Liechtensteinklamm is a deep and narrow gorge in the Austrian Alps. More specifically, the gorge is located a few kilometers south of St. Johann im Pongau in the state of Salzburg, Austria.
With vertical walls reaching a height of 300 meters, the 4-km-long Liechtenstein Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the Alps. It was created by the eroding force of the Großarler Ache mountain stream over the course of thousands of years. The crystal-clear steam continues to flow at the base of the gorge.
A safe, family-friendly trail leads through the misty gorge, running through illuminated tunnels and galleries, over bridges, and along secured walkways.
Between May and October, you can visit Liechtensteinklamm. It takes only 25 minutes to walk from the gorge entrance (ticket area) to the end of the gorge path, marked by a waterfall viewpoint. The return route follows the same path.
The gorge trail was constructed in 1875. It’s named after Prince Johann II of Liechtenstein, because his donation ensured the completion and expansion of the path.
In 2017, Liechtensteinklamm closed due to a rockfall. After three years of massive renovations, the gorge reopened in 2020. The renovations included three new tunnels, a spiral staircase, and rockfall protection.
Update: Due to massive storm damage in summer 2024, only a section of the gorge is accessible. Repair work is underway. But, the complete gorge walkway will not be reopened until Spring 2025. Check josalzburg.com for updates.
- Trailhead: Liechtensteinklamm Parkplatz, St. Johann im Pongau | Google Maps
- Distance: 2.5 km out-and-back
- Time Needed: 1 – 1:30 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 100 meters
- Difficulty: Easy
- Minimum Elevation: 609 meters
- Maximum Elevation: 707 meters
- Weather Forecast and Webcam: Bergfex Weather St. Johann/Alpendorf
- Dogs: Dogs are officially allowed in the gorge. However, we don’t recommend bringing your dog because of the grating steps. If you can carry your canine companion, then it’s no problem.
- Safety: The path can get wet. Wear sturdy shoes.
- Where to Stay in St. Johann im Pongau: Landhotel Lerch Plankenau (midrange), Apartments Maurachhof (midrange), Alpina Family, Spa & Sporthotel (luxury), Hotel Oberforsthof (luxury)
- Recommended Itinerary: Austria Road Trip Itinerary (1 week)
Liechtenstein Gorge Trail Map
Visiting the Liechtensteinklamm Gorge
When to Visit
The Liechtensteinklamm Gorge is open daily from May until the end of October. Given the popularity of this Salzburg attraction, it’s best to avoid visiting on weekends.
May – September | 9 am – 6 pm
October | 9 am – 4 pm
Entrance Prices
Adult, Children, Teens | See current prices
The gorge admission is free for SalzburgerLand Card holders and reduced for Salzburger Sportwelt Card holders.
Payment | Cash or Card
How to Get to the Liechtensteinklamm Gorge
Car
Drive to St. Johann im Pongau and follow signs to Liechtensteinklamm.
There are several free car parks along the Liechtensteinklammstrasse road. Here are the closest car parks to the gorge entrance.
P1 – This is the closest car park to the gorge entrance. | Google Maps
P2 – This is the second closest car park to the gorge entrance. | Google Maps
Transit
From St. Johann im Pongau , take Citybus line 52 to Plankenauwirt bus stop in Plankenau. From here, it’s a 30-40 minute walk to the gorge.
If you’re arriving in St. Johann by train, take Citybus line 51 to the post office and change here to line 52 to Plankenau. Download the Citybus timetable here.
If you’re starting your journey in Salzburg City, take a direct train from Salzburg Hbf to St. Johann im Pongau (55 minutes), and follow the directions above.
Liechtensteinklamm Gorge Walk Description
From the car parks, walk south along the Liechtensteinklammstrasse. Pass the public toilets and follow the paved road to Gasthof Liechtensteinklamm restaurant and onwards to the gorge entrance.
You can purchase your ticket directly at the “Kassa,” next to the Klammwirtin eatery and souvenir shop.
Pass through the ticket gate and follow the wooden walkway along the left side of the gorge.
After crossing a bridge, follow the shielded walkway through the gallery to the first tunnel.
The path leads in and out of tunnels for several minutes and then brings you to the base of a metal staircase.
Walk up the staircase to a viewing platform, which overlooks the Helix spiral staircase.
Descend the Helix to the gorge.
A flat concrete path, flanked by wooden railings, steers you along the right wall of Liechtensteinklamm.
Here, the gorge is at its narrowest. The rugged walls look like they’ve been chiseled by a giant.
The next bridge crossing offers one of the most memorable vantage points of the gorge.
Cross the bridge to the left side, and walk up the illuminated gallery.
The gorge path continues through tunnels, staircases, and walkways to the waterfall viewing area. There are two benches and two picnic tables here.
Follow the same route back to the gorge entrance.
Where to Stay near Liechtensteinklamm
St. Johann im Pongau
St. Johann im Pongau is a town in Salzach Valley, close to Bischofshofen, Wagrain, and Mühlbach am Hochkönig. It’s located 50 km south of Salzburg. St. Johann is surrounded by the Dientner mountains, Salzburger Schieferalpen, and the Radstädter Tauern.
During your visit, we highly recommend hiking to Lake Tappenkarsee in Kleinarl Valley and hiking the Mühlbach High Trail in the Hochkönig mountains.
The best accommodations are located in the village of Alpendorf, which is 3 km from the town center of Sankt Johann.
Midrange | Landhotel Lerch Plankenau is a family-friendly hotel in Plankenau, walking distance to the Liechtensteinklamm. Guests love the peaceful location, breakfast, and biotop bathing pool. Half board is available.
Midrange | Apartments Maurachhof is a family-friendly farm stay in Alpendorf.
Luxury | Alpina Family, Spa & Sporthotel is a 4-star superior hotel in Alpendorf. Guests love the mountain views, facilities (spa, pools, gym), and professional staff. Breakfast and dinner are included in the room rate.
Luxury | Hotel Oberforsthof is another 4-star superior hotel in Alpendorf featuring elegant interiors, a spa area, two pools, and a bar. Book half board.
Look for accommodation in Alpendorf/St. Johann im Pongau.
More Salzburg Travel and Hiking Guides
Salzburg Hikes:
- Salzburg Hiking Guide
- Filzmoos in Summer
- Lake Tappenkarsee Hike
- Rötelstein Peak Hike
- Hofpürgl Hut to Sulzenalm Circuit Hike
- Bachlalm to Neustadtalm Circuit Hike
- Mühlbach High Trail
- Hochkeil and Troiboden Lake
- Taghaube Peak Hike
More Gorge Trails in the Alps:
- Wolfsklamm Gorge in Karwendel Mountains, Tyrol, Austria
- Partnach Gorge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany
- Höllental Gorge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany
- Vintgar Gorge in the Julian Alps, Slovenia
Alps:
Hello, can you please advise how to get to liechtenstein gorge from salzburg? Also, can we do another attraction along with liechtenstein gorge in 1day trip from salzburg? Like grossglockner or kitzsteinhorn
Hi Shah,
From Salzburg, you will first need to take a train to Saint Johann im Pongau.
Without a car, it will be more difficult to add on destinations. I would consider Hohenwerfen Castle and the Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves.
All the best,
Sabrina