Bavaria looks back on a long history. This is evident not only in the magnificent castles around the state capital, but also in the legendary natural monuments of the Alpine foothills. Legends surround some of the lakes in Upper Bavaria, and mythical stories are also told about tropical-looking waterfalls. This is also the case with the Tatzelwurm waterfalls near Oberaudorf. You should definitely visit them if you want to experience a lesser-known natural wonder of the Alps.
How a dragon creature created the waterfalls
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The name of this place sounds so special for a reason: it leads directly into the world of legends. According to tradition, a “Tatzelwurm” is said to have lived here, a dragon-like mythical creature with the head of a big cat and the body of a snake. Legend has it that the monster once dragged two farmers into the depths, causing the rocks to break apart and the waterfalls to form.
Whether or not the Tatzelwurm still roams around the waterfalls today, the natural spectacle is impressive. The water of the Auerbach river plunges a total of 95 meters down two enormous rock steps into a narrow gorge. There is hardly any other place where it is as intense as here. Especially after rainfall or during the snowmelt , the gorge is transformed into a thundering cauldron, whose spray can be felt directly on your face on the viewing bridges. No wonder why people in earlier centuries believed that magical creatures must live in such a wild place.
No special effort required to reach the Tatzelwurm
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Today, the waterfalls are a popular destination for anyone seeking adventure without having to spend hours climbing mountains. Access to the Tatzelwurm waterfalls is designed so that you can observe them safely from close up. Well-maintained paths take you to two bridges that lead directly over the abyss in just 15 minutes. The “Tatzelwurm Bridge” is reminiscent of the mythical creature and takes you across the river in a swaying motion. From the upper bridge, you can look directly into the gorge, while the lower bridge offers a view of the cascades.
The waterfalls are protected as an official natural monument and impressively show how the water has carved deep into the limestone over thousands of years. Particularly convenient: the waterfalls are located directly on the German Alpine Road. So if you’re coming from Munich, you can perfectly combine this stop with a trip to Sudelfeld or Schliersee. The so-called Tatzelwurmstraße leads from the Inn Valley in Oberaudorf up into the mountains around the Wendelstein. So if you ‘re in the mood for a longer hike, you’ll find the best conditions here.