The Lammer Valley (Lammertal) is considered an ideal holiday area in the Salzburgerland region, in the Tennengau area. This region offers many attractions suitable for families, couples, and individuals who want to enjoy Austria’s wonderful nature. One of the main attractions in this area is, of course, the popular Lammer Gorge, which we will elaborate on in this article.
In terms of location and access to attractions in the area, the Lammer Valley is also considered an ideal base for day trips. The main accommodation spots in this area are the village of Abtenau (very popular), Annaberg-Lungötz, and St. Martin. In these places, there is a variety of excellent accommodation options, whether hotels, rural guesthouses, farms, and more. If you plan to stay in this area, you can find a consolidated list with more information on hotels, apartments, rural guesthouses, and farms in the Abtenau area.
The Lammer Gorge Trail – Lammerklamm
The Lammer Gorge was formed after the melting of glaciers at the end of the last ice age, tens of thousands of years ago. The enormous amounts of water that flooded the area managed, with their great power, to dislodge huge rocks and carve an impressively beautiful gorge deep into the rock. The gorge is surrounded by giant rock formations that create a particularly powerful atmosphere.
The hiking trail in the gorge was opened to hikers as early as the 19th century and is excellently and safely built. Along the trail, there are wooden bridges protruding from the side of the massive cliffs, allowing for a comfortable and safe walk along the canyon. The trail is definitely suitable for families, but it is not accessible for strollers.
The beginning of the trail is called the “Dark Gorge” (Dunkle Klamm) and is considered the most beautiful part of the route. In this section, you pass through the narrow gorge where the massive cliffs are only one meter apart from each other. Here, you will feel protected in the shade of the enormous cliffs and enveloped by the powerful sounds of the flowing water.
Towards the end of the trail, you will have to cross a bridge that passes over the water (Hohe Brücke). The bridge is about 30 meters long, and from it, you can look out again over the gorge and the nearby Tennen Mountains (Tennengebirge). Definitely a great spot for photos!
2 Options: The Long and Short Trail in the Gorge
There are two possible hiking trails along the gorge. The full trail along the gorge and back to the starting point takes about an hour, while the short trail takes about 30 minutes and ends at the hikers’ hut, Landgasthof Lammerklause. From there, you can return by bus or car to the starting point.
You can also take guided canoe or kayak tours along the stream channel and see the canyon from a different perspective. This is a truly unique experience.
This is what the Lammer Gorge looks like
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
Opening Times:
The trail is open every day from mid-April to October, even on rainy days. If the weather is particularly bad, the canyon may be temporarily closed.
Entrance Hours:
- Mid-April, May, and October: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- June and September: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- July and August: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Costs:
- Adult: €9
- Child (6-15): €6
- Free admission for holders of the SalzburgerLand Card.
- You can purchase tickets online
Companies offering canoe and rafting trips in the Lammerklamm:
Gear:
You should have good, closed-toe hiking shoes. It’s also a good idea to bring a spare pair of socks just in case. The trail is not suitable for strollers, but it is safe and suitable for families with young children.
Official website of the Tennengau region and Lammer Gorge
The Lammer Gorge hiking trail is about a 30-minute drive from the city of Salzburg and near the town of Hallein, where the famous salt mine is located. It is also possible to arrive by bus from Golling. Line 470 stops at the Lammeröfen station, which is near the start of the trail. For those arriving by car, there is a large, organized parking lot right next to the entrance.
Address: Scheffau am Tennengebirge 42, 5440 Scheffau am Tennengebirge
Map:
Other Attractions in the Lammer Valley and Lammerklamm Area
The Lammer Gorge hiking trail is in an excellent location, so it is surrounded by other attractions that can be combined throughout the day. Popular attractions in the area include:
- Golling Waterfalls
- Hallein Salt Mines
- The City of Salzburg
- Lake Wolfgang
- Hallstatt (Upper Austria)
- Hohenwerfen Castle
- The Alpine Coaster in Abtenau
