Hike along the Schwarzwasserbach stream from the natural bridge to the kettle holes

medium
Hiking

Distance

2.78 km

Duration

1:45 h

Altitude meters

161 m

Highest point

1230 m

Show on map

Tour description

This diverse hike leads from the Riezlern district of Egg past the natural monument "Naturbrücke" along the Schwarzwasserbach stream to the natural monument "Kessellöchern." The beautiful route, with many shady sections and numerous opportunities to cool off, is perfect for hot summer days.

The hike starts in the Riezlern district of Egg. After just a few minutes, you’ll find the natural Kneipp area Kesselschwand right by the trail—one of the Nature Experience spots in Kleinwalsertal. The path continues toward the Schwarzwasserbach and shortly after crosses a small ladder and a few steps down to the Naturbrücke. This is a naturally formed rock bridge covered with fir trees, spanning the Schwarzwasserbach. The trail then ascends through forest and meadows into the Hirschegg district of Au. Here, a lovely view opens up to the Ifen mountain and the Schwarzwassertal valley before the path leads into another wooded area above the rushing Schwarzwasserbach and past a beautiful waterfall.

The hike continues straight ahead toward the "Kessellöcher," where the path runs right along the water—perfect for cooling your feet in the cold Schwarzwasserbach. Afterward, the next short but steep climb leads to a small viewing bridge. From here, you get a fascinating view of the Kessellöcher, natural potholes formed over thousands of years by swirling water masses. From there, several steep steps lead up to Schwarzwassertalstraße and the Schröfle bus stop.



Route description
At the bus stop "Erlebach" we follow the sign left upwards to the natural bridge / Schwarzwasserbachweg. Above, we turn right onto the gravel path and pass the natural Kneipp area Kesselschwand. At the next signpost we turn left onto the small root path. The natural bridge is reached by a steep ladder (with fear of heights or walking difficulties it is recommended to take the steps on the other side.) We cross the natural bridge, take the stairs and turn right then left in the little path that takes us to a larger gravel road. Shortl steep, then moderately rising we are taking up to the district Au in Wädele. We cross the Wäldelestraße and continue straight on, past the football field and the bike park. After about 15 minutes of steeper climbs we reach a fork where we head on to the Kessellöcher. The last ten minutes we are taken on a very steep, narrow paved path back up to the Schwarzwassertalstraße. We can either take the bus right at the Schröflesäge or we turn left and go along the road to the Fuchsfarm. Here we turn right and then cross the parking lot of the Parsenn. Now we are on a larger gravel road, the Rohrweg. At the Haus Bergfelder we can turn left and descend to Hirschegg, where the tour ends. The road continues straight on to Mittelberg.
Further info & links

Tips

Canyoning guides offer canyoning tours in the Schwarzwasserbach stream (depending on the water level).

For families with children, it is advisable to walk the trail in the opposite direction: this allows them to explore the Schwarzwasserbach stream in a playful way. The Schwarzwasserbach nature exploration adventure can be found here. The research books required for this themed trail are available at the Walserhaus tourist information office.


Further links

How do you consciously experience nature?

Nature is so much more than the backdrop for unforgettable mountain experiences. It is a habitat for animals and plants. It provides drinking water and supplies us with high quality food. Not only does it provide valuable raw materials such as wood, it also protects against avalanches and mudslides and regulates the climate. It is up to us to support nature in everything that it does for us. One thing is certain, together we can achieve more:

Smart in NATURE

CONSCIOUS together

EXPERIENCE foresight

 

Smart in NATURE

Take a deep breath and recharge your batteries, be outside and feel free. When we enjoy nature, we are guests in the living room of shy animals and rare plants. If you behave smart, they will be happy to share their living space with you in the future too.

 

Stay on paths and marked routes

If you follow the marked paths and routes, you are sure to come to new favorite places. In this way you also respect protected areas, because many animals and plants need special protection. Especially in winter, any disturbance unnecessarily costs the wild animals the strength they need to survive.

 

Avoiding twilight times

Standing on a mountain at sunrise is a special experience. The morning and evening hours are also the time when most wild animals are in search of food. If they are disturbed, they get stressed. If it cannot be avoided, please stay on the marked path, do not use a bright headlamp and enjoy the silence.

Stay clean & take rubbish with you

It goes without saying: You take rubbish with you again, on the mountain and in the valley. Please also organic waste, because it is composted much more slowly at altitude. You can dispose of the rubbish properly at home or in your accommodation - please remember that there are no rubbish bins in public spaces in Kleinwalsertal.

On the natural toilet

If you are looking for a quiet place, please be at least 50 m away from water. Bury excrement or cover it with a large stone. Use fallen leaves or recycled toilet paper and put the paper back in the trash bag.

On tour with a dog

Are you always in control of your four-legged partner, even if he gets his nose for marmots, deer or other wild animals? You are both on the safe side on a leash. Keep dogs on a short leash near grazing cattle. If an attack by a grazing animal is foreseeable: leash off immediately. There are numerous dog stations in the valley for the disposal of dog bags. The farmers and alpine farmers thank you because manure in meadows and fields contaminates the feed and makes grazing cattle sick.

CONSCIOUS to each other

 

Consideration for other athletes and those looking for relaxation

Everyone loves to enjoy a special piece of earth for themselves. But most of the time we are not traveling alone. No problem, because there is enough space. Allow time, open the way in an accommodating manner, provide support when someone needs help and always give a smile. So nothing stands in the way of friendly cooperation and relaxed enjoyment of nature.

Appreciating the preservation of the cultural landscape

Alpine landscapes are touching with their contrast: Imposing peaks and natural forests alternate with gentle valleys, well-tended meadows and pastures. In the Kleinwalsertal too, this delightful landscape at three altitudes is no coincidence, but the result of an interplay of natural and cultural landscapes. Behind this is the work of farmers, alpine and forestry as well as hunters. With their work, they ensure that the attractiveness of the recreation and leisure area and the diversity of species are preserved. We already say thank you if we stay on the marked trails and enjoy regional products.

EXPERIENCE farsighted

 

Safe on tour - for you and others

Whether on a ski or snowshoe tour in winter or on a mountain tour in summer, anyone who is out and about in alpine terrain has to be well prepared. This includes careful information and tour planning as well as the right equipment. Correctly assessing alpine dangers requires a lot of knowledge and experience. Why not learn from professionals and go on tour with one of the experienced guides?

Nature experience map, scale 1:12,000; Kleinwalsertal tour map (with hiking guide), scale 1:25,000; DAV hiking map, scale 1:25,000; the respective cards are available for a fee in the Walserhaus Hirschegg.

Today, 08.09.2025

Morning

7 °C

Mountain

13 °C

Valley

Noon

11 °C

Mountain

20 °C

Valley

Evening

8 °C

Mountain

15 °C

Valley