Canyons near Markt Piesting, located in Lower Austria, offer a region rich in natural beauty with impressive gorges. This area provides captivating outdoor experiences, featuring notable examples such as the Myrafälle, Steinwandklamm, and Johannesbach Gorge. These natural attractions are characterized by cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and well-maintained trails. The landscape around Markt Piesting is shaped by streams carving through limestone, creating unique geological features.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
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The Leitergraben gorge is a charming, somewhat wilder section of the trail in the Hohe Wand area. Between rocks and dense forest, the path leads through a narrow, natural passage and provides a change from the wider trails on the plateau. Especially after rain, it can be damp and slippery here, so some sure-footedness is helpful.
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A very rocky path...fun if you're sure-footed...the others usually complain. A rather quiet spot on the Big Wall. For dog owners: be careful in spring when the ibexes give birth...they are incredibly aggressive towards any furry friend. Mine was attacked on the secured trail...for whatever reason, he got away...he was lucky and still had the speed of youth in him.
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The Johannesbach Gorge, approximately 1 km long and up to 60 m deep, on the western edge of Würflach is a true natural gem and a popular destination – especially on hot summer days. The well-maintained trail, with numerous wooden walkways, steps, and bridges, leads through a wildly romantic gorge carved into the Wetterstein limestone by the Johannesbach stream over millennia. Along the way, you'll discover deep potholes, bowl-shaped depressions ("mills"), and, with a little attention, geological features such as the "Marientritt" (Marientritt). Two small caves – the Johannesbach Gorge Cave and the Klammwirt Cave – complete the experience. With a walk time of approximately 30 minutes, the gorge is also ideal for families with children. Those who like can dip their feet in the cool water or stop off at the Klammwirtin restaurant. The gorge is particularly atmospheric during the Advent market, when Austria's largest decorated Christmas tree is illuminated. If you want more, you can combine the gorge with hikes to the Schrattenstein castle ruins, along the Andreassteig or towards Grünbach.
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With a 30 minute walk, the trip is especially great for families with children, unfortunately almost no water
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short walk through the gorge - on hot days unfortunately almost no water
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The Johannesbach Gorge, which is around 60 m deep and around 1000 m long, lies entirely in the Wetterstein limestone. It lies like a barrier across the course of the Johannesbach and at the same time separates the softer rocks of the Werfen layers of the Schrattenbach hills to the west from the large gravel areas of the Rohrbach conglomerate in the Steinfeld to the east. The predecessor of the Johannesbach once had to break through the Wetterstein limestone barrier. A tectonic furrow and the rainy climate of the post-glacial period helped it: it carried a lot of water, which in turn moved enormous amounts of rock and eroded the subsoil of the stream. Over thousands of years, the tectonic line was deepened and the stream bed sunk. Many potholes on the steep slopes of the gorge and mills in the subsoil - including the "Marientritt" - testify to the power of the early Johannesbach. Source: www.wuerflach.at/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=34&Itemid=37
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The Johannesbachklamm is a popular excursion destination on the western edge of Würflach and only an hour from Vienna. On the way through the gorge, which is just over a kilometer long, visitors experience a small natural paradise that is pleasantly cool even on hot days. And if you look closely, you can see from the rock walls that are up to 60 meters deep how the Johannesbach has dug itself into the Wetterstein limestone over thousands of years. With a walking time of 30 minutes, the excursion is particularly great for families with children. This is also due to the many stairs and bridges that make the path so entertaining. If you want, you can leave the wooden footbridge in some places and cool your feet in the Johannesbachbach. You can also take a good rest at the KlammWirtin at the entrance to the gorge. By the way: If you like to walk for longer, you can turn the walk through the Johannesbachklamm into a hike. Or you can admire the "largest decorated Christmas tree in Austria" in the Johannesbachklamm during Advent. Source: www.niederoesterreich.at/ausflugsziel/a-johannesbachklamm-wuerflach
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The Johannesbachklamm is a popular destination all year round. In summer it is pleasantly cool, in winter it becomes a glittering wonderland: At the atmospheric Advent market there is mulled wine and punch between bridges, rocks and (with a bit of luck) snow-covered trees. There is a lot to discover in and around the gorge - demanding hiking tours , family-friendly paths, deer park, the Schrattenstein castle ruins, small waterfalls, cozy huts. For refreshment, the gorge innkeeper offers hearty goulash or fiery chicken soup. And at the end of a long day you can relax and recharge your batteries in the Würlach wellness world. By the way: the gorge may already look familiar to you - in 2022 it was in the final of the ORF show "9 places - 9 treasures".
