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 traveling north from the south toward the city of Salzburg. One of the main towns in the region, Obervellach, was founded as early as the 10th century AD. Even then, it acted as a gateway along the trade route, and its strategic location led to the establishment of a toll station for passing merchants. This toll station belonged to the ruling archduke and operated for around 300 years, from the 13th to the 16th century.

The area was also found to be rich in precious metals such as silver and gold, leading to numerous mining operations. After the gold and silver deposits were exhausted, copper mining began. As a result, Obervellach became a prosperous town, valued highly by the regional rulers—one reason Groppenstein Castle was built nearby.

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. A certified guide leads you along the partially lit trail, where you can hear 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 Your Visit

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). If heavy rain occurs, the trail closes for safety – check the official website for updates.