partnach gorge tour

YOUR WAY THROUGH THE PARTNACH GORGE

Gapa tour planner, on the road in the gorge, all tours through the partnach gorge in garmisch-partenkirchen.

The Partnachklamm gorge is the starting point for numerous hikes in the Reintal, Hausberg and Kreuzeck areas.

Before the entrance to the Partnachklamm gorge, a steep road branches off to the left, taking you to Vordergraseck, 130 m higher up, in 20 minutes on foot. A more comfortable option is to take the cable car from the DAS GRASECK hotel.

A path to the left of the entrance leads to the "Iron Bridge" in 20 minutes. From there, it's a comfortable 10-minute walk to Vordergraseck (left) or a 15-minute walk and 100 meters uphill to the Partnachalm (right). There are various places to stop for refreshments in Vordergraseck: Gasthof Hanneslabauer and the Kaiserschmarrn-Alm. From Vordergraseck, paths also lead to Hintergraseck and up to Eckbauer and on to Wamberg or down to the rear entrance to the Partnachklamm gorge, which you can then hike through down into the valley.

The hiking and climbing areas of Oberreintal, to the Meilerhütte and Dreitorspitze, towards the Hausberg and Kreuzeck area can also be accessed from the gorge. The classic route to the Zugspitze leads along the Partnach, the route taken by the first climber Josef Naus in 1820. Here you hike via the Bockhütte, Reintalangerhütte and Knorrhütte up to the Zugspitzplatt and then to the summit.

Please note: outside the Partnachklamm opening times, you can reach the Reintal via the Hoher Weg, the Partnachalm and the Bockhütte!

The mountain hike to Schachen Castle is particularly beautiful, but also somewhat challenging. After hiking through the Partnachklamm gorge, follow the signs for "Kälbersteig". Almost at the top, you will come to the so-called Königsweg, which King Ludwig II used to get to his castle. From here, the trail is almost flat until you reach the Schachenalpe, the Schachenschloss and the Schachenhaus, which is open in summer.

When hiking in the alpine regions, you should inform yourself in advance with the help of hiking maps or a mountain guide. And please always remember: sturdy, good footwear and appropriate clothing are important and absolutely essential when hiking in the mountains.  

GAPA TOUR PLANNER

Discover the diversity of the region! A network of 300 kilometers of hiking trails and over 450 kilometers of cycle routes await you. In addition to our tour suggestions around the Partnach Gorge, you can alternatively plan your own individual tour or select routes created by us in our GaPa tour planner to select routes created by us.

Circular hike via Wamberg, Graseck and the Partnachklamm

Hike through the Partnachklamm Gorge and back via Mount Graseck

Durch die Partnachklamm zur Partnachalm und zurück zum Olympiastadion

To the Meiler Alpine hut, via the Partnach Gorge and Schachen

INFORMATION ON BOOKING THE TORCHLIGHT HIKE

• bookable directly in the adventure store
• Friday: 18:00 hrs
• Saturday: 18:00
• Meeting point is half an hour before at the Pitzner Hütte. Prices: Children from 6 years 8,00 EUR / adults 18,00 EUR
• Registration by phone: +49 (0) 8821-59345.
• Please bring sturdy shoes and a flashlight
• Almwirtschaft Hanneslabauer, Tel: +49 8821 531 31 (from 10 persons) 
• Das Graseck, Tel: + 49 8821 943 240 www.das-graseck.de
• Alpine school Garmisch, Tel: +49 8821 7305885 www.alpinschule-garmisch.de
• Can only be booked for individual guests on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 pm with raclette, fondue (including cheese fondue) or hat grill afterwards or groups by arrangement (minimum number of participants 10 people) [email protected]; www.klammhaus-partnach.de ; Tel: 08821-9644900
• Good to know: The guided torchlight hikes only take place in winter.
• White Mountain: Tel.: 08821 969866 or at www.whitemountain.de - a joint team event (for closed groups)

We look forward to seeing you!

For a relaxed visit with enough time and space to enjoy the gorge, we recommend a visit before 10.30 am or after 4 pm in the high season (we are currently open until 7.30 pm).

Möchtest du gerne regelmäßig über Neuigkeiten und Wissenswertes aus Garmisch-Partenkirchen informiert werden?

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Incredible Partnachklamm (Garmisch Gorge)

Last Updated: August 12, 2022

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I remember the very first time I set eyes on the Partnach Gorge (AKA the Garmisch Gorge or  Partnachklamm  for you Deutschy people).

It was a rainy night and I was four spoonfuls deep in Nutella, binge scrolling through Pinterest.

