The Rienz Gorge

Wild waters and rocky ravines

Steep rock faces dotted with trees and shrubs and the roaring waters of the Rienz River: The Rienz Ravine near Natz offers hikers a spectacular tours of a natural river landscape. The ravine is around 200 metres deep, and was formed during the last Ice Age around 15,000 years ago when large glacial rivers ran through the valley.
From Natz-Schabs, hikers can cross the Rienz Ravine along two bridges: The Rienz Bridge in Natz and the Rundlbrücke bridge in Schabs, the latter of which boasts views of the decommission Rundl power plant, built in 1903; bearing as it does a remarkable similarity to a castle, the architecture of this plant is a clear indication of the importance attributed to “new” energy at the beginning of the 20th century. The plant is not open to visitors.

Highlights Hiking Discovery location

Natz - Rodeneck Castle – Natz loop route

Following trail markers no. 4 from Natz, hike downhill into the Rienz Ravine, cross the Rienz River on the footbridge and hike up to the Niedersthof farm. As you continue onwards towards Lüsen, a trail branches off to Rodeneck after around 800 metres. Hike past the Kreuzstöckl chapel and follow trail no. 1 through the hamlets of Spisses and Vill and on to Rodeneck Castle. Walk down through the forest on trail no. 1 to return to Natz via the Rundl bridge and Viums.

Tour overview:
Duration: approx. 4.5 hours
Elevation difference: 830 m
Length: 13.6 km