Hiking · Nature
Wilde Wasser themed trail & Riesachfall in the Untertal valley
Half day to full day (can also be done in stages) · moderate · from 1 person, also suitable for groups and families · from 0 €9 km
Water speaks its own language in Schladming — and nowhere is it louder than in the Untertal. Over 14 kilometres the Wild Waters themed trail follows the water from the Talbachklamm on the edge of town up to the Riesachfall, which with a total drop of 140 metres is among the highest waterfalls in Styria. Along the way, 14 stations tell the story of the valley’s water and history. If you want more adventure, take the Alpine trail through the Höll gorge with its 50 m suspension bridge — finishing at tranquil Lake Riesach. Best of all: the entire route is free of charge.
Getting there from Schladming
You have three options: Set off on foot from the southern edge of Schladming (Kraiter car park) and follow the full themed trail through the Talbachklamm into the Untertal. By car, take the Rohrmoosstraße (L772) and Tälerstraße (L773) to the Seeleiten car park at the head of the valley in about 15 minutes — from there it's only about 30–45 minutes to the waterfall. Easiest is the hiking bus (line 974), which in summer 2026 runs several times daily between Schladming and the Riesachfall car park from 14 May to 11 October.
- Riesachfall — one of Styria’s highest waterfalls (total drop 140 m)
- 14 info stations on nature and local history
- Peak water flow in spring
- Multiple entry points; easy to shorten
Tip: Start at the car park by the Riesachfall and walk only the lower section — depending on snow conditions, the alpine trail through the Höllschlucht gorge with its 50 m suspension bridge is often only passable from May onwards in spring, so it's better to stay lower down before then.
Getting there: Start on foot at the southern edge of town (Kraiter car park) or drive approx. 15 min into the Untertal valley to the Riesachfall car park.
Price: Free of charge; Seeleiten car park in the Untertal valley: € 13 per day or € 9.50 with the Sommercard (as of July 2026). Free alternatives: the Untertal-Dorf and Hinkerbrücke car parks.
Last updated: July 22, 2026
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route.
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frequently asked questions.
Is there an admission charge for the Wilde Wasser themed trail?
No, the themed trail and the alpine trail are free of charge. Only the Seeleiten car park in the Untertal valley costs € 13 per day or € 9.50 with the Sommercard (as of July 2026); the Untertal-Dorf and Hinkerbrücke car parks are free.
How long does the hike to the Riesachfall take?
From the Seeleiten car park, you'll reach the waterfall in about 30 to 45 minutes; the loop via the alpine trail to the Riesachsee lake takes around 2 to 3 hours. The complete themed trail from Schladming (14 km) is a half-day to full-day tour.
Is the trail suitable for children?
The themed trail and the hiking path to the foot of the Riesachfall are well suited to families. According to the operator, the alpine trail through the Höllschlucht gorge, with its suspension bridge and around 500 steps, is not suitable for toddlers — but older, sure-footed children love it all the more.
Are dogs allowed?
On the themed trail, yes (on a lead). The alpine trail through the Höll is not suitable for dogs because of the steel-grid steps and bridges — with a dog, take the forest track to the Riesachsee lake instead.
When is the alpine trail through the Höll open?
The alpine trail is generally passable from the end of May to the end of October. In winter it is closed, and the Untertal road to the Seeleiten car park is also closed then. Current information at wildewasser.at.
Do I need to book?
No, no booking is required — you can set off whenever you like. On fine summer days, an early start is recommended, as the Seeleiten car park and the trail get quite busy from midday onwards.
