By Vicky · Published Aug. 28th, 2023
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The popular Partnachklamm Gorge Hike is known for its stunning trail running through a narrow gorge carved by the Partnach River.
Partnachklamm Gorge Hike Map
Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.
Location
Partnachklamm Gorge Parking
The Partnachklamm Gorge Hike starts from the large car park at the Olympia-Skistadion (Olympic Ski Stadium) on the edge of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Partnachklamm from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Munich on Public Transport
It’s easy to reach the gorge on public transport. Buses leave from Garmisch-Partenkirche train station. The Number 2 bus goes directly to the car park at the Olympic Ski Stadium, while several other buses (9608/9618) Wildenauer Straße bus stop (a 3-minute walk from the car park). From Munich, you can either take the train or the direct FlixBus*.
Tips
- The gorge is open 8am-8pm June-Sept, and 8am-6pm Oct-May. Tickets cost €7.50/3 per adult/child.
- In summer, especially on weekends, the gorge can get very crowded. Ideally, arrive at opening time or set off after 4pm to avoid the crowds.
- If you want to stay nearby, there are plenty of accommodation options in Garmisch-Partenkirchen*.
- When walking through Partnachklamm Gorge, there are some dark tunnels where you might want to use the torch on your phone or bring a headlight.
- This route is not suitable for prams or pushchairs. If you’re carrying a baby in a rucksack, be very careful of the low-hanging rocks.
- There are public toilets in the car park (sometimes dirty) which cost €0.50 – you must have exact change. Alternatively, there are more public toilets next to Partnachlodge which cost €1.00 and are sometimes cleaner.
- There are several Alms, or mountain huts, along the route which serve food and drink.
- The Partnachklamm Gorge hike is relatively easy. The trail is well-maintained and mostly consists of wooden walkways, bridges, and tunnels. It’s suitable for hikers of all ages and fitness levels, though if you want to avoid all uphill, read the next point.
- If you want a shorter walk with no uphill, don’t leave the gorge trail but simply head back just before the gates at the far end.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, as the trail can get wet and slippery due to the waterfalls and mist.
- Depending on the season, dress in layers and be prepared for varying weather conditions. Rain gear might be useful as the gorge can be misty and damp and cold even in mid-summer.
- For more hikes check out our Germany Hiking Page.
Partnachklamm Gorge Hiking Route
From the car park or bus stop, head through the Olympic Ski Stadium to the other side. You’ll see four different levels of the ski jump slopes, from beginner to extreme, though even the smallest jump looks a bit scary!
When you reach the road by the river, turn left. You can see some interesting rocks here, and there are more examples as you wind your way along the river. The first part of the route leads along this small road, banned to most traffic.
After about 1.5 km from the car park, you’ll reach the ticket office to the gorge. You can either queue up at the desk or simply buy tickets from the machines (card and cash accepted). After buying a ticket, it’s still a short distance from here to the turnstile and entrance to the main section of Partnachklamm Gorge.
Partnachklamm Gorge
Once you pass through the gate, there’s immediately a short, dark tunnel to pass through and you come out the other side into another world. The gorge features steep cliffs, roaring waterfalls, and the turquoise waters of the Partnach River.
Along the trail, you’ll find several impressive waterfalls, some of which cascade down the cliffs right next to the walkway. These waterfalls can be particularly impressive during the spring and early summer when the water flow is at its highest. You can also get dripped on quite a lot, so a waterproof jacket is recommended unless it’s a very hot day.
As you walk along the exciting trail, it feels very adventurous, with more tunnels and sturdy bridges to cross. Every time you round a corner you see something new, but the gorge always remains narrow with a thin sliver of sunlight penetrating down from the forest high above.
Take your time here, as the gorge itself is only about 700 metres long. Towards the end, the path heads upwards through another dark tunnel, with a few windows back down to the gorge. You then reach the other side of the gorge, which ends just as suddenly as it began. There’s another turnstile gate here. If you want to walk back through the gorge (the shortest route), then don’t exit at the gate, but return back the way you came.
To continue with this hike, which leads back through some lovely hay meadows with gorgeous views, exit through the turnstile. Walk a short distance onwards, then turn left and uphill at the hiking signpost. This is where the most strenuous part of the walk begins as you climb out of the narrow valley and up into the fields above.
How did Partnachklamm Gorge form?
The formation of Partnachklamm began as the Alps rose upwards while the Partnach River eroded downwards. The gorge itself is primarily formed in limestone, which is hard yet very susceptible to erosion by water. Over time, the erosive power and slightly acidic water in the river dissolved the limestone, leading to the creation of the narrow and steep gorge that we see today
Hay Meadows & Alpine Views
Take your time heading uphill through the forest, and soon you’ll emerge out of the trees. You’ll soon reach Kaiserschmarrn Alm, a great place for refreshments after the climb. There are also fabulous views from here of the high Alps to the south.
When you’re ready, continue walking onwards along the track. You’ll pass a stylish hotel retreat, Das Graseck*, and a couple of other mountain huts serving food and drink. Don’t forget to keep looking behind you to enjoy the view!
On the other side of the little collection of houses, the track turns into a road that descends steeply back towards the river. Walk down this road and soon you’ll be at the bottom and on the route you walked from the beginning. Cross the river and turn right to follow the road back to the car park and the end of the Partnachklamm Gorge Hike.
Guidebooks to explore more of Germany
Check out our Germany Hiking Page for more great hikes nearby and for walking tours of the famous Bavarian cities.
FAQS: Partnachklamm Gorge
The gorge is open from 8am-8pm June-Sept, and 8am-6pm Oct-May.
Dogs are allowed in the gorge but must be kept on a lead at all times. Tickets for dogs cost €2.00.
It’s easy to reach the gorge on public transport. Buses leave from Garmisch-Partenkirche train station. The Number 2 bus goes directly to the car park at the Olympic Ski Stadium, while several other buses (9608/9618) Wildenauer Straße bus stop (a 3-minute walk from the car park).
Yes, the gorge is open all year round, and looks frozen and beautiful in mid-winter.
The entrance fee is €7.50/3 per adult/child.
The parking for Partnachklamm Gorge is by the Olympic Ski Stadium on the edge of Garmisch-Partenkirche. Search for the ‘Olympia-Skistadion’ on Google. Parking costs €5 for the entire day.
The most popular hike is 6.3 km long with 220 metres of climb, which takes 2-3 hours. You can slightly shorten this and reduce the uphill by returning back through the gorge rather than through the meadows above.
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