The Rettenbach Gorge, a section of the Rettenbach valley, is the only gorge in the Graz city area. It lies between Platte and Kogelberg and is a popular destination for excursions. A hike through the small gorge in a varied, naturally unfamiliar environment is particularly appealing. The trail leads through the herbaceous ravine forest along the Rettenbach to the hamlet of Wenisbuch. Due to the special climatic conditions (cool summer – mild winter temperatures) in the gorge, the various ferns and mosses are particularly impressive and worth seeing.
The Rettenbachklamm can be reached by tram line 1 in the direction of Mariatrost. After getting off at the Waldhof stop, walk a bit along the footpath / bike path towards Mariatrost, then to get to Mariatroster Straße and cross it to Steingrabenweg, at the end of which is the entrance to the gorge. As there are only a few parking spaces for cars, we recommend arriving by bike (via bike route R23 – Mariatroster bike path).
The northern end of the Rettenbachklamm is about 15 minutes’ walk from the terminus of tram line 1 and from the Postbus stops. From the north end of the gorge, the Platte, the Hauenstein or the various restaurants in Wenisbuch are ideal for extending the excursion.