Wimbachklamm, located in Bavaria, Germany, is a stunning gorge shaped by the Wimbach River, offering breathtaking landscapes and waterfalls. Surrounded by lush forests and dramatic cliffs, it’s a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Situated within Berchtesgaden National Park, the gorge provides both scenic trails and peaceful surroundings for relaxation.
This guide offers essential information on directions, opening hours, and admission fees, along with tips on the best viewpoints and photo spots. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, Wimbachklamm is a must-visit destination.
Wimbachklamm Trail Overview
Starting Point: Wimbachbrücke Car Park, Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden
Trail Distance: 8.6 km (out-and-back) to Wimbachschloss
Hiking Time: Approx. 2 hours 35 minutes
Elevation Gain/Loss: 311 meters
Minimum Elevation: 628 meters
Maximum Elevation: 939 meters
Difficulty Level: Easy hike
Accommodation Options:
- Budget Stays:
- Gästehaus Hinterponholz
- Explorer Hotel Berchtesgaden (Schönau am Königssee)
- Midrange Stays:
- Stoll’s Hotel Alpina (Schönau am Königssee)
- Hotel AlpinaRos (Berchtesgaden)
- Luxury Stays:
- Berghotel Rehlegg (Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden)
- Alm- & Wellnesshotel Alpenhof (Schönau am Königssee)
- Hotel EDELWEISS Berchtesgaden Superior (Berchtesgaden)
Does Wimbachklamm- The Short Answer
Wimbachklamm, located in Bavaria, Germany, is a beautiful gorge shaped by the Wimbach River, surrounded by forests and cliffs, perfect for nature lovers and hikers. It’s situated within Berchtesgaden National Park and offers scenic trails, waterfalls, and peaceful surroundings. The gorge is open seasonally from May to November, with an entrance fee of 4 EUR. Visitors can reach it via car or public transport, with nearby accommodations ranging from budget to luxury options.
The 8.6 km Wimbachklamm trail is easy, taking about 2.5 hours to complete. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. Activities like camping, hunting, and off-trail walking are prohibited. The gorge offers stunning views, waterfalls, and photo spots. After hiking, other nearby activities include exploring Wimbachtal or visiting Hintersee Lake.
Wimbachklamm Entrance Prices

To visit Wimbach Gorge, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of 4 EUR. The entrance is gated and token-operated. From the Wimbachbrücke car park, take the Wimbachklamm road uphill for about 500 meters, which takes roughly a 10-minute walk.
Just behind Wimbach’s Wollstadl souvenir shop, you’ll find a self-service Kasse where you can purchase your entrance token. Both cash and card payments are accepted, but discounts are no longer available for Berchtesgaden Guest Card holders.
Additionally, don’t miss the Tulip Gardens in London, which are renowned for their stunning array of colors during the spring season.
Visiting Wimbachklamm – Important Information

When visiting Wimbachklamm, make sure to respect the rules of Berchtesgaden National Park in Germany. The park has an elevation of 90 meters, and while dogs are allowed, they must be kept on a leash.
You can enjoy cycling on designated routes, but some activities are not allowed, including camping, picking plants, hunting, and walking off-trail. Additionally, water sports, air sports, drones, smoking, disposing of waste, feeding animals, and making loud noise are all prohibited to preserve the park’s beauty and tranquility.
How to get to Wimbachklamm

To reach Wimbachklamm, you can either drive or take public transportation. If you are traveling by car, set your navigation system to Parkplatz Wimbachbrücke. The parking lot is spacious, and you should easily find a parking spot. However, be aware that it’s shared with hikers on various routes, so it’s best to arrive before 9 AM to secure a spot.
If you have a guest card from a Berchtesgaden hotel, guesthouse, or Airbnb, you’ll get discounts on parking and access to the bus system. Parking prices are around 6€ for four hours with a guest card, or 8€ without one. For a day ticket, expect to pay 11€ with a guest card or 13€ without.
Alternatively, you can use public transportation to get to Wimbachklamm. If you’re staying in Berchtesgaden, public transportation is budget-friendly and convenient. From Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof, take bus number 846 heading toward Hintersee.
After 5 stops (around 10 minutes), get off at Wimbachbrücke, Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden. The bus frequency isn’t very high, with the first bus leaving at 9:15 AM and the last one at 18:15.
When to visit Wimbachklamm

