Beautiful gorge hikes

It is often very hot in summer. Many people escape the heat by going to a bathing lake or a swimming pool. Today I would like to recommend two wonderful and beautiful gorge hikes in the immediate vicinity of the city. Cooling down and nature experience guaranteed.

A gorge describes a narrow gorge, which is usually flowed through by a stream. The combination of cooling rock and cold water make it a place of relaxation, especially on hot days.

The Mühlau Gorge is located directly in the city of Innsbruck, in the district of Mühlau. The entrance to the gorge is at the foot of the Nordkette near the power station, the path is well signposted. There are several parking spaces on site. Alternatively you can take the city bus A or 501 to Mühlau. From there you pass the church and walk up the Kirchgasse. After 10 to 15 minutes you reach the starting point.

Already at the beginning there is an impressive picture – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic

I hike leisurely along the well-maintained path past the Wurmbach, pass wooden bridges and enjoy pure nature almost in the middle of the city. Even inexperienced hikers have no problem on this path. It is never really steep or sloping.

Pure nature in the middle of the city – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic

Besides many information boards about flora and fauna, I also get insights into the world of legends. Mrs. Hitt and the Beggar Woman, the Falconer and the Tatzelwurm certainly make the gorge even more exciting for children. I get excerpts from them on three boards next to the so-called “witches’ kitchen”, which can be found here in a small cave.

The witches’ kitchen – a highlight for children. Photo: Danijel Jovanovic

Here the gorge trail becomes a little steeper. The Wurmbach flows down over small waterfalls towards the Inn. I like to take a little break here to capture this great scenery for you. Amiga, the dog that accompanies me, also has fun here. Amiga is a rescue dog and loves the water. Here she has enough possibilities to let off steam and offers me again and again a worthwhile motif.

Rescue dog Amiga enjoys the ravine trip – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic

Small waterfalls in the Mühlau gorge – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic

Wurmbach in the Mühlau gorge – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic

The hike ends at the avalanche dam and leads me up the forest path to the Arzler Alm. Walking time I estimate at about 30 minutes, you can of course stay much longer to enjoy the beautiful landscape.

EHNBACHKLAMM

The second gorge hike that I would like to recommend to you starts in Zirl. The Ehnbachklamm leads directly from the village to the Zirler Mähdern and into the Brunntal. You can reach the gorge easily by public transport or by car. Parking is available at the rescue station in Zirl. The entrance is directly under the Kalvarienberg on which there is a chapel and is actually not to be overlooked.

Already at the beginning the gorge shows its most beautiful side. It is very narrow here and the brook rushes wildly past me. Without problems I pass the overhanging rocks. A wire rope is available to hold on.

Overhanging rocks, a wild stream – pure nature. Photo: Danijel Jovanovic

Rescue dog Amiga accompanies me here as well. She obviously enjoys playing in the stream and dog lovers can give their four-legged friends a well-deserved cooling off.

Rescue dog Amiga at the waterfall – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic

As in the Mühlauer Klamm, I find many waterfalls here. A paradise for photographers and for nature lovers. The cooling on this hot summer day does the rest to feel good.

One of the waterfalls in the Ehnbachklamm – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic

The path winds its way up the Ehnbach through the gorge via stairs, wooden bridges and narrow paths. At the end, the imposing dam wall awaits, offering protection from mudflows. The path up to there is always very well secured by wire ropes.

A steep staircase leads directly up to the wall and here the valley opens up in front of me.

Detail of the dam wall – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic

The path leads directly over the protective wall – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic

After the protective wall the valley opens up – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic

Here the path gets a little bit lost, because here parts fall into the creek bed again and again. It is best to walk directly in the stream bed until you reach the wooded area at the end. There you can continue the hike.

On the left and right side of the valley I meet sportsmen climbing. The steep, practically vertical rocks offer optimal possibilities. I stay here for a short while to watch the athletes. Amiga has a lot of fun in the water and there is a pleasant calm.

Climbers in the Ehnbachklamm – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic

If you continue to follow the path here, you can hike on to Hochzirl, the Zirler Mähder or to the Brunntal Inn. In summer, however, you should always bear in mind the risk of thunderstorms. Since the distant view is rather limited here, you can easily be surprised by a change in the weather.

I decide to hike on to the Brunntal snack station. Over a wooden bridge I cross the brook. Here it goes steeply up a steep path to the forest road, which leads from Hochzirl. Passing the tracks of the Mittenwald railway, I continue into a wooded area. A steep ascent takes you to the Zirler Mähdern and at the far end to the Brunntal snack station. This is open all year round and offers a beautiful view of the low mountain range.

Labrador dog Amiga has a lot of fun in the streams – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic

The Ehnbach in the forest to the Zirler Mähder – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic

Wild romantic idyll – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic

You can return via the same path. I recommend to combine the Ehnbachklamm with the Kaiser-Max-Weg. I have already described this one in more detail here. The hikes in Mühlau and Zirl are manageable for everyone. They offer a special nature experience. I wish you a lot of fun while exploring!