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No trip to the Bavarian Alps is complete without visiting Partnachklamm, the beautiful alpine gorge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Below you can find everything you need to know about visiting!
If you’re planning a visit to the gorgeous Bavaria region in Germany, then a visit to Partnachklamm (Partnach Gorge) in Garmisch-Partenkirchen should be high on your travel list. Nestled in the picturesque Bavarian Alps, this stunning gorge offers an unforgettable experience with its dramatic cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and serene alpine scenery.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about visiting Partnachklamm. From answering frequently asked questions to providing essential information, discover how to navigate the hiking trails, the best time to visit, what to pack for your journey, and important statistics to help you prepare. In addition, I’ll share recommendations for nearby accommodations to ensure your trip planning is a breeze. The Partnach Gorge is easily accessible, allowing you to marvel at this natural wonder for a very low effort.
Walking through Partnachklamm is an adventure that promises breathtaking views and a deep connection with nature. The towering rock walls and the roaring Partnach River create a mesmerizing backdrop for your hike. Along the way, you’ll encounter scenic views that will make you want to take out your camera to capture it all.
Visiting Partnachklamm has been a dream of mine ever since I heard about its natural beauty, and I hope this post inspires you to add this incredible destination to your itinerary.
FAQs about Partnachklamm
Where is Partnachklamm?
Partnachklamm, also known as Partnach Gorge, is located by Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a picturesque town in the Bavarian Alps of southern Germany. This area is popular for its beautiful hikes during the summer time and ski slopes in the winter. The gorge is carved by the Partnach River, creating a dramatic and scenic route through steep rock walls and cascading waterfalls.
Is Partnachklamm open all year round?
Yes, Partnachklamm is open to visitors all year round. Each season will offer a unique perspective of the gorge’s beauty. In the summer, visitors can enjoy lush greenery and the powerful flow of the river. During winter, the gorge transforms into a magical icy wonderland, with frozen waterfalls and icicles adorning the rock walls. However, it’s important to check for any weather-related closures or maintenance work before planning your visit, as conditions can sometimes affect accessibility. You can find the official opening times here.
This post is all about how to visit Partnachklamm (Partnach Gorge).
Visiting Partnachklamm – Important Information
Location: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.
Elevation: ~1,200 meters.
Allowed: Dogs (on a leash).
Not Allowed: Camping, picking plants, walking off trail, drones, smoking, disposing of waste, strollers and walkers, loud noise.
Disclaimer: You are likely to get wet while exploring Partnachklamm so make sure to wear waterproof clothes and a rain cover on your backpack!
How to get to Partnachklamm
By car:
If you are heading to Partnachklamm by car, set your navigation system to the “Olympia-Skistadion” in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Weirdly enough, the parking lot here is huge but not marked on Google Maps, so the easiest way to find it is to drive to the stadium. The parking lot is fairly large so you should be able to find a parking spot without a problem. However, this parking lot is used by hikers for a variety of routes in the area and tourists visiting the Olympic Stadium, not only for Partnachklamm. Therefore, I would recommend arriving before 9 AM to secure your spot.
Parking at the Olympic Stadium should cost around 5€ for a day ticket. Please note that these prices are of course subject to change with every season.
By public transport:
Guest cards are given to tourists who stay in the region of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and are provided by hotels, guesthouses, and even Airbnb. These cards will grant you free access to the bus system in the area, as well as give you some discounts at the various attractions. This means that getting to Partnachklamm by public transport is both convenient and budget-friendly! If you are relying on public transport during your trip, then I highly recommend staying in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This is the main town in the region, so all trains and buses will either depart from here or pass through.
From Garmisch-Partenkirchen Hbf, you can take either bus number 2 (direction of Klinikum) or 9618 (direction of Wallgau) to the Olympic Stadium. If you choose bus number 2, it will take you directly to the stadium and take around 15 minutes. Alternatively, if you take bus 9618 get off at the bus stop called “Wildenauer Straße”, and simply walk 7 minutes to the stadium. Please note that buses are not very frequent and only run every hour or so.
If you want to skip the bus altogether, you can also walk to the start of the trail from the central railway station. Expect the walk to take just under half an hour.
