The hiking trail starts from the village of Stans, which is right on the road leading from the capital of Tyrol, Innsbruck, to the nature and recreation area of Lake Achensee. The trail is famous mainly for its use as a passage for pilgrims visiting the well-known Benedictine monastery of St. Georgenberg. This monastery is the largest pilgrimage site in Tyrol and is also the oldest in the region that is still active today (founded back in the 12th century).
The walking path includes wooden bridges and lots of stairs (354 steps). The trail was opened to visitors as early as 1901, but a major flood in 1950 destroyed large parts of it. Today, all the bridges and stairs have been repaired, and the trail is open to visitors in the summer and autumn months.
Along the trail, you will walk alongside the giant rock formations and the rushing river, and you can enjoy the wonderful panoramic view of the wild nature. The walking path will lead you to the ancient monastery and from there to another monastery called Felsenkloster. The way back can be done on a slightly different path from the one you took to the monastery, by walking towards the Maria Tax church and from there continuing back to the village of Stans.
This is what the trail looks like:
Highlights of the trail:
The trail is suitable for experienced hikers as well as families with children. It is well-maintained and easy to walk on.
- Starting and ending point: The village of Stans. There is a paid parking lot called Wolfsklamm – St. Georgenberg at the entrance to the gorge area. If you want to avoid payment, you can park in the center of the village and walk a short distance to the trail’s starting point.
- Stations along the trail: Stans – Wolfsklamm – St. Georgenberg – Weng – Stans
Other Essential Information for Visiting the Wolf’s Gorge Area
- Opening Hours: Beginning of May to the end of October. Every day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Entrance Fee:
- Adult – €6
- Child (6-14) – €2
- Difficulty Level: Medium. Suitable for families with children who can and enjoy walking.
- Trail Length: 6 kilometers
- Elevation Gain: 350 meters
- Walking Duration: 3 hours
- Trail Map
- Official Website
Address: Oberdorf 73, 6135 Stans
Map:
Other Attractions in the Vicinity of the Wolf’s Gorge
After the wonderful trail, you can continue to some great attractions in the vicinity of the gorge. An 8-minute drive away is the village of Schwaz, known for the large silver mine that operated there. You can take tours of the mine and learn about the world of miners 500 years ago. You can read more information about this in the detailed article we have prepared on the Silver Mine.
A 12-minute drive away are two cute attractions next to each other. These attractions are the Upside-Down House and the Dinosaur Park. The Upside-Down House has become a popular attraction because it is so strange. If you think your house is upside down, you can enter a house where everything (but really everything) is literally upside down. It’s a funny and slightly dizzying experience (take that into account). Next to the Upside-Down House, there is a small garden with a variety of dinosaur models. Read more information about visiting the Upside-Down House and Dinosaur Park.
Another beautiful attraction is the 16th-century Tratzberg Castle. You can reach the castle with a 9-minute drive from the gorge or even make the journey on foot in about an hour and a half.
Finally, you should visit the amazing Lake Achensee, surrounded by high mountains and with such clear waters. You can read more information about all the activities around the lake in the comprehensive article we have prepared.
