The Mühlau Gorge in Innsbruck
The Mühlau Gorge is a piece of Innsbruck’s history: For centuries, the residents of Mühlau have enjoyed this recreational area right on their doorstep. What’s so special about it? Despite its long tradition, the gorge has remained a hidden gem and is never overcrowded. Right at the entrance, a walkable boulder awaits you: the “Devil’s Pulpit” (or Hell’s Pulpit).
The Mühlau Gorge is a ravine above Innsbruck. Between Hungerburg and Arzl, the Mühlau stream has carved a gorge into the limestone cliffs of the Karwendel mountains . A hiking trail leads uphill from the Innsbruck district of Mühlau along the Mühlau Gorge. It offers a route to the Enzianhütte mountain hut or the Arzler Alm alpine pasture. Historical records indicate that the path through the gorge has been used for over 100 years. In 1908, the Innsbruck Beautification Society carried out blasting work on the hiking trail in the Mühlau Gorge. The area above the tea hut was to be made safer for hikers and walkers. To warn people about the work, signs with warnings were erected.
Unfortunately, one of these warning signs was removed by an unknown person, almost leading to a tragic accident. A family was hiking up to the tea hut when a blast occurred and a massive rockfall occurred. Fortunately, only one hiker was grazed by a piece of rock and remained unharmed. The Innsbrucker Nachrichten reported on the incident and condemned the reckless act that endangered lives. This event reminds us how important it is to heed safety signs and warnings to avoid dangerous situations. Today, you can hike up along the gorge and read about earlier times on some of the signs. They mention witches and Tatzelwurms (a mythical creature). Access to the Mühlauer Klamm is free .
The legend of the Mühlau Tatzelwurm
In the Mühlau Gorge, in a gruesome hole, lived a huge Tatzlwurm
with the head of a cat, a swollen belly, and a shape that would make even the devil shudder.
If it sees you, it’ll jump you down,
and in a while you won’t have a penny to your name.
God the Father, look down from heaven, protect from the Tatzlwurm
now and forever, all people, animals, and creatures!
Much the worm hayed in Purnhof and walked across the stream in the gorge,
whistling and praying and cursing and running, and the worm hopped after him.
His shabby trousers were no use to him,
the worm caught and blew, and Much got a good thrashing.
God the Father, look down from heaven, protect us
now and always from the Tatzlwurm, all people, animals, and folks!
Mauggeler Hias has a nasty wife, she just went down to the gorge,
wanted to get tax and straw for the goat. Jaz, Tazlwurm, now take care of yourself!
And the horror grabbed the worm, she crawled into her hole, no
one had seen her since – the nasty wife, she’s still alive!
God the Father, look down from heaven, send us a Tazlwurm
if necessary for life and limb, just not a nasty wife!
Source: J. Pöll, Voices of the Homeland. Collected Tyrolean Regional Studies (1940) 117 ff.
The teahouse in the Mühlau Gorge
There used to be a managed hut in the Mühlau Gorge. The so-called tea hut in the Mühlau Gorge was built in 1904 by Christian Hosp. You can still see the tea hut today on your hike. It’s located in the gorge, right next to the forest road towards the Arzler Alm. Today, this hut is a popular photo spot in the gorge. However, it is no longer managed and access is prohibited.
Hiking on the Klammsteig trail through the Mühlauer Klamm?
Gorges and waterfalls around Innsbruck
Around Innsbruck you’ll find more gorges and ravines. They are even more scenic and therefore highly recommended. I’ve been to the Ehnbach Gorge several times. The steep steps at the weir are particularly impressive. Here’s a description of the Ehnbach Gorge . South of Innsbruck, the Sill River has carved out the Sill Gorge. It’s a great hike, including a viewpoint at the Drachenfels. You can combine your visit with a trip to the Bergisel Ski Jump .
Summary Mühlauer Gorge
The Mühlauer Klamm is a natural monument located directly above Innsbruck. It’s a popular hiking destination right on the outskirts of Innsbruck, offering a fantastic atmosphere with waterfalls and rugged cliffs, all within easy reach.
- Location: Above Innsbruck, between Hungerburg and Arzl.
- Hiking trails: Popular routes lead to the Enzianhütte and Arzler Alm.
- History: The hiking trail has existed for over 100 years. In 1908, blasting work was carried out to secure the path.
- Teahouse: Built in 1904 by Christian Hosp, today a historical relic.
