Tour tip: Hike through the Griesbachklamm

A post by guest author Laura Merhar

One of our favorite autumn hikes leads through the Griesbachklamm gorge near St. Johann in Tyrol. The tour is almost mystical in late autumn and above all particularly varied: after the wildly romantic gorge, it goes through autumn forests over two huts and two summit crosses with great views through a magical forest back to the valley.

We start the hike at the parking lot in Erpfendorf. From here, three designated hiking trails start through the gorge. We choose the large alpine round with about 11 kilometers. After just a few minutes along the riverbed, the gorge begins.

Tour data

• Start and end point: Griesbachklamm parking lot (day ticket 6 euros, Oct. 2022).
• Walking time: approx. 3.5-4 hours
• Trail length: 11.4 km
• Vertical meters upwards: 520
• Vertical meters downwards: 530
• Difficulty: medium, hiking shoes are strongly recommended
• Suitable for strollers: No
• Suitable for dogs: Yes
• Refreshment stops: Angerlalm and Huberalm (note opening times).
• Arrival via public transport: Postbus 4012, stop Griesbachklamm

The tour on Komoot

In the middle of October at 9 o’clock the sun is just flashing over the tree tops into the gorge. In addition, the light morning fog and the colorful autumn trees on top of the rock walls give the path something almost mystical. Our highlights along the way through the gorge include several suspension bridges, open boardwalks over the river, and an ever-changing landscape. Although we start on a sunny Sunday, fortunately there is not much activity on the trails.

After the gorge, a forest road leads to the beginning of the ascent, the so-called Jägersteig, which from there leads quite steeply through a beautiful autumn forest. At the top, the trees clear and we hike along grassy hills. The biggest climb is done and after a few minutes the Angerlalm is waiting for hungry hikers with a nice sun terrace and a terrific Kaiserschmarrn (one of the best we have ever eaten!).

While we are waiting for our food, suddenly the entire herd of goats of the farm runs past us, looks curiously and walks towards the stable. We follow it and find two slumbering pigs in the hay.

After the refreshment we go directly beside the Alm high to the Angerlkreuz (1.170m). This is not part of the original Almenrunde, but the short climb is rewarded with a great panoramic view.

After a short break, the trail goes downhill for a bit, past a small fish pond and towards Huberalm. Above the Huberalm, a small path turns right onto two larger hills. At the second one the Huberkreuz on the Huberhöhe (1.146m) with a lookout bench is waiting for us. Here, too, we take a short break to enjoy the view of the surrounding mountain ranges and into the valleys.

The Huberalm closes earlier in the year and in 2022 ended its summer operations on October 8. This hut also has a great terrace overlooking the valley. For us, we pass the Huberalm on the left and then turn right down into the valley. After a few minutes the path leads back into the forest, this time through an enchanting coniferous forest, along a small stream. On two trees we discover wood carvings. Maybe you’ll find more hidden forest spirits on your hike?

The last part of the trail leads once again through an autumnal deciduous forest. Be careful here because the leaves might be wet and thus a bit slippery. Afterwards, the trail leads along a forest road to Erpfendorf and past a horse paddock above the village back to the hiker’s parking lot.

We were already for the second time, but certainly not the last time here. For us, an ideal medium-difficulty but leisurely Sunday hike, where you can catch the last rays of sunshine and a great autumn atmosphere at the same time.

Touring equipment

• Hiking backpack (depending on weather conditions and personal equipment between 15 and 25 liters )
• Drinking bottle with enough water or similar
• rainproof jacket (with hood) for the gorge if necessary
• Cap
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (at least sun protection factor 30)
• sunscreen for the lips