A summer retreat is a top priority in what is billed as ‘Europe’s most beautiful high valley’. And that applies to both two-legged and four-legged visitors alike.
Whilst the two-legged mountain visitors recharge their batteries whilst climbing and hiking and breathe in the fresh air, the four-legged summer visitors – who come from Swabia and Tirol – enjoy the fragrant summer herbs on the high alpine pastures. The Tannheimer Valley is not a classic transit valley; life here is a little more laid-back. Tourism is on a smaller scale, and the Uphill Facilities are not oversized. The valley exudes a relaxed tranquillity – which may also be due to the fact that the valley floor is wide and the alpine meadows rise gently. Up above, beautifully shaped peaks crown the landscape: in the north-east, the rugged climbing mountains of Schartschrofen, Rote Flüh, Gimpel and Kellenspitze stand in a row. To the south, the Tannheim Valley is framed by the Vilsalpsee mountains, such as the Gaishorn, Rauhhorn, Kugelhorn, Bschießer and Krinnenspitze. To the north-west, the Einstein, Brentenjoch and Aggenstein watch over the valley, its residents and visitors.
Climbing has a long tradition in ‘Tannheim’, as it is affectionately known locally: as early as the turn of the century, the first routes were established on the south-facing walls of the mountain peaks, which rise to heights of up to 200 metres. Many of these have since been refurbished, but even today you can still find a number of routes with a ‘genuine’ alpine character. Overall, the Tannheim Valley is widely known for its many impressive multi-pitch areas: the Hochwiesler, Gimpel and Rote Flüh are the quintessential climbing peaks and an absolute must for die-hard alpine climbers. Those who feel more at home in the world of sport climbing will also find some thoroughly rewarding Rock Climbing Areas in the Tannheimer Valley, such as the “Kanzel” Rock Climbing Area on the Neunerköpfle. The valley’s offering also includes Via Ferrata/Iron Way routes and a forest rope course for children. Also worth mentioning is the network of hiking trails. With three levels ranging from Easy to alpine, the Tannheimer Valley has been named Austria’s most beautiful hiking region.
A must-visit destination for fans of top-quality limestone climbing: the ‘Kanzel’ Rock Climbing Area. The area lies at an altitude of around 1,500 metres and is easily accessible via the Neunerköpfle cable car. From the Top station, it’s just a 10-minute walk – and it’s more downhill than uphill. The rock formations promise interesting and varied days of climbing. The panoramic views are a real treat for the soul, and thanks to the high altitude, you can enjoy uninterrupted climbing fun even on hot summer days. Whilst the left-hand sector is somewhat steep, the right-hand section opens out onto a wide, beautiful forest floor where you can stand comfortably or stretch your legs out during a break. The rock conditions also vary between the sectors, with a total of 22 routes ranging from 5b to 7b.
Fancy a trip up the exposed Rote Flüh, but not via alpine climbing routes – perhaps something a bit different? Then the Friedberg Via Ferrata/Iron Way is a worthwhile alternative. Incidentally, the mountain takes its name from the layers of red limestone, which shimmer with a striking reddish glow at sunset – very romantic. The Via Ferrata/Iron Way is truly breathtaking, thanks to its many magnificent vantage points. Whilst you’re climbing, you don’t really notice much of the world around you, but during the breaks, the view across the mountain panorama is simply spectacular. The Via Ferrata/Iron Way is rated C for difficulty, meaning it’s of medium difficulty. The actual climbing time is around 1.5 hours; including the approach and descent, it makes for a lovely full-day hike with rewarding places to stop for refreshments, such as the Tannheimer Mountain Lodge/Hut and the Gimpelhaus. Although the via ferrata doesn’t have a particularly long distance, there are a few short, very challenging steep sections to tackle. The risk of rockfall should not be underestimated either. As such, it’s suitable for older children who have the necessary sure-footedness and technique.
Those looking for a slightly more challenging experience and who enjoy the cool north-facing walls on hot summer’s days should consider the Lachenspitze North Face Via Ferrata/Iron Way. The Via Ferrata/Iron Way has a Level of Difficulty of D and is considered significantly more challenging than, for example, the Hindelanger or Mindelheimer Via Ferrata/Iron Way. Anyone with alpine experience, sure-footedness, good arm strength and absolutely no fear of heights will find this an absolutely dream Via Ferrata/Iron Way tour. On the way down, be sure to stop off at the Landsberger Mountain Lodge/Hut – it’s well worth it.
An overview of all climbing and via ferrata options is, of course, available on Climbers Paradise – Tannheimer Valley.
The number of Mountain Lodges/Huts and, above all, the excellent cuisine are a real draw for the Tannheimer Valley, because a break from everyday life really does start with good food. It’s also lovely that there are practically always attractive places to stop for a bite to eat right next to Rock Climbing Areas and Via Ferratas.
Tip: Anyone who’s been rock climbing at the ‘Kanzel’ Rock Climbing Area should stop off at the Gundhütte: the apple strudel, swimming in vanilla sauce, is simply divine and is accompanied – almost to the point of being a bit kitsch – by the panoramic view from the sun terrace.
There’s a wide range of activities on offer: Hiking (at three different levels), road cycling, Mountain Biking, trail running, swimming, fishing, as well as yoga and wellness. By the way: the Tannheimer Valley is home to top-class wellness centres that rank amongst the best in the whole of Austria. No fewer than 14 (!) four-star hotels ensure a high concentration of wellness facilities, which can also be used as day spas. For children, a visit to the forest rope course is definitely a highlight.
Also of interest: at the Neunerköpfle, home to the ‘Kanzel’ Rock Climbing Area, there are exciting information points along the Hiking Trail that provide fun facts about the local flora and fauna. Cowbells of all sizes invite you to make music, complete with a music book, which you can use to play pieces such as ‘The Birds’ Wedding’. The people of Tannheim also love their four-legged summer visitors and showcase some particularly lovely examples with photos. In summer, you can enjoy swimming at Haldensee and Plansee. The colour of the water in both lakes alone is reminiscent of the Caribbean – that holiday feeling is guaranteed here.
Another great experience for captains of all ages: a trip on one of Austria’s highest-altitude boat routes. From May right through to autumn, the cruise boats offer round-trip tours on Lake Plansee and also head via the canal to the slightly higher-lying Lake Heiterwanger. For a more active experience, try gliding across the water on a stand-up paddleboard.
From luxury spa resorts to guesthouses, farm stays and campsites – the Tannheimer Valley offers the right kindofaccommodation to suit every need. Naturally, there are also accommodation options particularly suited to climbers.
Tips & Safety
Would you like to find out more about climbing safety? Click here for our safety tips.
