Breitachklamm (Breitach gorge), located in the Allgäu region near Oberstdorf, is one of Germany’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions, visited by around 300,000 tourists every year.
Spanning from Tiefenbach to Kleinwalsertal, it is the deepest rocky gorge in Central Europe, reaching depths of up to 150 meters.
This stunning geotope should be on every travellers must-see list! I visited the gorge in july 2024 and loved every part of my visit. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Breitachklamm.
Breitachklamm Map
This map of Breitachklamm shows the six hiking routes within and around the gorge. The easiest route is to start from Tiefenbach and hike the orange trail which is a 30 min. walk one way. All routes are well marked along the gorge.
Breitachklamm Hike
Access from Main Entrance or from Zwingsteg
The gorge has two entry points. The main entrance (lower entrance) at Tiefenbach is the most popular starting point, providing access to various hiking routes through the gorge. The upper entrance at Breitachklamm starts from the Zwingsteg (kontrolstelle), where you can choose to hike further up or descend towards Tiefenbach.
Footpath Lower Gorge
The lower section of the gorge begins at Tiefenbach, where the trail follows the Breitach River and ends by the second entrance at Zwingsteg. This roughly 45-minute hike covers approximately 2 kilometers, leading you through a narrow path under rock formations and waterfalls, with cool views of the whirling water.
Footpath Upper Gorge
Continuing from the lower entrance, the path through the upper gorge goes from Zwingsteg and beyond. This part of the trail offers panoramic views of Breitachklamm as well as the surrounding Allgäu mountains and includes a short forest walk before descending back to the starting point.
Safety at Breitachklamm
The paths in the Breitachklamm are well-maintained and secured with a mixture of concrete, wood, and gravel. In winter, however, conditions can be icy. Sturdy and closed shoes are essential all year around.
Be aware that narrow areas and steep spots / stairs occur on both the lower and upper footpath.
Drone photography is prohibited for safety reasons
Read more about safety at Breitachklamm here
Visiting Breitachklamm in Winter
In winter, Breitachklamm transforms into a magical landscape of ice and snow, where you can experience frozen waterfalls, ice curtains, and even join a guided torchlight hike. Winter hikes also offer a quieter, more authentic experience compared to the bustling summer months.
Opening Hours
The gorge is open year-round.
Summer hours are from 9am to 5:30pm, with the last entry at 5 pm.
Winter hours are from 9am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4pm.
The gorge is closed for a few weeks in autumn and spring, typically mid-March to the end of April and mid-November to mid-December.
Be aware that the gorge can close unexpectedly due to weather conditions. Stay updated on the current opening times of Breitachklamm on their website.
Tickets
Admission prices are as follows:
- Adults (16 years and older): €7.50
- Children (5-15 years): €2.50
Breitachklamm Parking
P1 Tiefenbach
The P1 parking lot is located near the lower entrance at Tiefenbach. From Oberstdorf, drive towards Tiefenbach and follow the signs to the parking area. Parking costs €4 per day for cars and €8 per day for motorhomes (no overnight parking).
Be aware that the parking lot only accepts cash payments.
P2 Walserschanz
The P2 parking lot is situated near Walserschanz, accessible via the B19 towards Kleinwalsertal. This parking area also costs €4 per day.
For more details on visiting Breitachklamm, including bus connections and contact information, visit their official website or reach out directly via phone or email. Enjoy your visit to this spectacular natural wonder!
Be aware that the parking lot only accepts cash payments.
