Solution in sight

Glasenbachklamm gorge no longer closed by the municipality

Until Monday, signs turned away hikers. A usage agreement should be in place soon.

(Bild: Gemeinde Elsbethen)

Suddenly it seems to be happening quickly. The municipality of Elsbethen has removed the signs informing visitors that the hiking trail is closed. The last landowner is now also willing to talk.

A solution is emerging in the dispute over the popular excursion destination Glasenbachklamm. As the municipality of Elsbethen announced on Friday, all landowners are now willing to discuss future liability and repairs along the hiking trail.

Around two weeks ago, talks broke down because one owner was not willing to talk. The municipality then removed all the signs on Monday - these had pointed out the closure that had been in place since April. It had been imposed at the time because bridges had to be renovated. Despite the closure, many walkers and cyclists were not deterred from entering the gorge, according to the municipality.

It was very good that we did it that way. It is important to me that we prepare the gorge. The Alpine Club would then be liable.

Bürgermeister Sebastian Haslauer

Bild: Manuel Horn

Just a few days after the barrier signs were removed, the last landowner suddenly declared himself willing to negotiate. "It was very good that we did it this way," says ÖVP mayor Sebastian Haslauer. On March 27, the municipality, the Alpine Association and the landowner want to talk to each other.

"The gorge is beautiful. Ideally, the Alpine Club can take over liability and maintenance of the paths after the talks," says Haslauer. The owners would be relieved of the costs and the municipality would pay for the repairs. 800,000 euros have been budgeted for this.