Liechtensteinklamm Travel Guide

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.