Top 10 Gorges around Pernitz

The Pernitz region is home to two prominent and picturesque canyons: the Myrafälle (Myra Waterfalls) and the Steinwandklamm. Both offer distinct natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

The Myrafälle is a series of picturesque cascades where the Myrabach stream tumbles over limestone formations. It features a well-maintained hiking path with 19 bridges and 8 staircases, allowing visitors to experience the waterfalls up close. The area is also a natural monument and offers a pleasant round trip option.

The Steinwandklamm is known for its wild and romantic character, featuring dramatic scenery and impressive rock formations. You can hike through the gorge on well-maintained bridges and stairs. For a more adventurous experience, the Rudolf-Decker-Steig via ferrata and the Türkenloch Cave are highlights within the gorge.

Yes, within the Steinwandklamm, the Rudolf-Decker-Steig via ferrata offers a challenging route with a difficulty level of A/B. It requires sure-footedness and a head for heights, featuring a suspended ladder and a cave passage. The Leitergraben Gorge also presents a very rocky path with steep descents and ascents, recommended for sure-footed individuals.

The Türkenloch Cave in the Steinwandklamm is a must-see. It offers an adventurous crossing and is particularly pleasant on hot days due to its cool temperatures. It also holds historical significance, as it was reportedly used as a hiding place during the Turkish siege in 1683.

The canyons are generally beautiful year-round. However, the stream bed in the Steinwandklamm can occasionally dry out during periods of low rainfall or outside of spring snowmelt. The Myrafälle, with its continuous cascades, is a great option for seeing flowing water. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking.

Both the Myrafälle and the Steinwandklamm offer family-friendly sections. The Myrafälle has a well-developed path with bridges and stairs suitable for most families. In the Steinwandklamm, the main hiking trails are accessible, and the challenging Rudolf-Decker-Steig via ferrata can be bypassed for those preferring an easier route. Children on the via ferrata should be secured with a safety rope.

For the Steinwandklamm, a maintenance fee (Erhaltungskostenbeitrag) is typically required for the upkeep of the paths, bridges, and ladders. Information regarding fees for the Myrafälle should be checked locally upon arrival.

You will encounter picturesque waterfalls and cascades at Myrafälle, and dramatic rock formations, deep ravines, and karst landscapes in the Steinwandklamm. Both areas are surrounded by forests, offering a rich natural environment.

Beyond exploring the canyons, the Pernitz region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including routes like the Myra Falls – Hausstein Summit loop, as well as mountain biking and gravel biking routes. For more details, explore the Hiking around Pernitz, MTB Trails around Pernitz, and Gravel biking around Pernitz guides.

Yes, near the Myrafälle, restaurants are available at both the upper and lower ends of the gorge. For the Steinwandklamm, you might find options like Gasthof Jagasitz nearby, especially after completing routes like the Rudolf-Decker-Steig.

The Myrafälle has historical significance with commemorative plaques acknowledging the development of its pathways in 1885 and a visit by Emperor Franz II in 1801. The Steinwandklamm's Türkenloch Cave is associated with a legend from the Turkish siege of 1683, and the Rudolf-Decker-Steig via ferrata was built by the ÖTK Triestingtal in 1927.