Bärenschützklamm

The Bärenschützklamm in the Graz highlands is a narrow limestone gorge carved by the Mixnitz stream, its rock faces rising up to 300 metres in near-vertical walls. Declared a natural monument in 1978, the gorge is one of the most striking geological features in Styria. The trail through it relies on hundreds of wooden ladders and walkways bolted directly into the cliff face, many suspended above the rushing water — these structures require constant maintenance and replacement after the winter months. The gorge is open from early May to the end of October and only in fair weather, with sturdy footwear essential. The two-hour traverse rewards hikers with moss-draped rock walls, spray from the stream, and sudden dramatic openings in the canyon ceiling.