Hiking near Seefeld in Austria – the wild Leutasch Gorge

While on holiday walking in the Leutasch valley of Austria, our hiking routes had taken us along the picturesque Gaistal Valley, up to the high peak of Seefelder Spitz, and we’d enjoyed the traditional Rifleman’s parade at Seefeld.

On our final day of hiking near Seefeld, we found that the best was yet to come. We explored the wild, rocky landscapes of the Leutasch valley and the picturesque painted houses of Mittenwald. Finally we enjoyed a lakeside walk through glorious mountain scenery.

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From the village of Leutasch near Seefeld, we took a 10 minute taxi ride down the valley to the entrance of the Leutasch Gorge, which spans the border between Leutasch Austria and Germany.

On reading the information signs it was clear that we were entering a mysterious watery realm. The water swirls in a fast moving torrent between high rocky cliffs, where fairies and goblins are reputed to live.

The path through the Leutasch Gorge

Along the wooded path we took the turning that leads into the gorge itself, along metal walkways. Water foamed in pools of milky-green, far below us. Metal walkways, a complex feat of engineering, followed one side of the gorge until we crossed a bridge to the other side.

Dizzyingly far below us, the rushing water made a ribbon of green. Pine trees shot tall above us, from the grey rocky side of the gorge towards the sky.

We walked in dappled sunshine, stopping every now and then to read the information boards. There were stories of mountain fairies and dramatic names of this watery world, such as Hell’s Bridge and the Devil’s Cauldron.

Entering the final section of the Leutasch Gorge

At the end of our walk through the main gorge, the path descended to a cafe and kiosk where we found the entrance to a smaller gorge. While the main gorge walk had been free, we now paid a few euros to enter the gorge.

The charge was to see the rushing waterfall at the end, which was well worth the additional cost. This time the gorge was narrow and the air refreshingly cool. We zig-zagged along the walkway just above the green-blue water.

After 10 minutes we reached the waterfall at the end of the gorge, a deafening torrent of water that created spray all around us. Although the day had been warm, I was pleased to have my waterproof jacket to stay dry. I found a small alcove to the side of the viewing platform to unpack my camera for a quick photo.

Hiking to Mittenwald in the Leutasch valley

Retracing our steps along the walkway through the gorge, we stopped to eat our picnic lunch by a flower filled meadow, then followed the river past pretty Alpine houses. Our goal was to reach the town Mittenwald, on the German side of the border.

As we entered the centre of Mittenwald we noticed the painted houses for which the town is well known. The murals often have a religious meaning behind them and the local tourist office runs guided tours where you can discover more about these stories.

We walked along the main pedestrianised street, past many attractive pavement cafes. At the end was the painted church tower of St. Peter and Paul. A shady cafe provided a rest stop to have a beer, then we enquired at the tourist office about the bus up to the lakes of Lautersee and Ferchensee above Mittenwald Gorge.

Other hotel guests had recommended these lakes, and since I’d hurt my ankle in a fall on the first day, we were looking for a gentle walk. The more arduous Frenchman’s Climb we had planned would have to wait for another day.

From the train station we took the number 1 bus up to the two lakes, from where we could walk back down into Mittenwald.

Lake Ferchensee

The bus dropped us off at the furthest lake of Ferchensee, at a convenient cafe with cheerful yellow sun umbrellas. We couldn’t resist resting a while with an apple strudel and a creamy iced coffee.

Our table on the lakeside terrace was perfectly placed to watch the trout and larger perch swimming around the jetty. The scene was pure Austrian holiday brochure.

As the afternoon wore on and the sun cast its golden glow across the lake, it was tempting to just sit and enjoy the idyllic mountain scenery. Reluctantly we continued on the lake side path, knowing that if we delayed too long we’d miss the last bus from Mittenwald back to our hotel.

At a grassy swimming place, my friend decided to go for a swim. I waited on a bench while she gently breaststroked up and down serenely like a swan.

Lake Lautersee

At the end of the lake, the path took us through forest past a pretty little shrine and in another 15 minutes we reached the second lake of Lautersee. Not daring to stop too long we continued as the track took us now steeply down to Mittenwald, passing several cascades which tumbled down the mountain.

By half past six we were down at Mittenwald again, with the evening sun lighting up the grey crag above us. Returning to the bus station we found the bus that would drop us back at our hotel in Leutasch after a day of enjoying the landscapes of Austria and Southern Germany.

It was a fabulous finale to our four days of walking. I hope you’ll also enjoy reading about the other walks from this trip;

Day 1 – A high mountain walk (and a tumble) in the Gaistal Valley of Austria. We set out from our hotel hoping to sample the local food served in the mountain huts of the valley but changed our plans when I took a fall and had to hobble down the mountain.

Day 2 – Hiking in Austria – the views from the cross at Seefelder Spitze. We took the cable car from Seefeld up the ridge of Seefelder Spitze for 360 degree views over Seefeld and the surrounding valleys.

Day 3 – Hiking in Austria – a Rifleman’s Parade and Mental Power Walk at Seefeld. We joined a traditional parade with local regiments in colourful uniforms, then walked back to our hotel along a forest walking trail with relaxation stations on the theme of mental wellbeing.

Want to go walking in Austria’s Leutasch Valley?

Heather’s 7 night walking holiday in Austria was provided by Headwater Holidays.

There are over 450km of walking trails in the Leutasch Valley accessible direct from the hotel or via local bus, taxi and lifts. The holiday includes a full programme of self-guided day walks.

Headwater offer 1 boot or 2 boot levels, depending on whether you prefer the gentle valley walks or the more challenging high altitude trails which are sometimes accessed via chair lifts and cable cars.

Also included are detailed walking guides and maps, breakfast and dinner at the hotel, a packed lunch on walking days and flights/ transfers via Innsbruck.

Headwater Holidays are a leading UK specialist in self-guided walking, cycling and relaxed activity holidays. These holidays allow you to travel at your own pace and get closer to the places you visit. For more information check the Headwater Holidays website.

More things to do in the Tyrol region of Austria

For more information on things to do in the Tyrol region of Austria visit the Tyrol tourism website. More information about things to do in Austria on the Visit Austria Website. Information on the Seefeld Region can be found on the Seefeld Olympia Region Website.

How to get to Leutasch Valley, Austria

You have the option to fly into either Munich airport or Innsbruck airport. Transfers from Innsbruck airport are under 1 hour’s drive to Leutasch and from Munich Airport, the transfer time is around 2 hours.

Where to stay in Leutasch

Heather stayed in Leutasch as part of the walking holiday booked through Headwater Holidays. Unfortunately Hotel Xander has now closed but there are many other friendly guesthouses and small hotels in Leutasch.

Read more articles about how to prepare for a hiking trip here:

How to choose the perfect waterproof jacket for your hiking holiday
10 Things to Pack for a Walking Holiday

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This article was sponsored* by Headwater Holidays who hosted Heather’s walking holiday.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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