How to Hike Wolfsklamm Gorge Tirol

The walk through Wolfsklamm Gorge to St Georgenberg Monastery is one of the most scenic short hikes in Tirol, Austria. This trail includes canyons with cascading waterfalls, wooden footbridges carved into cliffs, viewing platforms built into rocks overlooking emerald-green waters, and an historic monastery perched high above a gorge.

I hiked this myself while staying in Alpbach during the summer, when the gorge is at its most stunning. I understand why it is regarded as one of Austria’s best gorge hikes and is definitely worth including in your itinerary for the Tyrol region.

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St Georgenberg Monastery on a clifftop along the Walfsklamm in Tirol

Hiking Wolfsklamm gorge to St Georgenberg Monastery

The hiking trail through Wolfsklamm Gorge to St Georgenberg Monastery is well marked and open from early May to the end of October. The hiking trail is 6 km long with an elevation gain of 350m, taking roughly 3-5 hours round trip, with the entrance point being in Stans village. This incorporates hiking the Wolfsklamm Gorge up to St Georgenberg Monastery and having lunch.

The hiking trail requires a moderate level of fitness. Some sections require steep walking and climbing stairs along the ridges. I did this hike with a pacemaker, but I went at a steady pace and was fine. There are also uneven areas and rocky canyons throughout the gorge. Wear good walking/hiking shoes, as it gets slippery, especially after rain.

Wolfsklamm Gorge Hike Brief

Distance: 6 kms
Suggested hiking time: 3hrs
Fitness level: – Moderate
Entrance fee: – €4.50
Closed: During the winter season
Opened: 1st May – 31st October

Don’t forget your 360 camera or GoPro for those gorges and cascading waterfalls.

Route Map of Wolfsklamm Gorge to St Georgenberg Monastery

About St Georgenberg Monastery

Perched on a cliff looming above the trees is St Georgenberg Monastery, one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in the Tyrol region. According to tradition, the site’s first use was as a hermitage in about the middle of the 10th century. Only in 2000 was the 1050th anniversary of Georgenberg (St George’s Mount) held.

St. Georgenberg Monastery remains a popular pilgrimage site, with the church open to visitors year-round. In addition to its spiritual significance, the monastery now features a small shop, a Gasthaus (a German-style inn) with a bar and restaurant, and a terrace offering beautiful panoramic views. Visitors must also cross an old covered wooden bridge dating back to 1497 to reach the monastery. It reminded me of hiking to the spiritual sites in Niigata and Nagano, Japan.

Have lunch at St Georgenberg Monastery

The St Georgenberg monastery serves traditional hearty Austrian food from the region. It is a great way to fuel up before heading back down the mountain trail. I had a Wiener schnitzel with fries, cranberry sauce, and a side salad, which was delicious. The portion sizes were huge, and I wished I had known beforehand, as I wouldn’t have ordered so much. There were two massive pieces of schnitzel, enough to feed two people.

Make sure to have lunch on the terrace that has beautiful views across the gorge while enjoying your hearty Austrian meal. Book your lunch at the St Georgenberg Monastery before you arrive, as it gets really busy and you don’t want to miss out on the great food.

Having a Wiener schnitzel with fries at St Georgenberg Monastery

Overview of hiking to St Georgenberg Monastery

The Gorge

After you have paid your small fee, you will hike along a trail through the forest for about 10-15 minutes. Before arriving at the starting point of the gorge path. The hiking trail through the Wolfsklamm gorge leads over wooden steps, ridges and rocky canyons with some areas much steeper than others.

However, the views of the cascading waterfalls and the emerald green water rushing through definitely make everything worthwhile. Make sure you stop off at the viewing deck above one of the waterfalls and take it all in, even just for 5 minutes. Be careful and make sure to wear good hiking shoes or boots, as some parts of the trail are slippery due to moisture.

The halfway mark

As you emerge from the gorge and look upward, you’re greeted with a stunning view of St Georgenberg Monastery perched on a clifftop. You have roughly reached the halfway point. This is also where you can choose to end your hike by crossing the small bridge and descending via Fiecht. This route is also known as the Way of the Cross over Weng, or Maria Tax.

Downhill through the gorge is not allowed for safety reasons

Take a break & dip your feet into the stream

Start your climb towards the St. Georgenberg monastery from here. About five minutes into your ascent, you’ll pass an area known as the beach, where you can take a refreshing break and dip your feet in the water. It is also the place where people stop with their packed lunch if they are not eating at the monastery.

Carry a day backpack while hiking in Wolfskiamm stans to store refreshments and take your rubbish out.

The gorge from the Wolfsklamm route

The walk up and the wooden bridge

After your dip, you continue your hiking trail up to the monastery for lunch. The uphill path is wider and less steep than some sections of the gorge. As we walk through the lush forest, the monastery rises high above us. There are spots along the way where you can not only take pictures of the monastery but also of the stunning old covered wooden bridge known as the Hohe Brücke (High Bridge).

