Wimbach Gorge Guide for First-Time Visitors (Germany)

Where is the Wimbach Gorge?

The Wimbach Gorge is better known as the Wimmbachklamm in German, so look out for this name when you are navigating there.

It's located along the Wimbach River in the village of Ramsau, which is right in the Berchtesgaden National Park. This is near the Austrian border and close to Salzburg.

Why is it special?

The Wimbach gorge is particularly unique thanks to its rock formations that have been formed by a natural torrent of crystal-clear, and a light blue mountain stream.

Small mini waterfalls that fall over the rock formations and green plants and moss make it appear like a paradise fantasy scene.

We have visited many gorges in the area in Austria and Germany, and none was as impressive as the Wimbach Gorge for that reason.

The whole ravine isn't all that long, but you will be making several stops along the wooden pathway and stairs to enjoy the unforgettable view.

Here is a walking tour video of the complete Wimmbachklamm hike that I filmed.

What to expect?

You will mostly start your walk at the parking lot of the Wimmbach gorge, which is located a few minutes eastward of the village of Ramsau. The regional bus stops at the parking lot as well.

From here you will have to hike 15 minutes along a tarmac road along green fields to get to a farmhouse and shop. The walk is slightly inclining and suitable for kids and the elderly.

Signboards point out the way, and you can't get lost along the way.

Just make sure to stop at the shop because here you can purchase access token coins to the Wimbach Gorge.

The token coins can be bought at a distributor machine for adults and kids, and if you have issues, you can ask the small souvenir shop for help. They are open from 11 am to 4 pm.

We had some problems buying the coins because the machine wouldn't take our MasterCards, and we didn't have any cash with us (another reason to always bring cash). The lady in the souvenir shop helped us get coins, and besides, they sell high-quality handmade sheep milk soaps!

Once you get your coins, you will have to continue straight for another 5 minutes up and downwards towards the forest area to get to the entry turn gate of the gorge.

The gorge isn't as tight as, for example, the famed Partnach Gorge in Germany, but it's not super broad either.

You will be walking mainly on gravel pathways and on wooden platforms and stairs upwards.

The river is located on the left side, and the walkway can get a bit slippery. As it's not that long, and due to the beauty, you will notice that people take more stops to appreciate the view.

Therefore it can get a bit crowded in some areas, but you just need to wait it out. The walk itself won't take more than 7 minutes, and you can leave the gorge at the top to continue your hike, or you can walk back the way you came.

Gear to get

• Hiking shoes — it can get slippery, and the ground is naturally uneven.
• A hiking jacket and pants or a rain jacket (optional) — It can get cool, and water splashes everywhere. If you don't mind getting wet, it's fine. We just wore normal summer hiking clothes when we visited.
• Travel Insurance — You never know.

When to Visit?

We visited the gorge on a sunny weekday in June at around 11 am. The gorge was starting to fill up with other visitors at the time, but it was still manageable.

Most visitors come to hike through the gorge, and they continue upwards across the national park, so they tend to arrive in the morning hours.

July and August are peak seasons, and the gorge is surely busy, especially on the weekends.

I recommend that you come on a weekday, either early morning first thing or after 3 pm.

This particular gorge is open from May up to October. No specific dates can be given because the wooden staircase needs to be set up and maintained for the season. This depends on the weather, but generally speaking, they should be opening up on the 1st of May and closing on the 31st of October.

They may close down earlier in October if the gorge turns into a hazard, for example, when it freezes earlier, or in the summer, temporarily, too due to heavy rain and floods.

Opening Hours

This particular gorge is open from 7 am to 7 pm daily. You can enter and leave the gorge through turning gates.

Entry Fees

Here are the admission fees for 2025. Remember to get the token coins at the souvenir shop along the way to the gorge!

• Adults and children above 6 years: € 4
• Adults, teenagers, and kids above the age of 6 with guest cards (Gästekarte for those with accommodation in the region): € 3.50
• Children below 6 years: Free.

Getting There & Parking

The Wimmbach Gorge is located near the famed Königssee Lake in the Berchtesgaden National Park, near the town of Berchtesgaden and the Eagle's Nest.

Therefore, I highly recommend spending time in the area, because you get to explore a lot more.

You can get to Berchtesgaden city by train or car from Munich or Salzburg. Salzburg is closer to Berchtesgaden.

The village of Ramsau, near the Wimmbachklamm gorge, is also a picture-perfect spot that you shouldn't miss!

If you are getting there via the regional bus: Get on line 846, which drives along the Berchtesgadener road, and get out at the Wimmbach bridge bus stop. This is the entry point for the car park too.

If you have a rental (better option): Drive to the Wimmbach Gorge parking lot and look for a space.

The parking lot can get super busy, so if you can't find a spot straightaway, wait for somebody to move. The earlier you get there, the better!

Parking can be pricey. Currently, a 4-hour ticket is €6 and a day ticket is €9. The perk is a free-to-access toilet block at the parking lot.

Things to know before visiting

• People of all ages can walk through the gorge, but you should still be careful.
• It can get freezing in the gorge, and you may get a bit wet due to the waterfalls. We didn't need a raincoat, but you may prefer walking around with one. BUT bring a jacket with you, as it can get chilly.
• The gorge cannot be accessed with strollers or wheelchairs. It's a very uneven, rocky path without ramps.
• Dogs are welcome but have to be on a leash at all times.
• Visitors can walk up and down, two ways.
• Be considerate of other visitors.