Photo: Helmut Schweighofer

Naturjuwel Schönauklamm

Pöllau, Styria

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The Schönauklamm gorge is located about one kilometer northwest of Schönaudorf. In this beech-maple-ash forest, it is cool, humid, and somewhat dim – a welcome refreshment on hot summer days. However, a visit is also worthwhile otherwise: fire salamanders can be observed – especially during and after rainfall – and the yellow-bellied toad likes to stay in puddles. Common bird species include the great spotted woodpecker, European greenfinch, cuckoo, great tit, blackcap, common wood pigeon, European robin, and coal tit. Rarer, however, are the black woodpecker and tawny owl. The undergrowth of the shade-giving trees is partly lush with the yellow-flowered tuberous comfrey, the initially pink, then bluish spotted lungwort (Hänsel & Gretel), and the white-flowered bittercress. The tall ostrich fern appears primeval. The starting point for the hike is the parking area at the upper (northern) end of the Schönauklamm, one kilometer northwest of Schönaudorf: The path (Fieberbründlweg 945) leads from the parking area south – initially flat downhill, then becoming increasingly steep, leading down into the gorge forest of the Schönauklamm. With the connecting road via Schönaudorf, this becomes a circular route. Location: 565007.1 E or 5234633.9 N Further information about the Schönauklamm natural jewel (location and geology, flora and vegetation, fauna)