On weekends, many Munich residents are drawn out of the city and into nature. In addition to mountains and lakes, gorges are also popular destinations. If you’re currently looking for the next gorge to hike through, we have a real hidden gem for you: the Weißbach Gorge near Schneizlreuth in the Berchtesgadener Land. It’s unknown to many hikers, even though it’s completely free.
From a “Workers’ Gorge” to a Natural Gem
As the name suggests, the Weißbach River flows through the Weißbach Gorge. What is primarily a beautiful hiking trail today was once primarily a workplace. The Weißbach was used for log driving, harnessing the power of the water to transport timber from the mountains toward Bad Reichenhall. Thanks to the slope of the terrain, the logs were carried through the gorge to their destination. In the Weißbach Gorge, however, a little extra help was needed due to the low water volume. The lumberjacks dammed up the water and then removed the dam to give the Weißbach the necessary force.
We owe today’s hiking trails in the Weißbach Gorge to the centuries of work carried out by the lumberjacks there. The log drive formed the basis for the trails in the gorge, as is also the case elsewhere. In the famous Partnach Gorge, the trails were created in a similar way. On your hike through the Weißbach Gorge, you’ll learn more about the local log drive of yesteryear thanks to the information signs along the path.
Through the Weißbach Gorge to the Waterfalls
The best way to start your hike through the Weißbach Gorge is from Schneizlreuth, so you can follow the stream upstream. Along the way, you’ll not only learn more about the history of logging but also marvel at the beautiful landscape. The Weißbach babbles alongside you, cascading down small steps in the terrain or forming deep pools. The rock walls rise imposingly on one side and drop steeply off the edge of the trail on the other. You should wear sturdy shoes and be sure-footed.
The absolute highlight of the tour awaits you right at the very end. Once you’ve crossed the gorge, you’ll reach the impressive Weißbach Falls, which plunge down the rock in several cascades and measure a total of 120 meters. The highest waterfall in the ensemble is 25 meters tall. They pour out widely over the main dolomite formation, creating a roaring spectacle that you’ll truly enjoy.
You’ll find yourself very close to the town of Weißbach near Inzell, right by the Gletschergarten. So if you’d rather skip the hike through the gorge and just take a short detour, you can simply park nearby and reach the waterfalls with a short walk. Of course, we highly recommend the full hike through the Weißbach Gorge. Admission is completely free—just like at the nearby Aschauer Klamm!
