Zammer Lochputz

A popular destination near Zams in the Tyrolean Inn Valley is the Zammer Lochputz, a narrow gorge deeply cut into the rock. Over centuries, the water has carved its way here and formed the simultaneously spectacular and mystical gorge.

Water is here in all its facets, directly perceptible. For a long time, the Zammerloch was reserved for climbers, but now a system of ladders, footbridges, bridges, and suspension bridges leads into the gorge. Over the wildly rushing waters of the Lötzbach, one reaches magnificent natural beauties and bizarre rock formations. The main attraction is the 30 m high waterfall, which seemingly springs from the rock. Here also stands the "Lochputz," a striking rock in the shape of a bull's head, after which the gorge is named.

At the entrance to the gorge stands one of the oldest hydroelectric power plants in Tyrol. It dates back to 1924, from the early days of hydroelectric power in Tyrol. It collected energy from the Lötzbach and the Lötzer waterfall. Today, it is the first showcase power plant in Tyrol and can be visited as part of the water experience trail. This includes entering the "Triebwasserweg" of the power plant, which is fully accessible. This provides a vivid idea of how the mechanical energy of water is converted into electrical energy.

A spooky legend surrounds the gorge, the story of an old, hard-hearted blacksmith, a nymph, and a shepherd. The shepherd and the nymph fell in love, but the nymph was in the clutches of the blacksmith, who refused to release her. He demanded a series of seemingly impossible tasks from the shepherd, but each time the shepherd managed to find a solution. Finally, the blacksmith set a trap and caused the suspension bridge to collapse as the shepherd unsuspectingly crossed it. The shepherd died in the gorge, and a lightning struck the blacksmith's forge, burning it to the ground, while the nymph fled to the deepest part of the gorge. There, the nymph and the shepherd are united, and they can still be seen in the rock today: the shepherd transformed into a bull's head, the nymph as a beautiful girl's face.

During the hike through the gorge, one reaches the various locations of the legend, the ruins of the forge, the suspension bridge, and finally the mysterious Mirror Cave. The legend of the Zammer Lochputz is told in a fantastic multimedia show in the old Roman tower, leaving a lasting impression on the whole family.

A tip from environmentalist Moni from South Tyrol. She is an absolute nature freak and tries to spend her free time in the fresh air as often as possible.
More Tyrolean tips from environmentalist Moni