--- title: Wolfsschlucht url: "https://www.donauregion.at/en/oesterreich-tour/detail/430008163/wolfsschlucht.html" description: "Short description:Since 1997, the Wolfsschlucht has been a nature and cultural hiking route. Along the path through the gorge, information panels describe and visually depict the bathing facilities of the former cold-water health resort Bad Kreuzen. Experience the origin story of the Bad Kreuzen spa tradition up close.Quality of experience: ******Recommended season:JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberProperties:LoopRefreshment stops availableFamily friendlyCultural/historical valueGeological highlightsHealthy climate" date: 2022-02-01 modified: 2026-03-06 --- # Wolfsschlucht Wolfsschlucht =============== **Starting place:** 4362 Bad Kreuzen **Destination:** 4362 Bad Kreuzen ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/396581/2B11BB6DCA726B79E8123CB1E5D5248BEA9842FDD806FE89C53238E9C005FAF6/wolfschlucht-bad-kreuzen.jpg) ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/249436/A0355F3EDDCFA0DE599503DC4A416E3A7FE9AF1926DDBDF3F03A16B042F51E86/donausteigbadkreuzenwolfsschlucht-2.jpg) ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/396582/0121108161AD7E9A916D9C99583E5E51782AA467848FFF5F96A73AEF466B2D4D/wolfsschlucht-bad-kreuzen.jpg) Open copyright © CC-BY-ND, WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH, © Kuscheiart Close copyright [ ![Wolfschlucht Bad Kreuzen](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/396581/2B11BB6DCA726B79E8123CB1E5D5248BEA9842FDD806FE89C53238E9C005FAF6/wolfschlucht-bad-kreuzen.jpg "© CC-BY-ND, WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH, © Kuscheiart") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/396581/2B11BB6DCA726B79E8123CB1E5D5248BEA9842FDD806FE89C53238E9C005FAF6/wolfschlucht-bad-kreuzen.jpg) Open copyright © WGDDonauOberoesterreichTourismusGmbHHochhauser Close copyright [ ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/249436/A0355F3EDDCFA0DE599503DC4A416E3A7FE9AF1926DDBDF3F03A16B042F51E86/donausteigbadkreuzenwolfsschlucht-2.jpg "© WGDDonauOberoesterreichTourismusGmbHHochhauser") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/249436/A0355F3EDDCFA0DE599503DC4A416E3A7FE9AF1926DDBDF3F03A16B042F51E86/donausteigbadkreuzenwolfsschlucht-2.jpg) Open copyright © Tourismusverband Donau Oberösterreich-Sintwerk GmbH Close copyright [ ![Wolfsschlucht Bad Kreuzen](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/396582/0121108161AD7E9A916D9C99583E5E51782AA467848FFF5F96A73AEF466B2D4D/wolfsschlucht-bad-kreuzen.jpg "© Tourismusverband Donau Oberösterreich-Sintwerk GmbH") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/396582/0121108161AD7E9A916D9C99583E5E51782AA467848FFF5F96A73AEF466B2D4D/wolfsschlucht-bad-kreuzen.jpg) Open copyright © WGDDonauOberoesterreichTourismusGmbHErber Close copyright [ ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/249438/476F04AB857A9CF0C2B964D3589D94B123A6C45FE4BE6A1D1A88689066BFBCB6/wolfsschluchtbadkreuzen.jpg "© WGDDonauOberoesterreichTourismusGmbHErber") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/249438/476F04AB857A9CF0C2B964D3589D94B123A6C45FE4BE6A1D1A88689066BFBCB6/wolfsschluchtbadkreuzen.jpg) Open copyright © Tourismusverband Donau Oberösterreich-Sintwerk GmbH Close copyright [ ![Wolfsschlucht Bad Kreuzen](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/396583/02718C5E224457D4736B2AC8E2C0217C7C5DB7CFE95D5EAB6A3DE91515602547/wolfsschlucht-bad-kreuzen.jpg "© Tourismusverband Donau Oberösterreich-Sintwerk GmbH") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/396583/02718C5E224457D4736B2AC8E2C0217C7C5DB7CFE95D5EAB6A3DE91515602547/wolfsschlucht-bad-kreuzen.jpg) Open copyright © Tourismusverband Donau Oberösterreich-Sintwerk GmbH Close copyright [ ![Wolfsschlucht Bad Kreuzen](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/396584/01B1BF41385C2C2C5BBD3174B598A16DCCE2705DF0598066EE1184C69F903246/wolfsschlucht-bad-kreuzen.jpg "© Tourismusverband Donau Oberösterreich-Sintwerk GmbH") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/396584/01B1BF41385C2C2C5BBD3174B598A16DCCE2705DF0598066EE1184C69F903246/wolfsschlucht-bad-kreuzen.jpg) Open copyright © Tourismusverband Donau Oberösterreich-Sintwerk GmbH Close copyright [ ![Wolfsschlucht Bad Kreuzen](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/396585/D0B906E1392AE8DADD33640E78A94C34E30E3D6E40FF0FBB6F077AFB35FB71F5/wolfsschlucht-bad-kreuzen.jpg "© Tourismusverband Donau Oberösterreich-Sintwerk GmbH") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/396585/D0B906E1392AE8DADD33640E78A94C34E30E3D6E40FF0FBB6F077AFB35FB71F5/wolfsschlucht-bad-kreuzen.jpg) Open copyright © WGDDonauOberoesterreichTourismusGmbHHochhauser Close copyright [ ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/249442/A16A56AAF05987F54F6CED415A478669D46A9D6C4892B4E0E56D6452288EF2C4/donausteigbadkreuzenwolfsschlucht.jpg "© WGDDonauOberoesterreichTourismusGmbHHochhauser") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/249442/A16A56AAF05987F54F6CED415A478669D46A9D6C4892B4E0E56D6452288EF2C4/donausteigbadkreuzenwolfsschlucht.jpg) Open copyright © Tourismusverein Gsund Leben , Maria A Close copyright [ ![Guardian of the Wolf Gorge](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/249443/C9631528ADD5152CE94E38503134550329312A2604F40855C460F80348FB7545/waechter-der-wolfsschlucht.jpg "© Tourismusverein Gsund Leben , Maria A") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/249443/C9631528ADD5152CE94E38503134550329312A2604F40855C460F80348FB7545/waechter-der-wolfsschlucht.jpg) Open copyright © Bruno Brandstetter Close copyright [ ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/249445/9DA1A9469F3D7026DFE10F0931DC8857FA15B2324F6094022B93B7D7EF525BAE/wolfsschlucht.jpg "© Bruno Brandstetter") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/249445/9DA1A9469F3D7026DFE10F0931DC8857FA15B2324F6094022B93B7D7EF525BAE/wolfsschlucht.jpg) Open copyright © Tourismusverein Gsund Leben, Maria A. Close copyright [ ![Wolfschlucht 4](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/249444/461DAF0DC2EE5982EC9F1D7937C3028596E4B66A0ACBB5DC84976CEEEAC37A34/wolfschlucht-4.jpg "© Tourismusverein Gsund Leben, Maria A.") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/249444/461DAF0DC2EE5982EC9F1D7937C3028596E4B66A0ACBB5DC84976CEEEAC37A34/wolfschlucht-4.jpg) Open copyright © Tourismusverein Gsund Leben, Bruno Brandstetter Close copyright [ ![Wolfsschlucht_](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/463639/C399A6F3CA33E7D4F0AE6B967BBF1DE86630271F2E801475E56E2A6807100356/wolfsschlucht.jpg "© Tourismusverein Gsund Leben, Bruno Brandstetter") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/463639/C399A6F3CA33E7D4F0AE6B967BBF1DE86630271F2E801475E56E2A6807100356/wolfsschlucht.jpg) Open copyright © Erber Close copyright [ ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/249447/9430E01F24D4AFFE08E6755A650B9725EAEA096FD77B38D10A91213F1477980D/wasserfall.png "© Erber") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/249447/9430E01F24D4AFFE08E6755A650B9725EAEA096FD77B38D10A91213F1477980D/wasserfall.png) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Circular route Kreuzen 20a 4362 Bad Kreuzen [ open in Google Maps ](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Kreuzen%2020a%2C%204362%20Bad%20Kreuzen "Link will open in a new window") [ Open in Apple Maps ](https://maps.apple.com/place?address=Kreuzen%2020a%2C%204362%20Bad%20Kreuzen "Link will open in a new