"Leutaschklamm" Leutasch by brendareed

Leutaschklamm is a narrow gorge that is filled with rushing clear (and I assume cold) water. You can get to the trail from Leutasch, Austria or Mittenwald, Germany and the trail is in both countries.

This is a wonderful hike for people with or without children. There is enough to keep everyone entertained. There are many signs that explain the geology of the gorge and there are signs that talk about the tales of the region, including the ghost of the gorge. Along the trail you follow a metal gangway that is high above the gorge and hugs closely to the sides of the mountains on each side. In two places there are bridges that cross over the gorge, allowing for some spectacular photographs. There are lots of interesting things to do, such as listening to the water through an ear piece, looking under the gangplank with a mirror, seeing the Klamm Ghost, and taking a side excursion to a small chapel.

We started our hike in Mittenwald and, we found out later, actually went backwards on the trail (no wonder the signs seemed to go in reverse order!). So our hike was uphill quite a bit early on, but then once we got to the gorge itself, it was pretty level along the gangplank. We followed it all the way around until we came what we think was the entrance (it was off-season and there were very few people around). We continued on the pathway until we headed back down to the first bridge across the gorge and, crossing over, we headed back down the way we started. In the summer season, there is a waterfall that can be accessed through the Mittenwald side which will take you up past the waterfall and to the trail that leads you on the gangplank going the right way. Or, you can arrive from the Austrian side from the village of Leutasch on L14.

It was very cold while we were there and some places had not seen direct sunlight for awhile, which means that the frost had built up and was very beautiful. The metal gangway was not slippery and felt very secure at all times – it is pretty new – the signs say it was built fairly recently. Lots of colorful signs keep you entertained and educated along the way.

Visit my Travelogue for more photos of this wonderful hike.

• Pros:Wonderful hike for the entire family!
• In a nutshell:We will be back!