Lammeröfen

Snapshot

The narrowest passages of the Lammerklamm gorge near Abtenau, where the limestone walls close to a few metres and the only way through is by guided flat-bottomed boat. Cold water, close walls, the river loud in the enclosed space. One of the stranger physical experiences within an hour of Salzburg.

The Story

The Lammeröfen are the tightest sections of the Lammerklamm gorge system, where the Lammer river has cut through the Tennengau limestone so narrowly that the gorge becomes a corridor. Walking through is not possible. The local tradition, kept alive as a guided summer experience, is to navigate the canyon by flat-bottomed wooden boat: a guide pulls or poles the boat through the passages, and passengers sit close to walls that nearly touch overhead.

The experience is short, the water is cold even in summer, and the sound of the river reflects off the walls into something physical. Visitors familiar with the showpiece Salzkammergut sights are often surprised to find this in the Tennengau, half an hour from Hallein and almost completely unknown outside the region.

Visiting

Reached from the Lammerklamm entrance near Abtenau, in the Tennengau. The boat tour runs summer only, weather-dependent, advance booking required. Verify operating dates with the local tour operator before traveling. Roughly 45 minutes south of Salzburg by road, or longer by Postbus. Combine with the broader Lammerklamm walk and Abtenau village.