If you want to go canyoning in Salzburg, two tours top the list: the Almbachklamm and the Strubklamm. Both are top gorges and both are in our programme – but they are fundamentally different. This head-to-head comparison helps you choose the right one for your group instead of booking at random.
The quick comparison
| Feature | Almbachklamm | Strubklamm |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner (easy) | Moderate – sporty |
| Minimum age | 10 years | 16 years |
| Duration | approx. 2 hours | approx. 3–4 hours |
| Region | Tennengau (Hallein/Adnet) | Salzkammergut (Ebenau/Faistenau) |
| Highest jumps | up to approx. 4 m | up to 10 m |
| Character | playful, calm, family-friendly | sporty, intense, action-focused |
| Requirements | Swimming + basic fitness | Swimming + good fitness + no severe fear of heights |
| Ideal for | Families, first-timers | sporty groups, stag/hen parties |
The Almbachklamm in detail
The Almbachklamm is in the Tennengau near Hallein/Adnet and is THE beginner tour in Salzburg. Its character: playful. Gentle jumps, natural water slides, crystal-clear pools for swimming, short descents. There are no spots where anyone has to “push beyond their limits” – but there are enough highlights that even a 12-year-old won’t get bored.
- Plus: From age 10 – so it’s family-friendly
- Plus: Approx. 2 hours on tour – fits into half a day with a city visit afterwards
- Plus: Jumps are optional and kept small – nobody has to
- Minus: Possibly too tame for very sporty adults
The Strubklamm in detail
The Strubklamm between Faistenau and Tiefbrunnau near Ebenau in the Salzkammergut is in a different league. Jumps of 4, 6, 8 and up to a maximum of 10 metres, several abseils, narrow water sections through polished rock. The tour is addictive – but it’s not for families with younger children and not for people with a pronounced fear of heights.
- Plus: One of the most spectacular gorges in Salzburg
- Plus: Jumps at different heights – everyone finds their limit
- Plus: Ideal for stag/hen parties, club outings and sporty groups of friends
- Minus: From age 16, so not a family event with younger children
- Minus: 3–4 hour tour – plan for a full half day
Which tour suits which occasion?
Family holiday with children (10–15)
Clearly the Almbachklamm. The minimum age fits, the experience is intense enough for parents to enjoy it too, but nobody is overwhelmed.
Stag or hen party
Clearly the Strubklamm – provided everyone in the party group is at least 16, fit and a confident swimmer. If some people are afraid of heights or less sporty, go for the Almbachklamm instead. More about canyoning stag and hen parties.
First canyoning experience as an adult
If you’ve never been canyoning before: the Almbachklamm. It is not “kids’ stuff” – it’s the serious beginner tour that lets you try out the experience before you tackle the Strubklamm. More in the beginner’s guide.
You’ve been canyoning before – and want more
The Strubklamm is made for you. More action, higher jumps, a more intense experience. If you already know the Strubklamm too and are looking for the next step, ask us about the Grabenbach (Jabron).
Company outing / team event
It depends on the crew. If the staff are young and sporty: the Strubklamm. If it’s a mixed team from different age groups: the Almbachklamm – so everyone can join in.
Can you combine both tours?
Yes, it’s very popular. If you’re in Salzburg for 2 days: day 1 Almbachklamm (to get into it), day 2 Strubklamm (with the experience from day 1). It also works the other way round, but after the Strubklamm the Almbachklamm feels “small” – so it’s better to go from easy to hard. There’s also a group price for 2-day bookings – just ask us.
Make your decision – and book
Our short answer if you really can’t decide: If you’re unsure, take the Almbachklamm. Nobody regrets it. Anyone who wants more action knows it anyway and goes for the Strubklamm.
Drop us a quick line – we’ll help you decide:
Phone: +43 650 796 21 20
Email: [email protected]
More canyoning guides
- Canyoning in Salzburg: The most beautiful gorges – which tour suits whom?
- Canyoning for beginners – everything you need to know before your first tour
- How much does canyoning cost? – prices, what’s included and what to look out for
- Canyoning stag/hen party – a stag or hen party in Salzburg: action instead of a booze-up
- Best time for canyoning in Salzburg – month by month: water, weather, conditions
- Getting there & meeting points from Salzburg – how to find the gorge: parking, travel, tips
- Canyoning safety: What really matters – how we minimise risks: standards, equipment, behaviour
- Give a canyoning voucher – the outdoor gift for birthdays, weddings & more
- Canyoning: What to wear? Clothing & equipment – the honest checklist: what we provide, what you bring
- Canyoning with children – the family guide for your first tour
Frequently asked questions
Is the Strubklamm more dangerous?
“More dangerous” is the wrong word. It is more demanding. With a trained guide and a realistic self-assessment, it is just as safe as the Almbachklamm – participants simply need to bring more to the table (fitness, confident swimming, a head for heights).
Does the Strubklamm cost more than the Almbachklamm?
Usually yes – it takes longer (approx. 1–2 hours more), has more technical sections and involves more work for the guide. Both tours, however, are within the usual Salzburg market range. Details in the price guide.
What if someone in the group doesn't want to do the Strubklamm?
Then do the Almbachklamm. A tour where someone is dragged along under pressure isn't a good tour – not for that person, not for the group and not for the guide. Better to do the “easier” tour together.
Do you have to jump in the Strubklamm?
No. For most jumps we have alternative routes by abseiling or climbing. But: if you skip every jump, the Strubklamm might be the wrong tour for you – the Almbachklamm would be a better fit.
Which tour has the more beautiful water?
It's a matter of taste. In high season the Almbachklamm has less water and looks greener. The Strubklamm often has more water and narrower, water-carved passages. Both are superb in terms of scenery.