The Liechtenstein Gorge in St. Johann im Pongau is one of the most visited gorges in Austria. Its impressive depth and powerful waterfalls offer an unforgettable experience. The path leads for around 4 kilometers through the 300 meter deep gorge, whose striking rock formations and rushing water attract numerous visitors every year.
At 2:00 p.m. we park at parking lot P1, the closest parking lot with free spaces. There are also sanitary facilities here. A 450-meter-long asphalt path leads us first past the Lichtensteinklamm inn, then to the ticket counter at Gasthaus KlammwirtinWe buy a ticket and at 2:07 p.m. we enter the gorge through a gate that looks more like a high-security wing. The entrance fee is 14 euros for adults. The path leads through tunnels and stairs dug into the mountain. After a few minutes' walk you reach the only real climb via metal stairs. At the top you reach the first highlight of the hike: a steep spiral staircase, called “Helix”. This 30-meter-deep spiral staircase made of Corten steel was built as part of renovation work following a rockfall in 2020 and offers impressive views into the depths of the gorge. If you're on Instagram or TikTok, you've probably already seen it.
Once at the bottom, the trail continues through several tunnels and over bridges. The tunnels were blasted into the rock to make the path safer and to provide impressive views. The paths are well secured and offer protection from the weather. After about 30 minutes of walking, we reach the viewing platform at the large waterfallThe waterfall plunges from a height of 49 meters and offers a spectacular natural spectacle. The platform is the turning point of the hike, from here you take the same route back to the entrance. We leave the gorge again at 3:00 p.m.
The Liechtensteinklamm is often described as the most beautiful gorge in Austria and is also the most visited. We cannot entirely share this view, but it is certainly the best marketed. Other gorges in the Salzburg region, such as the Kitzlochklamm, Sigmund-Thun-Klamm or Lammerklamm, are in no way inferior to the Liechtensteinklamm in our opinion. Each of these gorges offers unique experiences and impressive natural beauty.