Discover Stans: Wolfsklamm Gorge, Churches and History

Stans combines impressive natural scenery with an unusually diverse history. Wolfsklamm Gorge leads past waterfalls, wooden walkways and galleries carved into the rock, ascending to St. Georgenberg Pilgrimage Monastery. At the same time, churches, a prehistoric settlement site and a unique Advent tradition tell the story of the village’s long development. Those planning a trip combining natural experiences and culture will therefore find various starting points for planning their days in Stans.

History surrounding the “Burg” and the churches

The oldest traces of settlement in the Stans area date back to the first millennium BC. The wooded hill above Stans, known as the “Burg”, was home to a prehistoric settlement from various periods. This site provides access to the early history of the area: the combination of landscape and archaeological heritage alone makes the hill a noteworthy point of reference.

The churches also shape the historic character of the area. The old church dedicated to Saints Lawrence and Ulrich was first mentioned in documents in 1337. The present Gothic building dates from around 1510. The Herz Jesu Church, built between 1884 and 1896 in the Neo-Gothic style, adds a later architectural accent. If you are interested in church art and architectural history, these different periods can be connected in your mind while exploring Stans.

Above Stans stands the small pilgrimage church of Maria Tax, built in 1667. It features frescoes by the painter Christoph Anton Mayr. Another cultural speciality can be encountered during Advent: Stans has preserved a special form of Anklöpfeln, a traditional carol-singing custom, which is performed only once every ten years. For travel planning, this means that the tradition should not be treated as an annually recurring event.

Wolfsklamm Gorge as a natural and hiking experience

Wolfsklamm Gorge shows Stans at its wildest. Roaring waterfalls and emerald-green pools define the impression of the gorge. It formed over millions of years as the waters of the Stallenbach, Gamsbach and Georgenbergerbach streams cut into the limestone of the Karwendel. Today, Wolfsklamm Gorge is a biotope with its own microclimate and a habitat for distinctive animal and plant life.

The path through the gorge leads via around 350 steps, wooden walkways and galleries carved into the rock, ascending to St. Georgenberg Pilgrimage Monastery. Narrow gorges, waterfalls and rapids accompany the described section, which takes about 45 minutes. The footpath from Stans to St. Georgenberg takes approximately one and a half hours. When planning, take both the steps and the approximate walking times into account. Walking downhill through Wolfsklamm Gorge is not permitted for safety reasons.

The history of the route is also part of the experience: the first trail into Wolfsklamm Gorge was created in 1901. At the beginning of the gorge there is also an old mining tunnel that was excavated by hand between 1400 and 1440. On a hike, natural forces, historical traces and religious destinations thus come together.

Stans as a starting point for planning your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Stans, you can consider what focus you want your days to have. Those wishing to include Wolfsklamm Gorge and the route to St. Georgenberg should factor the approximate duration of the entire hike and the roughly 350 steps into their daily planning. Visitors interested in culture can also include the churches of Stans, Maria Tax and the history of the “Burg”.

Stans therefore offers several clearly distinct reasons to travel: nature lovers focus on the gorge and its unique biotope, those interested in culture on churches and settlement history, while the route to St. Georgenberg combines nature and pilgrimage. Accommodation in Stans can serve as a base for the particular mix of these topics you wish to explore.

Other places for your planning

For further travel planning, you can also find Gmünd, Mayrhofen, Burgstall, Stumm, Schöneben, Imming, Weer and Hinterriß.

For the higher-level travel overview: Schwaz.