Breitachklamm Gorge

The Breitachklamm near Oberstdorf in Bavaria's Allgäu Alps is one of the most dramatic gorges in the Alps. Over about 1.5 miles (2.5 km), the Breitach River has cut up to 490 feet (150 m) deep into the rock, and a secured walkway leads you right past thundering water, overhanging cliffs and polished stone walls. Around 300,000 people visit each year, and it is just as impressive in winter, when giant icicles hang from the walls.

Why the Breitachklamm is special

The gorge lies at the mouth of the Kleinwalsertal valley, on the border with Austria. Together with the Höllentalklamm near Garmisch, it is the deepest gorge in the Bavarian Alps, and Bavaria's environment agency lists it as a protected geotope.

It was opened to visitors on July 4, 1905, after a local priest, Johannes Schiebel, rallied villagers to found a cooperative and blast a path through the rock. Nature still reshapes it: in 1995 a rockslide of about 50,000 cubic meters blocked the river, and in 2005 a flood rose more than 20 feet above the bridge.

Walking the gorge

The main entrance is in the hamlet of Tiefenbach, just north of Oberstdorf; the upper end is at Walserschanz. A popular loop starts at the Walserschanz parking lot, runs through the upper gorge to the Zwingsteg footbridge, through the forest to Tiefenbach and back through the gorge, taking about 2.5 hours. Wear sturdy shoes, as the path is often wet. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026:

• Admission: adults €9, children aged 5 to 15 €2.50, under 5 free; buy at the ticket desk or online
• Autumn hours: daily from 9 a.m., last entry 4 p.m., closing 4:30 p.m., until the end of the Bavarian fall school holidays (early November)
• Summer (May–September): last entry 5 p.m.
• Closed: from the end of the fall holidays until Christmas, and roughly mid-March to late April for rock clearing

The gorge can close at short notice in bad weather, so check the status page on the official website before you go.

How to get to the Breitachklamm

• From Munich: About 2.5 hours by car; by train, ride to Oberstdorf, the end of the line, usually with one or two changes.
• By bus: From Oberstdorf bus station, line 44 serves the lower entrance in Tiefenbach and the Walserbus (line 1) serves Walserschanz.
• Parking: €5 per car per day at both lots (P1 Tiefenbach, P2 Walserschanz); cash only.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes. It is one of the best half-day outings in the Allgäu and works well with children who are steady on their feet. Combine it with a ride up the Nebelhorn cable car in Oberstdorf or a trip into the Kleinwalsertal.