A walkway suspended over a roaring alpine river, carved into the vertical walls of a gorge over 15 metres high, was originally built in 1875 to make a geological wonder accessible to tourists who arrived by the new railway to the spa town of Bad Hofgastein, and today the Liechtenstein Gorge is still one of the most dramatic and accessible natural attractions in the Austrian Alps. The gorge was named after Prince Johann II of Liechtenstein, who financed the construction of the first pathways and bridges. The route follows the rushing waters of the Gasteiner Ache river as it crashes through a narrow limestone canyon, with viewing platforms and tunnels blasted directly into the rock face. The thunder of the water, the spray in summer, and the sculptural beauty of the rock formations make it one of the most popular day trips in the Gastein Valley, drawing over 200,000 visitors annually.
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Quick Facts: Liechtenstein Gorge
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- Location: Bad Hofgastein, Salzburger Land, Austria. The gorge entrance is a 15-minute walk from the Bad Hofgastein railway station and the town centre, signposted clearly through the municipal park
- Best time to visit: May to October, when the gorge walkway is open. Late May and June have the highest water flow from snowmelt, creating the most dramatic rapids and waterfalls. July and August offer the warmest weather for the walk but are busiest. September and October bring autumn colours along the valley sides
- Walk details: The maintained trail covers approximately 1 kilometre through the gorge, with wooden bridges, metal walkways attached to the rock face, and several viewing platforms directly above the rapids. The walk takes 45-60 minutes one way, returning via the same route or a parallel trail through the forest
- Entry fee: Approximately €8 for adults, €5 for children (as of 2026). The path is well-maintained and suitable for fit children but not for wheelchairs or prams due to stairs and uneven surfaces
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When it comes to the Alps, there are countless gorges that can be found throughout the entire mountain range. However many people consider one of the most beautiful and of course the longest gorges in the entire Alpine region to be none other than that of Liechtenstein Gorge.
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Perhaps the biggest reason why the Liechtenstein Gorge has become so popular, is that it is one of the deepest and easily accessible ravines within the entire mountain region. While there are countless gorges that are just as deep, if not deeper, many of them are not as easily accessed.
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\nLiechtenstein Gorge, Austria by Heather (Gruber) Williams
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It was back during the last Ice Age that towering glaciers more than 3000 meters above sea level sat above the location of the Liechtenstein Gorge. As the Ice Age came to an end and the glaciers began to recede and melt, the torrential water began to cut a narrow slit into the sides of the Alpine mountains as the water made its way to lower altitudes.
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In many places, the Gorge is so narrow, and the walls are so tall that light is almost nonexistent within the Liechtenstein Gorge. Due to the dangers of crossing the Gorge, countless bridges have been built over the centuries to make access to the Liechtenstein Gorge much easier. Many of which can be accredited to the Prince of Liechtenstein who ruled over the region back in 1875.
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\nA view from Liechtenstein Gorge, Austria by Heather (Gruber) Williams
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For hundreds of years the Liechtenstein Gorge has been attracting people from all over Europe and the world. Today, it is estimated that more than 10 million people from around the world have visited the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Liechtenstein Gorge.
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And while there are countless gorges and regain second be found throughout the Alpine region, not one of them has been visited as much over the centuries. Millions of people have made their way to Austria in order to walk the length of the Liechtenstein Gorge and stare in awe at its breathtaking beauty.
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You can visit the gorge from early May to end of October, openning hours vary on the season and the basic admission is €4,50. For more information visit liechtensteinklamm.at.\n
