Liechtensteinklamm, Pongau Travel Guide

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Discover the raw power and beauty of the Alps at Liechtensteinklamm, one of Austria's most stunning natural gorges.

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Liechtensteinklamm

The Liechtensteinklamm (Liechtenstein Gorge) is a dramatic gorge carved by the Großarler Ache, near St. Johann im Pongau in the Austrian Alps. It features towering cliffs, a thunderous waterfall, and the impressive 'Helix' spiral staircase. It's a memorable experience for the whole family.

A brief summary to Liechtensteinklamm

Liechtensteinklammstraße 123, St Johann im Pongau, 5600, AT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Liechtensteinklamm.

Wear sturdy footwear, as the walkways can be wet and slippery.
A light jacket is recommended, as the temperature within the gorge tends to be cooler than outside.
Visit early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
Check the official website for closures due to weather conditions or maintenance.

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Explore Liechtensteinklamm on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Liechtensteinklamm, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

From St. Johann im Pongau, follow the signs for approximately 4 km to the Liechtensteinklamm. There are several free parking lots available along Liechtensteinklammstrasse. Parking is free. From the parking areas, it's a short walk to the gorge entrance.
Public Transport

From St. Johann, take the Citybus line 52 to the Plankenau district. From the Plankenauwirt or Glückauf bus stop, it's a 30-40 minute walk to the entrance of the Liechtensteinklamm Gorge. If arriving by train, take Citybus line 51 from the train station and change at the post office to line 52. Note that the Citybus service may be limited on weekends. A single bus fare is approximately €2-3.

Discover more about Liechtensteinklamm

The Liechtensteinklamm, or Liechtenstein Gorge, is one of the longest and deepest gorges in the Alps, located near St. Johann im Pongau, Austria. Over thousands of years, the relentless force of the Großarler Ache carved its way through the rock, creating a 4-kilometer-long gorge with accessible sections reaching about 1 kilometer. Towering cliffs rise up to 300 meters, dwarfing those who venture into its depths. The narrowest points of the gorge measure only a few meters across, amplifying the sense of being embraced by nature's raw power.The Liechtensteinklamm's history is intertwined with human ingenuity and a touch of philanthropy. In 1875, members of the Pongau Alpine Club embarked on a mission to make the gorge accessible to the public. Facing financial constraints, they sought assistance from Prince Johann II of Liechtenstein, who owned hunting grounds in the nearby Grossarl valley. The Prince, known for his appreciation of nature, generously donated funds to support the project. In gratitude, the gorge, initially known as the Grossarlerklamm, was renamed Liechtensteinklamm.Today, visitors can explore the gorge via a network of meticulously constructed walkways, bridges, and tunnels. These structures allow safe passage through the heart of the gorge, providing breathtaking views of the cascading waterfalls and sculpted rock formations. One of the most striking features is the 'Helix,' a spiral staircase that plunges 30 meters into the depths of the gorge, offering a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape. The Helix was added during renovations completed in 2020, following a rockslide in 2017.The Liechtensteinklamm was awarded second place in the ORF show "9 Places – 9 Treasures" in 2022, marking it as one of Austria's most significant treasures. Local folklore tells the tale of the devil attempting to bring water to Grossarl but failing. In his rage, he hurled the water into the gorge, creating the dramatic landscape visitors see today.