Teufelslöcher, natural arches in the Hochkönig Massif in Salzburg
The Teufelslöcher are two natural stone arches located high on Hochkönig mountain at about 2700 meters elevation in the Berchtesgaden Alps. They sit between the Lamkopf and Hochseiler peaks, creating prominent openings in the rock face that hikers encounter while ascending toward alpine pastures.
The arches formed through natural erosion and weathering over thousands of years as part of the dolomite rock formations in the Berchtesgaden Alps. Early mountaineers and hikers recognized them as a distinctive landmark and began noting them in travel guides and climbing literature.
The name refers to old folklore about evil spirits dwelling in the rock formations. Today visitors come to experience how light filters through the stone arches, creating shifting shadows on the ground as they move through the landscape.
The route starts from Hinterthal and leads first to Bertgenhütte at about 1843 meters, then continues via marked trails to the arch. The terrain is steep and rocky with limited safety equipment, so sturdy mountain shoes and careful footing are essential for this demanding route.
The two arches resemble large holes in the rock wall, allowing visitors to actually walk through the openings, especially the southern one. This direct passage through the natural stone creates a rare sense of intimacy with the raw geology and leaves a lasting impression.
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