Through canyons to waterfalls

Hiking through Lower Austria’s most scenic canyons.

A hike through the Ysper or Hagenbach Gorges is as wild as it is romantic. And it is pleasantly cool between stone and water, even on hot days at the Myra Falls or in the Steinbach Gorge. Both big and small hikers love it - and also those on four paws.

Romantic wilderness awaits you on a hike through Lower Austria’s most scenic canyons and ravines. And the temperature between rock and water is pleasantly cool even on the hottest days. That is a big plus for all hikers, big and small – and even for those on four paws.

Cascades at a natural landmark

Grosse Ysper rushes through its ravine in a series of waterfalls. With its imposing granite formations and myriad stone and wooden steps and bridges, Ysperklamm is considered the largest and most scenic ravine in Lower Austria and a true natural landmark. Rote Reithbrücke, the bridge in the middle of the ravine, enables an easy descent in between. Incidentally, Ysperklamm is also a great place to hike with dogs – your pooch is sure to love splashing in the cool water in the clear sections of shallow water along the trail.

Old mill and noble falcon

Hagenbachklamm is a ravine in the Vienna Woods. The circular hiking trail takes about 2.5 hours to walk and goes from the St. Andrä entrance in front of Hagentale to Unterkirchbach and back again. This marked hike takes you through oak and beech woods along the Hagenbach to an old mill – and beyond to Unterkirchbach. On returning, you can hike Klammweg, another enchanting ravine trail. Tip: At the end of the ravine is Europe’s largest private breeding station for birds of prey. There are over 30 species of falcons, eagles and owls living at this station.

Unbelievable surroundings

The Myra Falls in Muggendorf are a special experience for young and old, as more than 5 million litres of water pour down the 125-metres-deep rocks every day. Numerous pedestrian bridges and staircases, as well as eleven different theme stations, invite visitors into the world of the legendary hiking and water world. A game reserve and the large playground with a climbing paradise and water playground are waiting to be conquered by little hikers.

Over wide steps and wooden bridges

The unspoilt nature of the landscape conservation area of the Johannesbach Gorge near Würflach has been accessible to visitors for more than 100 years with secured paths and impresses with rock walls, some 60 metres high, in which the deep incisions left by the water in the limestone over thousands of years can be seen. The hike through the gorge south of the Hohe Wand is especially popular with children and families and offers a welcome cool down especially on hot summer days.

Wild nature in the mild Mostviertel

The natural, wildly rugged Erlaufschlucht in Purgstall is a true natural monument in the Mostviertel. Many rare animals and plants still live here today. Sure-footed hikers like to choose the Fischer trail, which runs between rock and water. On the more leisurely looping hike along the so-called Prater trail, two viewing platforms offer access to the gorge.

The gorge with caves

The almost 3 km long hike through the impressive Steinwand Gorge, one of the most beautiful gorges in Eastern Austria, leads between high rock faces over bridges and footbridges from the Reischer snack station in Furth to the Jagasitz Inn on the Kreuthsattel. Before you reach your destination, the path leads through the so-called "Turkish hole", a cave in which sturdy shoes and a lamp are helpful due to the darkness and the damp floor.