounded by imposing rocks and interwoven with crystal-clear waterfalls, it offers an unparalleled natural experience. While hiking along the narrow path, which meanders through the gorge for about 45 minutes, one can feel the wild power of the water that has carved its way for centuries. The gorge is a place where nature can be experienced in its purest form, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In the past, the Gleirschklamm served as an important route for timber rafting, a practice that shaped the landscape and the people of the region. In early summer, when the melting water filled the gorge, logs were released into the torrents. At the “Klausen,” a damming point at the entrance of the gorge, the logs waited for the signal to shoot downwards with tremendous force. This dangerous work required skill and courage, traits that the log raftsmen, the rafters, possessed in abundance.

Today, the traces of this bygone era are almost gone, but the legends and tales about the hard work and life in harmony with nature remain alive in the Gleirschklamm. A visit here is therefore not only an immersion in the beauty of nature but also a homage to the people and their stories that once shaped this gorge.

A canyon scene with a river and a wooden bridge, surrounded by greenery and steep rocks.
Two young men walking in a shallow stream with trees and rocks around them.
Scenic view of rocky cliffs and a flowing river surrounded by greenery.

Paths of Discovery

Hiking in the Gleirschklamm

Wanderung durch die Gleirschklamm

Medium

Circular hike

Hikes through gorges and ravines

Hiking tour

Hut hike

Start Point: Naturpark Info Center Scharnitz (P2)

End Point: Naturpark Info Center Scharnitz (P2)

22,00 km

06:30 h

520 hm

1261 m

Wanderung durch die Gleirschklamm

Medium

Circular hike

Hikes through gorges and ravines

Hiking tour

Start Point: Naturpark Info Center Scharnitz (P2)

End Point: Naturpark Info Center Scharnitz (P2)

13,00 km

04:00 h

440 hm

1152 m

Solsteinhaus Etappe 2 Ziel & 3 Start

Hard

Hiking tour

Hut hike

Start Point: Naturpark Info Center Scharnitz (P2)

End Point: Railway Station Hochzirl

22,00 km

08:00 h

970 hm

1005 hm

1805 m

Wanderung durch die Gleirschklamm

Medium

Circular hike

Hikes through gorges and ravines

Hiking tour

Hut hike

Start Point: Naturpark Info Center Scharnitz (P2)

End Point: Naturpark Info Center Scharnitz (P2)

17,90 km

07:00 h

950 hm

1744 m

Secure a unique gorge experience

Guided hike in the Gleirschklamm

Moments of enjoyment in nature

Places to eat around the Gleirschklamm

A cozy mountain cabin surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees. In the background, impressive mountains and a clear sky can be seen.

Scharnitz

Oberbrunnalm, hut

Closed, opens at 09:00
A cozy mountain cabin surrounded by trees and meadows. Green sun umbrellas stand on the terrace.

Scharnitz

Möslalm, hut

Closed, opens at 10:00
A cozy mountain hut surrounded by trees and beautiful scenery. In the foreground are green plants and colorful umbrellas are standing on the terrace.

Scharnitz

Scharnitzer Alm, hut

Closed, opens at 11:00

Taxi rides in all valleys and boat transports to Hinterautal

from 01.06. to 15.10. every year

Taxi und Minibusse Mair – Scharnitz T. +43 5213 5363
Taxi Ramona – Gießenbach T. +43 5213 5541

Price quotes and appointment arrangements directly with the providers!

Note Karwendeltal and Eppzirl: Limited to weekdays and a maximum of 4 journeys per day. Transfers are not allowed on weekends and public holidays.

Arrival & Mobility

Public transportation to Scharnitz

Arrival by bus and train from Innsbruck (here to Scotty) or from Germany (here to DB).
From Scharnitz Station, it's only 10 minutes on foot to the starting point at the Naturpark Info Center Scharnitz.

Good to know: The guest card serves as a ticket for all public bus connections in the region during your stay. Additionally, the train ride between Seefeld and Scharnitz is included.

Arrival from

Parking

Parking facilities

A parking lot in a mountainous environment with many cars. In the background, green trees and mountains can be seen.

Designated disabled parking space

Parking lot & parking garage

Scharnitz
A wooden house with green shutters surrounded by trees and mountains in the background.

Discover the history of wood utilisation in the heart of the Karwendel Nature Park

Museum "Holzerhütte"
The Museum "Holzerhütte", once a historic log cabin and accommodation for timber workers from the Gleirschtal valley in the Karwendel Nature Park, is located right next to the Scharnitz Nature Park Information Centre. Today, the traditional building serves as the setting for a multimedia exhibition. It sheds light on the history and current practices of timber utilisation, provides insights into the life of the lumberjacks at the time and informs visitors about the historical technique of logging in the Gleirschklamm gorge as well as the ecological importance and biodiversity of the local mountain forests.

Further explorations through the Karwendel

Guided Tour in the Karwendel Nature Park

A picturesque waterfall flows over rocky boulders into a green environment. Surrounded by dense trees, the scene radiates tranquility and a connection to nature.

During the course of this walk, you can enjoy the fabulous scenic surroundings and learn about the rich biodiversity and other fascinating aspects of the Karwendel mountains.

Next appointment: Monday, 21/09/2026

from€ 19,00
A hand holding a heart-shaped stone with mountains in the background.

(V) Preservation Rules

Your safety and the protection of our unique nature are close to our hearts. We ask you to enjoy this beautiful landscape with respect. By following these ten rules, you actively contribute to the preservation of this natural paradise.

Commercial film and photography in the Karwendel Nature Park is becoming increasingly popular. However, due to the area's special protection status, an official permit as well as adherence to specific behavioral rules are required. Detailed information on applying for a filming or photography permit can be found on this page.

Also, please refer to the general behavioral rules of the Karwendel Nature Park.

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Tourismusverband Seefeld | Austria +43 5 0880 | region@seefeld.com | www.seefeld.com