When to visit Partnachklamm
Partnachklamm is open to visitors year-round, offering a unique and captivating experience in every season. The gorge typically operates from early morning to late afternoon, with specific opening hours varying slightly depending on the season and weather conditions. I have outlined the general opening hours below, however, it’s always a good idea to check the official website before your visit in case this changes.
Typical opening times:
June to September: 8 AM to 8 PM
October to May: 8 AM to 6 PM
The last admission into Partnachklamm is 30 minutes before it closes for the day.
Best time to visit:
While the best time to visit Partnachklamm will highly depend on the experience you are looking for, below is a little bit of information about what you can expect in each season.
Spring (March to May)
Spring brings powerful, rushing water from melting snow and blooming flora, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape. Temperatures are mild, but some paths may be slippery, so proper footwear is recommended.
Summer (June to August)
Summer offers warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and lush greenery, making it perfect for photography. It is peak tourist season, so visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn features cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage, providing a picturesque and less crowded experience. Be prepared for variable weather, as early snowfall can affect trail conditions.
Winter (December to February)
Winter transforms the gorge into an icy wonderland with frozen waterfalls and icicles. Paths can be slippery, so wear appropriate winter gear. Check for weather-related closures as heavy snowfall can impact accessibility.
Entrance fees:
When planning a visit to Partnachklamm, you can either reserve a ticket online or buy it when you arrive. If you choose to buy a ticket online then you will have to commit to the date you would like to visit, however, they do not ask for a specific time. You can find the online ticket system here. Please note that online tickets are non-refundable, therefore I would recommend simply buying the ticket when you arrive in case you change your plans.
A regular ticket to Partnachklamm costs 10€. If you have a guest card then you will get a small discount and it will cost you 9€. Tickets for children between the ages of 6-17 years and disabled people are half-priced (5€). Also, if you choose to visit with your dog, please note that you will also need to purchase a “dog ticket” which costs 5€ as well. You can pay with both cash and card and the ticket machine is located just before the entrance to the gorge.
Partnachklamm hiking details
Before going into a more detailed guide of how to hike through Partnachklamm I have added some general statistics below! This guide focuses solely on visiting Partnachklamm (Partnach Gorge). After the hiking guide below, you will find a list of recommended activities and other hikes in the area to combine with your visit.
The hike through Partnachklamm itself is quite short as the gorge is around 800 meters. Although this part of the trail will only take around 20 minutes, there is a short trail you must follow from the parking lot.
Distance: ~ 5 km in total.
Difficulty: Very Easy.
Time needed: 1.5 – 2 hours in total including taking pictures.
Elevation gain: ~ 135 meters.
Type of trail: Out-and-back (same trail).
Hiking Directions to Partnachklamm
(step-by-step guide)
Parking lot to Partnch Gorge entrance
From the parking lot head over to the “Partnachlodge” where you will find the start of the trail heading to the gorge. On the way, make sure to take a moment to admire the impressive ski slope used in the Winter Olympics that have been held here. The Winter Games were held here in 1936 just before the Second World War broke out, while Hitler and the Third Reich were in power. This just goes to show how sprinkles of the fascinating and often dark German history can be found all over the country, in the most unexpected places.
Once you make it to the lodge, you will see a road called Wildenauer Straße which will take you to the beginning of the Partnach Gorge in Bavaria. It’s a 1.5 km easy hike to reach the entrance of Partnachklamm, so expect this part to take anywhere between 20-25 minutes. Once you reach the entrance, you will find the ticket machine and public bathroom before you enter. As already mentioned above, the ticket machine accepts both cash and card!
Partnachklamm hiking trail
Once you enter the Partnach Gorge, you will immediately be treated to some of the best views in Bavaria. The scenic views at Partnachklamm include a crystal clear and powerful river snaking between tall rocks. You may even be able to see some waterfalls along the route! Overall, the gorge itself is around 800 meters in length and takes roughly 20 minutes to complete (out and back). Make sure to take your time exploring this insane natural phenomenon, as it will be over before you know it.
