Location: Landeck district, Tyrol
Open: 9:30am- 5:30pm May- Sept
10am- 5pm Oct
Entrance Fee: 3.50 EU, children 2.50 EU
Zammer Lochputz is a picturesque gorge near a town of Zams in Tyrol province of Austria. Zammer Lochputz has a hiking trail that passes through this beautiful geologic formation. One of the more famous rock formation is that of the head of a nymph or a maiden and a bull.Zammer Lochputz, also known as Lötzklamm or Zammerloch, is a dramatic and mystical gorge located in the Tyrolean Alps of Austria. It is renowned for its thundering 30-meter Lötzer Waterfall, where the Lötzbach (or Lochbach) stream plunges into a narrow, rocky chasm, creating a spectacle of wild water and mist. This natural attraction combines stunning geological features with rich local legends, making it a popular family-friendly excursion destination. Often described as one of Tyrol's most beautiful wild waters, the gorge offers a blend of adventure, history, and hydroelectric innovation, as it houses one of the region's oldest power plants. The site emphasizes the raw power of water, which has carved the landscape over millennia, and is enhanced by man-made paths, tunnels, and viewing platforms for safe exploration.
Zammer Lochputz is situated in the municipality of Zams, in the Landeck district of Tyrol, western Austria. It lies in the upper Inn Valley, approximately halfway between Innsbruck (to the east) and Bludenz (to the west), near the town of Landeck. The gorge is nestled in a forested area along the Lötzbach stream, which originates from the surrounding alpine mountains and flows into the Inn River. Access is via the Römerweg road in Zams, with coordinates around 47.1261° N, 10.5878° E. Visitors can reach it by car (with parking available, though subject to changes due to ongoing construction), public bus (line 1 to "Zams Lochputz" stop), or on foot from Zams town center. The site's elevated position in the Alps provides not only dramatic views within the gorge but also panoramas of the Inn Valley and distant peaks like those toward Landeck.
The gorge has a long history tied to the natural forces that shaped
it and the human ingenuity that harnessed its power. Historically known
as Zammerloch (Zams Gorge) or Lötzklamm (after the nearby village of
Lötz), it was once accessible primarily to climbers due to its rugged
terrain. In the early 20th century, the development of hydroelectric
infrastructure transformed the site; it now includes Tyrol's oldest
power station, built to utilize the Lötzbach's energy. Paths and tunnels
were constructed to make the gorge explorable, blending natural wonder
with industrial history.
Zammer Lochputz is steeped in Tyrolean
folklore, which adds a layer of mysticism. One prominent legend tells of
a young shepherd who fell in love with a water nymph in the gorge. A
jealous blacksmith sabotaged a bridge, causing the shepherd to plunge
into the waters, where he was transformed into a stone bull's head (the
"Lochputz") guarding the nymph, who was petrified above the waterfall.
Another tale involves a shepherd proving his love by diverting milk
through the stream, symbolizing purity and devotion. These stories are
brought to life through interpretive elements like a legend film,
illuminated sculptures (such as a milk jug), and the ruins of an old
forge destroyed in a legendary fire. The site's name derives from the
bull-like rock formation, and remnants like the Roman tower (Lötzturm)
incorporate multimedia shows that narrate these tales, making the visit
educational and enchanting.
Geologically, Zammer Lochputz is a classic example of an alpine gorge
formed by glacial and fluvial erosion over thousands of years. The
Lötzbach stream, fed by mountain meltwater, has incised deep into the
limestone and metamorphic rocks of the Tyrolean Alps, creating steep
cliffs, narrow passages, and cascading waterfalls. The main feature is
the 30-meter Lötzer Waterfall, which drops vertically into a turquoise
pool, generating mist and a constant roar. Above it, natural rock
formations resemble a bull's head (Stierhorn) and a nymph's profile,
sculpted by water erosion. The gorge's walls reveal layers of
sedimentary rock, with some areas featuring reflective slabs in a
"mirror cave" that legend says allow self-reflection.
