Breitachklamm - Germany's deepest gorge by torchlight, wine at the exit

Germany's deepest gorge plunges 150 meters between towering rock walls. In winter, torchlight evening hikes illuminate frozen waterfalls and ice formations that turn the canyon into a subterranean cathedral. The Breitach river carved this over 15,000 years. Exit to warm Allgäu Bergkäse and a glass of Austrian Grüner Veltliner at the gorge entrance restaurant.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Find the Gorge Entrance Where 15,000 Years Started Adventure · Free

   The Breitach River carved this gorge for 15,000 years - since the last Ice Age - creating Central Europe's deepest rocky gorge at the entrance plaza of Breitachklamm (Klammstraße 47, Tiefenbach, 15 minutes from Oberstdorf center). At 150 meters down at the deepest point with walls barely 2 meters apart in places, you're looking at what water does to rock over geological time. From Oberstdorf, take bus 1 to Breitachklamm stop or drive and park (€4), then find the information panels showing the gorge formation timeline before deciding whether to pay €7 to enter now or return for winter torchlight.

   Backup: If gorge is closed (seasonal closure or weather), walk 50 meters to Gasthaus Breitachklamm. Ask to see their photo collection of the frozen gorge in winter - it's better than most postcards.

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2. 2 Hunt Frozen Waterfalls by Torchlight Adventure · Price: low · Optional

   In winter, the gorge transforms into a frozen cathedral with icicles 10+ meters long and waterfalls frozen mid-cascade, illuminated by torchlight hikes that run January-February, Tuesday-Friday evenings starting at 7pm from the same Breitachklamm entrance. This limited experience sells out within hours when tickets are released same-day after weather confirmation - check www.breitachklamm.de in early December for 2026 dates and book online the moment they appear. Dress warm, wear boots with grip, and follow your guide through ice formations that catch torch flames and glow like alien theater.

   Backup: If torchlight tickets sold out, visit the gorge during daytime in winter (regular hours 9am-5pm, €7 ticket). The ice formations are still spectacular - you just miss the torchlight drama.

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3. 3 Toast the Gorge with Allgäu Bergkäse and Austrian Wine Wine · Price: moderate

   You just walked Central Europe's deepest gorge, so decompress at Gasthaus Breitachklamm (Klammstraße 45-46, right at the entrance) where Bavarian-Austrian border cuisine reflects the fact that Austria's Kleinwalsertal is just 2km away. Order Allgäu Bergkäse and ask "Haben Sie österreichischen Wein?" for Austrian Grüner Veltliner or Zweigelt - the creamy cheese plus crisp acid pairing is perfect after 1.5 hours of gorge spray. The building has fed 300,000 annual gorge-walkers for decades, and they still care when you tell them you just finished the walk.

   Backup: If Gasthaus Breitachklamm is full or closed, drive 10 minutes back to Oberstdorf center - Spezerei (Freiherr-von-Brutscher-Str. 1) has better wine selection and similar cheese plates. The gorge is the adventure; the gasthaus is tradition; Spezerei is refinement. Pick your vibe.

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