Höllentalklamm S von Grainau, Canyon in Grainau, Germany.
The Höllentalklamm is a gorge in Grainau with limestone walls and several waterfalls, extending about 2 kilometers. The path runs through tunnels and across bridges that have been carved into the rock.
Iron ore and molybdenum were mined in the Höllental before tourists arrived; ruins of the works remain. Engineer Adolf Zoeppritz and local mountain guides opened the gorge path in 1902, and its completion was celebrated on 15 August 1905. Above the gorge, the Stangensteig was used by miners of the former mine.
The name Höllental appears in records as Hellethal in 1562; Helle is Middle High German for hell, but the label described a valley that was eerie or hard to reach, not a religious idea. The derivation from Höhle (cave) is considered folk etymology. The gorge itself is still called Maximiliansklamm at the entrance hut.
From Hammersbach, a 3 km footpath climbs about 300 m to the gorge entrance hut, where the toll path begins. The tunnels are only about 1 m wide and up to 2 m high, so tall walkers must stoop. The free Stangensteig bypass is steeper and 30 to 45 minutes longer. Rockfall is a hazard near the upper exit, where fatal accidents have occurred.
A mountain stream flows through the entire gorge and creates powerful water effects throughout. Artificial lighting in the tunnels helps visitors explore the darkest sections of the site.
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