The site's
hydrology is harnessed for power generation, with visible intakes,
turbines, and a 40-meter water fountain demonstrating hydroelectric
principles. Surrounding vegetation includes pine forests, alpine herbs
(featured in an on-site garden), and mossy rocks, contributing to the
lush, humid microclimate. The gorge's depth and enclosure can cause poor
GPS reception, emphasizing its isolated, wild character.
The primary activity is a self-guided circular hiking trail,
approximately 600 meters long, taking 1 to 1.5 hours at a leisurely
pace. The one-way route starts at the entrance, where visitors watch a
legend film and view the show power plant's turbines via a multimedia
exhibit. The path leads through forests to the gorge's base, offering
close-up views of the waterfall from a platform. It then ascends via 203
steps, switchbacks, and a long tunnel (with yodeling music for
ambiance), passing steel catwalks with panoramic overlooks of twisting
cascades and the Inn Valley.
Key attractions include:
The
Lötzer Waterfall and its viewing deck.
Rock formations of the bull
and nymph.
The Roman tower with an illuminated mascot "Lochi" and a
children's quiz for prizes.
A Kneipp basin for hydrotherapy foot
baths.
An herb garden and playground.
A water intake system and
old forge ruins.
Guided tours are available by appointment, and
evening illuminated walks occur weekly in summer (July-August,
Wednesdays at 20:00) and winter (December-February, Mondays and
Wednesdays). The site is family-oriented, with helmets mandatory
(provided free, with a €2 deposit for the chip card). Hiking,
photography, and nature observation are popular, and the trail is rated
easy but requires good footwear due to grids, steps, and potential
wetness. Dogs are allowed, but the site is not suitable for strollers or
those with mobility issues.
As of August 2025, Zammer Lochputz remains open seasonally, with no
major disruptions reported beyond ongoing construction affecting
parking. The site is managed by local authorities and the hydroelectric
company, ensuring maintenance of paths and safety features. Recent
visitor feedback on social media highlights its appeal as a refreshing
summer spot, with one 2025 post sharing a short video clip of the
waterfall's turquoise waters cascading down rocky cliffs, promoting it
as a viral attraction.
Opening Hours (2025 Summer Season):
May
1 to June 29: Thursday-Sunday, 10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30).
June
30 to September 7: Daily, 10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30).
September
8-10: Closed.
September 11 to October 26: Thursday-Sunday,
10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30).
Admission Prices:
Adults:
€5.00.
Children (7-15) and Seniors (60+): €4.00.
Children under 6:
Free.
Free with TirolWest Card; discounts for various regional cards
(e.g., Summer Card Tyrolean Oberland).
Evening Tours
(July-August): Wednesdays at 20:00 (€3.50 adults, €2.50 children 7-15,
free under 6).
Winter Tours (December-February): Mondays and
Wednesdays, guided only.
Contact: +43 5442 65600 or +43 664 5859089
for guided tours; email via official site.
Parking is available at
the Lötz bus stop (with pedestrian bridge access) or paid at Zams
Hospital (25-minute walk). Public transport is recommended. The site is
protected as a natural landmark, with photography allowed but no
re-entry after exiting the one-way turnstile.
Cultural and Educational Value: The integration of legends with
multimedia (e.g., films, illuminated elements) makes it more than a
hike—it's an immersive storybook experience.
Hydroelectric
Significance: As home to Tyrol's oldest plant, it educates on
sustainable energy, with visible turbines and a museum.
Visitor
Appeal: Praised for its cooling mist on hot days, family amenities, and
scenic beauty; recent posts confirm its popularity for photography and
relaxation.
Conservation: Efforts focus on safety (helmets, grids)
and preservation, with the gorge's wild nature intact despite
accessibility improvements.
In summary, Zammer Lochputz offers a
captivating blend of natural drama, folklore, and modern interpretation,
making it an essential stop for nature lovers in Tyrol.