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Erlaufschlucht hike

Erlaufschlucht hike

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Hike through the Erlaufschlucht: A nature experience in Lower Austria

The Erlaufschlucht is an impressive natural monument in Lower Austria, characterized by its deep gorges and crystal-clear watercourses. This spectacular gorge offers hikers and families an unforgettable natural setting and numerous opportunities for relaxation and exploration.

Short info:

What is the Erlaufschlucht? The Erlaufschlucht is a natural gorge formed by the Erlauf river and features impressive rock formations and clear water.
Where is it? The Erlaufschlucht is located near Purgstall an der Erlauf, Lower Austria. The exact address for the sat nav: Erlaufschlucht, 3251 Purgstall.
How do I get there? By car you can reach the Erlaufschlucht via the A1 and B25. Public transport such as buses and trains also go to Purgstall.
Where can I park? There is a large parking lot directly in front of the entrance
How much time should I plan for? You should plan about 2 to 3 hours for the hike through the Erlaufschlucht, depending on your walking speed and breaks.
Can I hike with children? Yes, the hike is also suitable for families with children, as the paths are well developed and easy to walk.
Is there an entrance fee? Access to the Erlaufschlucht is free of charge.
Best time to hike? The best months for hiking are from April to October, when the weather is mild and the trails are easy to walk.
Restaurants nearby? In Purgstall and the surrounding area there are several inns and restaurants offering regional specialties.

start of the hike

The hiking trail begins at the car park in Purgstall, directly opposite the Hofer. Next to the football field there is a small information booth with a toilet. The car park is relatively small and fills up quickly on nice days.

Parking fee is: 1 hour = 2€, 2 hours = 3.5€, 3 hours = 5€, 1 day = 6.5€

Sporty people will probably be able to complete the walk in around 2 hours, but if you have children with you, I would expect it to take 3 hours or more. There are two paths leading away from the information board. The wide, gravel path, suitable for pushchairs, leads past the children's playground on the left. It goes along the water, but so far above that the river is barely visible.

The path to the Erlaufschlucht

To get to the gorge, walk 20 metres to the right after the information board and then turn left into the gorge, the so-called Fischersteig. This path takes a little longer, but the scenery is much more attractive. After about 10 minutes you reach the first rock arches that form a cave. These rock formations repeat themselves again and again along the path.

hike along the river

The path continues downstream, with slight ups and downs. For additional safety, steps have been built into the forest floor in some places. After about half an hour you will reach the first bridge. Here you can cross the bridge and start the return journey or continue walking along the river.

It is about 500 meters to the next bridge. The path continues down to the river on the right. It looks like the path doesn't continue, but after the rocks it leads slightly uphill via steps.

return route and viewing platforms

On the way back, follow the green-white-green markings and after about 40 minutes you will reach the second bridge. The path now leads back to the stroller-friendly path, further and further upstream. Two signposted viewing platforms offer impressive views of the gorge. The path ends at the main road. Here you go right across the river back to the starting point.

Near the parking lot you will find a bowling alley with restaurant and a soft ice cream stand, where they tempt you with soft ice cream starting at €3.50 per cone. But we treat ourselves to that after this lovely trip. Since there is still enough time, we then visit the Hochrieß Wildlife Park, which is only a few minutes away by car.