Riesachwasserfall, Wilde Wasser Wanderung, Schladming, Austria

This hiking tour is my absolute favourite! The Wildewasser hike is located in the region of Schladming-Rohrmoos, in the Schladminger Tauern mountain range in Styria, Austria. From the Untertal valley, the hike starts with steep walk along the lower waterfall, with several viewing platforms, where you can feel the force, the vibrance, the fascination of every single droplet of the falling waters all the way up to the majestic Riesachwassefall. After which comes the ultimate kick, the 50-meter-long steel rope suspension bridge at a dizzying height over the gorge. The bridge is at the start of the alpine trail ‘Höllschlucht’, loosely translated as ‘thru hell’. I think the name is very appropriate as it is a network of metal stairs and steel ropes offering support while climbing over and under giant boulders in the gorge towards Riesachsee. The power of the water can be seen especially well in the impressive washouts in the rock. There are several viewing walkways into the gorge. Once you come out of the forest, the beautiful, green alpine meadows open up ahead and the trail continues to the deep green Riesachsee (1338 m.), framed by forests and high mountain peaks. Here, I recommend to take a little break and soak in all the beauty surrounding you. The trail then continues along the lake, thru alpine landscape, with several alpine huts and grazing cattle, to the moderately steep ascent to the Preintalehütte (1657m.). Here, you can overnight or just rest and enjoy the views of the valley. This Hütte is at an intersection of many multi-day hiking trails.