G a r n it z e n k l a m m

9365_OeAV_Folder_Garnitzenkl_ENGL_Layout 1 20.08.13 09:29 Seite 1
Foto: Dr. Hermann Verderber
Not only the numerous cascades make the gorge so interesting,
also the churn holes which were formed out of the substratum by
rotating rocks next to the Franzenswarte , a lookout point, are fascinating for visitors. In this area you can also find rock formations
of different colours.
In year 1891 the first part of the gorge was made accessible for visitors by the Alpenverein Hermagor that is still responsible for the
maintenance of the canyon. In 1900 the whole gorge was accessible via trials and bridges.
The gorge is still changing. Especially in periods of hi gh water the
gorge changes and gets a new face. Unfortunately due to the water
activity, the trails get damaged, which makes maintenance activities necessarily. For example due to the high water in June 1996
four brides were damaged and had to be replaced by new constructions after that. The transportation of material into the gorge to
renew existing bridges or ropes is always difficult.
In the valley “Gailtal” in Carinthia, 2,5 kilometres south of Hermagor next to Möderndorf, the brook Garnitzen formed an
impressive 4,5 kilometres long gorge called “Garnitzenklamm” in the Carnic Alps in the course of its history.
The Garnitzenklamm is about 10 000 years old. As for its origins, the gorge was formed due to a geological area which
was not very resistant to the floating water like t he other rock
stratums next to it. Another decisive factor was the deglaciation after the last ice age, where enormous streams of water
mixed with material of rocks floated down to the valley.
On the way through the gorge every visitor encounters a geological history of about 200 million years. The oldest rock formations on the entry of the gorge, which are also the oldest
rocks in the Carnic Alps , are 460 million years old. The youngest rock formations on the upper end of the gorge are about
250 million years old.
Numerous presentation boards on the way through the gorge
inform about the geological particularities of the gorge.
In August 20 03 the gorge was heavily damaged by a hundred year
flood once again. 5 bridges were completely destroyed and the trail
through the gorge was damaged and couldn’t be passed anymore.
The reconstruction of the bridges and the trail required high expenditures and a lot of work.
Apart from its natural beauty, the gorge is also home to rare and
protected plants. Due to the climate, the plants that usually grow
in higher mountain regions can also grow in the area of the canyon.
Also Mediterranean plants grow in the gorge.
Protect and save the wildlife!
Don’t leave your garbage!
Visit our website: www.garnitzenklamm.at
ZVR: 243595800
THE
Natural monument and geological trail
Garnitzenklamm
Garnitzenklamm
Österreichischer Alpenverein
Sektion Hermagor
The
Garnitzenklamm
The
From the entry of the gorge (altitude 630 m) to the end of the
gorge (1125m) the Garnitzenklamm is about 4 kilometres long,
the altitude difference is about 500 m.
The gorge of the brook called Garnitzen with its numerous cascades is accessible via alpine trails and nine bridges. The trail
through the gorge is divided into 4 parts that take the visitor on
an about 2 ½ hour walk through the gorge.
For all trails it is absolutely necessary to wear appropriate shoes, to be experienced in walking and for some parts, especially part 3 and 4, you should not suffer from giddiness.
Cross bridges alone only! In case of strong rainfall do not walk inside
the gorge! Please have a look at the weather forecast!
In the middle of the gorge there is an emergency shelter. For the
maintenance of the bridges and ropes every visitor has to pay a fee.
We assume no liability for accidents!
In mountainous parts hike on marked trails only, use appropriate
shoes and have bad weather equipment with you.
HIKING SUGGESTION
FOR THE GORGE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS:
nach Möderndorf
0,8 km
N
Garnitzenklamm
Plan for orientation
O
W
1 bis 9 = bridges
500 m
1 km
e
straß
S
116
Forst
nach Hermagor
2,2 km
zur Gail
410
Luschau
410
Inn
116
410
2
nach Postran: 6,8 km
3
Steinw
41
0
Fo
rs
zur
Kühweger Alm:
3 km
ße
tra
ts
8
ender
Weg
485
6
5
7 Refuge, End of part 2
(910 m)
St. Urbani
(879 m)
1
Idawarte 484
End of part 1
Franzenswarte
P
zur Egger Alm
:9k
m
ENTRY OF THE GORGE
(630 m)
Climbing area
48
4
WeixlerEben
485
weg 410
erti
Rup
113
4
Kr
euz
grab
e
n
Egger Alm
(1419 m)
9
P
end of part 3
zur Kühweger
Alm (1480 m):
1,6 km
486
Foto: Dr. Hermann Verderber
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1.) Follow the trail “Steinwenderweg” to the trail No 410 from
the entry of the gorge through part 1 and 2, and back to
the entry of the gorge via the trail Saint Urbani in the
direction of Möderndorf.
2.) Follow the forestall road to the trail No 410 from the entry
of the gorge till the end of part 3, and then follow the trail
to Saint Urbani in the direction of Möderndorf
3.) Go through all 4 parts of the gorge (about 2 ½ hours), for
the way back choose option 1 or 2
4.) Go through all parts to the end of the gorge and after that
walk to the Kühweger Alm (a 1 hour walk) – from this
point you can choose the following ways back:
a) follow the forestall road and trail No 410 to Saint Urbani in direction of Möderndorf (2-3 hours)
b) follow the trail No 410 to the Kühweger Törl and Watschiger Alm (area of the Wulfenia) to the Nassfeld (about
2 ½ hours)
5.) Go until the end of the gorge – follow the way to Garnitzenalm – Garnitzentörl – Watschiger Alm – Nassfeld
(about 3-4 hours)
Average time schedule
part one – about 40 minutes part three – about 45 minutes
part two – about 50 minutes part four – about 30 minutes
CLIMBING AREA about 5 minutes from the entry of the gorge
ACCOMMODATION:
Alpenhof Plattner (next to Watschiger Alm, Tel. 0043(0)4285 8285)
Discount for members of the Alpenverein!
Ask about the opening hours of the cottages before your
hiking tour .
END OF THE GORGE (1125 m)
zur Garnitzen Alm
5,5 km (1640 m)
In case of emergency:
Austria:
International:
140
112
www.bergrettung-hermagor.at
ÖAV Sektion Hermagor: Tel. 0043(0)660/5322001
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri from 08:30 to 12:30
Text: Dr. Hermann Verderber
Tourist information:
Grafik und Gestaltung: Andreas Fink
www.hermagor.at, Tel. 0043(0)4282-2043 Druck: Seebacher GmbH, Hermagor