It is considered to be Tirol’s oldest wooden bridge, dating as far back as 1497. You will need to cross over the Hohe Brücke to reach the St. Georgenberg monastery. Make sure that you stop on the bridge and take in the views below. Jack Wolfskin’s online outlet store provides a wide selection of hiking gear at discounted prices.

St Georgenberg Monastery

Once you have crossed the bridge, it is only a 2min uphill walk to St Georgenberg Monastery. When you arrive, you can enjoy your traditional Austrian lunch on the terrace, while taking in the views. Before taking a walk around the church and monastery, make your way back.

Wolfsklamm Stans, Tirol

Stans is the perfect base for hiking the Wolfsklamm Gorge, with the trail starting just a short walk from the village. This charming village has around 2,200 residents and offers a compact, tranquil atmosphere surrounded by mountains, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing alpine retreat.

Despite its size, Stans offers a good selection of local restaurants suitable for after hiking through the gorge. Places like Pizzeria Da Capo near the train station or Gasthof Marschall in the centre of town. If you’re staying in the village, I recommend Der Brandstetterhof (adults-only) or the 4-star Resort Schwarzbrunn.

The wooden walkways in Wolfsklamm, Stans, Austria

Getting to Wolfsklamm Gorge

Wolfsklamm Gorge is situated in Stans, Tyrol, part of the Karwendel Silver Region. It is about an hour from Innsbruck and around 30 minutes from Alpbach, making it easily accessible by car and train.

Train to Stans

You can catch a train (ÖBB Austrian Rail) to Stans, and then Wolfsklamm Gorge is just a 5-10-minute walk from the railway station. If you are travelling from Innsbruck, there is a direct train that takes around 30 minutes. Train tickets for Austria can be booked through RailEurope.

Bus from Innsbruck to Stans

Buses from Innsbruck Central Train Station to Stans b. Schwas Bahnhof is around 30 minutes. From there, you can walk into central Stans Tyrol, which takes about 10 minutes, or to the Wolfskamm Gorge entrance, which is 15 minutes away.

Driving to the Wolfsklamm Stans

The best way to get to Wolfsklamm Gorge by car is to take the A12 motorway, then exit for Schwaz. A car park is available right next to the entrance of the Wolfsklamm Gorge; however, it is small and private. It belongs to Hotel Brandstetterhof, and if you are not staying at the hotel, there is a parking-only fee.

There are other areas in Stans where you can park your car for free, such as the railway station, the football grounds, or next to Laurentius Church. Alternatively, you can hire a car from Innsbruck to the Wolfsklamm Gorge entrance, especially if you are a group or a family.

The address for the Sav Nav is Wolfsklamm Parkplatz • Oberdorf 73 • 6135 Stans.

Would I recommend Wolfsklamm Gorge?

I recommend hiking the trail through Wolfsklamm Gorge to St. Georgenberg Monastery. Adding in the lunch and back via the Pilgerweg trail to Stans. known for its waterfalls, dramatic scenery, and unique wooden walkways, Wolfsklamm Gorge is one of the best day hikes in Austria. Hiking in Wolfsklamm Gorge is an excellent daytime activity, especially if you’re coming from somewhere like Innsbruck.

By the time you hike up, pause for photos, dip your feet in the water, and have lunch, it should take about 5 hours. It can be shortened to a half-day trip if you skip lunch. If you enjoy fitness and outdoor activities, consider visiting Park Igls Medical Health Spa, also near Innsbruck.

Hiking along the wooden path in the Wolfsklamm Gorge, Tirol

Hiking tips for Wolfsklamm Gorge

Toilets: There are no toilets along the trail, except at the payment point and the St Georgenberg Monastery.

Appropriate Gear: Wear suitable clothing for all outdoor conditions, whether wet or hot. The best option is layered clothing: a lightweight waterproof jacket, a cap for sun protection, and proper hiking shoes. I also prefer to wear convertible hiking trousers.

Dogs Allowed: Well-behaved dogs are permitted on a lead along the Wolfsklamm Stans hiking route.

Snacks & Water: Bring snacks and water to stay hydrated along the trail, as water can only be purchased at the entrance and the Monastery. I use a reusable insulated water bottle and put snacks in reusable bags, which I keep in a day backpack.

Innsbruck Activities: It is worth staying in Innsbruck for a few days to explore its tourist attractions. Here’s a great selection of activities you can book online with GYG.

Other hikes around the world

Are you keen to explore hiking routes worldwide? If so, the following articles may prove helpful. Otherwise, check out our hiking page.

Have you visited Wolfsklamm Gorge & St Georgenberg Monastery before, or any other national parks in Tyrol, Austria? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. Remember to get a good pair of hiking shoes before your next adventure.

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Disclaimer: Even though I was invited by the Inghams and Tirol Tourism. All views are my own and based on my own experience.

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