Kesselfall, Mountain waterfall in Semriach, Austria

Kesselfall is a waterfall near Semriach in the Alps that drops about 38 meters over several limestone steps. This waterfall marks the highest point of the Kesselfallklamm gorge, a narrow ravine with steep walls and rock formations.

The path through the Kesselfallklamm gorge to the waterfall was created and developed in 1904 by a mountain club. This early tourism development made the location accessible to visitors and established it as a hiking destination.

The name Kesselfall refers to the kettle-shaped erosion patterns carved into the limestone walls by water over thousands of years. Visitors can observe these natural formations along the path and see how flowing water gradually shapes the rock.

Access is via about 50 wooden bridges and ladders plus around 2800 steps on a roughly 1 kilometer path from Gasthaus Sandwirt. Sturdy footwear is important as the path can be wet and slippery, especially after rain or during snowmelt.

A marble plaque near the waterfall commemorates 31 July 1904, when the 600-metre path from the Alten Sandwirt inn to the Kerschbaummühle was opened. Ernst von Coelin and the Steirischer Gebirgsverein had made the whole gorge walkable; a storm in July 1975 tore away large parts of the walkway, which was rebuilt soon after.