Hiking to the "Waldbachstrub" Waterfall in Hallstatt
Hiking News
Important information for hikers in Hallstatt's Echerntal
Dear hiking friends, please note that the path (ascent) to the "Waldbachstrub" waterfalls is currently closed. The reason is forestry work. It is not yet foreseeable how long the ascent to the waterfalls will be closed. The path to the other waterfall in the Echern Valley, called "Schleierfall", is accessible. All other hiking trails in Hallstatt's Echerntal are also open. We wish you a relaxing time in the wild and romantic nature reserve. Your editorial team
Brief information in advance
The waterfalls with the name "Waldbachstrub" are among the most beautiful attractions when visiting Hallstatt. The trail is easy to walk. On the numerous yellow signposts, you will find the German-language name "Waldbachstrub" for orientation. The tour from the "P1" car park takes about three hours. There and back. From the parking lot in the "Echerntal" it is about 2 hours. And now more about the hike to the "Waldbachstrub" waterfalls in Hallstatt's Echerntal
Hike to the most beautiful waterfall in the Salzkammergut region
Whether spring, summer or autumn - the Waldbachstrub waterfall in Hallstatt's Echerntal valley is always worth a visit. The hike is family-friendly and relatively easy. Nevertheless, outdoor shoes are compulsory. The tour takes about 2 to 2.5 hours in one direction - depending on your speed. An outstanding photo motif.
From Kalvarienberg to the Brandbachweg
Many paths lead to the Waldbachstrub waterfall in Hallstatt's Echerntal valley.
We have chosen the following route description here: We start our hike at the Kalvarienberg above the P1 car park in Hallstatt. We start at the signboard with the inscription "Themenweg" (theme trail).
We follow the Grabfeldweg through the shady forest; reach the road that takes us past the Hallstatt waste material collection centre and shortly afterwards turn left into the Brandbachweg.
Along the Brandbach
The dried-up stream bed of the Brandbach with its large stones is an excellent photo motif. The stream, which only carries water in rainy periods, is an indicator for many locals of a possible impending flood.
Along the rushing forest stream
At the end of this trail, we cross the forest road that leads up to the Hallstatt Salzberg. At the wooden pavilion, which also marks the actual beginning of the theme trail, the “Malerweg” (artists’ way) leads us along the Waldbach stream further and further into the Echerntal valley. Numerous information boards along the way tell history and stories about painters, writers and explorers. It is worth stopping and immersing yourself into a long-forgotten world.
Past the Schleierfall
After about 20 minutes of easy walking, we reach the Kuhbrücke bridge. We cross it and continue our tour in the direction of the “Schleierfall”. Always on the "Themenweg" (theme trail). The first waterfall on our tour to Waldbachstrub can already be seen from afar, but it only has a lot of water in rainy periods. Most of the time it only drips a little from the mountain. Another little tip: Many visitors to the Echerntal valley think they have already reached their destination and turn back, but the best is yet to come.
Towards the highlight
The trail leads us further up the mountain on a gravel path. After about 10 minutes of easy walking, we reach the turnoff to the Waldbachstrub waterfall. We are getting closer and closer to our destination. After another 20 minutes of walking we have reached our destination. The lucky spot "Waldbachstrub".
Three mountain streams unite at this point to form a thundering natural phenomenon: Waldbach, Klauskogelbach and Lauterbach streams form an impressive natural spectacle that is unparalleled.
More hiking possibilities
Fancy even more discoveries? The theme trail takes you to other highlights. For example, to the “Gletschergarten” (Glacier Garden). The signposted trail is a circular walk and leads to the most beautiful sights of the day. If you don't want to continue hiking, you can get back to the starting point of this hike via the Echerntalweg, the P2 car park with a view of the valley station of the Salzberg cable car.
More offers in the Echern Valley in Hallstatt
A unique natural jewel: the "Echern Valley" in Hallstatt
Magnificent waterfalls, rushing glacier streams, a stone garden, endless photo motifs - the Echern Valley (in German "Echerntal") invites all nature lovers to discover. And this is only a few minutes' walk from the centre of Hallstatt.
Available accommodation for your hiking holiday in the Salzkammergut
Hotels and accommodation providers in Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau and Obertraun offer the ideal room or apartment for your holidays, no matter what your tastes. Aside from establishments rated according to the international "star" scale, you will also find around Lake Hallstatt in Austria businesses that have been awarded two to four "edelweiss". The more flowers, the greater comforts you can expect. Whether you eventually find your cozy nest in an elegant 5-star luxury hotel, at comfortable guesthouse, a family-friendly apartment, or on a traditional farm, the choice is always entirely up to you.