Bärenschützklamm

The hike through the Bärenschützklamm starts in Mixnitz. Visitor parking as well as bus parking (Train Station Mixnitz) are available. From the town of Mixnitz, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the official entrance of the gorge (ticket booth). Afterwards, the Bärenschützklamm begins with its spectacular walkways, ladders, and rocky passages.

• Length of trek: 1.4 km
• Elevation difference: approx. 700 m (from Bräunermühle to GH Guter Hirte)
• with 168 bridges and ladders

The gorge is very demanding, therefore walking with dogs and small children is not possible.

There are several hiking variants for the Bärenschützklamm:

• through the Bärenschützklamm to "Zum guten Hirten" and the Prügelweg back down to the parking lot in Mixnitz (approx. 4.5 hrs.)
• through the Bärenschützklamm, up to Schüsserlbrunn, back "Zum guten Hirten" and via the Prügelweg back to the parking lot in Mixnitz (approx. 6 hrs.)
• through the Bärenschützklamm to Teichalm: the Bärenschützklamm up to "Zum Guten Hirten" and along the Mixnitzbach to Teichalm, same return route to the parking lot in Mixnitz or pickup from Teichalm or by taxi back to Mixnitz. (approx. 4 hrs. without return trip)
• From Hochlantsch down to Breitenau: Ascent via the Bärenschützklamm to the "Steirischen Jockl" (or up to the Hochlantsch summit) and then the descent down to Breitenau (approx. 6 or 7 hrs.)

Attention: The Bärenschützklamm is open daily from May 1 to October 31 during regular operation. In case of heavy rain, storm, hail, or thunderstorms, temporary closures may occur for safety reasons.
In the winter months, the gorge is closed, entry is forbidden and potentially dangerous!

Take advantage of the opportunity to travel by public transport.

• Shared taxi East Styria Stop Number: BM3516 Mixnitz - Bärenschützklamm, Booking hotline +43 50 36 37 38 or www.oststeiermark.at/sam,
• Regional buses and trains at www.verbundlinie.at

"Bärli-Express"
Shuttle to the starting point of the Bärenschützklamm

The Bärli-Express takes visitors to the starting point of the hiking tour during the Bärenschützklamm season.
The shuttle operates from Thursday to Sunday at half-hour intervals:

• 08:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

WARNING: The Bärli-Express will take a break from June 25 to July 1, 2026. Next service resumes on July 2.

Rates:

• One-way trip: 3 €
• Return trip: 5 €

Tickets are available directly from the shuttle on-site. Reservations are not possible.
From Monday to Wednesday, special trips can be booked for groups of 15 or more. Contact: +43 650 86 68 668

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the Bärenschützklamm open?
> The gorge is open daily from May 1 to October 31 during good weather from  8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

How much does it cost to enter the Bärenschützklamm?
> A fee of € 10.00 for adults, € 8.00 for ÖAV members, and € 6.00 for youths aged 6 to 16 years is charged for the maintenance of the gorge.
> Payment can be made in cash or by card.
> There are NO group rates.

How far is the cash register at the gorge entrance?
> It takes about 1.5 hours to walk from the parking lots in Mixnitz to the gorge entrance.
> From the premium parking lot at the Grassauer snack station, it is only about one hour to the cash register.

Where can I park?
> There are three paid parking areas available in Mixnitz, Parking Lot 1 and 2 are located directly in Mixnitz. The premium parking lot has 40 spaces and is located next to the Grassauer snack station.
> All parking spots only accept card payments.
> A full-day parking ticket costs € 6.00 for parking lots 1 and 2 and € 9.00 for the premium parking lot.

Are children and dogs allowed to walk through the Bärenschützklamm?
> Children are warmly welcomed in the Bärenschützklamm, however, it is important to note that the hike is demanding and can be dangerous for smaller children in some places. It is recommended to hike with children starting from age 7.
> The responsibility lies with the parents or accompanying persons!
> Walking through the gorge with dogs is NOT allowed.

How long does the hike take?
> Depending on which variant you choose, the total duration of the hike can take between 4.5 and 9 hours.
> The walk through the gorge itself takes about one hour.
> Please inform yourself in advance about the weather conditions. Bring enough provisions and water. Check in advance for places to eat along the route.

Opening times

The Bear Protects Gorge is open!

The gorge is open from May 1 to October 31, only in good weather,  daily from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. This means you must enter the gorge by 4.00 p.m. No registration is required.

Entering the gorge before or after these hours is strictly prohibited and life-threatening.

Price:

Gorge maintenance fees:

• Adults: €9.00
• Adult ÖAV members: € 7.00
• Young people aged 6 to 16: €6.00