Partnach Gorge Hike (Partnachklamm) in Bavaria Germany

Where is the Partnach Gorge?

The Partnach gorge is better known as the Partnachklamm in German, so look out for this name when you are navigating there.

It's located in the Reintal valley in the South German Bavarian district Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This is near the Austrian border.

Why is it special?

The Partnach gorge is a tight rocky gorge, which was naturally formed over a million of years by rain and a mountain stream. The walk through the gorge takes place on the right side, right next to a crystal clear mountain stream.

The whole gorge is about 700 meters long and was proclaimed a natural monument in 1912.

In older times, the pathway was used to take tree logs from the mountains to the towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen.

The logs were thrown into the river and drifted downwards. Accidents were not uncommon, and many men died in the gorge. Memorial plaques remember those brave locals.

Tourists started to visit the gorge in 1912. The two towns, Garmisch and Partenkirchen, were merged by Hitler in 1935 into one city. That was when the Winter Olympics were held there, and the gorge's popularity increased.

What to expect?

You will mostly start your walk at the Olympic ski stadium (three large ski jumping ramps) because that's where the parking lot and local bus stand are.

From there you walk in the direction of the Partnachklamm, which is a flat 30-minute walk. Visible signboards help with the direction along the way, so you can't get lost.

Then you get to the ticketing counter and the entry point of the gorge.

The gorge is tight, wet, a bit slippery, and uneven but stunning. You walk along the Partnach river rapids on the right side. Occasionally, you walk through pitch-black tunnels.

The walk ends after 20–30 minutes, and there will be enough other hikers taking the same walk.

From there you can choose to walk back or continue the hike.

Gear to get

• Hiking shoes — it can get slippery, and the ground is naturally uneven.
• Warm Clothes — yep, it gets cold, and water splashes everywhere, so you might appreciate a raincoat too.
• Travel Insurance — for obvious reasons.

When to Visit?

The Partnach Gorge is a popular tourist destination in the Bavarian Alps.

We visited at the end of September on a weekday, Tuesday to be more precise, at 10 am, and the place was already full of people. The gorge will be all the more busy on a weekend in July or August.

I recommend that you come on a weekday, either early morning first thing or after 3 pm.

The gorge can be visited all year round. It can happen that it is briefly closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and dangerous conditions or in summer during the flood season. Check with the Tourism department.

There is no best time to visit the Partnachklamm because all seasons are beautiful.

• Spring — The trees are blooming, and the snowmelt water is gushing down the gorge. It can get rather cold, so get dressed well.
• Summer — The gorge is a great place to hang out during hot summer days. It's nice and cool between those rocks.
• Autumn —Yes, it's getting colder, but the colorful, vibrant tree leaves make it look like a surreal zen adventure.
• Winter — It's an ice world wonderland and truly an ice-cold but worthwhile spectacle.

Opening Hours

This is one of the only gorges in the region (and even across the border), that you can visit in winter. Most gorges are closed from October to May.

The Partnach gorge is open from:

June to September – 8 am to 8 pm

October to May – 8 am to 6 pm

Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.

Entry Fees

Here are the admission fees for 2025.

• Adults: €10
• Adults with guest cards (Gästekarte for those with accommodation in the region): €9
• Children (6-17 years old): €5.00
• Handicapped individual (you need to show your badge): €5.00
• Dogs (only on a leash): €5.00

Groups the size of 15 PAX onwards can get a group discount for a fee of €9 per adult and €4 per child. Larger groups should contact the tourism department or the Partnach Gorge to announce themselves.

The entry fee can be paid right at the entry to the gorge at a counter or paying pod. At the ticketing counter, they take cash and cards.

You can also get the tickets online in advance to skip the ticketing queue. A QR code is sent to your mobile, and you just need to scan it at the turning gate.

Getting There & Parking

You have various options to get to the Partnach gorge. By train, car, bus, or cycle.

The train station is located in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and from there you can take a taxi to the gorge, or you can walk for 30 minutes to the Olympia Stadium. (it's a straight walk.).

If you come by car, you can park at the Olympic ski jump stadium. That's your only parking option, by the way; I explored them all.

The Olympia stadium parking is pay parking, but the fee is reasonable.

You can also take the bus line 1 or 2. The bus stop is at the Olympic stadium.

From the Olympia ski stadium to the gorge ticketing center and entry point, it's another 30-minute walk. Most people walk, and the second option is to hire a horse carriage (only available in peak season).

The easiest way to get up to the Partnach Gorge is with mountain bikes or e bikes. You can leave and lock your cycle at the ticketing counter.

Sample 1-Day Itinerary

Option one is more suitable during the warmer season months. Option two can be done any time of the year.

Tip: The walk from the Olympia Stadium to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is just 20 minutes long.

Things to know before visiting

• The walk through the gorge is family-friendly and also ok with small children, but you still need to be careful.
• It can get freezing in the gorge, and you may get a bit wet due to the waterfalls. We didn't need a raincoat, but you may prefer walking around with one. BUT always bring a jacket with you.
• The gorge cannot be accessed with strollers or wheelchairs. There are no ramps, in fact, it's a rocky, very uneven pathway. They are planning to make the gorge more accessible in the future.
• Some places along the pathway take you through caves, and it can get super dark. You may want to turn on your phone torch if you stumble easily.
• Dogs are welcome but have to be on a leash.
• It's a tight pathway, and if you are not used to this, then take it easy.
• Visitors can walk again up and down, two ways.
• You don't get phone range there. Load your online ticket on your phone while you still have range.
• Be considerate of other visitors.

FAQs

Places to see nearby

Here are some other places worthwhile exploring nearby. Traveling by car in the mountains is easier so that you can add those destinations to your itinerary.

• Zugspitze — Just located outside the city, this is Germany's highest mountain top. It borders Austria, and you can get there in a cable car.
• Lake Eibsee — a relaxing, beautiful lake to hang out at.
• Mittenwald, Oberammergau, and Wallgau — Visit these authentic Bavarian villages to experience the real local life.
• Kuhfluchtwasserfälle — three steep waterfalls worth visiting if you love nature.
• Ettal Abbey — A Benedictine monastery. They have a distillery there too.
• Linderhof palace — One of the three world-renowned palaces built by the late Bavarian king.