Wolfsklamm (Wolf‘s Gorge) near Stans

What is certain, however, is that this is a breathtaking natural jewel. Mighty rocks, a fairytale forest, and the impressive roar of the water make the Wolfsklamm a place where one once again realizes with astonishment the beauties that nature provides us. The gorge is already part of the Karwendel Mountains and is directly connected to the outskirts of the town of Stans in the Tyrolean Unterland.

It has been more than 100 years since the Wolfsklamm opened its doors to tourism. It was exactly in 1901 when the first wooden walkways and bridges allowed visitors to take a reasonably secure hike through the wild water realm. At that time, it was a moderate sensation that allowed people without mountaineering knowledge and adventurous genes to observe the archaic spectacle up close. Over the years, the construction measures were expanded until the gorge was hit by a severe flood in the 1950s, which destroyed everything. However, because it was such a popular destination, the facility was rebuilt in 1957. Even today, parts of the walkways and bridges have to be repaired every year. The powerful river shows, especially during the snowmelt, that it still has the potential for destruction. But don't worry – during the visitor season, which runs from May to October, it kindly holds back. The spray from the waterfalls also makes it pleasantly refreshing here in summer.

Over probably more than 350 steps, you walk in a slight incline above the turquoise water until you reach a 12-meter high weir. If you wish, you can visit the St. Georgenberg Rock Monastery, which can already be seen from a distance protruding from the mountain. The path initially leads through a magnificent deciduous forest and soon begins the territory of the Alpenpark Karwendel Nature Reserve.

The Georgenberg itself is considered the oldest place of pilgrimage in Tyrol. The first settlements were recorded as early as the 10th century. From an initially small chapel, the impressive monastery, which proudly stands here today, developed over many centuries. Naturally, pilgrims are hungry people – that's why a cozy restaurant in the monastery offers food and drink for strength and motivation. Pilgrimage soup, Graukas, appetizer bread, Tyrolean Gröstl, or Kaspressknödel are on the menu and will certainly bring a good boost of new energy. You can even stay overnight within the monastery walls and hopefully enjoy a divine sleep.

An entrance fee is charged at the beginning of the gorge for walking through the Wolfsklamm. With these financial resources, the preservation of the gorge as a destination is ensured – a large part goes towards the annual renewal of the walkways and bridges. A paid parking lot for visitors can be found at the beginning of the gorge in Stans.