Höllentalklamm, an unforgettable hike in the Bavarian alps
The Höllentalklamm is an unforgettable hike in the Bavarian Alps, where visitors can get a closer look at the natural wonders of erosion and witness through picturesque hiking trails how erosion created a canyon and corresponding waterfalls in the Zugspitze Mountain.
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About Höllentalklamm gorge
The Höllentalklamm Gorge – also known as “Hell Valley” or “Valley of Hell” – is a beautiful gorge which was created by a natural phenomenon: due to the melting of the Zugspitze glacier, a turquoise river of ice water tumble with a heavy drilling force down to the foot of the mountain, forming a canyon on its way down because of its great erosion force.
These streams are still present up to this day, creating several waterfalls between the narrow rock walls … making the Höllentalklamm gorge an idyllic place, which is up to 150 meters high at some places.
A small and slippery pathway that connects the tunnels and hiking trails that are etched inside the Höllentalklamm gorge’s wall, attracting a lot of tourists who’re looking to experience an unforgettable hike through nature in the middle of the Bavarian Alps.
Bonus: There is a hiking trail that can take you from the Höllentalklamm gorge all the way to Lake Eibsee, which is located less than 10 kilometers from the Höllentalklamm.
Vist Höllentalklamm gorge in 2021
The dutch adventurer Benjamin Hollway recently visited Hollentalklamm gorge and told us why it’s the perfect location if you’re planning a day trip around the Zugspitze Mountain.
“The Höllentalklamm gorge is filled with all these different and tiny tunnels, bridges, and pathways which guide you along rivers of melted ice from the glacier. You’ll even wander over pathways that are etched in the wall itself, which dates back to when shepherds had to move their sheep around the mountain. There is a small but interesting museum in the gorge, who goes more in-depth about this.
Next to these stunning etched pathways, you’ll notice a lot of different holes which were carved in the rock, meant to act as windows to let just enough light in so that you can see where you walk.”
The Höllental gorge is only accessible by foot, and as soon as the weather conditions are too harsh in the winter, the gorge is closed for visitors because it’s considered too dangerous.
How to reach the Höllentalklamm gorge
The Höllentalklamm gorge is an attraction that is easily accessible by car, and the hike itself isn’t considered to be difficult.
We asked Benjamin if he had some tips for our readers who are planning to visit the Höllentalklamm gorge, after which he shared some of his personal experiences:
“When we visited the Höllentalklamm gorge during a 27-degree summer day, we almost immediately noticed that the air was cooler, not to say cold. So if you are visiting the Gorge during the winter, you better come prepared by wearing layered clothing!
We’d also advise you to be careful because the path is very slippery, and both the walls in the tunnels as the ceiling are dripping freezing water drops – so don’t let these drops hit you, because it is surprisingly cold!”
About the shot
Landscape photography might seem like black magic for some of our adventurous readers and aspiring photographers, that’s why we decided to break down the technical details behind this shot.
Gear
- Body: Fujifilm X-T1
- Lens: Fujifilm XF 27mm F2.8
This guide on Fujifilm lenses for traveling provides a comprehensive overview of some of the best options available, including wide-angle and zoom lenses, to help you capture stunning photos of your travels.
Settings
- Shutter speed: 1/180
- ISO: 200
- Aperture: f/2.8
Software
About Benjamin Hollway
Benjamin Hollway is a software engineer who loves to hike and to explore, with a camera in hand, of course!
