Whether it’s impressive torrents of water or delicate trickles, Bavaria’s waterfalls come in every imaginable form. If you’re in the mood for the former again, you should stop by the Berchtesgadener Land. Here you’ll find some of Germany’s tallest waterfalls, such as the Schrainbach Waterfall and the undisputed number one, the Röthbachfall. But if you’re looking for a destination you can reach without having to take a boat on Lake Königssee, then pay a visit to the Sulzer Waterfall. It’s a true natural gem that flows into the heart of a wild and romantic gorge.
The waterfall in the gorge
You’ll find the Sulzer Waterfall on the Untersberg, the northernmost mountain range of the Berchtesgaden Alps. Here, the Sulzbach plunges an impressive 114 meters down the dolomite cliffs and flows into the Almbach. The Almbach, in turn, rushes through the Almbach Gorge, in the center of which lies the Sulzer Waterfall. While the Almbach Gorge is known for its rich variety of plant and animal life, the rocks surrounding the waterfall are relatively barren. This gives you an unobstructed view of the water flowing down the Untersberg here—a truly spectacular sight.
On its way down into the gorge, the Sulzer Waterfall encounters a total of five rock steps, forming several cascades. The view is particularly impressive after the snowmelt, when the stream carries more water than usual. But the trip is also worth it in the summer, as the waterfall impresses above all with its height and scenic setting.
Hike to the Sulzer Waterfall
A detour to the Sulzer Waterfall always includes a visit to the Almbach Gorge. It’s open from May through the end of October, and admission costs €9. There are various routes and loop trails through the gorge, allowing you to customize your tour. About halfway through the gorge, you’ll find yourself standing in front of the Sulzer Waterfall, where you can take in the breathtaking view.
Take a few nice photos as a souvenir and then continue on your way to discover the rest of the hike’s highlights. In addition to flora and fauna such as gentian, mosses, and algae, more waterfalls await you. Depending on which side you entered the gorge from, you’ll pass either Germany’s oldest marble ball mill or the Theresenklause at the end.