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The region offers several impressive gorges. Among the most popular are the Johannesbach Gorge, known for its deep rock walls and family-friendly path, and the Waldegger Trail – Große Klause, an intermediate trail featuring imposing rocks and ladders. The Johannesbach Gorge and Schrattenstein Castle Ruins is also a beloved destination, offering a natural environment with small waterfalls.
Yes, several canyons are ideal for families. The Johannesbach Gorge is particularly suitable, with a walking time of about 30 minutes over many stairs and bridges. The Myrafälle, located in Muggendorf, also offers well-maintained, accessible paths perfect for all ages. The Johannesbach Gorge and Schrattenstein Castle Ruins also features family-friendly paths.
The difficulty varies. The Johannesbach Gorge is generally easy and suitable for families. The Steinwandklamm offers a moderately challenging experience, involving wooden walkways, ladders, and stairs. For a more challenging adventure, the Leitergraben Gorge is described as a very rocky path with steep descents and ascents, best tackled with walking sticks.
The canyons around Markt Piesting are rich in geological wonders. The Johannesbach Gorge showcases rock walls up to 60 meters deep, carved into Wetterstein limestone over millennia. The Steinwandklamm is a dramatic karst gorge with towering rock formations and the notable Türkenloch, a karst cave that hikers can pass through. The Myrafälle features a series of cascades where the Myrabach stream tumbles over rocks in 14 stages.
Many canyons are particularly impressive in spring after the snowmelt or after heavy rainfall, when the waterfalls are at their most powerful. The Myrafälle, for instance, offers a thunderous display during this time. However, the gorges provide a refreshing retreat on hot summer days, and some, like the Johannesbach Gorge and Schrattenstein Castle Ruins, are popular year-round, even becoming a glittering wonderland in winter.
While many outdoor areas in Austria are dog-friendly, specific rules can vary by gorge. For the Leitergraben Gorge, caution is advised in spring due to ibexes being aggressive towards dogs. It's always best to check local signage or specific highlight details for the most accurate information regarding dog access and leash requirements.
For the Myrafälle, parking is conveniently located near the entrance. The Johannesbach Gorge is situated on the western edge of Würflach, about an hour from Vienna, with the KlammWirtin at the entrance serving as a good starting point. Access details for other gorges can often be found on specific highlight pages or local tourism information.
The region around Markt Piesting offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including routes like the "Einhornhöhle (Unicorn Cave) – Modi Alpini Viewpoint loop from Dreistetten" or the "Piesting Forest Pool – Rotes Kreuz Wayside Shrine loop from Markt Piesting." For cycling enthusiasts, there are options ranging from easy to difficult, such as the "Fischauer Thermal Spa – View of the Achtersee loop from Katastralgemeinde Dreistetten" for touring bicycles or challenging road cycling routes like the "Haselrast Gorge Road – Höllental Gorge loop from Piesting Harzwerk." You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking around Markt Piesting and Cycling around Markt Piesting guides.
Yes, several canyons offer refreshment options. At the Myrafälle, restaurants are available at both the upper and lower ends of the gorge. For the Johannesbach Gorge, the KlammWirtin at the entrance is a good resting spot. The Johannesbach Gorge and Schrattenstein Castle Ruins also mentions a gorge innkeeper offering hearty meals. The narrow, shaded gorges themselves often provide a cool retreat, especially on hot days.
Visitors frequently praise the refreshing atmosphere and natural beauty of the gorges. The well-maintained trails, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic rock formations are often highlighted. Many appreciate the accessibility for families and the opportunity for an active outdoor experience. The cool temperatures within the gorges on hot days are also a popular feature, making them ideal for summer adventures.
While specific loop trails through every canyon are not detailed, many routes in the region incorporate sections of the gorges. For example, the Waldegger Trail – Große Klause is described as a small, varied round. When planning your visit, checking detailed route maps on Komoot for the specific gorge you're interested in will help you identify potential loop options.
While the Myrafälle, Steinwandklamm, and Johannesbach Gorge are popular, exploring lesser-known trails or visiting during off-peak hours can offer a more tranquil experience. The Leitergraben Gorge is noted as a rather quiet spot, especially if you're looking for a more rugged and less frequented path.


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