Waterfalls around Schattwald are found in the Tannheimer Tal, a region in Tyrol, Austria, known for its natural landscapes and hiking opportunities. This area offers a variety of natural features, including gorges and trails that lead to impressive waterfalls. The village of Schattwald serves as a starting point for exploring these natural attractions. Visitors can experience diverse terrain, from wide gravel paths to forest trails with elevation changes.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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The waterfalls were quite small, as there was very little water in the Schlossbächle stream at the time. I climbed on the left side, against the flow. The trail is manageable despite the numerous steps. The steel gratings for dogs can be a bit uncomfortable for their paws.
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The stairs thing isn't for everyone, but it does have some advantages.
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The waterfall and the waterfall path are simply great
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There's beautiful nature here, with stairs, roots, and waterfalls. It's a truly beautiful area if you like stairs. If you don't like all that, just take the cable car up. But then you'll miss the nature, the waterfalls, and, oh yes, the stairs.
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Great trail in midsummer and winter
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Some of the steps are quite high, but it is still a beautiful tour along the waterfalls
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Sturdy footwear is recommended
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Pure nature and wildly romantic
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Beyond the most popular spots, you can discover the Schlossbächel valley, which features a beautiful waterfall and waterway, though it involves many stairs. Another option is the Höllschlucht Gorge, offering great nature and refreshing views, often with waterfalls depending on the water levels.
Yes, several options are suitable for families. The Starzlach Gorge is described as a nice family excursion, with paths that are well-secured and easy to walk. The Bergacht Waterfall near Vilsalpsee, though a short drive from Schattwald, is also part of an easy to moderate, family-friendly loop hike.
The difficulty varies. Some trails, like the main paths in Starzlach Gorge, are easy to walk. Others, such as the Waterfall trail Nesselwang or the Reichenbach Gorge, can be intermediate to challenging, involving steep sections, roots, stones, and many steps. Sturdy footwear is often recommended.
Many trails in the region are dog-friendly. However, for the Waterfall trail Nesselwang, be aware that a steel staircase with metal grates runs alongside the main waterfall. Some dogs may find these grates uncomfortable or challenging to navigate.
The waterfalls are generally best visited during spring and summer when water levels are high from snowmelt and rainfall, making the cascades more impressive. Summer also offers refreshing conditions for hiking. While some areas might be accessible in winter, specific access and trail conditions can vary greatly due to snow and ice.
Yes, the Waterfall trail Nesselwang features a multi-tiered waterfall with a steel staircase that allows for close-up views. The Bergacht Waterfall at Vilsalpsee is set within a nature reserve, offering stunning views of mountains reflecting in the clear lake and diverse flora and fauna. The Höllschlucht Gorge also provides great views along its challenging trail.
The region around Schattwald offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Tannheimer Valley – Path in the Vils Valley loop from Schattwald' or the 'Tannheimer Valley – Tannheimer Valley loop from Schattwald', which you can explore further in the Cycling around Schattwald guide. There are also many running trails and mountain hikes available, like the 'Bschießer Summit – Ponten loop from Schattwald', detailed in the Running Trails around Schattwald and Mountain Hikes around Schattwald guides.
Visitors frequently highlight the impressive natural beauty and the adventurous hiking experiences. For instance, the Waterfall trail Nesselwang is praised for being 'in the middle of nature' with constantly changing views. The Reichenbach Gorge is loved for its 'pure nature and wildly romantic' atmosphere, offering an exciting trail through varied terrain.
Yes, near the Waterfall trail Nesselwang, you can explore the remnants of the Nesselburg ruins, adding a touch of history to your natural adventure.
Parking availability varies by location. For the Bergacht Waterfall at Vilsalpsee, car access is generally restricted between 8 am and 5 pm, so planning for public transport or walking from Tannheim might be necessary. For the Waterfall trail Nesselwang, the starting point is often near the Alpspitzbahn valley station in Nesselwang, where parking facilities are typically available.
The terrain is quite diverse. You'll encounter wide, easy-to-walk gravel paths, especially around Vilsalpsee. Other trails, like those in the Waterfall trail Nesselwang or Höllschlucht Gorge, can be forest and root paths, steep, muddy in places, and involve many steps or even sections secured with wire ropes and railings.
Yes, for instance, along the loop hike to the Bergacht Waterfall at Vilsalpsee, refreshment stops are available, including the Vilsalpe snack station. For other locations, it's advisable to check local amenities in nearby villages like Nesselwang or Schattwald itself before your hike.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Schattwald: