About

Where Water and stone tell stories: The Bärenschützklamm

The Bärenschützklamm, one of Austria’s most beautiful water-bearing rock gorges, was declared a natural monument in 1978. This fascinating gorge in the Graz mountain region offers hikers an impressive experience: untamed waterfalls and majestic rock formations reveal the raw power of nature—where constant dripping wears away the stone. The trail leads across free-floating wooden ladders, built over 100 years ago under the most difficult conditions by the Graz Alpine Club. The starting point is Mixnitz, easily reachable by train from Graz in about 40 minutes. From the Bärenschützklamm parking area, it’s roughly an hour’s walk to the entrance of the gorge. From there, it takes another hour to reach the “Guter Hirte” hut, around 40 minutes to the “Steirischer Jockl,” and about another hour to the Hochlantsch summit and the Teichalm.

The Bärenschützklamm impresses with 164 wooden bridges and ladders that make it possible to cross the gorge. Towering up to 300 meters high, the limestone walls and the erosive force of the Mixnitz stream have shaped this spectacular gorge. Thundering waterfalls, bizarre rock formations, and rare plants and animals make this a unique and protected natural habitat — and an outstanding destination for nature lovers. Discover the beauty and challenges this natural wonder has to offer.

Opening Hours:

Generally open daily from May 1 to October 31, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Requirements:

Equipment suitable for alpine terrain, good physical fitness, and the courage to face heights.

Route

For safety reasons, the gorge can only be hiked uphill from the ticket hut in Mixnitz to the Guten Hirten hut.

The Bärenschützklamm Through Time

1901

Construction of the "Grazer Alpen-Club Trail" by the Graz Alpine Club and master carpenter Giovanni Sarkletti from Mixnitz, supported by landowner Franz Freiherr von Mayr-Melnhof.

1902

Opening ceremony of the trail system, followed shortly by thousands of visitors each year.

1942

23,000 visitors

1943 -1949

Closure due to storm damage during World War II.

1955

The local group of Mixnitz takes over the maintenance of the trail system.

1958

Founding of the Austrian Alpine Association Section Mixnitz-GAC

1969

Opening of the new ticket hut

1978

Austrian natural monument

1997

A storm-induced flash flood destroys sixty bridges and ladders.

1998

Reopening of the trail system with generous sponsorship and strong support from the municipality of Pernegg an der Mur.

2001

Anniversary celebration: "One Hundred Years of the Bärenschützklamm Trail System"

8. Juli 2020

After the tragic rockfall that resulted in fatalities and severe damage, the Bärenschützklamm was officially closed by the municipality of Pernegg. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of those who lost their lives.

2023

Extensive safety measures and large-scale reconstruction work are carried out to secure the Bärenschützklamm sustainably and to provide the best possible protection for future visitors.