Munich is a great starting point for excursions to Germany’s most spectacular destinations. From here, you can reach the highest mountain, the deepest gorge, or the tallest waterfall in under three hours. But in addition to these superlatives, many other beautiful natural landmarks and landscapes await you, which you can explore on a day trip. It takes only about two hours by car to reach the Almbachklamm, which takes you on what is arguably one of Bavaria’s most beautiful gorge hikes.
Diverse habitat
The Almbachklamm was formed about 15,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age and is located in the Berchtesgadener Land. The Almbach River, which gives the gorge its name, winds its way through the gorge over several cascades , forming several whirlpools. It also takes you past the Sulzer Waterfall, which flows into the Almbach and, at 114 meters, is the eleventh-highest waterfall in Germany.
Plants from various altitudes come together in the gorge, creating a unique mix. From ash trees to mosses and algae, and on to gentian and cyclamen, a wide variety of plant species are represented here. In addition, there are animals such as insects, butterflies, salamanders, and even chamois. Nature lovers will certainly get their money’s worth in the Almbachklamm.
The trail through the Almbachklamm
The Almbachklamm is open for hiking from early May through late October, though exact dates may vary depending on weather conditions. The trail through the gorge was built in 1894 within a month and takes you 3 kilometers through a tunnel and across 29 footbridges and 320 steps through the gorge. Some of the footbridges run directly over the water, allowing you to look down at the roaring torrent . In summer, its water glows turquoise, which looks particularly beautiful.
You can enter the Almbachklamm from either end, but most people start at the Untersberger Marble Mill. It dates back to 1683 and is still in operation today, making it the oldest of its kind in Germany. The Almbach powers the mill, where Untersberger marble is processed. At the other end of the gorge is the Theresenklause, named after the wife of Ludwig I. Behind the gorge, up to 15,000 cubic meters of water are dammed up. From here, you can continue hiking to Ettenberg or turn back and walk through the beautiful Almbachklamm once more.