window") ![](https://static.ecmaps.de/staticmap.jpg?experience=webarchitektur-meta&width=991&height=450&project=ttg-osm-summer-original&path=enc:y~qeHugkyAKXMVFYNSXq@j@_AHYZe@HYXi@Tm@VoAXmAn@{AZi@n@q@^e@r@k@NSp@o@\_@\g@Tm@t@sAp@o@j@{@POd@MNQ\e@r@uANOPOPINQLUPORCPMLQb@[r@W^]JSpAgA\c@LSVm@Rq@\g@dAm@~@aAxAkA`@_@DYLWNMPGPKpA?d@DjAf@ZTDD@[HUDYJqB@uAC{@HqCL}@JsAj@eDRs@d@}@JWL{@d@gBJs@^SNOf@gA^]PKd@Qd@CQAgAcA[e@SAONc@hA_A|@y@hAs@l@ITQn@KTOLSDMR_@Vw@IOKm@s@OM_@NNHQp@SBaA`AIUNFKPi@CUn@Qn@q@`@KPPNP@PEPKr@[RERDPAXl@Zf@HTQF]d@QGYg@S@EVKTYb@@\IVONKTQJe@LOJUp@At@JTRBPAHU_@rBSjAKxAIVMRSBSn@ORKVOLSGOMQ?PDPJA\g@|@Sn@QtAGx@OtAKVWh@u@rAiAn@QHQLQHaA~@[j@kAzASD[f@QJQ@ONu@pAw@jA[d@OJUl@MPa@\a@V[j@_@XS@g@z@k@t@MTGVe@bAIXSpAQp@GZOHOPe@z@_@tACX@Zm@r@[b@&server=meta.tourdata.at) roadblock: Wolfsschlucht Lock Description: Due to logging operations, the entire Wolfsschlucht will be closed from Tuesday, August 25, 2026, through Friday, August 28, 2026! Since logging operations in the gorge are extremely dangerous and may result in falls and landslides, entering the area during this period is STRICTLY PROHIBITED! **Short description:** Since 1997, the Wolfsschlucht has been a nature and cultural hiking route. Along the path through the gorge, information panels describe and visually depict the bathing facilities of the former cold-water health resort Bad Kreuzen. Experience the origin story of the Bad Kreuzen spa tradition up close. **Quality of experience:** ****** **Recommended season:** - January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December **Properties:** - Loop - Refreshment stops available - Family friendly - Cultural/historical value - Geological highlights - Healthy climate **Description:** Your hike starts in the town center; from here, head southwest down Villa Böck Weg and Aignerberg, past the pilgrimage chapel "Aigner Kreuz," then the path leads left into the Kempbach valley. Here is the second starting point for the Wolfsschlucht circuit, the Speckalm parking lot. After the bridge, turn left onto the forest path; after a few minutes of walking, you reach the entrance to the gorge. Here were once the "Greiner showers," and just above by the waterfall, nobles took spa baths in the "Viennese wave baths." Many steps lead up the gorge, past the Anton Bruckner refuge, you reach the Neptune grotto via narrow paths; here were once the men's and women's showers. Additional steps lead you to the Herzogsquelle; then you walk left, past the hunter’s seat, and conquer Castle Kreuzen. We recommend visiting the castle and enjoying a small refreshment at the castle tavern. From here, follow the road back to Bad Kreuzen.**Tip:** To fully enjoy this hike, I recommend walking the Wolfsschlucht from bottom to top; this way, you can enjoy the full splendor of the gorge with its waterfalls. It’s also worth occasionally looking left or right. You might discover one or another "stone creature." The Wolfsschlucht circuit can be started at 3 points: besides the town center, it is also possible to start at the castle or at the Speckalm parking lot. My tip for the second Wolfsschlucht hike: there is also the option to combine the Wolfsschlucht with the Speckalm trail. For this, walk through the Wolfsschlucht to the Herzogsquelle; from here, continue straight ahead, after a short time cross a small bridge on the right, then a romantic forest path leads directly to the popular [Speckalm snack bar](https://www.donauregion.at/oesterreich-gastronomie/detail/100602/speck-alm.html) (be sure to reserve a table). **Safety guidelines:** In the Wolfsschlucht, sturdy footwear and caution are recommended, especially when it rains, as the wet steps are very slippery. In winter, the Wolfsschlucht is not recommended; if you do want to walk through it, extreme caution is required.