It was a few weeks before I was moving to Munich for the first time, and then I saw it. A single photo.

Electric blue water framed by steep rockfaces and picturesque little drips of water trickling to the side.

I saw “Germany” in the caption and immediately hopped to Google Maps to track down where this insane marvel was.

To my surprise (and ecstatic delight), this “Partnachklamm” was actually CLOSE to Munich. As in, easy day trip from Munich close.

I knew right then and there that I had to find a way to visit. And you bet I did… again and again.

Save this guide on how to visit Partnachklamm for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

Why the repeats?

Well, as far as natural wonders go, there are few in the world quite like the Partnach Gorge.

I’ve been there several times now and love it every single time. If you find yourself in Munich or in Bavaria generally, I highly recommend making the trip here. That’s what this post is all about! How to visit the beautiful  Partnachklamm gorge for yourself.

FYI, for the sake of your sanity, I will keep this post void of any Gorge-ous puns (apart from that one, I promise).

What is the Partnach Gorge?

The Partnach Gorge is a beautiful natural wonder located in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Southern Germany (in Bavaria, about 1hr drive away from Munich).

It’s a 700m long gorge featuring tunnels and caves carved directly into the rock, which allows visitors to trek past trickling waterfalls to the soothing soundtrack of a coursing river.

I mean, if you didn’t get the hint already, it really IS something special, all the more so in winter time when the waterfalls have frozen over.

(I’ve seen photos, and it’s something straight out of Frozen!)

I have yet to see Partnach Gorge in winter though because it’s somehow always closed when I try.

Pro tip: check the website before you go to see if the gorge is closed for safety reasons.

And last but not least, the best part is, while the gorge is absolutely stunning and does welcome over 200,000 visitors a year, it’s still not a massive tourist hotspot, making it feel like you’ve stumbled upon a local secret 😉

FYI, it’s called  Partnachklamm  in German, so that’s what you should be looking for on the signs.

Practical Information for Visiting Partnachklamm, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Opening Hours according to the official website (subject to good weather!)

NOTE: The last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.

• May and October: 8:00 – 18:00
• June-September: 6:00 – 22:00
• November-April: 9:00 – 18:00

Cost of admission (according to the official website):

• Adults: 5 euros
• Discounted price for guests of nearby spas, groups (15+ people), locals and handicapped guests: 4 euros
• Kids (6-16 years): 2 euros

For a full list of prices, visit the Partnach Gorge website (in German). 

Extra notes:

• Dogs are only allowed if they’re on a leash
• Canoes, bikes and wheelchairs are not allowed through the gorge
• Don’t bother with an umbrella – it’ll only get in the way.

How to Reach the Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm)

Getting to Partnachklamm Gorge is really simple.

If you’re doing Partnachklamm by train, you can easily catch a train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then take a bus which drops you off close to the gorge and from there it’s a little hike until you reach it.

Pro Tip for doing Partnach Gorge from Munich: Make sure you get a Bayern Ticket to save lots of money. You can either get one at the Munich Hauptbahnhof or online here.

Visiting the Partnach Gorge from the Garmisch Partenkirchen Main Train Station

When you exit the train station, take the #1 or #2 bus and get off at Skistadion. Here is a map of the route . You’ll be starting from “Bahnhof” (German for Train Station) and headed in the direction of Klinikum/Skistadion.

If you’re unsure whether or not you’re going in the right direction, ask the bus driver “Partnachklamm?” before you board.

Once you get off at Skistadion, take some time to look around at the big ski jump. After all, this is where they held the Winter Olympics in 1936 (You can even see where Hitler stood to watch the games).

From here, you have two options: make the journey to Partnachklamm by foot (about 2km, 30 min) or take a horse carriage ride (in peak season only).

Don’t worry, there will be plenty of signs and most likely other visitors who are headed the same way.

Once you get to the entrance, pay your admission fee and enjoy!

Visiting the Partnach Gorge by car

You won’t be able to drive directly to the gorge, but if you set your destination for “the Olympic Skistadion”, you’ll be able to park here.

There will be a big parking lot with 300 spaces (and should cost no more than 5 euros). Once here, take some time to look around at the big ski jump.

Random note:  When at the gorge, be sure to walk all the way to the other side and check out the small area where there’s a crazy assortment of rock sculptures – so worth checking out.

Partnach Gorge: Know Before You Go

Here are some essential travel tips for visiting the Partnach Gorge that you should know:

1. Go early or right before they close

Especially during peak season, it can get busy!!

