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Gipslöcher Lech: A Karst Wonderland

Explore the unique Gipslöcher near Lech am Arlberg: a fascinating karst landscape with sinkholes, diverse flora, and scenic hiking trails.

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The Gipslöcher (Gypsum Holes) near Lech am Arlberg is a protected nature reserve showcasing a unique karst landscape with numerous sinkholes formed in gypsum-rich terrain. This geological marvel offers scenic hiking trails and diverse alpine flora and fauna.

A brief summary to Gipslöcher Lech

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the terrain can be uneven and rocky.
  • Bring rain gear, as the weather in the Alps can change quickly.
  • Check the operating times of the Bergbahn Oberlech and Petersbodenbahn if you plan to use them.
  • Consider visiting during the blooming season to witness the diverse orchid species.
  • Take the themed hiking trail to learn about the geological processes and the unique flora and fauna of the area.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Lech's Rüfiplatz, take the local bus towards Oberlech (free). Alight at the Oberlech Bergbahn station. From there, hike up to the Gipslöcher (approximately 1 hour, uphill) following the marked trails, or take the Bergbahn Oberlech (€13.50 single) followed by the Petersbodenbahn (€9.50 single) to reach a point closer to the Gipslöcher. From the Petersbodenbahn station, follow the signs towards Gipslöcher, a relatively easy 30-minute walk. The path is well-maintained but sturdy shoes are recommended.

  • Public Transport

    From Langen am Arlberg train station, take bus 750 or 760 towards Lech. The bus fare is approximately €6-8. Get off at Lech Rüfiplatz. From there, transfer to the local bus towards Oberlech (free). Alight at the Oberlech Bergbahn station and proceed as described in the 'Walking' guidance, either hiking or taking the cable cars.

  • Driving

    From Lech, follow the road towards Oberlech. Parking in Oberlech is limited and can be expensive. Consider parking in Lech (e.g., Anger parking garage, approximately €10 per day) and taking the Oberlech Bergbahn (€13.50 single) up to Oberlech. From Oberlech, follow the signs towards Gipslöcher, either hiking or taking the Petersbodenbahn (€9.50 single) to shorten the walk.

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Discover more about Gipslöcher Lech

The Gipslöcher, or Gypsum Holes, are a distinctive and protected natural landscape located near Lech am Arlberg in Vorarlberg, Austria. This area showcases a remarkable karst topography characterized by numerous sinkholes, also known as dolines, formed in the gypsum-rich terrain. These geological features offer a captivating glimpse into the region's past and present, shaped by the interplay of geological processes and environmental factors. The Gipslöcher's origins trace back to the Triassic period when the area was once a seabed accumulating sediments of sand, calcareous sludge, and clay. Within salt pans, gypsum deposits formed as anhydrite under specific climatic conditions. When anhydrite comes into contact with water, it absorbs the water and expands, leading to the dissolution of the gypsum rock over time. This process has resulted in the formation of the sinkholes that define the landscape today. With an average annual precipitation of 2,000 mm per square meter, approximately 3 kg of rock are dissolved each year, continuously reshaping the landscape. The Gipslöcher are divided into three main areas: the Untere (Lower) Gipslöcher, located at an altitude of 1,820 - 1,900 meters; the Mittlere (Middle) Gipslöcher, situated at 1,940 - 1,980 meters; and the Obere (Upper) Gipslöcher, found at 2,000 - 2,020 meters. The entire area spans approximately 21 hectares and features around 1,000 dolines, with about 150 being particularly prominent. The largest dolines can reach up to 100 meters in diameter and 35 meters in depth. To facilitate exploration and understanding of this natural wonder, a themed hiking trail has been established. This trail guides visitors through the Untere Gipslöcher, providing informative panels that explain the unique characteristics and beauty of the area. The trail offers insights into the geological processes that have shaped the landscape, as well as the flora and fauna that inhabit it. The trail is easily accessible from Lech, either by hiking or by taking the mountain railway to Oberlech and then the Petersbodenbahn. The Gipslöcher have been a protected nature reserve since 1988, highlighting their ecological and geological significance. Despite this protection, the area faces challenges from tourism and other human activities. Efforts are ongoing to balance conservation with sustainable tourism practices to ensure the long-term preservation of this unique landscape. Visiting the Gipslöcher offers a unique opportunity to witness the power of geological processes and the beauty of nature.

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