Discover Stans: Archaeology, Churches and the Wolf Gorge

Stans brings together early traces of settlement, sacred architectural history and the Wolf Gorge. This offers a choice of different focuses when planning a stay: archaeological history, churches dating back several centuries, a special Advent tradition held only rarely, or a route through a water-shaped gorge. The specific timings for the gorge and the ten-year cycle of Anklöpfeln are useful when matching the length of your trip to its purpose.

Early traces and churches dating back several centuries

The oldest traces of settlement in the Stans area date back to the first millennium BC. A prehistoric settlement from various periods stood on the wooded hill above Stans known as Burg.

For the churches, the construction date and the first documentary mention are distinct. The old church dedicated to Saints Lawrence and Ulrich is first mentioned in a document in 1337; the present Gothic building dates from around 1510. The Herz Jesu Church was built later, in the Neo-Gothic style between 1884 and 1896. Gothic and Neo-Gothic therefore represent different phases of construction.

The small pilgrimage church of Maria Tax stands above Stans and was built in 1667. It features frescoes by the painter Christoph Anton Mayr. Here, it is important to distinguish between the dates: 1337 is the first documentary mention of the Church of Saints Lawrence and Ulrich, while 1667 is the construction year of Maria Tax.

An Advent tradition on a ten-year cycle

A special form of Anklöpfeln has been preserved in Stans during Advent. It is performed only once every ten years. This sets it apart from an annual event: if you want to travel specifically for this tradition, check whether the relevant year is a scheduled year.

The Wolf Gorge: water, rock and route

Roaring waterfalls and emerald-green pools define the scenery of the Wolf Gorge. Over millions of years, the waters of the Stallenbach, Gamsbach and Georgenbergerbach cut into the limestone of the Karwendel. The gorge is also a biotope with its own microclimate and a habitat for distinctive flora and fauna. Its formation and its special natural conditions offer two different ways of looking at the same place.

A long history of human intervention is also part of the gorge. At its entrance is an old mine tunnel, dug by hand between 1400 and 1440. The first trail into the Wolf Gorge was built in 1901. The history of the place therefore began well before this first trail was created.

Around 350 steps, wooden walkways and galleries cut into the rock lead through the gorge and uphill to the pilgrimage monastery of St. Georgenberg. The walk from Stans to St. Georgenberg takes approximately one and a half hours; the actual duration may vary depending on conditions. A passage through the Wolf Gorge takes about 45 minutes; the actual duration depends on conditions and pace. The route through the Wolf Gorge follows wooden walkways and steps carved into the rock through narrow ravines, past waterfalls and rapids. The shorter time refers to this passage, not to the entire walk to St. Georgenberg.

For safety reasons, walking downhill through the Wolf Gorge is not permitted. Take this direction restriction into account when planning and check conditions before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Zellberg, Hinterriß, Burgstall, Zell Am Ziller, Ramsberg, Ried Im Zillertal, Rohrberg, Distelberg.

Go to the main travel overview: Schwaz.