Not in terms of sheer numbers, but because the passages are quite narrow, even a small crowd can hinder the experience and make you feel like you’re just walking in a herd rather than exploring.

2. Consider buying a Bavaria Ticket (Bayern Ticket) if coming by train

This is one of my favourite Germany travel tips.

A Bayern Ticket is a special ticket that allows you unlimited transport within Bavaria (on most regional trains, buses, etc.) for an entire day.

If you are coming by train, I highly advise you get one of these because they are also valid for the buses that you need to get to the Partnachklamm.

This can save you loads of money, especially if you are travelling in a group. You can get up to 5 adults on one ticket (kids under 15 are free!) and it’s 25 euros base rate for one person, then 6 euros for each additional person.

That means if you have five adults in your group, you can get unlimited transport for the day for only 49 euros! This is suuuuuch a good deal.

I highly recommend you take advantage of it.

Read my full Bayern ticket guide for more information.

3. If you’re staying overnight in the area, take advantage of your GaPa card (visitor’s card)

If you are staying overnight in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, your hotel/guesthouse should provide you with a Visitor’s card that gets you free public transport and small discounts on local attractions, including the gorge. 

4. Look for the Partnachklamm signs

Garmisch-Partenkirchen doesn’t cater as much to English speaking visitors as big cities like Munich, which is why the signs you spot will be mostly in German.

Don’t worry though, as you have probably figured out, Partnachklamm is the German name for Partnach Gorge, so just be on the lookout for signs that say “Partnachklamm” and follow them.

5. Know that the gorge isn’t quickly accessible from the Garmisch-Partenkirchen train station

To access the Partnach Gorge from the main train station, you’ll have to do quite a bit of walking, so be prepared for that.

Alternatively, you can catch a bus closer to the gorge and then walk. See the section above for more detailed directions on how to reach the gorge from the train station.

6. If visiting Partnachklamm in the winter, get your expectations straight: they might be closed

While the gorge is still open during winter time, know that they reserve the right to close up shop at any time if the conditions get dangerous (which can happen rather unexpectedly), so prepare yourself for the worst case scenario.

I recently tried to visit in the winter time (after seeing how epic it looked with ice) but to my dismay, it was completely closed.

So, to avoid being totally crushed like me, I highly recommend you  check their website for any closure announcements before leaving (the site is in German, so turn on that Google translate!)

If you see a yellow button on the right sidebar that says “Partnachklamm Geschlossen”, that means it’s closed.

As magical as all the waterfalls are, the flip side is it gets REALLY slippery and wet in there, so only bring shoes you’d be comfortable walking/hiking in. Don’t be that girl I saw struggling in stilettos.

7. Wear waterproof clothes

There’s water trickling down all over the place, so you’re bound to get wet! Because of the way the walkways are carved into the rock, umbrellas are not practical at all. Bring something waterproof (with a hood) to avoid misery.

8. If you’re not good with the dark, bring a flashlight or headlamp

I’m not typically too scared of the dark, but there were moments when I could barely see anything going through the walkways and it really freaked me out.

I would highly recommend bringing a flashlight if you can.

Otherwise, they also have headlamps for rent on site as well.

Hiking at Garmisch Gorge

Partnachklamm is known as the starting point of a lot of scenic hikes, some short, and others that are absurdly strenuous (like going all the way up to Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak!)

If you want to visit the gorge while also indulging in a longer hike, there are tons of options.

Click here to read the gorge’s English brochure, which lists some hike options at the end.

I hope you found this guide to Partnach Gorge helpful!

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask away in the comments! 

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11 thoughts on “The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Incredible Partnachklamm (Garmisch Gorge)”

I had not even known about this place – just the name scares me, haha, it’s so hard to spell and pronounce! The Garmisch Gorge looks like such an awesome hike, though! – Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog https://charmainenyw.com

Stunning photos, this looks like a beautiful place. We’re heading to Garmisch-Partenkirchen next month and have seen Leutaschklamm gorge also – do you think they’re both worth a visit? Or is one better than the other?

Thank you for your blog on Partnach Gorge! It provided me with enough information for me to go there on my own, as no tour was available the date I was free. You provided all the information needed, and gave me confidence to do it solo. So worth making the effort to go! Absolutely beautiful!!!

How long does it take to walk through the gorge and back? Is this a reasonable day trip from Munich? We’ll likely be taking the train. Thanks!

Definitely doable as a day trip! Through the gorge and back won’t be more than an hour. Maybe more if you walk slowly and take lots of pics 😉 But either way, very easy to do as a day trip. Have fun!

