Kitzlochklamm

The Rauriser Ache drops into the Salzach at Taxenbach through the Kitzlochklamm, a gorge of about a kilometre and a half with the walls closing to a few metres in places and rising over a hundred, and the route through it - boardwalks, tunnels cut in the rock, stairs and a hanging bridge across the deepest section - climbs steadily beside chutes and falls. The gorge was a serious obstacle historically: the route up the Rauris valley to the gold workings and over the Tauern passes had to get past it, and paths were built and rebuilt along the walls from an early date. The walk takes about an hour and a half round. Flow depends on snowmelt in the Rauris valley above, so it is strongest in late spring and on hot summer days.

The landscape

• A kilometre and a half of gorge - walls closing to a few metres and rising a hundred.
• A hanging bridge - across the deepest part of the slot.
• Rock tunnels - sections cut through the wall where no ledge existed.
• Meltwater flow - strongest in late spring and on hot afternoons.

When to go

May to October; closed in winter. Two hours.

What to expect

Closed for the winter and after high water or rockfall. Permanently wet and slippery. The climb is continuous. Not suitable for anyone uneasy on a swinging bridge.

Nearby

The Rauris valley runs up above; Zell am See is west.

Key facts