Natural jewel Bärenschützklamm
PerneggThe Bärenschützklamm:
Many paths lead up to the Almenland Nature Park, but the most impressive one leads safely through the Bärenschützklamm! Wooden bridges and ladders take you over untamed waterfalls and rugged rocks to the Teichalm lake - the detour over the Hochlantsch summit is highly recommended!
The Bärenschützklamm can be hiked in several ways, please inquire beforehand which variant suits you. The Bärenschützklamm is always open from May to October, entering before or afterwards is forbidden and life-threatening!
The Bärenschützklamm
Thundering water, bizarre rock formations, rare plants and animals. The Bärenschützklamm is one of the longest gorges in Austria and amazes its visitors: the path leads over 168 wooden bridges with over 3,000 rungs through the narrow gorge of Mixnitz up to "Zum Guten Hirten", over a length of 1,300m, it climbs 350 meters. The first climb was built in 1901, and in 1978 the Bärenschützklamm was declared a "natural monument".
The Bärenschützklamm is a section of the Zentralalpenweg 02 and part of the most beautiful and exciting hike in the Grazer Bergland, the real highlight of which is the Hochlantsch summit with its all-round view. At 1,720 m, the Hochlantsch is after all the highest point in the Grazer Bergland. Anyone who climbs the Hochlantsch from the Bärenschützklamm should definitely make a detour to the wooden pilgrimage church Schüsserlbrunn, which sticks picturesquely on the rock and can only be reached via steps. From the Hochlantsch the path leads down to the Teichalm with the Teichalmsee and the alpine pastures all around - a wonderfully gentle and wide landscape and thus the counterpoint to the Bärenschützklamm.
On the tour through the Bärenschützlamm it is also worth taking a look at the side: A pretty little plant stretches its blossoms out of the limestone rock walls. The snow rose shows its white flowers early in spring after the snow has melted. Later in spring and into summer, the vaginal vetch drives its delicate yellow butterfly flowers. And the rare fine-leaf monkshood also develops its yellow flowers. The animal world is also noteworthy and usually cannot be overlooked: the stately ibex can often be seen at the upper and lower ends of the gorge. They are not shy at all and allow us humans to get surprisingly close. In addition, there are two other horn-carriers: mouflon and chamois. Peregrine falcons keep circling in the air.
Dogs are not allowed in the gorge, we recommend the hike with children from 7 years.
Take advantage of the opportunity and travel by public transport.
- Sammeltaxi Oststeiermark stop number: BM3516 Mixnitz - Bärenschützklamm, booking hotline +43 50 36 37 38 or www.oststeiermark.at/sam,
- RegioBuses and trains at www.verbundlinie.at
The Bärenschützklamm is open and accessible from May 1st to October 31st, 2025. Before or after, entering the gorge is strictly forbidden and is life-threatening.
A "gorge maintenance fee" has to be paid for the Bärenschützklamm:
- € 9.00 for adults
- € 6.00 for children (6-16 years)
- Adult ÖAV members: €7.00
(As of September 2024)