Hi, thanks for the info! Do you think it’s worth going early in the morning? We are planning to go at the end of Sept 2019 but then the Bayern ticket can only be used after 9am?

The gorge is pretty at all times of the day – so long as you make it within the opening hours, any time is good! 🙂 No need to get there super early (plus the gorge might not even be open that early anyway haha) Hope that helps!

Dear Christina, I just want to say “Thanks” for the helpful information. I visited Partnach Gorge a few days ago with my wife via the Train then the Bus. No hassle and easy 🙂 Chin

Just went there today, to see it in its wintery glory. It was amazing! Thanks for the post, I never would have discovered this place without it.

Girl that’s it, i’m going :)) thank you for all the information and they should make an app with you cause in this one you’re better than maps :)) You just made me feel like i’ve already been there and know what i’m doing. Photos, details, cute little helpful stuff you wrote. Thank you very much, you are my pocket friend for wednesday cause i will visit this beauty.

Best wishes and enjoy life,

This comment totally made my day, Raluca!! Thanks so much and I hope you had a great time there 🙂

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How to visit the Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm) in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Last updated on August 25th, 2024

Visiting the Partnach Gorge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a MUST! And we’re sharing everything you need to know before you go. Tucked into Germany’s Bavarian Alps is the striking Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm). This 699 meter (0.5 mile) long gorge has been formed overtime by the vibrant Partnach River, which still rushes through its 86 meter (282 feet) tall walls.

And it is unlike anything we ever expected to see in Germany! As we wandered through the tunnels, along the bright blue river, and admired the waterfalls and icicles dripping down, we could’ve sworn we were in Banff National Park . Hiking through the Partnach Gorge was easily one of our favorite things we did in Garmisch-Partenkirchen . And in this guide we’re sharing everything you need to know to visit, including how to get there, buying tickets, and what to expect along the trail!

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Visiting the Partnach Gorge

How to get to the partnach gorge, partnach gorge trail stats, what to expect along the partnach gorge trail, bonus stop: grab lunch at a mountain hut, what to bring on the partnach gorge trail, looking for more things to do near the partnach gorge.

The Partnach Gorge is open year round , with its hours varying by month. June-September: Open from 8:00-20:00 October-May: Open from 8:00-18:00 The last admission for the day is 30 minutes before the gorge closes. We would suggest arriving even earlier than this, so you have plenty of time to explore!

The Partnach Gorge is wonderful to visit anytime of the year, with each season bringing a different experience. The summer, which is the busy season, will have beautiful weather, but also the highest crowds. Fall is the perfect time to visit to experience the beautiful fall foliage in the area and reduced crowds at the gorge. Winter turns the Partnach Gorge into a magical winter wonderland! The waterfalls that flow down the gorge walls may have turned to icicles and snow will line the trail to the gorge. Plus, you’ll experience less crowds! This is when we personally visited the Partnach Gorge and LOVED it! It is easily one of the best things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the winter . Spring is the shoulder season in the area, with the ski season ending and the hiking trails thawing from the winter. Visiting the Partnach Gorge in the spring will bring fewer crowds, plus less snow and ice. However, closures can be common during this time due to snow melt. Make sure to always check the current conditions before you go. It would be a bummer to arrive and find out that the Partnach Gorge is closed! 

Time of day

We highly suggest visiting the Partnach Gorge early to avoid crowds! On our visit to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the winter, we arrived right around the time they opened and it was pretty empty. But about an hour or so later, many larger groups were arriving. This made traveling back through the gorge, with two way traffic, a bit tight at times! It is especially busy in the summer. To avoid crowds, arrive before 10:30 or after 16:00!

Partnach Gorge entrance fees

As of writing this guide (August 2024), tickets cost 10 EUR* for adults and 5 EUR for children between 6-17, with discounts for locals and disabled guests. *If your accommodation offers you a Zugspitz Area Bayern Tirol guest card, Königscard, Zugspitzlandm or AlpenweltCard, then you can get your adult ticket for a slightly discounted price. Tickets can be purchased online or onsite through the ticket machines or at a cash counter. If you purchase online, you’ll receive an email that will contain a QR code. This is what you’ll scan to get through the turnstile. Since there is little to no cell service near the Partnach Gorge, make sure to save a screenshot of this QR code and email. The Partnach Gorge entrance ticket is good to use for one day. With your ticket you will be able to enter the gorge, exit out the back side, go and grab food at a hut (more on that later!) and then re-enter to walk out of the gorge.

