Örflaschlucht natural beauty – where the Emmebach finds its way

On the outskirts of the market town of Götzis, the Örfla Gorge forms the gateway to Vorarlberg's largest nature reserve. It stretches from here across the Mellental Valley up to the mountain peaks of Damüls. These protective measures provide an optimal refuge for the local flora and fauna and promise visitors a special nature experience. The short, approximately one-hour hike through the legendary Örfla Gorge begins at the Götzis swimming pool.

The easily accessible hiking trail is located directly along the babbling Emmebach stream and initially leads toward the Immakulata spring. This spring provides large parts of the Götzis population with clear drinking water every day and also represents the entrance to the gorge. Just 45 steps later, visitors are presented with an extraordinary beauty. Particularly adaptable gorge dwellers find their livelihood on the limestone and marl rocks.

Rare mosses and ferns stretch their greenery from the walls to make the most of the sparse light in the forest gorge. With a bit of luck, typical species such as the perennial silver leaf or the liverwort will bloom right along the path.