Best canyons around Schrattenbach are primarily represented by the nearby Johannesbachklamm, a significant natural attraction. While Schrattenbach itself offers hiking trails and castle ruins, the Johannesbachklamm is known for its impressive rock faces and geological formations. This gorge, approximately 1 kilometer long, features towering cliffs up to 60 meters high, carved into Wetterstein limestone. It provides a natural experience with diverse vegetation and unique rock formations.
Last updated: May 29, 2026
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A very rocky path...fun if you're sure-footed...the others usually complain. A rather quiet spot on the Big Wall. For dog owners: be careful in spring when the ibexes give birth...they are incredibly aggressive towards any furry friend. Mine was attacked on the secured trail...for whatever reason, he got away...he was lucky and still had the speed of youth in him.
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The Marientritt is a bowl-shaped depression in the rock of the Johannesbach Gorge, created by millennia of water erosion. Such depressions are also called "mills" or "kolke" (coals) – they are silent witnesses to the geological past and the power of the Johannesbach stream. The name "Marientritt" goes back to a local legend: According to legend, the Virgin Mary left her footprint in the stone here. A small plaque on site tells the story and invites you to pause and reflect. A quiet, mystical place in the middle of the wild gorge – easy to miss, but definitely worth a look!
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The Johannesbach Gorge, approximately 1 km long and up to 60 m deep, on the western edge of Würflach is a true natural gem and a popular destination – especially on hot summer days. The well-maintained trail, with numerous wooden walkways, steps, and bridges, leads through a wildly romantic gorge carved into the Wetterstein limestone by the Johannesbach stream over millennia. Along the way, you'll discover deep potholes, bowl-shaped depressions ("mills"), and, with a little attention, geological features such as the "Marientritt" (Marientritt). Two small caves – the Johannesbach Gorge Cave and the Klammwirt Cave – complete the experience. With a walk time of approximately 30 minutes, the gorge is also ideal for families with children. Those who like can dip their feet in the cool water or stop off at the Klammwirtin restaurant. The gorge is particularly atmospheric during the Advent market, when Austria's largest decorated Christmas tree is illuminated. If you want more, you can combine the gorge with hikes to the Schrattenstein castle ruins, along the Andreassteig or towards Grünbach.
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This place is called Marientritt, because when the Holy Family safely moved on after a storm,
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With a 30 minute walk, the trip is especially great for families with children, unfortunately almost no water
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short walk through the gorge - on hot days unfortunately almost no water
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The Johannesbach Gorge, which is around 60 m deep and around 1000 m long, lies entirely in the Wetterstein limestone. It lies like a barrier across the course of the Johannesbach and at the same time separates the softer rocks of the Werfen layers of the Schrattenbach hills to the west from the large gravel areas of the Rohrbach conglomerate in the Steinfeld to the east. The predecessor of the Johannesbach once had to break through the Wetterstein limestone barrier. A tectonic furrow and the rainy climate of the post-glacial period helped it: it carried a lot of water, which in turn moved enormous amounts of rock and eroded the subsoil of the stream. Over thousands of years, the tectonic line was deepened and the stream bed sunk. Many potholes on the steep slopes of the gorge and mills in the subsoil - including the "Marientritt" - testify to the power of the early Johannesbach. Source: www.wuerflach.at/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=34&Itemid=37
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The Johannesbachklamm is a popular excursion destination on the western edge of Würflach and only an hour from Vienna. On the way through the gorge, which is just over a kilometer long, visitors experience a small natural paradise that is pleasantly cool even on hot days. And if you look closely, you can see from the rock walls that are up to 60 meters deep how the Johannesbach has dug itself into the Wetterstein limestone over thousands of years. With a walking time of 30 minutes, the excursion is particularly great for families with children. This is also due to the many stairs and bridges that make the path so entertaining. If you want, you can leave the wooden footbridge in some places and cool your feet in the Johannesbachbach. You can also take a good rest at the KlammWirtin at the entrance to the gorge. By the way: If you like to walk for longer, you can turn the walk through the Johannesbachklamm into a hike. Or you can admire the "largest decorated Christmas tree in Austria" in the Johannesbachklamm during Advent. Source: www.niederoesterreich.at/ausflugsziel/a-johannesbachklamm-wuerflach
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The most popular gorge is the Johannesbach Gorge, known for its impressive rock faces up to 60 meters deep and geological formations like the "Marientritt." Another highly regarded spot is the Johannesbach Gorge and Schrattenstein Castle Ruins, which combines natural beauty with historical views.
Yes, the Johannesbach Gorge is particularly suitable for families. It features a well-maintained path with many stairs and bridges, making the 30-minute walk entertaining for children. Even on hot days, it offers a pleasantly cool environment, and visitors can cool their feet in the stream. The Johannesbach Gorge and Schrattenstein Castle Ruins also offers family-friendly paths.
You can expect to see dramatic natural beauty, including towering cliffs up to 60 meters high, diverse vegetation, and unique rock formations carved into Wetterstein limestone. The Johannesbach Gorge is particularly known for its geological significance, showcasing impressive potholes like the "Marientritt" formed by the stream's erosion over millennia.
The gorges are popular year-round. While often considered most beautiful in autumn due to the changing foliage, they offer a refreshing escape in summer with pleasantly cool temperatures. In winter, the Johannesbach Gorge hosts a magical Advent market, making it a festive destination.
Yes, for those seeking a more demanding experience, the Leitergraben Gorge offers a challenging, rocky path with steep descents and ascents. It is suitable for sure-footed hikers, and walking sticks are recommended. The Waldegger Trail – Große Klause also features an intermediate trail with ladders and can be slippery after rain.
The Johannesbach Gorge and Schrattenstein Castle Ruins highlight combines natural beauty with views of the Schrattenstein castle ruins, offering a glimpse into the region's history. You can often find longer hiking tours from the gorge that lead to these romantic ruins.
Beyond exploring the gorges themselves, the surrounding area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including those around Schrattenbach, which feature views of Stixenstein Castle or Schneeberg. There are also mountain hikes available, with routes like the Mountaineering loop from Höflein an der Hohen Wand. For more details, explore the Cycling around Schrattenbach and Mountain Hikes around Schrattenbach guides.
At the entrance to the Johannesbach Gorge, you'll find the KlammWirtin inn, which is perfect for refreshments before or after your walk. The area around the Johannesbach Gorge and Schrattenstein Castle Ruins also features cozy huts and the KlammWirtin offers hearty goulash or chicken soup.
While many trails in the region are dog-friendly, caution is advised in certain areas. For instance, in the Leitergraben Gorge, dog owners should be careful in spring when ibexes give birth, as they can be aggressive towards dogs.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, the refreshing coolness even on hot days, and the well-maintained paths that make places like the Johannesbach Gorge accessible for families. The unique geological formations and the combination of nature with historical elements, such as the Schrattenstein castle ruins, are also highly appreciated. The area is also known for its festive Advent market in winter.
Yes, parking is generally available near the entrances to the main gorges, such as the Johannesbach Gorge, making them easily accessible by car. Specific parking details can often be found on local signage or tourist information sites.
For additional details and visitor information about the Johannesbach Gorge, you can visit the official Lower Austria tourism website: lower-austria.info.


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