Despite being a smaller mountain town, it is pretty easy to get around Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It’s not only walkable, but they also have a reliable bus system and taxis. And to get from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the Partnach Gorge, you have a few options!

Walk from town

The simplest (but longest) way to get to the Partnach Gorge from Garmisch-Partenkirchen is to walk there. There is a trail that starts near the train station called Geologische Lehrpfad . You’ll see nice trail signs along the way guiding you to the Olympic Stadium. It will take about 30 minutes to walk to the stadium from town. Then, you’ll follow the Partnachklamm Trail the rest of the way (~35 minutes), which we detail in the “what to expect section” coming up!

Bus to Olympic Stadium

To get there a little faster, take the bus in the direction of “Skistadion” from the Bahnhofßtrause Station to the Olympic Stadium . Look for Line 1 or 2. From there it is only a 35 minute walk to the beginning of the gorge. This is what we did when we visited the Partnach Gorge! But on the way back, we opted to walk back to town, since the bus schedule was limited. Plus, it’s a very nice walk, even on a cold and gray day!

Take a taxi

Taxis are also available to take you to the Olympic Stadium. You can find them near the train station or in other areas of town. Or you can ask your hotel or rental host to help you book one!

Drive your own car

If you have a rental car , you can drive most of the way. There is a paid parking lot for the Partnach Gorge at the Olympic Stadium, which should cost around 5 EUR. You’ll then walk from there, following the trail detailed below!

Mileage: There are a handful of different options to experience the Partnach Gorge.

• To just hike through the gorge (#1 on the map) it’s 4.2 km (2.6 miles) round trip. 
• To continue onto Kaiserschmarrn-Alm (#2 on the map) it’s 5.1 km (3.2 miles) round trip.
• And to continue to Eckbauer (#3 on the map) and take the cable car down, it’s 11.3 km (7 miles) round trip.

Elevation Gain: Depending on your route, here’s how much elevation you can expect to gain.

• To just hike through the gorge (#1 on the map) it’s 194 meters (636 feet).
• To  Kaiserschmarrn-Alm (#2 on the map) it’s 214 meters (702 feet).
• To Eckbauer (#3 on the map) and take the cable car down, it’s 564 meters (1,850 feet)

Difficulty: The walk from the Olympic Stadium through the Partnach Gorge is very easy and doable for all ages. If you continue past the gorge, it will get steeper and more difficult. How long does it take to hike?: From the Olympic Stadium through the Partnach Gorge it takes around 2-3 hours to complete. But if you want to continue further, you should plan to spend 4-5 hours. Is the Partnach Gorge dog friendly?: Dogs are allowed on a leash and do require a ticket, which costs 5 EUR .

Your hike to the Partnach Gorge begins at the Olympic Stadium, which is where the 1936 Winter Olympics were held. While here, make sure to pop in and see the impressive Olympic Ski Jump , which stands at a total height of 149 meters (488 feet). From here, look for signs for the Partnach Gorge or Partnachklamm. We found the signage to be amazing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. And what is nice is that they not only tell you the distance, but also the estimated time.

The rest of your walk to the entrance of the Partnach Gorge will take you through a beautiful small valley with a river, a few homes, plus mountain views ahead. In the winter, this walk will be a winter wonderland, while in the summer, we imagine it’s bursting with bright green grass. It is such a nice and easy walk!

After about 35 minutes, you’ll reach the Partnach Gorge ticket area. If you haven’t already, purchase your tickets here. There are also FREE restrooms here, so make sure to take advantage of these before entering the gorge.

From the ticket area, you will have a short walk along the river to get to turnstiles to enter into the gorge. You will need to scan your ticket (one person at a time) to get through. And then it’s time to officially enter the wondrous Partnach Gorge!  Back when the Partnach Gorge became a National Landmark in 1912, people had to risk their lives to go through the gorge. Today, there is an easy paved walkway, with railing, that is carved along the wall of the gorge.

As you make your way through the gorge, you’ll have rock walls towering over you, see waterfalls flowing off the side, and hear the roar of the bright blue river below. If you go in the winter, you may see icicles too! The path hops between walking right along the water and going through tunnels. These tunnels do have light sources, but can still be pretty dark. We thought they were a fun feature that really added to the experience!

The walkway can also be a bit bumpy and have puddles of water (plus water dripping on you from the walls), so make sure to bring some good shoes and a rain jacket.  After reaching the end, you’ll reach another turnstile. You can either turn around here and return the same way you came or continue on for a tasty treat. More on that next!

