Top 6 Gorges around Altmelon

The Altmelon region, part of Austria's Waldviertel, is known for its impressive gorges and unique granite rock formations rather than traditional large canyons. You'll find areas like the Ysper Gorge, famous for its wild and romantic scenery with climbing aids, and the Lohnbachfall – Steinerne Stube, a waterfall and gorge with moss-covered cairns. Other notable spots include the Höllfall near Arbesbach with its high rock faces, and the Burgstallmauer Summit & Burgstall Gorge, featuring rock caves and a narrow rock crevice.

Yes, several spots are great for families. The Burgstallmauer Summit & Burgstall Gorge is considered a nice destination for the whole family, offering an adventure for children with its narrow corridor between large stones. The Melk River also meanders through gorges with small waterfalls, perfect for a leisurely tour where children can enjoy climbing over rocks and wading in the water. The Lohnbachfall – Steinerne Stube also offers quiet, non-strenuous walks suitable for families.

The region is a 'wooded hiking mecca.' You can enjoy a worthwhile hiking trail to the Lohnbachfall – Steinerne Stube, or a beautiful hike along the Kamp near the Höllfall near Arbesbach. The Ysper Gorge offers an adventurous hike with stone steps and wooden bridges. For more hiking options, explore the various trails listed in the Hiking around Altmelon guide, which includes routes like the Luagalucka Cave Dwellings loop.

Beyond the gorges themselves, you'll encounter distinctive granite rock formations, ancient forests, and diverse flora. The Lohnbachfall – Steinerne Stube features wild cairns overgrown with moss. The Burgstallmauer Summit & Burgstall Gorge boasts large rock caves and a 20-meter-long rock crevice. The Luaga Lucka is a significant rock formation with stacked granite giants forming a cave with multiple rooms.

Yes, the region has a mystical quality. The large rock caves of the Burgstallmauer Summit & Burgstall Gorge are, according to legend, filled with gold and precious stones guarded by little men. The Luaga Lucka Cave Dwellings are also significant, as archaeologists suggest these caves might have been used as shelters or hiding places historically.

The gorges are particularly beautiful when the weather is warm, as the cool, shaded environments offer a refreshing escape. The Ysper Gorge is highly recommended when it's hot outside. Spring and autumn also offer vibrant natural colors and pleasant hiking conditions. While winter can be picturesque, some paths might be less accessible due to snow or ice.

The Ysper Gorge has seen renovations, with hiking trails, stairs, and footbridges renewed in 2017 for safer access. It features small climbing aids like stone steps, wooden stairs, and bridges. There's also a viewing plateau with great views of the Yspertal. Note that there is an admission fee of EUR 3.50 for the Ysper Gorge.

Yes, the region offers several circular hiking paths. The Luaga-Lucka-Weg is a nearly six-kilometer circular path that allows visitors to experience the fascinating Luaga Lucka rock formations up close. You can find more circular routes and other hiking options in the Hiking around Altmelon guide.

Visitors frequently praise the wild and romantic scenery, the unique granite formations, and the peaceful atmosphere. Many find the hiking trails worthwhile, appreciating the moss-covered cairns at Lohnbachfall – Steinerne Stube and the impressive rock faces along the Kamp near Höllfall near Arbesbach. The adventurous elements, like the climbing aids in Ysper Gorge and the narrow passages in Burgstallmauer Summit & Burgstall Gorge, are also highly enjoyed.

Absolutely. The Altmelon area is excellent for various outdoor pursuits. You can find numerous running trails, including moderate and difficult options, by checking the Running Trails around Altmelon guide. For cyclists, there are challenging routes like the Franzosenstein loop, detailed in the Cycling around Altmelon guide.

Yes, there is an admission fee for the Ysper Gorge. As of its 2017 renovation, visitors need to pay EUR 3.50 for entry.

The Red Reith Bridge – Middle Ysper Gorge is a viewpoint and bridge located within the Ysper Gorge area. It offers an incredibly beautiful area with many small and larger waterfalls. It's a great spot for a short rest, and if you don't want to walk the full length of the gorge, you can choose an easy descent from here.