Burkhardklamm

At various fairs, people paid cash to see the "tallest woman in Europe". And now guess where this gigantic figure came from ... Exactly! From the Ridnaun Valley in South Tyrol!
And this valley has produced something else big that also attracts many people from everywhere. In this case, however, it is a natural monument of impressive stature - the Burkhardklamm at the end of the Ridnaun Valley.

Already at the end of the 19th century, the gorge was opened to hikers, and over the years it became a popular excursion destination. Who can blame it? With the roaring Fernerbach, which thunders powerfully into the depths here, the visitor can experience the power of Mother Nature in all its originality. Then the First World War came to the country and inevitably led to the decay of the bridges and paths.

Fortunately, a few decades later (it was actually only in 2006) they finally took heart and restored the "Panoramaweg". Today, here - nomen est omen - you can enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains of the Stubai Alps as well as the valleys and forests. With every step.

The starting point of the hike is the Mining Museum in Maiern. Here you can learn all sorts of interesting facts about the glorious mining history of the region, which was known for its silver, zinc, and lead deposits. Then follows the wild-romantic ascent to the gorge via hiking trail number 9. In about 45 minutes from the museum, you should have reached the rock crevice. Along the untamed stream, through quaint forest passages. During the ascent, you can experience the primal force of the river, which fights its way through the rock, up close - directly from the wooden bridges.

During the hike, you will eventually pass the dam at Aglsboden, and this means that the end of the gorge has been reached. However, you can still follow trail number 9 a little further. Ultimately, a small collection of mountain huts awaits your visit - the Aglsbodenalm (at over 1,700 meters above sea level), the Grohmannhütte (2,254 meters, with dormitory) and the Teplitzerhütte (with rooms and dormitory), which bravely perches on a rock at an altitude of more than 2,500 meters and offers an unbeatable view.

But it can also go a bit higher - the Becherhaus can be reached via partly smooth rocks, rough stone steps, and a glacier tongue. The last stretch is secured with a rope and requires a good amount of strength and endurance. But then it's done, and you stand at an altitude of over 3,000 meters above snow-covered mountain peaks. The highest refuge in South Tyrol also has a place for you to stay overnight - including the also highest chapel in the country.

While the crossing of the gorge is also feasible with children, the further path to the higher mountain huts should only be tackled by well-trained mountain foxes. Especially the way to the Becherhütte requires great mountaineering skill.
A parking lot is available at the Mining Museum. There is also a public bus that departs from the train station in Sterzing and stops in Maiern.