There are a couple of things to note while hiking through the Partnach Gorge. You are prone to get wet due to the many waterfalls to be found along the trail. I highly recommend wearing waterproof clothing and at the minimum a raincoat. In addition, if you choose to bring your backpack along, consider using a rain cover for your bag to ensure your belongings stay dry and safe!
One of the coolest features of this trail is that you walk through trails that have been carved into the rock, so you are essentially walking through a tunnel. This is such an amazing experience and it is part of what makes the scenic views at Partnachklamm so special. While they are typically well-lit, consider bringing a flashlight with you or having your phone ready to light up the way just in case. The trail in these tunnels is typically extra slippery so take your time.
Once you have reached the end of the Patnachklamm Gorge hiking trail, simply turn around and head back the same way to reach the parking lot. Overall, I would recommend planning to spend 2 hours in total at Partnachklamm. Below you can read about other attractions nearby to visit afterwards.
Things to do near Partnachklamm
Lake Eibsee
Eibsee is one of the prettiest lakes in all of Germany and is an absolute must-see attraction while in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen area. Reaching the lake is fairly easy as it’s just a 16-minute drive from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. If you would like to arrive by public transport then it will take you around 50 minutes. The best thing to do at Eibsee is hike around the lake for the most incredible views in Bavaria. Additionally, it’s allowed to swim and paddleboard here, so plan to spend a couple of hours enjoying yourself here. If you want to visit Lake Eibsee, check out my blog post with everything you need to know about visiting!
Read more: How to visit Lake Eibsee, Germany
Zugspitze
Zugspitze is the tallest mountain in Germany, making it one of the most iconic attractions in the Bavarian Alps. To reach the summit of the Zugspitze you can either hike up or take the cable car. The hike is challenging and it takes around 8-10 hours (20 km one way) to reach the top. Make sure to properly research the route before attempting to hike up Germany’s tallest mountain! Alternatively, you can take the cable car up to the summit. The tickets are quite expensive, so this may not be the ideal activity for everyone. For more information regarding the opening hours and prices click here.
Grainau
Grainau is a cute little alpine town located near Lake Eibsee. It lies at the foot of the Zugspitze and offers a beautiful view of the mountain. The town has many great guest houses, but one of the best spots to check out here is a church. The St. Johannes church is a beautiful spot to visit here for its postcard-worthy view.
Höllentalklamm
Translated into “Valley of Hell”, the Höllentalklamm is a must-visit spot in the area, located right by Grainau. This gorge offers a unique experience that every visitor should check out for themselves. Make sure to bring a rain jacket if you don’t want to get wet, and consider putting on a rain cover for your bag as well. The entrance fee is around 6 euros per person, but it’s definitely worth it in my opinion. Please note that the gorge is only open seasonally from late May until late October. For updates on the gorge and opening times check out the official website here.
Geroldsee
Geroldsee is definitely a hidden gem in the Bavarian Alps but it is located quite close to Garmisch-Partenkirchen making it super easy to visit! It takes just 12 minutes to drive there by car and you can even take a bus there which will take you around 30 minutes. If you choose to arrive by car, note that some of the roads in the village are closed off to tourists, so just try to find a parking lot as close to the exit as possible. From there, its a quick 15-20 hike to the lake itself. I highly recommend coming when the visibility is good as then you can see the mountains in the background.
Where to stay when visiting Partnachklamm
When planning a visit to Partnachklamm (Partnach Gorge) I highly recommend staying in the central town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This may be the largest town in the area, but it’s also absolutely gorgeous! It gives off such charming alpine vibes and has many sleeping options to suit all budgets. Additionally, this is the largest town in the area, so if you are relying on public transportation, this will be the best place to base yourself during a visit.
Best mid-range hotel: Werdenfelserei
Best luxury hotel: Obermühle 4*S Boutique Resort
That concludes my guide on how to visit Partnachklamm (Partnach Gorge). This is one of the most spectacular attractions in all of Germany so make sure you don’t leave it out of your itinerary. While the gorge itself offers some beautiful views, the whole area around Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a nature lovers’ haven. I hope this guide and the nearby attractions have helped you plan your upcoming trip!
