Rappenloch Gorge and Staufensee Circular Walk

This hike leads through Rappenloch Gorge to Staufensee, circles the lake and then follows the same route back to the starting point. The entrance to the gorge is just a few minutes’ walk from Gütle. A newly constructed trail along the rock face provides impressive views into the gorge. At Staufensee, the historic Kraftwerk Ebensand adds an interesting cultural and historical highlight to the route.

The hike starts in Gütle, Dornbirn. From the car park, the route passes Gasthof Gütle and Rappenlochstadl before crossing the Dornbirner Ache, which has carved deeply into the valley. After only a short walk, the ascent into Rappenlochschlucht begins.

The original path through the gorge has been inaccessible since the rockfall in 2011. Today, the route follows a newly constructed path along the rim of the gorge. In places, the trail is secured directly to the rock face and offers striking views into the narrow gorge and across the rockfall area. Visible folds in the rock and fossils also bring the geological history of this natural landscape to life.

At the end of the gorge, the route reaches Staufensee at around 600 metres above sea level. It then continues along the shore and circles the lake on pleasant paths. Water is a constant companion along the way, complemented by peaceful woodland sections and frequent attractive views across the lake.

Kraftwerk Ebensand stands on the southern shore. This historic run-of-river hydroelectric power station has been in operation since 1899 and is one of the most distinctive stops along the circular route. The path then continues beside Staufensee and returns to the Staufensee small hydroelectric power station. From there, the hike follows the same route back through Rappenlochschlucht to Gütle.

Getting to the starting point

We recommend starting in Gütle, Dornbirn. The hike starts and finishes at the Gütle car park.

By public transport

Bus stop for the start and finish: Dornbirn Gütle

Railway station: Dornbirn Bahnhof

Landbus service 177 runs directly from Dornbirn Bahnhof to the Dornbirn Gütle bus stop. From there, it is around a ten-minute walk to the entrance to Rappenlochschlucht.

Journey planner: vmobil.at

By car

Travel via Dornbirn towards Gütle. The Gütle car park is available at the starting point. Please observe the current parking regulations and charges displayed on site.

The route passes through a gorge and includes some exposed and steep sections. Rocks, steps and paths can be slippery, particularly in wet conditions. Sure-footedness and care are therefore essential.

Rappenloch and Alploch are closed during the winter months for safety reasons. They reopen in spring once rock-clearance work has been completed. Before setting off, check the weather, trail conditions and any current closures.

Please stay on the marked paths and be considerate of other visitors.

Emergency numbers

112 European emergency number

140 Alpine emergencies throughout Austria

144 Alpine emergencies in Vorarlberg

Further safety advice: www.vorarlberg.travel/sicherheitstipps

Refreshments and rest stops

Food and drink are available at Gasthaus Gütle, Rappenlochstadl and Frischluft am Camping Dornbirn. There are places to stop and rest along the gorge and beside Staufensee.

Suitability

This hike is suitable for visitors who would like to combine nature, geology and the history of engineering on a route that is easy to reach. The route is not wheelchair-accessible. Particular care is required with young children on the exposed sections.

Good to know

Admission to the gorge and the Kirchle natural monument is free. Dogs are permitted on a lead. There is a toilet at Kraftwerk Ebensand.

Best time of year

Spring to autumn. The gorge is closed during the winter months for safety reasons.

Signposting and navigation

Signposted route: Gütle – Rappenlochschlucht – Staufenseerundweg – Rappenlochschlucht – Gütle