Deep in the Allgäu Alps, where rushing waters carve through dramatic rock faces, lies Germany’s newly crowned number one natural wonder: the Breitachklamm gorge near Oberstdorf.
In an online vote, more than 26,000 people cast their ballots, with the gorge receiving 28 percent of the votes — placing it ahead of the Blautopf in Baden-Württemberg and the Wasserbaum in Lower Saxony.
A gorge with a wow factor
The Breitachklamm stretches for 2.5 kilometers and plunges up to 150 meters deep, offering a natural spectacle that combines raw power and serene beauty.
Visitors wander through narrow rock passages where light and shadow dance on the walls, before stepping into open spaces filled with the thunder of cascading water.
The site is not only breathtaking but also educational: layers of rock formed over thousands of years tell a geological story that visitors can see and touch along the way.
A tourist magnet for more than a century
First opened to visitors in 1905, the gorge now attracts around 300,000 people each year.
Well-secured paths make it possible to explore the wild terrain, while still spotting native wildlife such as dippers diving into rapids or chamois scaling steep cliffs.
Dr. Michael Ermrich, president of the German Hiking Association, called the gorge a symbol of successful nature tourism:
“It represents the perfect balance between safe, well-maintained trails, local commitment, and the awe-inspiring force of nature.”
Different face in every season
Part of the gorge’s appeal is its changing appearance throughout the year. In summer, cool shade and roaring waters offer relief; in autumn, the gorge glows with golden light; in winter, frozen waterfalls create a fairy-tale landscape; and in spring, meltwater surges through the cliffs.
However, weather conditions determine which routes are open. Certain bridges or walkways may be closed in icy or stormy weather.
Visitors are advised to check current conditions before setting off, and to bring sturdy footwear, sure-footedness, and enough time for the hike.
Competition for Germany’s natural crown
In this year’s nationwide poll, the Blautopf — a mystical blue spring in Baden-Württemberg — took second place with 20 percent of the votes, followed by the Wasserbaum in Lower Saxony with 13 percent. But Bavaria’s Breitachklamm won the title, proving once again that the Allgäu Alps are among Germany’s most captivating destinations.
