The Sigmund Thun Klamm and Klammsee are just a 30-minute drive from our holiday home in Viehhofen. Remarkably, last winter we stayed in a hotel only five minutes away without discovering this natural wonder—skiing season has a way of narrowing our focus! This summer in Austria has unveiled the area's breathtaking landscapes.
This week, we've explored Krimml Waterfalls, the Baumzipfelweg in Hinterglemm, and the Weissee glacier near Uttendorf. Today, we ventured into the Sigmund Thun Klamm near Kaprun.
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The Sigmund Thun Klamm is a stunning gorge carved by nature, where visitors traverse elevated bridges amid roaring waters and towering rock faces.
The gorge's origins trace back 14,000 years to the Ice Age, when a massive glacier sculpted these cliffs on its descent. Melting ice carved deep indentations, reaching up to 32 meters in depth. The total bridge walkway spans 320 meters.
Open to tourists since 1893, the gorge is named after Count Sigmund Thun, then-governor of Salzburg. It closed in 1983 due to deteriorating bridges but was thoughtfully restored.
In 1992, new secure walkways enabled the gorge's reopening—a wise decision. Our family thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and the children were equally delighted.
The main walk takes about one hour, though we lingered longer for photos and videos. Unlike our more strenuous hikes this week, this trail is gentler and ideal for families, including young children. Expect some stairs, but it's accessible without strollers or wheelchairs.
Regular shoes suffice for the core path—even slippers work—but the optional return route through the forest requires sturdy walking shoes due to steep sections.
We were fortunate with the weather: a brief rain at Klammsee passed quickly, creating varied lighting in our photos that highlighted the dramatic scenery.
Opt for just the gorge (about 20 minutes) or extend to the Klammsee loop. The lake, with its striking green waters reminiscent of Weissee, offers serene beauty, play areas for kids, a playground, a snack hut, and even alpacas.
From the gorge exit, circling left around Klammsee leads back without re-entering the paid section.
The path is designed one-way, with a barred gate opening only from the gorge side. Klammsee access is free, but bypassing the gorge undermines maintenance fees. Respect the signs to avoid disrupting paying visitors walking the reverse direction.
Tomorrow, we're tackling the Grossglockner High Alpine Road—stay tuned for that report!
TIP: We're based at Landal GreenParks Rehrenberg in Viehhofen—spacious apartments in a prime spot for day trips, all within an hour's drive.
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