The town of Taxenbach is located at the beginning of the Rauris Valley, in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Taxenbach is considered a popular tourist destination thanks to its wonderful nature and ideal location in the heart of the nature reserve. From this area, you can easily reach Hochalm and the birds of prey show, Lake Zell, or the Kaprun dams. In addition, in the town’s vicinity, there is a wonderful natural site – the Kitzloch gorge (Kitzlochklamm).
The Hiking Trail in the Gorge
For thousands of years, the Rauriser Ache river “carved” through the great stone walls, creating an impressive passage between the mighty cliffs. The isolated area is a true natural wonder, a quiet and impressively beautiful place.
Inside the gorge, as part of the trail, you pass through tunnels that belonged to an ancient mine that operated in the area. The mine was called Ritzstollen and was established as early as the 16th century when gold prospecting took place in the region. Even older findings, from the Roman period, were discovered in this gorge.
The isolated gorge became more accessible thanks to Johann Zehentner, an official in the area who initiated the construction of a well-maintained hiking trail back in the 19th century. The trail was improved over the years until the entire gorge became accessible to visitors. Along the gorge, there are large wooden bridges and regulated paths with railings alongside the stone walls. The trail is easy to walk, but it requires climbing many stairs because it is about 100 meters deep. Part of the trail passes through the tunnels of the ancient mine, and there is also a high bridge for crossing between parts of the gorge.
In certain parts of the gorge, you can see the flow of mountain water, and there is even a small waterfall inside the gorge. The best time to visit is at the beginning of summer, right after the snowmelt has begun. At this time, the gorge is full of water, and you can enjoy the strong flow that creates wonderful sights.
You can do the hiking trail independently or with a guide who will explain about the nature and the mine that operated on the site. The duration of the walk on the trail is about 1.5 hours.
Kitz Via Ferrata
For extreme sports lovers, there is an option to do the route in the gorge along metal ropes attached to the stone walls of the canyon. There is a route of about 300 meters at a great height. You can rent climbing and safety equipment on-site and set out for a fun walk along the gorge.
This is what the hiking trail in the Kitzlochklamm gorge looks like
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
The total visit to the gorge may take about an hour and a half. At the entrance to the gorge complex, there is a large parking lot for the convenience of visitors. Parking is free of charge.
Trail Opening Times:
- Mid-May to the end of September: from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM).
- In October: the trail is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM).
Please note that the hiking trail may temporarily close during stormy weather.
The duration of the walk on the trail in the gorge is about an hour and a half.
Costs:
- Adult: €11
- Child (6-18): €7.50
Official Website
Address: Kitzlochklammstraße, 5660 Taxenbach
Map:
After the tour of the Kitzlochklamm gorge, you can continue to the birds of prey show at Hochalm! Read more information about the interesting show. Alternatively, you can travel to the Zell am See area and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.
