The Liechtensteinklamm: Austria's most visited gorge

The Liechtensteinklamm: Austria's most visited gorge

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.

Brief information:

• What is the Liechtenstein Gorge?
  An impressive gorge with deep rock walls and rushing waterfalls.
• Where is it located?
  In St. Johann im Pongau, Salzburg. Address: Liechtensteinklammstraße 123, 5600 St. Johann im Pongau.
• How do I get there?
  By car via the A10 and B311 or by public transport: Citybus in St. Johann takes you to the Plankenau district, where you reach the Liechtensteinklamm after about 30 minutes' walk. More information here to arrival.
• Where can I park?
  There are five parking spaces near the entrance to the gorge. A display system shows which parking spaces are still free. P1 is the closest to the entrance.
• How much time should I allow?
  Around 1 to 2 hours for the entire hike through the gorge.
• Is the hike suitable for children?
  Yes, the hike is suitable for families with children.
• Is there an entrance fee?
  Yes, adults pay 14 euros, children 8 euros. With the SalzburgerLand Card, admission is free. Here you can find all prices.
• Opening hours? May to the end of September daily from 09:00 to 18:00 (last entry: 18:00), October daily from 09:00 to 16:00 (last entry 16:00). Here you will find the exact times.

The tour through the Liechtenstein Gorge

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 Guesthouse, then to the ticket counter at Gasthaus Klammwirtin.

We buy a ticket and at 2:07 p.m. we enter the gorge through a gate that looks more like a high-security wing. Entry costs 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 you reach the bottom, you continue 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 path back to the entrance.

At 3:00 p.m. we leave the gorge again.

Personal conclusion

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 Gorge or Lammerklamm, are in no way inferior to the Liechtensteinklamm in our opinion. Each of these gorges offers unique experiences and impressive natural beauty.