Rappenloch Gorge: Spectacular Ravine Near Dornbirn

Just a few kilometers from downtown Dornbirn, the Dornbirner Ache river has carved deep into the rock, forming Rappenloch Gorge, a narrow ravine up to 30 meters deep, accessible via wooden walkways. Even 19th-century day-trippers knew to appreciate this natural spectacle.

Walkways Through the Gorge

A secured walkway runs along the vertical rock walls directly above the roaring water of the Ache, and in places the walls draw so close together that little daylight reaches the bottom of the ravine. The combination of water power, rock, and dense vegetation makes the walk one of the most impressive short excursions in Vorarlberg.

From Rappenloch to Alploch Gorge

Those who wish can continue beyond Rappenloch Gorge to the neighboring Alploch Gorge, a second, similarly spectacular ravine a little further upstream. Both gorges can be combined into a single hike and together form one of the most popular excursion destinations around Dornbirn.

Starting Point at Gütle

The starting point for the hike is the settlement of Gütle, once home to early industrial operations that harnessed the power of the Ache, and today the access point with hiking car parks. From there, the marked trail leads straight into the gorge and on to the surrounding trails of Dornbirn's local mountain, the Karren.