Bärenschützklamm
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Bärenschützklamm

4.8
·2k reviews·Mixnitz, Austria

Hike through a dramatic gorge via over 160 bridges and 2500 stairs, offering stunning natural beauty and panoramic views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Spring to Early Autumn

Best weather for hiking

CrowdMedium
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Bärenschützklamm

Bärenschützklamm

Best Time

Late Spring to Early Autumn

Best weather for hiking

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hike through a dramatic gorge via over 160 bridges and 2500 stairs, offering stunning natural beauty and panoramic views.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"The Bärenschützklamm itself was closed because a lot of rain had caused it to dangerously overflow, but the hiking trail that leads to it is beautiful."

Vertical photo
TIP

Park Smartly

Use lower parking lots (1 or 2). Upper lots are best for drop-offs only.

Bring Cash for Hütten

Mountain huts often operate on a cash-only basis.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 2,270 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Gorge's Wooden Walkways

The Gorge's Wooden Walkways

Bärenschützklamm

Traverse over 160 bridges and around 2500 steps through a dramatic, narrow gorge.

Panoramic Mountain Views

Panoramic Mountain Views

Upper sections of the trail

Ascend to viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Styrian landscape.

Alpine Huts (Hütten)

Alpine Huts (Hütten)

Along the hiking route

Rest and refuel at charming mountain huts offering refreshments and local treats.

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Planning Your Visit

Check Opening Status

Bärenschützklamm can close due to weather or damage. Always verify its operational status before your visit to avoid disappointment. Check local tourism sites or news for updates.

Prepare for a Strenuous Hike

This isn't a casual stroll. Expect significant elevation gain, numerous stairs, and potentially challenging descents. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water and snacks.

Best Times

When
Late Spring to Early Autumn
Why
Best weather for hiking
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful hike
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Would Bärenschützklamm be open on the days with light rain?

Hey everyone! I'm planning to hike Bärenschützklamm next Thursday or Friday, but the weather forecast shows light rain almost every day. I know they close the gorge in bad weather, but I'm wondering how strict they are when it's just light rain or showers. Has anyone been there…

Park Smartly

Use lower parking lots (1 or 2). Upper lots are best for drop-offs only. Reddit

Bring Cash for Hütten

Mountain huts often operate on a cash-only basis. Reddit

reddit.com

Looking for destinations similar like Bärenschützklamm

Hello There, I'll stay a week in Graz. I was reading sadly the Bärenschützklamm is closed becasue a tragedy. Looking for nice trips near the city. Every idea, advice, tips are wellcomed :)

reddit.com

Nature stops on the path from Graz-Linz?

Hello friends of Austria! I need some advice on places you recommend we visit on our road trip thru your country. The plan is to drive thru the Hungarian border and exit towards Czech. More or less we’ll be travelling from Graz to Linz. We have 4 days and want to see as…

Sturdy Footwear is Key

The trail involves many stairs and can be slippery. Good hiking boots are essential. :athletic_shoe:

Hydrate and Snack

Carry ample water and energy-boosting snacks for the long hike. :water_wave:

reddit.com

What are your top 5 European hikes?

I've only ever hiked in Austria. My all time favourite for sure is the [Bärenschützklamm](https://www.google.at/search?q=b%C3%A4rensch%C3%BCtzklamm&biw=1367&bih=594&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjIt8O3zYHgAhVTAmMBHZlPD0cQ_AUIDigB) up to the…

Tips

from all over the internet

Park Smartly

Use lower parking lots (1 or 2). Upper lots are best for drop-offs only. Reddit

Bring Cash for Hütten

Mountain huts often operate on a cash-only basis. Reddit

Sturdy Footwear is Key

The trail involves many stairs and can be slippery. Good hiking boots are essential. :athletic_shoe:

Hydrate and Snack

Carry ample water and energy-boosting snacks for the long hike. :water_wave:

Enter Before 4 PM

Last entry is typically around 4 PM, though you can exit later. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the spectacular gorge, the unique experience of walking on numerous bridges and stairs, and the breathtaking mountain views. The challenging nature of the hike is often highlighted, with many appreciating the physical exertion and the rewarding scenery. Some find the descent difficult, and the potential for closures due to weather is a noted concern.

