How to get to the Gilfenklamm Gorge: Directions & Arrival Tips
Getting to the Gilfenklamm gorge (Italian: Gola di Stanghe) is straightforward and convenient. The village of Stange is ideally situated at the entrance of the Ratschings and Ridnaun valleys. Whether you prefer the flexibility of your own car or the sustainability of public transport, the gorge’s location near the main road ensures a stress-free start to your nature adventure in South Tyrol.
Getting to Gilfenklamm by car: Fast and Easy
Stange is located only about 5 kilometers from Sterzing (Vipiteno) and can be reached in just a few minutes via a well-maintained state road. From the North or South: Take the Brenner Motorway (A22) and exit at “Sterzing”. From the exit, follow the signs toward “Ratschings” or “Ridnaun”. After a short drive, you will arrive at your destination. There are several parking areas available, including one located directly at the entrance to the gorge.
–> so you can find the best Gilfenklamm Parking
| Starting Point | Distance | Approx. Travel Time |
| Brixen | 34 km | 33 min |
| Bruneck | 56 km | 54 min |
| Innsbruck | 64 km | 1 hr 13 min |
| Bozen | 78 km | 1 hr 03 min |
Getting to Gilfenklamm by Bus: Sustainable & Relaxed
South Tyrol boasts an excellent public transportation network, and the Gilfenklamm is exceptionally well-connected to the regional system. For many visitors, choosing the bus is the most stress-free way to arrive. Line 319 connects Sterzing, including the train station and the city center, directly with the Ratschings Valley and stops in the village of Stange. This is a perfect option if you are starting your day in Sterzing or staying nearby in the Ratschings area. Alternatively, Line 312 runs between Sterzing and the Ridnaun Valley and also makes a stop in Stange. For both lines, you should get off at the “Stange/Stanghe” stop, which is located just a few minutes’ walk from the lower entrance of the gorge. As a helpful tip for travelers, if you hold the South Tyrol Mobilcard or a local activeCard provided by your accommodation, your bus fare is usually completely free of charge.
Getting to Gilfenklamm by Train
For those traveling from further away, such as Bozen (Bolzano) or Innsbruck, the train offers a fantastic and scenic alternative to driving. You can take a regional train to the Sterzing-Pfitsch (Vipiteno-Val di Vizze) station, which serves as a central hub for the area. Directly at the station square, you can easily catch the aforementioned bus lines 312 or 319. The bus ride from the station to Stange takes only about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing for a seamless and nearly instant transition from the train tracks to the nature trails.
Related Links:
- check the Gilfenklamm opening hours
- how to hike the Gilfenklamm
- what to expect inside the Gilfenklamm gorge
Frequently Asked Questions
The Gilfenklamm (Italian: Cascate di Stanghe) is situated in the northern part of South Tyrol, right at the entrance to the Ratschings and Ridnaun valleys. You will find the gorge in the municipality of Ratschings, just about 5 kilometers west of the town of Sterzing (Vipiteno).
Yes, the gorge is very easy to access by car. The village of Stange (located in the municipality of Ratschings) is ideally situated just a few minutes’ drive from the Sterzing (Vipiteno) motorway exit.
The Gilfenklamm in South Tyrol is approximately 533 kilometers from Vienna. If you are starting in the city center near Stephansplatz or the Naschmarkt, expect a driving time of around 6 hours via the A1 motorway. The route takes you across Austria via Salzburg and Innsbruck to the Brenner Pass, and you will reach the gorge shortly after crossing the border into Italy.
Yes, the gorge is very well-connected to the public transport system. The village of Stange (known in Italian as Stanghe), where the lower entrance to the gorge is located, is a central hub for bus routes in the Wipptal valley. The nearest railway station is in Sterzing.
Absolutely. There is a well-paved and relatively flat cycle path that runs from Sterzing. The ride from Sterzing to Stange is only about 5 kilometers long, making it an ideal way to warm up before your hike.