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is home to tons of mountain huts (we love Tannenhütte !), where you can grab food and a drink with a view. And along the Partnach Gorge trail you have the chance to visit a couple of them! The two we’d recommend visiting are Kaiserschmarrn-Alm and Eckbauer .

Kaiserschmarrn-Alm

Kaiserschmarrn-Alm is the easiest and quickest one to get to from the Partnach Gorge. After walking through the gorge, you can cross Eiserne Brücke over the gorge, which gives you a great view looking down into it!  Then, follow a path to the left, which will take you up to the hut. While here, make sure to try kaiserschmarrn, which are pieces of sweetened pancakes, topped with fruit or jam. Once you’re done, hike back the same way you came through the gorge.

If you’re up for a bigger adventure, continue onto Eckbauer. The trail up to this hut will gain quite a bit more elevation and has a lot of switchbacks. But the perk of going here is that you can take a cable car back down to the Olympic Stadium. Not only making your journey back easy, but also mega scenic! And if you’re feeling really fancy you can look into reserving a white sausage and beer to eat on the cable car ride down!  During our visit, the last part of the Partnach Gorge was closed due to damage, so we couldn’t go to either hut, at least by hiking through the gorge. Instead, we grabbed lunch in town at Bräustüberl Garmisch , which was delicious!

Rain jacket

The Partnach Gorge can be a VERY wet experience. The gorge walls were dripping with water. At times it seemed like it was raining! This meant that our heads, clothes, and feet got wet. So having a rain jacket with us was very helpful! Adam wears a LL Bean Trail Model Rain Jacket and Kathryn wears a Patagonia Torrentshell Women’s Waterproof Jacket .

As we’ve mentioned, the pavement isn’t all that smooth and there can be rocks, roots, and other hazards along the walk to the gorge. Plus, it is often wet! You’ll want to wear good sturdy shoes so you don’t trip or slip. We both love and highly recommend Altra trail runners !

Tourist (GaPa) card

If you haven’t purchased your tickets online, you can bring your GaPa card with you to get your tickets at a discounted price. Every accommodation will likely include this card for you to use which will give you free access to public transportation in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and discounts at places and activities around town.

Prohibited items in the Partnach Gorge

Since the pathway is very narrow, wheelchairs and strollers are not allowed. Also, drones are prohibited in and around the gorge. 

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the best mountain towns in Germany! If you’re looking for fun activities before or after the Partnach Gorge, we have a whole guide with the 15 best things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen . Plus tips on where to eat and stay! It’s geared toward a winter visit, but everything that can be done in the winter can be enjoyed in most other seasons (except snow activities of course)! We also recommend checking out the nearby town of Füssen which is home to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle !

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A Complete Partnach Gorge Hike Guide | Partnachklamm Bavaria

By: Author Charles

Posted on October 25, 2023

The Partnach Gorge or Partnachklamm is one of the main highlights when visiting the Bavarian town of Garmisch Partenkirchen.

Walking the pathway between the narrow gorge walls with the turquoise water down below is sure to be a highlight during your time in the region.

This guide will dive into the Partnach Gorge hike and how to take part of it for yourself.

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1) Partnach Gorge Parking & Directions

Getting to the gorge is simple enough once you have made it to Garmisch Partenkirchen. All you need to do is get to the Olympic Ski Jump area, and make the 20 minute walk to the gorge entrance from there.

You will have the choice between driving your own car, walking by foot, or heading there by bus.

If driving your car, simply go right to the parking lot of the Olympic Ski Jump Stadium. The parking lot here is both for those visiting the ski jump as well as the Partnach Gorge.

Renting a Car : When it comes to renting a car around Germany, I would highly recommend checking out Rentalcars.com for potential options. By going through Rentalcars.com, you will have the chance to compare car prices among a variety of rental companies, and choose the best option for you.

Another option (whether you have a car or not), is to walk on over from wherever you are staying in town .

Some hotels may just be a few minutes away from the parking lot while others may be closer to half an hour. But if you are not in the rush and want to stroll through the town, then walking over is a great option for you.

From the train station in Garmisch Partenkirchen you can hop on the local bus (lines 1 and 2) that will take you to the ski jump.

The bus also makes some other stops in town along the way depending on where you are staying.

Now, once you are at the Olympic Ski Jump Stadium area, you will then need to walk along a paved 20 minute pathway towards the entrance of the Partnachklamm.

From there you can head on in and enjoy the remainder of the Partnach Gorge hike and the beautiful surrounding scenery.

2) Partnachklamm Location

Below is a Google Maps view of Partnachklamm, along with several other points of interest I will mention throughout this overview.

