The Rappenlochschlucht and Alploch Gorges near Dornbirn in Vorarlberg, Austria, form one of Central Europe’s most spectacular gorge systems — a dramatic sequence of narrow canyon passages, thundering waterfalls, and towering limestone walls carved by glacial meltwater over millions of years. The Rappenlochschlucht in particular features one of the highest accessible gorge walls in the Eastern Alps, with a well-engineered walkway leading visitors through a slot canyon where the walls close in to just a few metres apart and the river thunders through the shadows below.

Quick Facts: Rappenlochschlucht, Austria

• Best time to visit: May–October; spring for the most powerful water flow; summer for walking the gorge in pleasant temperatures
• Top attraction: The narrowest section of the Rappenloch gorge and the Staufensee reservoir at the upper end of the walk
• How to get there: ~20 minutes from Bregenz (Lake Constance/Bodensee) by car; ~3 hours from Zurich; Dornbirn is on the main rail line and the gorge is well-signposted from the town
• Entry fee: ~€6 (adult)

Rappenlochschlucht – Alploch Gorges are one of the largest gorges in the Eastern Alps, and also in Central Europe. They are located in Austria, near the city of Dornbirn and close to the famous Museum of Rolls-Royce with the largest collection of Rolls-Royce cars in the world.

Alploch Gorge, Austria by Bernhard Maeser

Both gorges Rappenlochschlucht – Alploch, which are about 1 km from each other, are divided with Staufensee lake with beautiful blue water. After appointment you can also see here 100 years old hydroelectric power plant.

Rappenlochschlucht – Alploch Gorges are a beautiful place suitable for hiking. On the rock walls there are romantic narrow wooden trails and the beauty of the canyon is doubled with amazing local waterfalls. The trail is also suitable for families with children. Rappenlochschlucht – Alploch Gorges are open from April to October. In the summer months (July and August) tourists have the opportunity to enter the gorges free of charge every Thursday.

Rappenlochschlucht, Austria by Bernhard Mäser

Have you walked through the Rappenlochschlucht gorge or explored Austria’s Vorarlberg region? Share your gorge-walking experiences in the comments! 🌿

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