Groppenstein Canyon | Recommended Hiking Trail

In the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park lies the impressive Möll Valley (Mölltal), with amazing hiking trails between the mountain peaks. One of the most recommended trails in this valley is the one that passes through the Groppenstein Canyon (Groppensteinschlucht).

Groppenstein Canyon in the Möll Valley as part of an ancient trade route

As early as the Middle Ages, the Möll Valley served as a transit route for merchants who came from the south and traveled with their goods northwards, towards the city of Salzburg. One of the main towns in this area is called Obervellach, and it was founded as early as the 10th century AD. Even then, it served as a gateway on the trade route, and due to its strategic location, a toll station was established there for those passing through. The toll station belonged to the archduke who ruled the area and it operated for about 300 years, from the 13th to the 16th century.

The entire area was discovered to be rich in precious metals such as silver and gold, and many mining operations were carried out there. After the gold and silver deposits were exhausted, copper mining began. Because of this, the town of Obervellach became a prosperous and wealthy place, and the rulers of the region saw it as very important (this is one of the reasons there is a castle near this town – Groppenstein Castle).

This is what the nature of Groppenstein Canyon looks like

The Hiking Trail in Groppenstein Canyon

A short distance from the town center is the entrance to a most spectacular nature trail. This trail passes between huge rock walls, in a passage created over thousands of years as a result of the flow of glacial water that melted at the end of the last ice age. The length of the canyon is about 2.5 kilometers, which includes an ascent on wooden paths, bridges, and stairs. In the heart of the canyon, impressive waterfalls soar 30 meters high, and a spring flows from between the mountain peaks. Along the trail, you will be impressed by the flow of the Mallnitzbach stream.

The walk in the canyon is not circular. You walk in one direction along the canyon and make the way back on the marked trail outside the canyon.

Starting point: Mautturm (the ancient toll collection post). At this point, there are also remains of a paper factory that operated in the area.
Ending point: “Großer Stein”.
Duration of the walk: About an hour and a half
Difficulty level: Medium (there is a constant ascent along the canyon).
You should bring good, closed-toe hiking shoes.

Night Hike in Groppenstein Canyon

A slightly different but certainly beautiful experience is a night hike in the canyon. Accompanied by a certified guide, you can be impressed by the partially lit trail and listen to the sounds of the water and the animals scurrying among the rocks. The silence of the night and the wonderful nature in the canyon combine wonderfully for an extraordinary experience in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park.

What’s included?

Accompaniment by a certified guide
Necessary equipment for the night walk – flashlight, etc.
A light snack

When: From the end of June to the end of September at 9:00 PM.

Price:

€32 for an adult
€21 for a child up to age 16

For reservations and inquiries: info@groppensteinschlucht.at

Additional Essential Information for Entering the Groppenstein Canyon Trail

The trail is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
You must arrive with closed and comfortable hiking shoes. Parts of the trail may be slippery.

Trail Opening Times:

Mid-May to early October. Every day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (in June to September, open until 5:00 PM). In case of very rainy weather, the trail will be closed for safety reasons – please check the official website for updates.