The Untersulzbach Waterfall at the entrance to the Untersulzbach Valley is designated a natural monument. In Sulzau, various hiking routes explore the landscape, geology, mining history and historic chapels. The trails have different focuses: alongside a circular route with a set duration at the waterfall, there is the geology trail to the Hochfeld show mine, a winter circular trail and the Chapel Trail.
Waterfall and Gorge
The circular route to the Untersulzbach Waterfall is 2.1 kilometres long and takes about an hour. This gives you an idea of the time required for this particular loop. The waterfall gorge is about 80 metres deep; a circular hiking trail with several viewing platforms takes you through it. The 2.1 kilometres refers to the circular route, while the approximately 80 metres refers to the depth of the gorge. Check the seasonal availability of the trail before setting out.
The waterfall trail is a clear option if you want a loop with a defined duration; those wishing to focus on geology and the development of mining can explore these themes on the geology trail. The routes therefore differ both in their focus and in how information is presented.
Geology Trail and Show Mine
The “A Glimpse into the Tauern Window” geology trail starts at the Schütthof inn in Sulzau, a district of Neukirchen. It follows the Untersulzbach Waterfall natural monument to the historic Hochfeld National Park show mine. Several information boards explain the geology of the Hohe Tauern and the development of mining in the Untersulzbach Valley.
The miners’ house beside the entrance to the Hieronymus-Erbstollen adit serves as an information centre and the starting point for guided tours of the show mine. There, the harsh working conditions and mining methods of past mining eras are brought to life. While the information boards along the way cover geology and the development of mining, the show mine focuses on working conditions and mining methods. A transfer to the show mine can be arranged by phone the day before; call to confirm the current arrangements before your visit.
More Trails in Sulzau
The circular route to the waterfall and the hike “Alpine Pastures in the Untersulzbach Valley” also start at the Schütthof inn. Their shared starting point makes it easier to find your way; these hikes are separate routes. The Sulzau circular trail offers a different seasonal perspective: it leads through snow-covered Sulzau, along the Untersulzbach stream to the Schütthof inn, and offers peaceful winter moments with views of the forest, water and surrounding mountains.
Historic Chapels
The Chapel Trail offers another historical focus. This circular hiking trail passes through and around Neukirchen am GroĂźvenediger, through DĂĽrnbachau, Rosental and Sulzau, and by several historic chapels. Those wishing to include historic buildings along a route will find a different focus here than on the geology trail, whose information boards explain geology and the development of mining. The 2025 monument register lists the Siggen Chapel in Sulzau as protected by ordinance.
Discover more destinations: Aisdorf, Sankt Georgen, Fusch An Der Grossglocknerstrasse, Lengdorf, Hintermoos, Wald Im Pinzgau, Högmoos, Unken.
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