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Liechtensteinklamm: A Natural Alpine Wonder
Discover the breathtaking Liechtensteinklamm: a natural wonder of deep gorges, powerful waterfalls, and stunning rock formations in the Austrian Alps.
The Liechtensteinklamm is a dramatic gorge carved over millennia by the Großarler Ache stream near St. Johann im Pongau, Austria. It features towering cliffs, a stunning waterfall, and the innovative 'Helix' spiral staircase, offering an unforgettable experience of nature's power and beauty.
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A brief summary to Liechtensteinklamm
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
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Getting There
Public Transport
From St. Johann im Pongau, take the Citybus line 52 to the Plankenauwirt bus stop in Plankenau. From there, it's a 30-40 minute walk to the entrance of the Liechtensteinklamm. If arriving by train at St. Johann, take Citybus line 51 to the post office and transfer to line 52. Please note that the Citybus service is limited and may not operate on weekends. A single bus fare is approximately €2-3.
Car
Drive to St. Johann im Pongau and follow signs to Liechtensteinklamm. From Salzburg, take the A10 Tauern motorway, exit at Knoten Pongau, then the B311 towards Bischofshofen. Follow signs for Grossarltal and Liechtensteinklamm. There are four free parking lots (P1-P4) along Liechtensteinklammstrasse. P1 is closest to the entrance. From the parking area, it's approximately a 400-meter walk to the gorge entrance.
Local tips
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Wear sturdy shoes as the walkways can be wet and slippery.
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Bring a light jacket, as the temperature inside the gorge is cooler than outside.
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Visit early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
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Check the Citybus schedule if using public transport, as service may be limited on weekends.
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Consider purchasing tickets online to skip the line at the entrance.
Discover more about Liechtensteinklamm
Liechtensteinklamm, or Liechtenstein Gorge, is one of the longest and deepest gorges in the Alps, located near St. Johann im Pongau in the Austrian Alps. Over thousands of years, the relentless force of the Großarler Ache carved its way through the rock, creating a dramatic chasm that stretches 4 kilometers in length, 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.In 1875, members of the Pongau Alpine Club began making 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 renovations also included new tunnels and rockfall protection measures, ensuring visitor safety.The Liechtensteinklamm was also 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.
A brief summary to Liechtensteinklamm
Use Liechtensteinklamm as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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