Rastenbach Gorge
Water. Forest. Vision.
Some paths are quiet. And that is precisely where their power lies. The Rastenbachklamm gorge begins almost on the doorstep of the Haus am Hang - and yet leads step by step out of everyday life. Wooden walkways, steps, cool shade. The sound of the water sets the rhythm, the view of Lake Kaltern opens up the space. Breathe in. Breathe out. Walk on. Here, hiking is not a task, but a state: decelerated, light, clear. A round for mind and heart. Without haste. Without having to. Just walk - and arrive.
Where the path gains height
The path leads quickly uphill via path 13, into the forest and right into the heart of the gorge. After a few minutes, the most impressive section begins: steps and footbridges guide you safely through rock and gorge, step by step upwards. The water rushes nearby, the view opens up again and again into the valley. A path that demands movement - and rewards you with a view.
Calm instead of stress,
Nature instead of noise, pleasure instead of hustle and bustle.
FROM THE HOUSE AM SLOPE INTO THE GORGE
The fascinating hike to the Rastenbach Gorge is an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting the area around Lake Kaltern. The path to the gorge starts just a few steps from the house on the hillside, which is all the more reason to plan this beautiful hike during your stay here.
During the hike, you can enjoy a truly spectacular view of the lake and the valley, and I have to admit that I stopped for a good half hour to admire the view, lost in my thoughts and mesmerised by the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
We take path 13 and quickly climb up the forest path to reach the most spectacular part of the hike in a few minutes, which is equipped with footbridges and stairs that allow us to climb through the gorge and offer a magnificent view of the valley. We reach the waterfall and climb the final steps until we reach the summit, which also marks the end of the path inside the gorge. From here, following the path and the signs for „St Peter's Ruins”, we reach the interesting early Christian basilica of St Peter, probably the oldest church in Tyrol. We return on our tracks to the exit of the Rastenbach gorge, cross the suspension bridge and follow the signposts to Altenburg, where the beautiful “Belvedere di Castelvecchio” viewpoint awaits us. The view of Lake Kaltern is also particularly beautiful from here, so take a few minutes to slow down and enjoy the view! At this point, you can decide whether to return to the starting point via the hamlet of Altenburg (on the tarmac road) or go back to the suspension bridge and take the path by the ruins of two high stone towers, following the signs to Lake Kaltern.
In both cases, you will have completed a beautiful circular hike without any particular difficulties or differences in altitude, but which will give you a lot of pleasure in terms of landscape and natural history.
Church ruins of St Peter
A short descent, a gentle climb back up - and suddenly you are in the centre of history. The ruins of St Peter's date back to the 6th century and are one of the oldest churches in South Tyrol. But the place was important long before that: this site was already a place of worship over 3,000 years ago. Today, the quiet walls tell of times gone by, while lizards sunbathe on the warm stones - unimpressed by the quiet comings and goings of hikers.
Stepping safely through the gorge
The hike is technically easy and easy to walk - without any particular challenges.
Footbridges, steps and forest paths make the gorge a little adventure for children too.
Sturdy hiking boots and sufficient water are recommended.
A small car park is located directly on the Rastenbachstraße, but is limited. Larger, chargeable car parks are located at Lake Kaltern. Guests of Haus am Hang can easily reach the car park on foot.
A refreshing natural shower awaits under the large waterfall.
Through the Rastbachklamm gorge
altenburg-kardatscher way
From St. Josef, the trail leads past the Dominikus winery through downy oak forest into the Rastenbachklamm gorge. It gets cooler and rockier: down to the waterfall, then uphill via steps and bridges. At the junction, the route leads to the ruins of St Peter or back via Altenburg with a view.
Duration: 3 h (including photo stops)
Length: 8 km
Altitude metres: 370 m / depth metres: 370 m
Starting point: 238 m / Highest point: 620 m
Path surface: Gravel, mixed soil
Sometimes a narrow bridge, a quiet murmur is enough
and a wide view,
to come back to yourself.
Between forest and vastness
Some views last longer than the walk there. Along the Rastenbachklamm gorge, new perspectives of Lake Kaltern open up again and again: from above, from the forest, between rock and light. The lake seems wider, calmer, almost alien. A short stop is enough - and the perspective shifts. Not only outwards, but also in your head.
