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Hike through the Partnach Gorge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

4.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

2 miles

Elevation Gain

600 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Will Parker

Explore one of Germany's natural monuments, the Partnach Gorge.  2,300 feet of breathe taking waterfalls and caves provide a rare look into Germany's geological past. 

This was my first adventure during my visit to Germany.  The hike starts at the historic 1936 winter olympics venue, Olympic-Skistadion stadium.  The preserved stadium adorns the same sculptures and features found during the 1936 winter games.  After taking in the olympic history, follow the signs and head west to the gorge entrance.  

Along the route you will encounter beautiful views of the mountain stream the flows in and out of the gorge.  The autumn season truly captures the beauty of the stream and its surrounding landscape. The 25 minute walk to the gorge entrance can be done on foot, or by a romantic horse drawn carriage ride.  No matter how you reach your goal, sturdy footwear is a must!  After a small fee of 4 euros, duck your head as you enter the gorge through a cave ledge that parallels the entire stream.  Immediately you encounter the beauty that is the Partnach Gorge, with walls rising above the crystal blue clear water to heights of 250ft.  The winding gorge provides moments and scenery a photographer dreams about.  Continuing along the gorge trail you find yourself underneath cool, glacier fed waterfalls.  Snaking south the gorge gets larger, with depths reaching up to 260 feet!  Watch your step as you move along the path, with safety rails and rock to keep you from falling in, the trail can at times be very slippery.  Make sure you look back along your journey, a new perspective can provide a photo you will not want to miss.  

After you reach the gorge exit, head back and grab a delicious german beer at the historic Olympia-Haus restaurant or continue your adventure 0.5 miles up the trail to the Hanneslebauer Inn where beer and food will satisfy any hiker's craving.  Total round trip from the stadium to Hanneslabauer Inn is about 2 miles with 600ft in elevation gain.  Have fun and enjoy the trip!

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Adult Beverages
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Groups
Picnic Area
River
Scenic
Waterfall

Hike through the Partnach Gorge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen Reviews

I’ve hiked this several times, both before, during, and after the reconstruction of the parking lot and visitor area. Though still lovely, It is a bummer to see it now after having seen it in a more natural and less crowded state. You will be packed in with lots of people, especially in the enclosed, tight areas. But if you can time things right, you can still get gorgeous photos.

One of my first hikes in the Garmish area. Absolutely beautiful gorge that winds into the mountains. We had bikes and rode to the beginning of the gorge which made it more pleasant. This is likely one of the most popular hikes in Garmish so start early. Also at the end of the gorge there are hiking trails that take you further into the mountains or to your left and up is a trail that circles back to the beginning above the gorge which is a great option to return. It gives you a different perspective peeking down into the gorge and admiring the overhanging trees....and much fewer people!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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