**Equipment:** Sturdy footwear**Additional information:** / [ Tour and route information ](#ttgCollapseTourdetails) --------------------------------------------------------- **Starting place:** 4362 Bad Kreuzen **Destination:** 4362 Bad Kreuzen **duration:** 1h 25m **length:** 4,5 km **Altitude difference (uphill):** 175m **Altitude difference (downhill):** 172m **Lowest point:** 300m **Highest point:** 472m **difficulty:** medium **condition:** difficult **panoramic view:** Dreamtour **Paths covering:** Asphalt, Other **Starting point:** Municipal Office Bad Kreuzen **Destination:** Municipal Office Bad Kreuzen **further information:** - culturally interesting - Circular route - Board possible [ ![Altitude profile Wolfsschlucht](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430008163&width=355&height=250&FontSize=12&mkt=en) ![Altitude profile Wolfsschlucht](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430008163&width=450&height=350&mkt=en) ](#ttgHoehenprofilModal "Wolfsschlucht") [ Along the trail ](#ttgCollapseAnDerStrecke) ----------------------------------------------- ![Burg-Ansicht](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/465556/5450CF69CB11E327D89C48061EB6E4F70E07E9E11C3029BD5174ADE45D75E875/variant-jpg.jpg "Burg-Ansicht") Burg Kreuzen Castle Visit the exhibition “The Healing Power of Water” at Kreuzen Castle and immerse yourself in the history and magic of this special place! Learn more about the beginnings of the spa tradition and the discovery of the healing power of cold water, which led to the development of the spa house as we know it today. Gain insights into the traditional treatments and the daily spa routine of guests, including famous visitors such as the composer Anton Bruckner. Discover how the spa house is used today and the important role water continues to play in Bad Kreuzen. From the observation deck of the Bergfried, the panoramic view stretches across the romantic Danube Valley of the Strudengau and Machland regions all the way to the Alps (from the Schneeberg to the Traunstein) and into the rolling hills of the Mühlviertel. A panoramic map offers a detailed overview with a description of the Mühlviertel and Strudengau landscapes. Kreuzen Castle is a popular stop for hikers traveling through the Wolfsschlucht Gorge and along the Donausteig long-distance hiking trail. Group tours: Available year-round by advance reservation Duration: approx. 45–60 minutes, including the “Healing Power of Water” exhibition in the castle tower Group sizes: 15–25 people [ Open copyright © Urheber: Burg Kreuzen Betriebs GmbH Copyright: Maria Hintersteiner Close copyright ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/106810/C7311409C9FDD90421B5B955D5A41C4F3024350B9BFA4EC3139E98017BAD0BC0/hoteleingang.jpg "Hoteleingang (© Urheber: Burg Kreuzen Betriebs GmbH Copyright: Maria Hintersteiner)") Burg Kreuzen - Schatz.Kammer ](https://www.donauregion.at/en/cycling/oesterreich-unterkunft/detail/101635/burg-kreuzen-schatz-kammer.html) ![Aigner Kreuz](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/416214/0B973208E92E99C6C24938809049C4EE667ACE8F55F83DB4195CFDBD9CF1A3AD/aigner-kreuz.jpg "Aigner Kreuz") Aigner Kreuz Pilgrimge Chapel The pilgrimage chapel is located directly next to the three-star inn “Gasthof Aigner Kreuz” (Aichinger family, Phone: +43 7266 6225) at the start of the nature and culture trail "Wolfsschlucht". Legend says that the judge Strauß (1692) went on a pilgrimage for his seriously ill wife to Mariazell. On his return his completely healthy wife greeted him exactly where today the chapel stands. At this place he put up a simple wooden cross to express his gratitude. At the beginning of the 18. Century another man experienced his rescue at exactly this place when his shying horses stopped right before the cross. Thus, he built a chapel around the cross. The present building dates from 1852 and its interior encompasses the cross, an Immaculate (on the left) and Saint Vitus (on the right). ![Kirchenwirt 2](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/462869/44432F5F8CFC5B628F7193A711E5819C0A2162A9C36E4538476B828E83D2B9B1/kirchenwirt-2.webp "Kirchenwirt 2") Kirchenwirt ...simply enjoy! Under this motto we want our guests to feel comfortable. Whether it's a small celebration with friends, acquaintances or relatives; or a cup of coffee with homemade pastry; or perhaps just a cool drink: with us, every guest should "simply feel good". ![Kreuzen Castle](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/247420/565956BAC7C7171BEEF7BB8BF403B6680BF66F1B32ABE131A6F656E26FF0BDED/burg-kreuzen.jpg "Kreuzen Castle") Panoramablick Burg Kreuzen ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/317035/84E6948DC439A1A786907E045907BEF4CE27253A98F8EE71BEDE72E72FC53470/variant-jpg.jpg) Rastplatz Burg Kreuzen Info: Tourismusverein Gsund Leben - Willkommen in Bad Kreuzen Tel.: +43 (0) 72 66 / 62 55-30 **Schlucht im Urgestein…** Die Wolfsschlucht am Fuß der Burg Kreuzen ist eine klammartige Urgesteinsschlucht. Die Wasserfälle, Felsformationen und Blockburgen machen ihren urigen Charakter aus. Einige botanische undfaunistische Besonderheiten gibt es hier zu finden. Die steilen, schwer zugänglichen Hänge werden von naturnah ausgebildeten Schluchtwäldern eingenommen. Sie konnten sich oftmals dort bewahren, wo sich die schwierige Bewirtschaftung kaum lohnte. Esche, Bergahorn und Bergulme lieben die luft- und bodenfeuchten Bedingungen in der Schlucht. Der Unterwuchs solcher Wälder wird von einer üppigen Krautschicht gebildet. Unweit der Burg Kreuzen gibt es einen Felsen, der auch Bärensprung genannt wird. Wie dieser Felsen zu seinem Namen kam, erfahren Sie in der Donau-Sage ["Über die Kippe springen"](http://www.donauregion.at/detail/article/ueber-die-kippe-springen.html). ![Men's shower and Neptune Grotto in the upper Wolfsschlucht](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/462925/DE2653688BF8717D9A6CB956E11494306233BE7BEEC0FD9CE00D06E8E45C7520/herrendusche-und-neptungrotte-in-der-oberen-wolfsschlucht.webp "Men's shower and Neptune Grotto in the upper Wolfsschlucht") Schluchtwald Bad Kreuzen Alte Badeanlagen 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. [ Arrival ](#ttgCollapseAnreise) ---------------------------------- **Accessibility / arrival****Getting there** Via the West Motorway A1 from Vienna, Salzburg, or Passau, exit at Amstetten West, continue to Grein and from there north to Bad Kreuzen. **Public Transit** [Arrival in the Danube region](https://www.donauregion.at/service/artikel/detail/2890/anreise-region-donau.html) How to get to the Upper Austria Danube region? The fastest way to your destination – by train, bus, car, ship, or plane. Take the train to Amstetten or Grein, then the bus to Bad Kreuzen (according to the timetable) **Parking** Start in the town center of Bad Kreuzen: large parking available Starting point 2 Castle Kreuzen: large parking available Starting point 3 Wolfsschlucht parking lot (access Speckalm): parking available [ Suitability ](#ttgCollapseEignung) -------------------------------------- **Most economical season**- Spring - Summer - Autumn - Early winter - Deep winter [ Accessibility ](#ttgCollapseBarrierefreiheit) ------------------------------------------------- Please get in touch for more information. [ Contact ](#ttgCollapseKontakt) ---------------------------------- **Wolfsschlucht** Tourismusverein Gsund Leben Kreuzen 20a 4362 Bad Kreuzen Phone +43 7266 6255 - 0Show no. E-Mail [info@gsundleben.at](#mailto) Web [gsundleben.at](https://gsundleben.at "New window") Web [www.wolfsschlucht.at](http://www.wolfsschlucht.at "New window") https://gsundleben.at http://www.wolfsschlucht.at Interactive elevation profile ------------------------------- [ Download GPS data ](https://gpsdownload.ttg.at?type=2030&ExperienceID=526&TourID=430008163&Format=GPX) [ Create PDF ](#ttgTourdataPdfModal430008163) [To the website](https://gsundleben.at "New window") ### Altitude profile - Wolfsschlucht Close ![Altitude profile Wolfsschlucht](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430008163&width=800&height=600&mkt=en) powered by [TOURDATA](https://www.tourdata.at "New window") [Suggest a change](#mailto) [ ![TOURDATA Logo](https://www.donauregion.at/fileadmin/templates/global/images/Logo-Tourdata.png "TOURDATA Logo") ](https://www.tourdata.at "New window")