"Quite an amazing hiking.
We were a group of 10, with kids (youngest 9 years old).
Find parking at the lower parking lot 2 or 1
Don't try your luck with the upper one (only to drop off the kids and going by foot)
It took us 7.5 hr in total, 11.2km (~4 hours walking without stops)
From the parking to the cabin it's 2km, then 165 stairs sections up until the upper cabin.
From there back to the lower cabin it's the hardest part as the downhill is hard (my ankle hurts)
And back 2km down to the upper parking"

Eyal Lewin

"Prepare for a good hike :) take enough water and cash for the hütte. Otherwise the walk is medium level and the view of the gorge is spectacular."

Endre Hegedűs

"The Bärenschützklamm itself was closed because alot of rain had caused it to dangerously overflow, but the hiking trail that leads to it is beautiful and there are plenty of other alternative plans available. For example you can hike above the gorge to reach a hut in 1-2 hours."

Nick Laine

What People Like

Spectacular gorge scenery
Unique bridge and stair experience
Panoramic mountain views

What People Dislike

Challenging descent
Potential for closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bärenschützklamm is accessible by car from Graz, taking approximately 30-40 minutes. There are designated parking areas near the entrance. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended for ease of access. Reddit

Yes, there are parking lots available. It's advised to use the lower parking lots (1 or 2) as they are more accessible for longer stays, while upper lots are primarily for drop-offs. Reddit

Public transport to Bärenschützklamm is not straightforward. While buses might go to nearby villages, a car is the most convenient way to reach the gorge directly. Reddit

The gorge itself is a pedestrian-only hiking trail and not suitable for cycling. However, surrounding areas might offer cycling routes. Reddit

The driving distance from Graz to Bärenschützklamm is roughly 30 kilometers (about 18.6 miles), typically taking around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is an admission fee for Bärenschützklamm. It's advisable to check the official website for current pricing and to purchase tickets in advance if possible, especially during peak season. Reddit

Bärenschützklamm typically opens in the late spring and closes in the autumn. Entry is usually permitted until around 4 PM, though visitors can stay longer to exit. Always check the official website for exact dates and times. Reddit

No, Bärenschützklamm is not open year-round. It is usually open from May to October, weather permitting. It can also close temporarily due to heavy rain or other safety concerns. Reddit

Last entry into Bärenschützklamm is typically around 4 PM. While you can exit after this time, new visitors are not admitted. Plan your visit accordingly. Reddit

Admission fees vary. It's best to consult the official Bärenschützklamm website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date pricing details. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

A full hike through Bärenschützklamm, including the ascent and descent, can take around 7.5 hours, covering about 11.2 km. The walking time without stops is approximately 4 hours. Reddit

The hike is considered medium to challenging, with 165 sections of stairs and significant elevation changes. The downhill can be particularly hard on the ankles. Reddit

Restrooms are available at the mountain huts along the trail. While there are no public fountains within the gorge, carrying sufficient water is crucial. Reddit

Children can hike Bärenschützklamm, but it's recommended for those aged 9 and above due to the strenuous nature of the trail, stairs, and descents. Adult supervision is essential. Reddit

Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip. Layers of clothing are recommended as the temperature can change. Bring rain gear just in case. :athletic_shoe:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are mountain huts (Hütten) along the hiking route where you can purchase food and drinks. It's recommended to bring cash as not all huts accept cards. Reddit

The huts typically offer traditional Austrian snacks and meals, such as sausages, bread, cakes, and local beverages. Reddit

Absolutely! Bringing your own water and snacks is highly recommended, especially for the longer sections of the hike. Reddit

While there aren't designated picnic areas, you can find spots along the trail or at the huts to enjoy your own packed lunch. Reddit

Yes, many huts offer hearty meals suitable for a full lunch or early dinner after your hike. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The wooden bridges, cascading waterfalls, narrow gorge walls, and panoramic mountain vistas offer stunning photographic opportunities. Capture the unique perspective from the bridges. :camerawithflash:

The narrow walkways and potential for moisture can make photography a bit challenging. Be mindful of other hikers and secure your gear. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing your photographic experience. However, the dramatic light within the gorge can be captivating at any time. Reddit

A smartphone camera is sufficient for most visitors, but a camera with good low-light capabilities and a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the scale of the gorge. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in natural reserves and national parks for safety and environmental reasons. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone. Reddit

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