The bridges and stairs are very high-quality and feel extremely secure, though those with severe vertigo might find the 'Helix' exciting.

HikeMetrics.com

Liechtensteinklamm — The HelixChasm

DATA_INDEXED_2026

Distance

1.5KM

Gain

0.1kM

Duration

1d

Strain

LVL 1

AI Insight: Optimal ratio of distance to elevation. Accessible for experienced intermediates.

One of the longest, deepest, and most impressive gorges in the Alps. The Liechtensteinklamm is famous for its narrow walls that are so close they almost block out the sky. Following a massive rockfall in 2017, the gorge was upgraded with the 'Helix'—a spectacular spiral staircase made of corten steel that descends 30 meters into the depths of the chasm. The path leads over bridges and through tunnels to a massive 50-meter waterfall at the end of the walkable section.

Mission Directive / X-Factor

“The Helix Staircase. The 'X-Factor' is the 'Helix' staircase. It is an impressive engineering addition that allows you to experience the gorge's geometry from a perspective that was previously impossible. When the sun hits the mist near the final waterfall at the right angle, multiple rainbows appear within the dark rock walls.”

Hazard Assessment

steep stair climbPRIORITY 1

The main physical demand is the 440-step staircase section.

MITIGATION: Take your time; there are several wider platforms for passing and resting.

Critical Loadout

Comfortable walking shoes

Light shell jacket (it stays cool and damp even in summer)

Camera

Target Base Weight

< 10 KGEXCL. CONSUMABLES

Water Logistics

SOURCE AVAILABILITYLIMITED / CARRY

FILTRATION PROTOCOLMANDATORY (<2000M)

HIKING
PATHWAY

St. Johann im Pongau, Salzburg // hiking

Phase 1

Through the Narrows

Entering the gorge and walking the initial tunnel sections.

Phase 2

The Helix

Descending the spiral staircase into the heart of the chasm.

Phase 3

The Waterfall

Reaching the massive falls at the end of the trail before returning.

Topographical Ref / Area ST. JAUTO-GEN SYNC: 47.311N 13.192E

Mission Log: Stage-by-Stage Technical MetricsREF: LIECHTENSTEINKLAMM-GORGE-AUSTRIA // DAT_TAB_01

Step	Sector / Waypoint	Dist.	Gain (↑m)	Duration	Assessment
1	Through the Narrows Entering the gorge and walking the initi...	15 min	---	15 min	Standard Segment
2	The Helix Descending the spiral staircase into the...	15 min	---	15 min	Standard Segment
3	The Waterfall Reaching the massive falls at the end of...	15 min	---	15 min	Standard Segment

Technical Specifications

DOC_REF: GOLDEN_HIKING_AT_005

01 / LOG

Refuge Capacity

Hotels in St. Johann, Wagrain, or Alpendorf.

02 / REG

Regulatory

Permit REQUIRED
Authority Municipality of St. Johann

Electronic tickets can be pre-purchased to avoid queues.

03 / CLI

Climatology

OptimalMay, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Open May to October. Closure during heavy rain or flood events is possible.

04 / COM

Emergency / Comms

Rescue (EU) 112 ACTIVE
Signal Partial

SAT-LINK STABLE

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