The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Reinhardsberg

September 2026: Gorge closed due to storm damage

a beautiful little stream between the lakes

Big fish, but not pike, rather perch!

Today's Sachs Bridge consists of two steel bridge sections that were placed on reinforced foundations by helicopter in 2019 to better protect and stabilize the bridge against weather and flood damage. Walking across the bridge offers impressive views of the dam and the small lake dammed above it, as well as back into the depths of the gorge with its rushing water and steep rock faces – a truly special experience on a hike through the Gießenbach Gorge.

The alpine pasture offers a welcoming place to stop for refreshments and rustic Bavarian cuisine: Snacks, homemade cakes, bacon, and schnapps made on-site are among the specialties. The petting zoo, playground, and Bobby Car downhill track are particularly appealing to families. The location and views create a wonderful atmosphere: The alpine pasture is situated at an altitude of approximately 600 meters, surrounded by alpine meadows and forest, with a beautiful view of the Inn Valley and the surrounding natural landscape.

The Wachtl quarry is located on the border between Tyrol and Bavaria, not far from Thiersee and Kiefersfelden. Since the 19th century, limestone and marl have been mined here, serving as raw materials for the Kiefersfelden cement plant. The narrow-gauge Wachtl Railway transported the rocks directly from the quarry down into the valley – a technical and industrial landmark of the region. The quarry is located on the northern edge of the Thiersee Basin and impressively showcases the geological structures of the Alps, with steep limestone cliffs and visible stratification. Today, industrial operations have largely ceased; parts of the quarry have been abandoned and filled with water, forming a small lake. Nature is slowly beginning to reclaim the area: habitats for plants, amphibians, and birds are emerging between the rocks, scree, and old mining areas. Nevertheless, the site remains an impressive testament to past industrial history – a place where the power of nature and the traces of human labor intersect in a fascinating way.

Lake Hechtsee is managed by the Hechtsee Fishing Association, which consists of two clubs: the "First Sport Fishing Club Kufstein" and the "Hechtsee Fishing Club." There are special regulations regarding catches and catch sizes. For example, fishing enthusiasts are advised that a catch window (40-65 cm) may apply to carp. This means that fish below or above this size should be released whenever possible to ensure population and recruitment.

In addition to predatory fish such as pike and zander, Lake Hecht is home to various non-predatory fish species, including carp. Carp tend to prefer shallower areas or shore zones with reeds, underwater plants, and bottom structures where they find food (e.g., insect larvae, worms, and plant parts). Due to the lake's considerable depth (maximum of approximately 57 meters) and clear water, carp likely retreat to coastal shore areas during warmer months, where food availability and temperatures are more favorable. Their well-being is limited in cooler depths.