Gastautor
Pearls of the Kleinwalsertal: The Breitachklamm gorge
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01.09.2025
An old Walser proverb says, "Da ischt scho an huuffa Wasser d'Breitach aache glauffa." This roughly translates as, "A lot of water has flowed down the Breitach."
But what exactly is the gorge all about?
Origin & history of the Breitachklamm gorge natural wonders become accessible
The Breitachklamm gorge was formed around 10,000 years ago during the last ice age, when glaciers shaped the area. Over thousands of years, the waters of the Breitach river carved their way through the rock, creating impressive rock formations and waterfalls. Today, the gorge is up to 150 metres deep! Development began in 1905, when the first paths and footbridges were built to make it easier for visitors to access the gorge and experience its beauty. The initiative for the development came from Pastor Johannes Schiebel, who wanted to use the gorge as a tourist attraction.
the rocks of the Breitachklamm gorge From coral reefs to magnificent folds
The Cretaceous Schrattenkalk limestone shapes the landscape of the Upper Allgäu region, forming both peaks and walls. It was formed around 125 million years ago in a shallow shelf sea on the southern edge of the European continent. During this period, the calcareous remains of various organisms, including shell and skeleton parts of mussels, corals, bryozoans, sponges and crinoids, were cemented over time into mighty limestone layers over 100 metres thick. These layers are surrounded by less resistant rocks, especially marl and sandstone. Geologically, the rock sequence belongs to the Helvetic nappe unit. During the folding of the Alps, the rocks were laid into large, west-east-running folds. In the Breitachklamm region, they are arched into a tectonic saddle, the Engen-Kopf anticline. Another small saddle structure has also developed at the northern exit of the gorge.
An unforgettable experience that should not be missed during your holiday! This is what your visit could look like
During your holiday in Kleinwalsertal, you should definitely visit the gorge. With the Allgäu Walser Pass, you can travel free of charge on line 1 to the Walserschanz stop. From here, there are various hiking trails, one of which leads through the Breitachklamm gorge to Tiefenbach, a village near Oberstdorf. The well-signposted routes allow you to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings at your own pace. Guided tours or a magical torchlight hike in winter make the experience even more special. Seeing the rugged cliffs, which rise up to 100 metres high, up close and hearing the roaring water as it makes its way through the narrow passages is a unique experience. The various bridges and footbridges that lead across the gorge offer breathtaking views and photo opportunities. Another highlight is the flora and fauna of the region. During the walk, you can discover various plant species that have adapted to the special conditions in the gorge. The wildlife is also diverse, and with a little luck, you can observe some of the native animals. A visit to the Breitachklamm is suitable for the whole family, but it is not possible to push prams on the paths. So what are you waiting for? Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to experience nature and be inspired by the beauty of the landscape. It is a place that offers both tranquillity and adventure and creates unforgettable memories. Current opening hours, depending on the weather, can be found on the Breitachklamm website.
Tip: Take a look up at the abstract stone and tree formations!
