A hike through the Groppenstein Gorge

Summer vacation in Carinthia - in the Hohe Tauern National Park region in Carinthia - Hike through the Groppenstein Gorge

Eine Wanderung durch die Groppensteinschlucht in Obervellach ist ein ganz besonderes Naturerlebnis und das perfekte Ausflugsziel für die ganze Familie.

Vorbei an tosenden Wasserfällen, steilen Felswänden, über Brücken und Stege und durch schattige Waldwege führt der Rundweg durch die Schlucht. Wir waren restlos begeistert. Am Heimweg im Auto haben die Kinder schon gefragt, wann wir denn wieder durch die Groppensteinschlucht wandern.

Starting point

Der Eingang zur Groppensteinschlucht befindet sich in Räuflach. Ein kleiner Mautturm markiert den Einstieg. Der Eintritt kostet € 9,- pro Erwachsenen und € 6,- für Kinder. Mit der Kärnten Card ist der Eintritt sogar kostenfrei! Von Anfang/Mitte  Mai bis Ende Oktober hat die Schlucht täglich geöffnet. Der Weg durch die Schlucht ist 2,5 Kilometer lang, überwindet 230 Höhenmeter und man braucht dafür in etwa 2 Stunden für den gesamten Rundweg.

Tipp: Festes Schuhwerk ist unbedingt erforderlich. Auch eine leichte Jacke sollte im Rucksack Platz finden. An nicht so heißen Tagen kann es auch sehr kühl sein in der Schlucht. P.S. Kamera nicht vergessen – es lohnt sich!! 😉  

An experience for the whole family

Already on the first meters of the hike you can hear the murmur of the Mallnitzbach, feel the fresh mountain air and look forward to the impressive impressions that await you. On hot summer days, the gorge is like a natural air conditioner. The cold mountain water and the shady path create a refreshing environment.

While crossing the forest you can also discover beautiful plants and rare species of animals. The mossy forest floors and the blooming flowers create a very special atmosphere. When a fire salamander, with its striking yellow marking, crosses the path, you can't help but be amazed.

After the first meters of the hike, you already notice that the rushing of the stream is getting louder and faster and you can see how the Mallnitzbach has dug its way through the rocks down into the valley.

The first small waterfalls and rapids appear. In spring, the water level in the Groppenstein Gorge is particularly high due to the melting snow and accordingly thunderous amounts of water rush down into the valley.

In between, the stream calms down again and meanders past large rocks and stones with a soothing sound. The footbridges built into the rocks are renewed again and again and create a safe and stable ground during the hike through the Groppenstein Gorge.

Again and again you can find a nice place to rest or enjoy along the way. Especially if you are traveling with children, these rest stops are perfect. After a short break and refreshment, you can continue again fresh and cheerful.

Children's eyes light up when viewing the impressive water features of the Mallnitzbach stream. Due to the well-secured paths and footbridges, even the little visitors can hold on to or support themselves on the railings. At high points, the railings are additionally secured by a wire rope fastened between the wooden rungs.

At the exit of the gorge is a great resting place. From here, you can return to the starting point and parking lot via the gorge circular trail, which leads past Groppenstein Castle. The entire round takes about 2 hours, at a comfortable hiking pace with children.

For hardworking hikers, however, there are other hiking options after the Groppenstein Gorge.

Our recommendation would be to take on another hour's walk and continue to the Almgasthof Himmelbauer to hike. It pays off in any case and you will be thrilled by the view and the culinary offer!