Salvesenklamm (Gorge)

A rock that still exists today and stands out clearly from the others is said to have been the center of their activities - the so-called "Witches' Oven". From there, the terrifying figures are said to have set out to abduct children who were still wandering the streets of the village below at night. Of course, there is no need to worry about the offspring today. On the contrary - a hike to the Salvesen Gorge is perfect for a family outing. Easy paths characterize the Gorge Hiking Trail above Tarrenz in the Tyrolean district of Imst.

The name of the municipality is derived from the Italian "torrente", which means torrent. It is a term that applies to the Salvesenbach. With great patience, it has carved a deep gorge into the rocks over thousands of years. You can see how incredibly deep it has worked its way, especially when you look from the bridge at the "Hoher Übergang". Here it goes 40 meters and in some places extremely narrow into the depths. Although the bridge is securely fastened, it can send a shiver down your spine when you look into the eternal deep gorge.

But everything in order: The hike begins at the end of the parking lot at the parish church in Tarrenz. By the way, you can park here for free. Now it goes past a catchment basin and uphill through the forest. A children's nature trail awaits with interesting information and spooky stories about the witches on several educational boards. The little witch Salvesia presents some questions about the regional nature and the scary figures that used to ride through the air on their broomsticks. A turnoff leads to the aforementioned Witches' Oven - it's only a short detour, and you won't regret visiting the cult site of the witches and feeling the magic emanating from the extraordinary rock.

Then back the same way, and the ascent continues along the nature trail, which soon turns into a sculpture trail. Its edge is lined with artistic concrete sculptures. After some time, you reach the Gugelhupfplatz, which also belongs to the sculpture trail and enriches it with concrete Gugelhupfs. Then past the water castle, and you have already reached the Hoher Übergang with the dizzying steel bridge that you cross the gorge on. After the bridge, a stepped path continues upwards. You reach a forest road that passes by the mountain station of the drag lift. Continue to follow the signs to Tarrenz. A small mountain path leads you back to the starting point.

With a length of just over 4 kilometers, this circular route takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. During the hike, you can enjoy the view over the Sinnesjoch and the mighty Tschirgant, whose massif already represents an offshoot of the Mieminger Kette, and which stands guard as a silent giant over the Gurgltal. Perhaps you will also discover one or the other witch's sign if you keep a close lookout.