Mudpie Fridays >> Austria >> Complete Guide to Liechtenstein Gorge St Johann Austria

Complete Guide to Liechtenstein Gorge St Johann Austria

When we knew we were coming to stay for 3 nights in the St JOhann I started to do some research and came across Liechtenstein Gorge. Although there are many gorges and caves located around the Alps Liechtenstein Gorge is one of the longest, deepest and most impressive gorges in the Alps. Recently renovated it is easy to navigate for ‘non’ hikers which makes it a really popular tourist attraction. The narrow gorge is named after Prince Johann II of Liechtenstein because his donation ensured the completion and expansion of the path to the end of the gorge in 1875. More recently Liechtensteinklamm Gorge has undergone some more conservation with wooden walkways and the impressive Helix staircase.

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Where is Liechtenstein Gorge located?

Liechtensteinklamm Gorge is located in St. JOhann in Salzburger Land. We were staying in Tannenhof in Alpendorf. Liechtenstein Gorge is a 5-minute drive away. If you are staying further afield then it can be reached easily by leaving the 311 at the Zederberg. It is around 74 kms from Salzburg and so makes a great option for a day trip.

To reach the carpark use address – Liechtensteinklammstrasse 123, 5600 St. Johann im Pongau

How to get to Liechtenstein Gorge

We drove to the gorge, they have five different car parks and parking lots but spaces are still limited. We arrived at 9.30 am and were lucky to get a space in car park five. So if you are planning on driving then I would suggest getting there for when it opens at 9 am.

Liechtenstein Gorge can be reached by public transport with a little bit of a walk! From the centre of St. Johann you can reach the Liechtenstein Gorge on the free Citybus (line 52). Either from the penultimate (Plankenauwirt) or last (Glückauf) bus stop, from there it’s a comfortable 30-40 minute walk to the entrance of the gorge. From the train station take the Citybus (line 51) and change at the post office to the Citybus (line 52).

Arriving at Liechtenstein Gorge

Depending on where you park will depend on how far you need to walk to reach the entrance. From carpark five it took fifteen minutes most of which was gently uphill. The closest car parks are 1 and 2 and take less time. As you get closer you will pass some souvenir shops and a couple of restaurants.

There is a ticket office at the gorge entrance. Here you may need to queue for tickets depending on the time of day you arrive.

What to expect on your visit to Liechtensteinklamm

Once through the turnstile, you follow the pathway through the gorge. In places it is uneven and some of the walkways are made from wood. Which can get slippery since water does fall from some of the rocks. But it is a great experience. At points, the deep gorge means that there are 300m vertical walls either side of you. The unique natural spectacle of the mountain stream has several smaller waterfalls along the total length of the gorge which is around 4km.

Helix Staircase

The Helix spiral staircase was installed as part of the renovation project and one of the new attractions. An impressive structure of Corten Steel steps takes you down, 30 metres into the belly of the gorge. If you visit on a sunny day then make sure you capture the sun rays as they come over the top of the gorge and light up the impressive Helix staircase.

You wind your way through the gorge and across several bridges and through three tunnels. The pathway is narrow in parts of the gorge and not one-way. Another reason to arrive early. You will want to stop to take pictures of the gorge rushing below you and of the rock ceilings above. The pathways slope upwards at most points and there are other staircases to navigate.

At the end, there is an impressive waterfall which you can see from the top of another staircase. Although I recommend making the climb to the end so that you can get level with Liechtensteinklamm Wasserfall. There is something special about the mighty thunder of the waterfall falling over mossy stones. There is also a great photo motif which should not be missed.

How much does it cost to visit Liechtenstein Gorge

Car parking is free. The entrance fee is 12€ for adults and 7€ for children between the ages of 6 and 17. Under 6s are free and over 18s are considered adults. Which we feel represents great value for money in comparison to what you pay for other days out.

If you have a Salzburgerland card then entrance is included.

Opening Times of Liechtensteinklamm

During the Summer months, opening times are 9 am to 6 pm with the last admission at 4 pm. It opens at the beginning of May and closes at the end of October. Due to the nature of the attraction, it is best to keep an eye on the website should the weather not be suitable to visit.

How long do you need at Liechtenstein Gorge?

We were there for around four hours in total. This included stopping for refreshments and the walk up and back from the car park. We did not rush, but we also did not need to queue for tickets. In peak times it can take up to an hour to get tickets for the gorge and that’s before you enter.

The whole hike to the waterfall is around 1.5km and so they recommend that you leave around 3 hours to be in the gorge itself. Which would work out roughly what we spent. It is such a beautiful spot you do not want to rush around it.

What are the food options at Liechtenstein Gorge?

After working up an appetite walking through one of the deepest gorges you will be pleased to know there are a couple of different restaurants for you to refill in. We stopped at Klammwirtin which is right next to the entrance. The kids enjoyed ice creams and we had a much-needed cold drink. I was impressed with the fact that the prices were in keeping with what we had seen elsewhere. Since they had a captive market.

There is also a small play area which Harry enjoyed as we sat and relaxed.

We really enjoyed our trip to Liechtenstein Gorge especially the thundering water and large waterfall. It was our first stop on our two-week Austrian holiday and it set the bar really high when it comes to family outings.

Top Tips for a Visit for a visit to Liechtensteinklamm

Get there early. Liechtenstein Gorge is a really popular tourist destination and it is not possible to book tickets in advance. Meaning that you will need to queue to get tickets. Peak times are between 10.30 am and 2.30 pm I would avoid these at all costs. The best time is to visit when it first opens.
It is not suitable for buggies or young children unless you are happy to carry them in a carrier. You will need both hands in place. Also, bear in mind there are over 400 steps up and down! But other than this it is an easy hiking trail and suitable for the whole family.
Wear suitable footwear. This is a gorge and so flip-flips are not an option. The gorge trail can get slippery in places and the ground is uneven so sturdy shoes are a must.
Bring a waterproof as there are fine mists of water in the new tunnels which can get you quite wet.
Bring water or even snacks with you to have once you reach the water fountain as there are picnic tables there and you will probably want to catch your breath. And take in the beautiful surroundings.
Do check the weather forecast before leaving to visit the Gorge. Although it is open in many weathers it does shut for thunder and lightning. Which is reasonably commonplace in the Austrian Alps. Or at least it was when we visited.
The souvenir shop is on the expensive side if you are collecting walking stick badges or pins as we were.