The Tatzelwurm Waterfall

It's a short walk from the parking lot, and well worth it if you're already in the area.

A 95-meter (310 ft) drop, 15 minutes from Bayrischzell.

Between Bayrischzell and Oberaudorf, deep in the mountain forest, the Auerbach tumbles 95 meters down over two cascades into a narrow gorge. A short walk from the parking lot is all it takes to get there. That's it.

The last time I went was a few years ago, with my daughter. To be honest, I don't head up there often. We have a beautiful waterfall right in Bayrischzell, and that one's easier to reach. But if you're in the area anyway, it's worth the stop.

A walk, not a hike

From the forest parking lot, a wide path leads gently downhill along the Auerbach. After five to ten minutes you reach the upper waterfall. There's a solid stone bridge with a clear view of the cascade dropping into the deep pool below. It's impressive, especially because you can hear the water thundering before you ever see it.

I like the lower waterfall better. Getting to it is a little trickier, though. A stepped trail leads down, and the walkway was a bit slippery when I was there, so watch your footing. The path is narrow. Once you're on the bridge itself, it's fine. (Heads up: the bridge at the lower falls is currently closed because it's no longer structurally sound.)

All in all, a nice, relaxed walk. Mountain forest all around, a waterfall in the middle, romantic as a whole. There's no thrill factor here, just nature.

Who it's for

Honestly, I wouldn't drive out here from far away just for this. But if you're vacationing in Bayrischzell, or already out and about between Sudelfeld, Oberaudorf, and the Wendelstein, the Tatzelwurm makes for an easy add-on. An hour is enough, including stopping, taking it all in, and snapping some photos.

It's a good fit for nature lovers, families with small kids (the upper waterfall works with an all-terrain stroller, the lower one doesn't), and walkers who don't want to go far. Not wheelchair-accessible at the lower falls. If you're after a lively scene, this isn't the place. I went early in the morning and had it almost to myself.

The ZDF series filmed here too

The Tatzelwurm is one of the filming locations for the ZDF series Frühling. The remote setting between Oberaudorf and Bayrischzell, the narrow gorge, the rushing water, it all makes for a rewarding backdrop on screen.

Where the name comes from

The Tatzelwurm is a mythical creature from Alpine folklore: the head of a big cat, the body of a snake. As the legend goes, it used to attack pilgrims on their way to Birkenstein. It's no surprise the tale took root right here. The gorge is so narrow that you hear the water thundering before you can see it. Anyone passing through these woods in the old days, hearing the roar without spotting its source, probably let their imagination fill in the rest.

The legend isn't deeply woven into the place anymore. But the name stuck around, on the waterfalls, on the inn, on the road.

Pairs well with

Sudelfeld in summer. On your way up or back. Hiking, alpine pastures, a scenic mountain road.

The Wendelstein. The cog railway from Brannenburg or the cable car from Bayrischzell.

Brünnsteinhaus. A more demanding hike toward the Brünnstein starts from the Tatzelwurm forest parking lot, for anyone who wants more than just a stroll.

A stop at the Feuriger Tatzlwurm. Right at the trailhead. I can recommend it.

My tip

Come early. I was there in the morning and had the upper waterfall almost to myself. Show up in the afternoon, especially on summer weekends, and you'll run into more people. Bring sturdy shoes. The path to the lower falls has steps and can get slippery.

On the map