Gleirsch Gorge

In the south east of Scharnitz there is an impressive natural phenomenon, which is the Gleirsch Gorge. Once upon a time tree trunks were transported along this gorge, while today it represents a popular hiking destination. From a geologic point of view, the Gleirsch Gorge (Gleirschklamm) is a particularly interesting place - the grey-white rock layers date back to the Triassic and the Jurassic.

The power of the Gleirsch brook has eaten away the layers, and brought to light various mussels and testimonies of earlier times. From Scharnitz, the round tour through the gorge takes you to the Scharnitz Mountain Hut, called Scharnitzer Alm, and to the entrance of the gorge. The narrow footpath takes along steel ropes and over little bridges through this natural gem, following the wild waters. The romantic gorge itself takes you about 45 minutes.

Often you can by the way also admire kayakers on the river. You need to be sure-footed and wear sturdy shoes! Afterwards the hike takes you back to Scharnitz, where the information point of the Karwendel Nature Park - Austria's largest protected area of its kind - is located.

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Gleirsch Gorge Round Tour (medium):

hiking time: 4 hours
total length: 13.1 km
altitude difference (ascent): 416 metres
starting point: nature park information point, Scharnitz

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hike through the gorge to the Möslalm Hut (medium):

hiking time: 6.5 hours
total length: 21.2 km
altitude difference (ascent): 505 metres
starting point: nature park information point, Scharnitz

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The Gleirsch Gorge is accessible from May to the end of October, winter closure from early November to May. Short-term changes or closures are possible.