Starzlach Gorge (Starzlachklamm)

The Starzlachklamm near Sonthofen is a narrow limestone gorge at the foot of the Grünten mountain in the Allgäu region of southern Bavaria. Secured walkways and bridges lead past waterfalls, swirling potholes and steep rock walls packed with ancient fossils. It is quieter and more compact than the famous Breitachklamm near Oberstdorf, which makes it a great choice for a relaxed half-day hike.

Where it is and how to get there

The gorge starts in Winkel, a village just north of Sonthofen, roughly 160 km southwest of Munich. By car, plan on around two hours from Munich. By rail, regional trains toward Oberstdorf stop in Sonthofen, and the Deutschlandticket is valid on them. From Sonthofen station you still need a bus, taxi or a few kilometers on foot to reach the trailhead. The hiking parking lot in Winkel charges a fee, payable with the Parkster app (zone 86720).

What makes it special

The Starzlach stream rises at about 1,070 m (3,510 ft) between the Grünten and the Wertacher Hörnle and has cut its way along an old fault line. The rock walls contain nummulites, coin-shaped fossil shells around 30 million years old, and even fossils of a rare crab named after Sonthofen. The gorge was opened to visitors in 1932 and has been a protected natural monument since 1951.

Highlights along the trail:

• A waterfall more than 12 m (40 ft) high, with a pool where kids splash in midsummer
• A gate-like collapsed rock roof
• Round potholes ground into the rock by swirling stones
• A tall, narrow side gorge

Opening hours and tickets (as of October 2026)

According to the gorge's information site, the trail is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in season. In 2026 it is expected to stay open until mid-November; it is closed in winter. Admission helps pay for trail maintenance:

• Adults €5 (€4.50 with a local guest card)
• Children €3 (€2.50 with a guest card)

Call the info line before visiting in spring or late fall, as rockfalls and mudslides have closed the trail in the past.

Planning your hike

Allow 1.5 to 3 hours. From the upper end of the gorge, a path climbs in 30 to 40 minutes to the Alpe Topfen dairy farm and the Berggasthof Alpenblick inn; you then return on the old ore miners' trail. A shorter loop crosses the upper bridge and heads back through the forest in about 45 minutes. Wear sturdy shoes, because the path is narrow and slippery in places. Strollers, wheelchairs and bikes are not possible in the gorge, but leashed dogs are welcome.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you are already in the Allgäu or combining it with a trip to Oberstdorf. You get dramatic scenery, geology and an alpine snack stop in one short outing, usually with fewer crowds than at better-known gorges.