Entenlochklamm / Durchbruchstal Tiroler Ache

A spectacular natural spectacle is the Entenlochklamm – a rocky narrow passage about 2.5 kilometers long between Schleching and Kössen, through which the Tiroler Ache flows into Bavaria. About halfway there is the border between Germany and Austria at Klobenstein.

The Tiroler Ache has its source at the Thurn Pass south of Kitzbühel. As a sizeable Alpine river, it eventually makes its way to Bavaria. A rocky ridge blocks its path and over the course of thousands of years the Ache has carved a narrow gorge through the rock. The course of the Tiroler Ache has been largely spared from human intervention and has thus been able to preserve its natural dynamics. The steep rock faces on both sides of the gorge are a species-rich biotope in which numerous, sometimes rare, animal and plant species occur.

The Bavarian part of the gorge, the “Breakthrough Valley of the Tiroler Achen”, has been designated a nature reserve since 1982. The name “Entenloch” has nothing to do with the water birds: it refers to the ends, i.e. the foothills of the mountains.

Experience the Entenlochklamm

At the narrowest point near the border, the impressive gorge is spanned by two suspension bridges that you can explore on foot. Next to it is the pilgrimage church of Maria Klobenstein. If you want, you can also explore the impressive gorge by kayak or rafting from the water. Klobenstein is also a popular rock climbing area.

You can experience the breakthrough valley of the Tiroler Ache up close along the smugglers’ path. The themed hiking trail for the whole family leads from Schleching along the course of the Tiroler Ache river over the Klobenstein to Kössen in Triol and crosses the entire gorge.