In Stans, early traces of settlement, church buildings from different centuries and the water-shaped Wolfsklamm Gorge come together. The dates range from prehistoric settlement phases to the late 19th century. There is also an Advent custom that does not take place every year, but follows a ten-year cycle.
Settlement History and Church Architecture
The oldest lasting archaeological traces of settlement in the Stans area date back to the first millennium BC. A prehistoric settlement from various periods stood on the wooded hill above Stans known as Burg. These settlement traces therefore belong to a much earlier period than the churches mentioned in historical records.
The old church, dedicated to Saints Lawrence and Ulrich, was first mentioned in historical records in 1337; its present Gothic building dates from around 1510. The Church of the Sacred Heart, by contrast, was built between 1884 and 1896 in the Neo-Gothic style. The dates thus distinguish the old church’s first written mention from the construction period of its present building, and set it alongside a Neo-Gothic building from the late 19th century.
Maria Tax and a Special Advent Custom
The small pilgrimage church of Maria Tax stands above Stans. It was built in 1667 and features frescoes by the painter Christoph Anton Mayr. As a pilgrimage church, Maria Tax adds an explicitly named pilgrimage connection to the religious buildings.
Anklöpfeln is also part of Stans’s cultural identity: a special form of this custom has been preserved for the Advent season and takes place only once every ten years. This cycle is important when planning a trip, since the Advent connection does not mean that Anklöpfeln takes place every year.
Water, Rock and Natural Environment in Wolfsklamm Gorge
Wolfsklamm Gorge features thundering waterfalls and emerald-green pools. Over millions of years, the waters of the Stallenbach, Gamsbach and Georgenbergerbach streams cut into the Karwendel’s limestone and formed the gorge. Its formation can therefore be linked to three named watercourses and the limestone of the Karwendel. Wolfsklamm is also a biotope with its own microclimate and a habitat for distinctive animal and plant life.
The history of human use is also rooted in the gorge: an old mine tunnel, dug by hand between 1400 and 1440, is located at the entrance. The first trail into Wolfsklamm was built in 1901. The tunnel and trail mark different periods from the gorge’s geological formation over millions of years.
Route and Timing
Around 350 steps, wooden walkways and galleries cut into the rock shape Wolfsklamm Gorge. The footpath climbs to the pilgrimage monastery of St. Georgenberg. The walk from Stans to St. Georgenberg takes about an hour and a half. Around 45 minutes is given for the section through narrow gorges, past waterfalls and rapids. These time estimates cover different sections; actual walking times may vary depending on conditions.
For safety reasons, walking downhill through Wolfsklamm Gorge is not permitted. Do not plan to descend through the gorge, and check conditions before setting out. This keeps the approximate duration, the climb to the pilgrimage monastery and the applicable restriction clearly distinct when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Ginzling, Schwendau, Buch In Tirol, Tux, Gallzein, Hippach-Schwendberg, Jenbach, Schöneben.
Back to the main travel overview: Schwaz.
