Wimbachklamm

Overview

Wimbachklamm is a compact, high-drama gorge at the mouth of the Wimbachtal between the Watzmann and Hochkalter massifs. A secure timber walkway threads along the roaring Wimbach torrent as waterfalls spill from mossy, overhung walls. It’s photogenic, family-friendly, and very short—worth doing if you’re in the area, but manage expectations.

Route at a Glance

From the Wimbachbrücke car park, it’s about 10 minutes uphill to the Wimbach’s Wollstadl shop to buy the entry token, then roughly 5 minutes more to the signed junction and the gorge entrance. Insert your token at the turnstile and descend steps onto the elevated boardwalk. The gorge itself is about 200 meters long. Most visitors do the short out-and-back from the car park through the gorge and back: approximately 2.1 km total (about 1.3 miles) with around 95 m of gain, taking 30–60 minutes depending on photo stops. You can return through the gorge or exit via a parallel forest path.

Longer Option: Wimbachschloss

If you want more than a taste, continue up the wide gravel track beyond the gorge to the Berggaststätte Wimbachschloss (former hunting lodge). It’s about 3.4 km one way from the gorge exit, and the classic round trip from Wimbachbrücke to the hut and back is 8.6 km (about 5.3 miles) with ~311 m of ascent, taking roughly 2.5–3 hours. The hut serves regional dishes and is cash only.

Geology Highlights

You’re walking through Dachstein limestone sculpted by the Wimbach torrent. Look for fossil traces embedded in the gorge walls—clues that these rocks once formed on a seafloor before being uplifted into today’s Alps.

Best Time to Hike

The gorge typically operates May 1 to November 1 and may close during bad weather or high water. Crowds swell late morning and afternoon—go early for a calmer boardwalk and better shots of the falls. Given today’s date (November 21, 2025), expect it to be closed until the next operating season.

Access, Fees, and Logistics

Park at Wimbachbrücke in Ramsau. Buy a 4 EUR token (children up to 6 free) from the self-service machine behind the Wimbach’s Wollstadl shop; the entrance uses a token-operated turnstile. Public toilets and a small geology exhibit sit by the car park. Without a car, bus 846 connects Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof and Hintersee, stopping at Wimbachbrücke.

Tips and Reality Check

Wear grippy shoes—the boardwalk is constantly wet with spray. This is a gorgeous but very short experience; pair it with the Wimbachtal stroll to Wimbachschloss if you want a proper hike. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. If you’re shopping for gorges, many consider nearby Almbachklamm the bigger sibling, while Wimbachklamm delivers a faster payoff.