Bleckwand Arch, Austria

The most stunning view through an arch that I have ever seen

Watch a video of a view from the arch here:  Bleckwand Arch

In May 2024 I went on a European road trip with my son and his family.  One of my favorite destinations on our trip was Bleckwand Arch in Austria near Salzburg.  As I was doing research for the trip, I found photos of Bleckwand Arch and wanted very badly to visit it.  But everything I read about the route there made it sound very difficult and foreboding, not to mention several miles long.  My daughter in law found a parking area that cut the hike much shorter.  The hike was steep, but relatively short.  It was 2.38 miles and took us under two and a half hours to complete.  It had a 1,050 foot elevation gain.  Park at Bleckwandparkplatz using google maps.  From there, the trail is very easy to follow.  

This is the record from my hiking app (I used Komoot for this hike)

This is where we parked to begin our much shorter hike than the hikes I had found online.

There was room for several cars to park there, and the trail was very clear and well marked.

The beginning of the trail

Where we parked our car and began our hike

The trail is very easy to follow

All along the trail are parts of the Little Red Riding Hood story

We passed through this gate to continue on the trail -- I'm guessing to keep cattle out or in

It was an uphill trail, although not nearly as difficult as it had sounded like it would be online

Beautiful views in every direction

Sometimes we were able to take very steep shortcuts to cut off part of the trail

Markings along the way prevent getting lost

The view of Lake Wolfgangsee through the trees

Imagine what the parasailer's view looked like

When you reach this view you have reached the arch -- straight ahead

I've never seen such a beautiful view through an arch opening

Lake Wolfgangsee below (near Salzburg)

Lake Wolfgangsee

Standing under the arch looking up at the trail

view while standing under the arch

Heading back down the trail

The Summit Cross of the Bleckwand

This appears to be a headstone, although I wasn't able to find the translation

The translation on the brick monument is:  "many people drove to God, one over the mountains, who erected the cross in Abersee."

My son and grandson and I

We had a bit of snow on the trail, in May

This arch was well worth the hike!  I don't know if I'll ever see a more beautiful view inside the frame of an arch!