The main route is highlighted in blue as you walk from the parking lot, to the gorge entrance (starred down), and then to the end of the gorge (starred down again) before turning back around (or taking part of a longer hike).

Once you arrive at the parking lot though, you will see signs pointing you out in the right direction.

3) Hours & Cost

The great thing about the Partnach Gorge is that it is open year round (yes even in winter!). Below is an hours & fees breakdown for the gorge:

Partnach Gorge Hours

• October to May : 8:00AM to 6:00PM
• June to September : 8:00AM to 8:00PM

The last admission to the gorge is 30 minutes prior to closing time.

Helpful Tip : To avoid the crowds I would recommend arriving very early in the day or later on in the evening before sunset. The gorge is one of the most popular places to visit in the area and it can get crowded during the daytime on those narrow pathways.

Partnach Gorge Fees

• Adults : 7.50 Euro
• Adults (with valid visitors’ card) : 6 Euro
• GP Residents : 6 Euro
• Adult Group (15+ people) : 6.50 Euro
• Handicapped Visitor : 5 Euro
• Children (6-17 years old) : 3 Euro
• Dog : 2 Euro

Please use the online ticketing system to purchase tickets for the Partnach Gorge

Partnach Gorge Notes

Along with the hours and prices, here are some other notes for visitors that are on the entrance sign to the gorge:

• Please leash your dog
• Please do not take along canoes, bikes, strollers or other bulky items
• User of wheelchairs cannot pass through

Learn More : If you enjoy the Partnachklamm, you may also enjoy reading all about the Hollentalklamm Gorge

4) Partnach Gorge Duration

Since this is a back and forth hike, you will need to walk the path from the parking lot to the gorge twice. Below is a little bit of a breakdown:

• Parking Lot to Gorge Entrance : 20 Minutes (1.8 km / 1.1 miles)
• Partnach Gorge Round Trip : 40 Minutes (1.9 km / 1.2 miles)
• Gorge Entrance to Parking Lot : 20 Minutes (1.8 km / 1.1 miles)

Altogether the Partnach Gorge hike should take around 80 minutes (1 hour & 20 minutes) round trip and will be around 5.5 km / 3.4 miles of walking.

Bavaria Itinerary : Take part of the Partnach Gorge hike as part of a longer Bavaria Road Trip

5) The Partnach Gorge Hike

Now that your have some solid background about the gorge, let’s get into the Partnach Gorge hike and what it entails.

When I visited the gorge, I actually did it as part of the hike up to Zugspitze mountain. Since I had a long day of hiking ahead, I was able to visit the gorge right at opening time, 6:00AM (now 8:00AM).

As you will see in the photos, it was still a bit dark out as the sun was just rising, however it was great to visit the gorge with no one else around.

The first portion of trail will take you from the parking lot to the gorge entrance on an easy 20 minute paved trail.

Once you reach the entrance, you can go ahead, purchase your tickets (now can be purchased online ahead of time) and enter the tunnel entryway from there.

Once inside, you will be welcomed to a turquoise river flowing down between the massive 263 foot / 80 meter gorge walls on either side of you. The pathway itself is relatively flat with a roped fence for safety reasons.

As you continue along, the gorge walls will become even closer together – just a few feet apart. The pathway here is actually etched into the gorge wall as you walk through this narrow passageway.

Above you there may be some light waterfalls, falling off the side of the wall and onto the path below. Due to this, the pathway can get wet at times so do watch your step as you are making your way through.

Although I just got a few drops here or there, you may want to consider bringing shoes/clothes that you don’t mind getting wet.

The Partnachklamm will be a beautiful contrast of dark rock alongside green flora grown on the walls, and the turquoise water roaring through down below.

After about 20 minutes or so, you will exit the gorge and be welcomed to a wider river surrounding by the forest on either side.

Depending on how much time you have, you can continue along the river for a bit before turning back around.

In order to get back to the parking lot, you will just want to head back in the same way you came as you get to experience the gorge from the other direction and then back on the pathway to the Olympic Ski Jump.

6) Alternative Routes Back

Now, instead of just making this a simple out & back hike, there are ways to extend Partnach Gorge into a longer adventure. Just past the gorge’s exit, there is a pathway on the left hand side that takes you up to Graseck, Eckbauer, and Wamberg.

All of these options are highlighted on the map that I included earlier on in this overview. Depending on your interest, you can choose from one of the options below:

Hike to Graseck & Take Graseckbahn

This is the shortest alternative option. After making it through the gorge, make the walk up to Graseck, which is just about 1.1 km / 0.7 miles away.

