Breitachklamm: A Natural Wonder

4.8 (12645)

Explore the depths of Central Europe's most stunning gorge, a natural masterpiece carved over millennia near Oberstdorf.

Home
Germany
Alps
Breitachklamm

The Breitachklamm, or Breitach Gorge, is Central Europe's deepest rock gorge, carved by the Breitach River over thousands of years. Located near Oberstdorf, Germany, it offers a spectacular hiking experience through towering rock formations and powerful waterfalls.

A brief summary to Breitachklamm

Klammstraße 47, Oberstdorf, 87561, DE
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

Wear sturdy shoes as the path can be slippery, especially near the waterfalls.
Bring a light jacket, even in summer, as the gorge can be cool and damp.
Check the Breitachklamm website for current opening times and any closure notices, especially during winter or periods of heavy rain.
Visit early in the morning or after 3 PM to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and guarantee entry.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Naturbrücke

Naturbrücke: A Natural Wonder of Scenic Beauty

Riezler Alpsee

Riezler Alpsee: A Tranquil Alpine Retreat

Hinanger Wasserfall

Hinanger Waterfall: A Natural Spectacle

Getting There

Public Transport

From Oberstdorf, take bus line 44 directly to Breitachklamm. The bus departs every two hours and the journey takes approximately 34 minutes. A single ticket costs around €4. Alternatively, take Walserbus line 1 to Walserschanz and walk a short distance to the upper gorge entrance. From there, you can hike down into the main gorge. Note that the upper gorge closes earlier than the main entrance.
Driving

From Oberstdorf, follow signs to Tiefenbach. After the roundabout at the Geiger building, turn left towards Tiefenbach. If coming from the opposite direction on the B19 towards Oberstdorf, turn right at the McDonalds/Explorer Hotel. Follow the road along the Breitach River, then turn left to Weidach towards Breitachklamm. Parking is available at the P1 parking lot near the main entrance. Parking costs €4 for cars. Be aware that parking spaces can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Walking

From Oberstdorf, it is possible to walk to Breitachklamm, following well-marked hiking trails. The walk is approximately 5.1 km and takes around 1 hour and 1 minute. Follow the signs towards Tiefenbach and then Breitachklamm. This is a scenic route, but be prepared for some elevation gain. Upon arrival at Breitachklamm, you will need to purchase an entrance ticket to enter the gorge.

Discover more about Breitachklamm

The Breitachklamm is a breathtaking natural gorge carved by the Breitach River in the Allgäu region of southern Germany. Situated near Oberstdorf, it marks the exit of the Kleinwalsertal valley and stands as Central Europe's deepest rocky gorge. Over 300,000 visitors each year explore the 2.5-kilometer path that winds through the gorge. The gorge's formation began over 10,000 years ago, after the last ice age. As glaciers melted, the Breitach River ground its way through hard rock, creating depths of up to 150 meters. The gorge wasn't made accessible to the public until the early 20th century. Johannes Schiebel, a pastor from Tiefenbach, spearheaded the effort to develop the Klamm, seeking to boost the region's tourism and provide income for his parish. After the first blasting in 1904, the gorge was officially opened in 1905. Walking through the Breitachklamm is an awe-inspiring experience. The well-maintained paths, some carved directly into the rock, lead visitors past thundering waterfalls, narrow rock faces, and unique rock formations. The gorge is especially magical in the spring when melting snow fills the river, and in winter when icicles cling to the rocks. In 1995, a significant rockfall caused substantial damage to the gorge. Restoration work took almost a decade, with the gorge reopening to visitors in 2004 with a new visitor center. The center features interactive models that illustrate the impact of water on the mountains.