Waterfalls around Fraxern are a notable feature of the region's diverse topography, which includes rolling hills and majestic mountains. Fraxern offers scenic hiking trails that often lead to or past these natural attractions, providing views of the Rhine Valley. The area provides opportunities to experience natural beauty and refreshing environments, often integrated into well-maintained paths. Visitors can explore various natural features as part of their outdoor activities.
Last updated: October 15, 2026
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The Staufensee at an altitude of over 600 m is a historic dam on the Dornbirner Ach. The dam is currently being cleared of sediment.
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Even the entrance to the Rappenloch is a real highlight. Waterfalls, rock formations, stunningly beautiful!
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The dam at Staufensee forms the northern end of the lake and is a striking structure on the hike through the Rappenloch Gorge. Directly below the dam, the water plunges as an artificial waterfall into the Dornbirner Ach, creating an impressive natural spectacle. The reservoir itself was almost empty, which could be due to the construction workers at the new hydroelectric power plant, at the entrance to the Apploch Gorge.
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The waterfall at the entrance to the Rappenloch Gorge is one of the first highlights of the hike. It forms where the Dornbirner Ach plunges into the narrow gorge over a weir or dam and offers an impressive natural spectacle, especially after rain or during the snowmelt. From the viewing platform and the path above, you have a particularly good view of the approximately 20-meter-deep waterfall.
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Very beautiful waterfall in the gorge.
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Already visible from the Rattenloch Stadl.
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Hiking trails may be closed from time to time due to landslides, sometimes with lengthy detours.
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The region around Fraxern offers several impressive natural attractions. The Rappenloch Gorge is a popular choice, known for its torrent and seamless merge into the Alploch. Another must-see is the Waterfall at the Entrance to the Gorge, which offers a beautiful play of colors when sunlight hits the water. The Örfla Gorge is also highly recommended, featuring a beautiful, easy trail along the Emme stream.
Yes, several waterfall and gorge areas near Fraxern are suitable for families. The Örfla Gorge, for example, is known for its family-friendly access points, with many hikers choosing the starting point at the swimming pool in Riebe. The Rappenloch Gorge and Staufensee Waterfall and Dam are also categorized as family-friendly.
The waterfalls and gorges around Fraxern are generally best visited during warmer months, from spring to autumn, when trails are clear and the weather is pleasant for hiking. During hot summer days, gorges like the Rappenloch Gorge offer a refreshing, cool environment. Spring often brings higher water flow, making the cascades particularly impressive.
While specific regulations for each trail can vary, many outdoor trails in the Fraxern region are dog-friendly. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in popular areas or near wildlife. For specific trails like the Netschelweg or Örfla Gorge, check local signage or community tips for the most current information on dog-friendliness.
The terrain around Fraxern's waterfalls varies. Many trails, such as those in the Örfla Gorge, are described as beautiful and easy. However, some areas, like the Netschelweg Trail and Waterfalls, might have rougher surfaces or steeper sections, making them more suitable for intermediate hikers or mountain bikers. Generally, you can expect well-maintained paths, but some can be a bit rough, especially for city bikes.
Yes, many trails leading to or past waterfalls in the Fraxern area offer stunning panoramic views of the Rhine Valley, Lake Constance, and surrounding mountain peaks. The Rappenloch Gorge and Örfla Gorge are themselves natural monuments, providing unique rock formations and forest scenery. The Staufensee Waterfall and Dam is picturesquely situated between the Rappenloch Gorge and Alploch/Kirchle, offering a scenic spot.
The Fraxern region is excellent for combining waterfall visits with other outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling, touring bicycle, and MTB trails nearby. For example, there are challenging mountain biking routes like the "Oberer Rank Cross Viewpoint – Kugel Alp loop from Fraxern" or scenic road cycling routes such as the "Rhine Embankment Cycle Path." You can explore more options on the Road Cycling Routes around Fraxern, Cycling around Fraxern, and MTB Trails around Fraxern guide pages.
While specific parking details for every trailhead are not always listed, popular access points for gorges and waterfalls, such as the Örfla Gorge (often accessed from the swimming pool in Riebe), typically have designated parking areas. It's recommended to check local information or maps for the most convenient parking options before your visit.
Public transport options to trailheads near Fraxern's waterfalls exist, though they might require some planning. The region is served by local buses, including the Rufbus Fraxern, which can connect to various hiking trailheads. For specific access points like the Örfla Gorge, public transport routes to nearby towns like Götzis or Riebe are available, from which you can often reach the trailheads on foot or via short local connections.
Visitors frequently highlight the refreshing atmosphere, especially on hot days, and the natural beauty of the thundering cascades. The seamless transition between gorges like the Rappenloch Gorge and Alploch is often appreciated. Many also enjoy the impressive sight of waterfalls, particularly when sunlight creates a play of colors through the water drops, as noted at the Waterfall at the Entrance to the Gorge.
Fraxern village and the surrounding areas offer various dining options. While direct cafes or pubs might not be right at every waterfall trailhead, you can find restaurants and cafes in Fraxern village or nearby towns like Götzis. It's a good idea to plan your visit to include a stop in one of these villages for refreshments before or after your hike.
For hiking to the waterfalls around Fraxern, it's advisable to wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, as trails can sometimes be uneven or wet. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions, and a waterproof jacket can be useful, especially near the cascades or during unexpected rain. Don't forget water, snacks, and sun protection.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Fraxern: