Kaiserklamm in Tyrol: An Adventure through Emerald Green Waters and Historic Trails
At the beginning of my vacation, I experienced an unforgettable adventure in the Kaiserklamm, one of the most picturesque gorges in Tyrol. My goal was a hike from the historic Kaiserhaus to the Erzherzog-Johann-Klause. A route that led me not only through breathtaking natural scenery but also through the fascinating history of the region.
The Start: Kaiserhaus and the Path through the Gorge
The hike began at the Kaiserhaus, a traditional inn that once served as a hunting lodge for Emperor Franz Joseph I. After just a few steps, I was captivated by the incredible beauty of the Kaiserklamm. The water in the gorge was emerald green and clear—almost magical. The rocks around me were shaped by millennia, and the rushing waters of the Brandenberger Ache crowned this scene. I was so amazed and enchanted by this stunning scenery that I wanted to stop time. This is what it feels like to live in the moment: “Feels like I am falling in love.”
The path led me over small bridges along the roaring Ache, which had deeply carved into the rocks. There were breathtaking views and quiet corners where I could pause and feel the energy of the place. In some sections, the paths were very narrow, and I almost had to balance my way through. But that’s the charm of these tight gorges. You never know what awaits you around the next bend—nothing but beauty, tranquility, and rushing water.
Timber Rafting and the Toll House
A highlight along the way was the encounter with the history of timber rafting. This old tradition, where logs were driven through the narrow gorge down to the valley, is still evident today. All along the path, traces of that time can be found, and it’s fascinating to imagine how people once worked here.
After a while, I reached the old toll house. This historic hut was once used to monitor the transport of timber and collect tolls. Today, it stands as a silent witness to a long-past era and offers hikers a great spot for a small rest and a moment of reflection.
The Erzherzog-Johann-Klause and the Hubertus Chapel
Not far from the former toll house, the first sign for the Erzherzog-Johann-Klause appeared. The bridge that leads over the Inn to the inn itself is worth a visit. However, hunger and thirst quickly drove me further along. The historic Klause was built in the 19th century to dam the water for timber rafting, making it easier to transport the logs down to the valley. Today, the Klause is an idyllic spot in the middle of nature and invites you to take a break and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. The friendly innkeeper also pointed out that visiting three snack stops would earn us a lovely wooden board, provided we collect stamps and redeem them at the tourist office. “Is the Pope Catholic or what?” Of course, we started collecting additional hiking and summit stamps right away. These too would be rewarded with hiking badges and pennants. How fun!
Close by was the Hubertus Chapel, which I naturally visited. This small chapel, idyllically nestled in nature, is yet another wonderful viewpoint.
The Return Journey: Over the Rumpf-Alm Back to the Kaiserhaus
After recharging at the Erzherzog-Johann-Klause, I began the return journey. This led me over the Rumpf-Alm, a picturesque alpine pasture at about 1,000 meters in altitude. The path wound through green meadows, past old alpine huts, and through fragrant forests. The view of the surrounding mountains was fantastic and offered a whole new perspective on the region. The climb from the Klause up to the Alm was strenuous but absolutely worth the effort. The path is fantastic!
A Stop at the Kaiserhaus: The Perfect Ending
Back at the Kaiserhaus, I treated myself to a well-deserved break. In peace and comfort, we toasted with a shandy. Even the looming thunderstorm passed by, allowing us to enjoy the well-deserved pause. We collected yet another stamp here—we were well on our way to earning that snack board!
Enchanted from the Start
My hike through the Kaiserklamm and up to the Erzherzog-Johann-Klause was an experience I would recommend to any nature and history lover. The emerald green water, the fascinating history of timber rafting, the peaceful Hubertus Chapel, and the fantastic view from the Rumpf-Alm made this tour an unforgettable adventure. If you ever want to escape everyday life and enjoy nature in its full splendor, this is the place to be. And what could provide a better ending than a cozy stop at the Kaiserhaus?
The next adventure in Tyrol is already waiting!