Wimbachklamm is only open seasonally due to winter conditions, making it dangerous to visit. The official opening time is from the 1st of May to the 1st of November, though it sometimes opens as early as mid-April. It’s best to check with local authorities before visiting in early spring since damage from winter may require additional repair.
However, if you’re planning to visit London this February, make sure to explore its iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, offering a charming winter vibe perfect for a short getaway.
During the summer season, the gorge is open every day from 7 AM to 7 PM. I highly recommend arriving early, as the gorge is only 200 meters long, making it one of the smaller gorges. This allows you to avoid a busy trail and have time to stop every 5 seconds to capture the views.
For entry, you’ll need to pay a small fee of 2.5€ or 2€ with a guest card. The price is the same for adults, whether you’re a student or a pensioner, and children under 6 years can visit for free.
Keep in mind, the machine accepts only coins, so make sure you have enough change. The money collected helps maintain and preserve the trail, with workers often conducting morning checks to ensure everything is intact.
Wimbachklamm Hiking Details
The Wimbachklamm hike is a very easy walk that covers a total distance of about 2 km. This hike should take you around 1 hour, even with time for taking pictures along the way.
The elevation gain is modest, at around 90 meters, making it suitable for most visitors. The type of trail is an out-and-back, but there is also the option to take a parallel path back to the car park if you prefer a slight variation.
After completing the hike, you can explore nearby activities or continue onto other hikes in the area, such as the trail leading to Wimbachtal and Berggaststätte Wimbachschloss.
While this particular hike is not included in the current statistics, it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for more to do after visiting Wimbachklamm.
Hiking Directions to Wimbachklamm
To start your hike to Wimbachklamm, head to Parkplatz Wimbachbrücke, where you’ll find a large sign directing you to Wimbachklamm. From the parking lot, follow the Wimbachweg path for about 10 – 15 minutes.
Along the way, you’ll pass a ticket machine on the right-hand side where you can buy tickets. Remember, the machine only accepts coins, so make sure to stop and have enough change before continuing. After purchasing your ticket, follow the trail for 5 more minutes to reach the entrance to Wimbachklamm Gorge.
Once you’re in the gorge, the trail is narrow, winding along the cliffs with stunning views of the crystal blue water below. As you walk, you’ll encounter waterfalls, one of the best photo spots on the trail.
The gorge is 200 meters long, but its beauty will make you want to stop and admire the views at every step. If you visit early, you can enjoy the scenery without many people around.
After reaching the end of the gorge, there are two options to exit. You can walk back the same way or take a parallel trail through the forest, which will lead you back to the parking lot.
If you’re up for more hiking, you can continue to Wimbachtal, where the easy hike will take you to Berggaststätte Wimbachschloss after about 3.5 km and 300 meters of elevation. This beautiful mountain hut offers a great place to relax and enjoy the view of the Wimbach Tal valley, adding more adventure to your visit to Berchtesgaden National Park.
Other Activities and Attractions Nearby
If you’re visiting Wimbachklamm, there are several other great activities and attractions nearby. For a stunning view, consider hiking up to Aussichtspunkt Archenkanzel. Starting from the Wimbachbrücke parking lot, the hike is about 15-16 km with an elevation gain of 800 meters.
Though difficult and steep, it’s worth the effort for the breathtaking view of Königssee and the surrounding Berchtesgaden National Park. If you’re looking for something easier, head to Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden.
The St. Sebastian church, surrounded by a crystal clear stream and beautiful mountains, is a peaceful spot to visit. You can walk for 35 minutes along the stream on easy walking routes.
For a beautiful lake experience, take a hike to Hintersee, located in Bavaria. Just 1 hour from Ramsau, the walk is scenic and includes a mild elevation gain of 130 meters. Once at the lake, you can walk around the 5 km perimeter, swim, or even rent a boat to explore. This area is one of the prettiest lakes in Germany, making it a perfect addition to your visit.
FAQ
What is Wimbachklamm?
Wimbachklamm is a river gorge located in Berchtesgaden National Park, in Upper Bavaria, Germany. It sits at the entrance of Wimbachtal, a high alpine valley that runs between the stunning Watzmann and Hochkalter mountains. This picturesque location offers visitors a breathtaking view of nature’s beauty, making it a must-see spot for anyone exploring the area.
How long does it take to hike Wimbachklamm?
The Wimbachklamm hike is considered moderate, covering 1.3 mi with an elevation gain of 314 ft. It typically takes about 0.5–1 hr to complete, depending on your pace. The trail includes moderate sections with gradual climbs and natural obstacles like rocks and roots, making it a manageable yet rewarding experience for hikers of various levels.
What is the best time to visit Wimbachklamm?
The best time to visit Wimbachklamm is from May to October, as this is the most popular time of year for visitors. During these months, the weather is ideal for hiking and exploring the area, though keep in mind that Kaerlingerhaus is CLOSED. If you’re planning your trip around these dates, you’ll get to experience the gorge at its best.
What is the history behind Wimbachklamm?
Wimbachklamm (also known as Wimbach Gorge) has a rich history tied to the Berchtesgaden salt works, where it was used for timber drift. The floating transport of tree trunks along waterways was essential for supplying wood to the mining industry, which had a high demand for it. The wood was used for supporting tunnels, smelting, and even for the evaporation process in brine production, making this gorge an important part of the region’s industrial past.