Once there, you will see the Graseckbahn, a small cable car that quickly takes you back down just past the Partnach entrance. It is then another 15 minutes following the same path back to the parking lot.

Hike to Eckbauer & Take Eckbauerbahn

Another cable car option is the Eckbauerbahn. But to get there, you must make the 3.5 km / 2.2 mile uphill climb from the gorge’s exit, past Graseck, and onto Eckbauer.

After getting yourself up, you can enjoy a nice meal or drink before taking the cable car straight back down to the Olympic Ski Jump parking lot.

Hike Back via Eckbauer

Now, instead of taking the cable car down from Eckbauer, you can also hike down to the parking lot. Altogether, from the gorge’s exit expect a 7.0 km / 4.3 mile hike that heads up to the high point around Eckbauer, and then back down to the parking lot.

Hike Back via Wamberg

For those looking for an even longer hiking experience, you can also hike back via Wamberg. The trail is essentially an extension of the prior route mentioned. Instead of following the trail down from Eckbauer, you can make a longer loop that includes Wamberg.

The total hike from the exit of the gorge comes in at 8.8 km / 5.5 miles.

All said and done, you really cannot go wrong here. Either just enjoy the back & forth hike through the gorge, add on a cable car, or take part of a longer loop.

7) Partnach Gorge in Winter

While I didn’t visit the gorge during the winter time, I would highly recommend a visit if you do happen to be there during those months.

Instead of having waterfalls coming off the side of the gorge walls, you will be welcomed to beautiful icicles taking over the gorge as you make your way through.

On top of that, the winter offers the chance to go on a guided torchlit hike through the gorge as you light up the gorge and the surrounding ice during the evening time.

In order to sign up for a torch lit hike, you will need to call to register. There are a few numbers to choose from listed out below:

8) Partnachklamm to Zugspite

As mentioned earlier, when I visited the gorge, I did so as part of the hike up to the tallest mountain in Germany – Zugspitze.

The total hiking time from the parking lot to the summit is around 8-10 hours so this should only be attempted if you are comfortable with such a hike. Many people also decide to split the hike up into 2 days by sleeping in one of the mountain huts along the way.

If this is something you are interested in, once you exit the gorge, you simply just need to continue on the pathway down the valley and you will come across signs pointing you in the right direction as you progress through the hike.

The hike will take you along the river, through the valley, and slowly up the side of the Zugspitze. Once near the top, you will pass by some glaciers, as you then make the final scramble to the top of Germany.

Learn More : I would recommend checking out the Zugspitze Reintal Route Guide that goes into much more detail about the hike to learn more.

9) Where to Stay

The town of Garmisch Partenkirchen is full of hotels and guesthouses that are frequented both in the winter months for skiing and the summer months for hiking.

Below are some highly rated options that you can choose from when taking part of hiking trails around the area:

• Luxury: Obermühle 4*S Boutique Resort | Hotel Zugspitze
• Mid Range: Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten | Biohotel Garmischer Hof
• Budget: Hostel der Athleten | moun10 Jugendherberge

That about wraps up the Partnach Gorge hike and how to take part of the Partnachklamm for yourself.

Be sure to also check out the other Bavaria itineraries & guides including the best things to do in Garmisch Partenkirchen .

If you do have any questions feel free to write them in below. Have fun out there and safe travels!

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Wednesday 12th of July 2023

Hello - We would like to take the cablecar to Bergstation Eckbauerbhan and then walk down the gorge. Is this possible and if so, how?

Hi Linda - I believe this is possible. There is a hiking trail that connects Eckbauer with the gorge (take a look on AllTrails for a few options). I would however recommend double checking once you arrive if you are allowed to do it in this direction.

Thursday 8th of September 2022

I have read where you have to take an alternative trail that heads up and around the gorge since you cannot make the turnaround in the gorge any more, what is the name of that trail-how difficult is it? How long will it take? On the parks website they mention Hiking through the Partnachklamm Gorge and back via Mount Graseck? Is this trail still an option? How difficult is it? Thanks in advance for your answers

Hi Linda - I just rechecked their website and it seems like the one way rule is no longer in place (for the time being at least). If you would like to understand the latest rules and regulations, I would recommend reaching out directly to the Partnach Gorge / Garmisch tourism board. Enjoy the trip!

Hiking route

Hike through the partnachklamm gorge and back via mount graseck, this easy circular tour leads you through the impressing nature of the partnachklamm gorge - a unique adventure for the whole family.  , characteristics, best seasons, tour in numbers.

lowest point

highest point

impressions

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