The Liechtenstein Gorge is one of the longest, deepest and most impressive gorges and is approx. 5 km from St. Johann im Pongau (Austria) removed. The gorge was made accessible as early as 1876 through a generous donation from Prince Johann II von und zu Liechtenstein - hence the name. After extensive construction and renovation work, the Liechtenstein Gorge has been open to the public again since June 2020. The highlight of the renovated Liechtenstein Gorge is the imposing "Helix" staircase, which is designed as a spiral staircase made of Corten steel and protrudes 30 meters into the depth. In the course of the renovation, a total of three tunnels, four galleries and 60 rockfall nets with a total length of 1,100 meters were built.
background
Legends and myths
How the devil wanted to derive the Gastein sources:
The blacksmith from Oberarl in Plankenau near St. Johann had given his crippled daughter to the devil if he would bring him the Gastein springs in front of the house. The condition, however, was that this work had to be completed before the rooster crowed for the first time early in the morning. The devil accepted this pact and began his machinations in the dark of night. However, the blacksmith's wife - known as the cunning witch - found out about this business. Quickly determined, she wanted to put an end to her husband's immoderate greed and briefly dipped the rooster into the fountain so that it began to crow before daybreak. When the devil was flying over the gorge with the warm springs before the start of the day, he heard the rooster croaking in Oberarl and was bitter to discover that he was too late. In a rage, he smashed the springs into the depths of the gorge so that people would never be able to grasp them. To date it has really not been possible to appropriately grasp the healing water and divert it for useful purposes.
history
In 1875 some people from Pongau began to develop the gorge. But in the course of the work they ran out of money. In their need they turned to Prince Johann II von und zu Liechtenstein. With his donation of 600 guilders, the work was completed in 1876. And the namesake was found for the most important gorge in the Alps: the Liechtenstein Gorge.
trail
The hiking trail winds its way through the Liechtenstein Gorge for approx. 800 m on well-developed paths. The hike through the gorge takes about 1.5 hours. The way there and back is the same - so there is no circular route.
Due to the natural conditions, the gorge, which is accessible with stairs and sometimes narrow footbridges, is unfortunately not suitable for a visit with a wheelchair or with a stroller.
In the gorge there are about 440 steps there and back and a total of about 100 meters in altitude to be overcome. It is up to each visitor to decide whether he or she dares to make the effort. A visit is not recommended for people with walking difficulties or cardiovascular diseases.
opening hours
May to September: daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission: 6 p.m.),
October: daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last admission: 4 p.m.).
Tip: In the main season and in bad weather, there may be waiting times from around 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. due to the high number of visitors. A visit before or after these peak hours is recommended.
entry
Adults EUR 10, adults in groups and guests with a guest card EUR 9, teenagers (6 to 18 years) EUR 5.50 and teenagers in groups EUR 4.50.
Children under 6 years free. One free entry with the SalzburgerLand Card. (As of: 06/2020)
useful information
equipment
Sturdy shoes are recommended. Depending on the season, you should dress accordingly - you should definitely take a warmer jacket with you, as it is very cool in the gorge.
Visiting with children
You can also hike through the Liechtenstein Gorge with your children. However, it is not possible to use the stroller. A backpack is recommended for smaller children.
Visit with dogs
The muzzle requirement applies in the Liechtenstein Gorge. Dogs on a short leash and with a muzzle are allowed. Please note that there are 440 steps (some of which are grated) to climb back and forth.
getting there
By train
- Intercity train station St. Johann im Pongau
- Westbahn Vienna - Salzburg - St. Johann or Munich - Salzburg - St. Johann
From the train station in St. Johann you have several options to get to the Liechtenstein Gorge:
- On foot: along the Salzach on the Tauern cycle path in approx. 1.5 to 2 hours of walking to the Liechtenstein Gorge.
- With the city bus: Departure from the train station via the city center to the Landhotel Lerch Plankenau. From there via the Klammweg to the entrance in about 30 to 40 minutes. Return with the city bus to the district court, then about 10 minutes' walk to the train station.
In the street
About the 
Tauernautobahn, exit Pongau junction, then on the 311 Pinzgauer Bundesstraße, via Bischofshofen approx. 6 kilometers to St. Johann, exit "Junction South". Follow the Großarler Landesstraße in the direction of Alpendorf and Großarl, after approx. 700 m turn left and then immediately take the next junction to the left. You are now on the Liechtensteinklammstrasse, follow it for about 3 km until you have reached the parking lots for the Liechtensteinklamm.
Sufficient parking spaces are available, including for coaches.
kitchen
Two restaurants invite you at the entrance to the Liechtenstein Gorge:
security
The municipality of Sankt Johann invests most of the entrance fees for the safety of visitors. Iron, steel and thick wooden posts carry guests safely through the gorge. Climbing specialists clear loose rock from the walls several times a year. Geologists and structural engineers regularly monitor and check the safety work carried out, and the gorge is closed in the event of flooding.
literature
Web links
- http://www.liechtensteinklamm.at/ - Official website of Liechtensteinklamm (including opening times, entrance fees)
