Ratschings Tourismus/Manuel Kottersteger
Day trip destination
Gilfenklamm
Gilfenklamm: the only marble gorge in Europe
Even those of a slightly nervous disposition can dare to enter the Gilfenklamm gorge near Sterzing on the newly-built walkways: a particularly impressive experience amidst rocky gorge and crashing waterfalls.
At the start of Ratschingstal valley, in the hamlet of Stange, the raw power of water has carved out a 15-metre-deep gorge in the rock over the course of millions of years. Nowadays, this gorge, the Gilfenklamm, is a protected natural monument.
The Ratschinger Bach stream whooshes over 175 metres in height down rock faces as high as towers and white marble until it thunders down over a series of steps in the form of a waterfall and flows into the Ridnauner Bach stream. Visitors may view the natural spectacle of the Gilfenklamm from close up on a secured path that leads to the heart of the gorge via a series of steps and narrow bridges. A walk for the whole family.
Amid lifeblood and elemental force
The stream rushes through the wild gorge. Water splashes against the rock faces, which are not quite as white as you'd expect from light marble – moss and lichen have coloured the stone green and black. Only the stones in the bed of the stream are a light colour. The little ones can splash around there and build little dams, while their parents can recharge their batteries in the exhilarating surroundings. This path is especially popular during the summer, as the water and rocks provide a way of cooling off. The Gilfenklamm gorge is rightly considered to be one of the finest accessible gorges in the Alps. In early summer in particular, when the snow on the mountains melts and the stream is swollen with more water than at other times of year, the 15-metre-high waterfall makes for a truly breathtaking sight.
A way through the rocks
The Austrian Alpine Association laid the first secured footpath featuring a series of steps and bridges in 1896. At the time, the impressive Gilfenklamm gorge was named 'Kaiser Franz Josef Klamm'. There is a commemorative plaque along the way to remind us of this fact.
Even then, the gorge attracted thousands of visitors. In 1961, the path was refurbished. The pure, white marble around Ratschings was particularly valued in the old days. This marble was used back in Roman times and is has been worked into the supporting walls of the road into Ridnauntal valley. Construction elements from this marble may not only be found in the Gothic church at Sterzing, but also in the Hofkirche church at Innsbruck and in Schloss Schönbrunn castle in Vienna, as it was the material of choice for some sculptors fashioning monuments in Vienna.
In the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bozen, the famous Mithras stone from Sterzing is on display. This is a Roman relief made of marble from the Gilfenklamm gorge depicting the sun god Mithras and the holy bull. You can admire a copy of it in the inner courtyard of the town hall of Sterzing.
Adventure here we come
The name 'Gilf' is related to the word 'Golf' and originates from the Greek 'colpos', which means something like cove, breast, hollow or curve. You can reach the hollow of the Gilfenklamm by means of a path along the Jaufenbach stream in Stange. You hike uphill for around an hour, and downhill for three quarters of an hour.
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Farms near the Gilfenklamm
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Schoater
Barbara Braunhofer
| Ratschings
(Eisacktal valley)
Farm with organic farming, Livestock
Farm's own products:
eggs, fresh vegetables in season, fresh fruit in season ...
Farm offers:
Experience everyday life on the farm, Helping out in the barn, Barn visits ...
Distance
0,2 km
Position on Map
Häuslerhof
Paul Häusler
| Ratschings
(Eisacktal valley)
Nestlhof
Leopold Nestl
| Sterzing
(Eisacktal valley)
Livestock
Farm's own products:
milk, eggs, seasoning ...
Farm offers:
Experience everyday life on the farm, Barn visits, Experience the hay harvest
Distance
0,9 km
Position on Map
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Gilfenklamm
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For a slightly less challenging hike, the Gilfenklamm gorge can also be accessed from Jaufensteg - this saves you 175 metres of ascent.
The Gilfenklamm is a gorge in pure white marble and stretches from the village Stange/Stanghe into the Ratschingstal/Val Racines to the hamlet of Jaufensteg/Ponte Giovo. Wooden bridges and runways lead through the canyon and give a spectacular sight to the waterfalls. The primordial power of the water is tangible with all senses. The gorge is protected as a natural monument and is known as one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Alpine region.
The runways through the gorge were built in 1896 and just after a few years the unfolded magic attracted numerous visitors. Beetween the great world wars the bridges were left to decay, but were restored in the early 1960s, and have since become a must see of the Sterzing-Ratschings area. The hike through the gorge lasts nearly one hour (1,5 hours with return) and is worthwhile for nature lovers, families and seniors.
The runways through the gorge were built in 1896 and just after a few years the unfolded magic attracted numerous visitors. Beetween the great world wars the bridges were left to decay, but were restored in the early 1960s, and have since become a must see of the Sterzing-Ratschings area. The hike through the gorge lasts nearly one hour (1,5 hours with return) and is worthwhile for nature lovers, families and seniors.
The Gilfenklamm gorge is situated in the Eisacktal/Alta Val d’Isarco valley, close to Ratschings/Racines and the city of Sterzing/Vipiteno. On an established trail you can walk across this charming and breathtaking canyon with its waterfalls cascading into the depth. About 100 years ago the gorge was named after the Austrian emperor Franz Josef, but its name changed so that it is now known as the “Cascate di Stanghe” gorge. During its course, the initially small Rio di Ratschings river turns into a roaring river which has been carving its way through the marble walls for centuries. Experience the forces of nature and the uniqueness of this fabulous natural monument.
No reservation is necessary. However, it is recommended to avoid the main visiting hours (between 10.00 am and 12.30pm).
The Gilfenklamm is a gorge in pure white marble and stretches from the village Stangh into the Ratschingstal to the hamlet of Jaufensteg.
Right next to the Stange sports zone (coming from Sterzing on the right-hand side of the road) there is a large car park which is available free of charge to visitors to the Gilfenklamm gorge.
Coming from Sterzing, drive in the direction of Ratschingstal as far as the village of Stange.
By bus 319 (Sterzing/Vipiteno-Ratschingstal/Val Racines) or 312 (Sterzing/Vipiteno-Ridnauntal/Val Ridanna) from Sterzing to the bus stop in Stange/Stanghe.
Detailed timetable information at www.suedtirolmobil.info/en