Kesselfallklamm

Useful Information

Location:	Between Unterfriesach and Semriach. Take road to Semriach, turn right at Augraben, Kesselfallklamm and Sandwirt signposted. (47.201487, 15.399904)
Open:	no restrictions, except weather permitting. [2021]
Fee:	Adults EUR 1.50, Children EUR 0.50. Money is collected in a box at the entrance to the gorge. [2008]
Classification:	Gorge
Light:	n/a
Dimension:	L=1,000 m, VR=70 m, 52 bridges and ladders, 2,800 steps, highest waterfall 38 m.
Guided tours:	self guided, D=40 min one way.
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Kesselfallklamm, ÖAV Sektion Graz Gasthaus Sandwirt, Kesselfallstraße 13, 8102 Semriach, Tel: +43-3127-8226.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1904	first path created by the Steirischer Gebirgsverein.

Description

The Kesselfallklamm is steep brook in a narrow gorge, not as narrow as others with only a few meters from one side to the other, but still pretty deep with vertical walls on both sides. The valley ascends pretty steep, and so the path was mostly constructed of wooden staircases, walkways and bridges. The gorge is not very long, but because of the height difference the visit is rather strenuous and good shoes are required. You should plan at least 45 minutes for the way up, 90 minutes up and back is more comfortable and gives you time to take a view pictures. While there is actually no rule and you are free to do otherwise, but there seems to be an unspoken agreement to walk the gorge upstream and return on normal trails outside the gorge. The wooden walkways are not wide enough for oncoming hikers, and in Austria the person moving up has the right of way.

The most impressive thing with this gorge is not the narrowness of the gorge. It is the pure white colour of the rocks. Located south of the central Alpine mountains, which are composed of crystalline rocks, the mountains here are made of limestone. The limestone is karstified and there are huge caves nearby. But here the gorge is cut into the limestone, and although limestone tends to become gray on the surface, it is still white in the gorge. Obviously it is regularly cleaned by the water.

The gorge starts at the Gasthaus Sandwirt, many people leave their cars at the parking lot while they walk the gorge. Be aware that the parking lot is private property and do not block the places close to the restaurant while you are walking the gorge. The food is quite good and the restaurant much recommended.