The majestic presence of nature can be felt through your skin, when you arrive at the Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm). I came across the natural monument quite by accident, when I discovered a flyer in a coffee shop in Austria. Yet the leaflet couldn’t do justice in portraying the enormous beauty of the place. As you walk through the narrow tracks beside the roar of the waterfalls, and above the turbulent yet crystal clear aqua blue river, you find you are just overtaken by the scenery. A sense of calm transcends, as if a spell has been waved upon you, and everyone is lost in their own battle of memorising and soaking in the beauty.
Once you have walked through to the widening of the gorge, you have two options available to you. The first is either to wander through the same path back or secondly to keep left and hike the round route track. I recommend the latter, especially with energetic kids. The trail snakes through a wooded hill with plenty of opportunities to take a pause. On arrival at the top, a smile and relief usually spreads across your face when you see the Kaiserschmarrn Alm. Inside and on sunny days outside, you are welcomed for a refreshing drink, a meal or naturally the traditional Kaiserschmarrn (sweet dessert – scrambled pancake) with a beautiful view of the natural landscape and cows. Once you are all tanked up you can stroll back down along the path that runs beside the hut. On route you will encounter a sign directing you to the iron bridge for amazing perspectives and further on you are able to take the Gondola ride back down to the base.
Location
Garmisch Partenkirchen lies south-west of Munich. It is roughly an hours drive on the A95, then on the B2 in the direction of Mittelwalder Road and towards the old Olympicstadion. The park place has ample space and the parking is free. There are also toilets available at the car park for a small charge. The walk to the gorge is roughly about 25 mins. However, for a small modest fee, you can take a nostalgic, romantic horse and cart ride from the park site, to the entrance of the gorge.
Costs and opening times
Prices:
- Adults : 6 Euros
- Local Residents: 5 Euros.
- Children from 3- 17 years of age : 3 Euros
- Groups of 15+ : costs 5 Euros
- Visitors with certain disabilities : 4 Euros
Times:
- Opens daily –
- June – September 8:00 – 20:00 hrs
- October – May 8:00 – 18:00 hrs
- Last Entry permitted 30 mins before closing
- The Partnach Gorge will be reopened with Covid-19 restrictions. Masks and social distancing regulations should be followed
- Please be aware that closures can occur on short notice due to safety reasons
Please note the gorge can be closed suddenly if the conditions are considered dangerous.
Tips and Restrictions
- It is advisable to always wear good sturdy solid footwear even in hot weather. Often trails are quite slippery from the waterfalls or sudden rain.
- Waterproof clothing is advised even in summer as water can seep out of the cliff face and rocks.
- Bikes, Strollers, Wheelchairs and Canoes are NOT permitted.
- Dogs should be on a leash at all times.
- Don’t forget sunscreen. Advisable if you take the round track!
