Gleirschklamm Gorge Walk

The Gleirschklamm Gorge Walk starts at Scharnitz in the Karwendel Alpine Park, about 30 km north-west of Innsbruck in Tyrol, Austria, and covers about 13 km as a round trip. Access is by regional train from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof to Scharnitz on the Mittenwaldbahn, which takes about 40 minutes, followed by a short walk from the Scharnitz Tourist Information at 6108 Scharnitz to the trail start; no permit is needed. The route takes about four hours and involves about 440 m of ascent, which together with the distance puts it in the hard category by the project's criteria, although the walking is mostly straightforward. The surface is a mix of valley track, forest path and the gorge itself, a narrow section about a kilometre long where the path follows the rock walls, with water and spray and limited sunlight. Exposure is moderate inside the gorge, and a helmet is advisable because of the risk of falling stones. Landmarks are the gorge, the Karwendel valley scenery beyond it and the wooded approach from Scharnitz. Turn-around points are flexible: walkers uneasy about conditions can return from the gorge entrance or exit and follow the same route back to the village. Water can be taken from the stream only if treated, so bottles should be carried from the start, and food should be brought along. Hiking boots and a rain jacket are important because the gorge floor is wet and slippery. Closures can change at short notice, and the gorge is closed from early November to May, so the status must be checked before travelling. The season therefore runs from May to October. The walk suits walkers who want dramatic rock scenery combined with a train-accessible start from Innsbruck.