Höllentalklamm Gorge: How to Visit + What to Expect

We hadn’t even heard of Höllentalklamm before planning our Bavaria trip in Germany. It’s not the most famous gorge in the region — and honestly, it doesn’t get nearly as much attention as Partnachklamm.

So we arrived without big expectations… and ended up completely blown away.

This dramatic alpine gorge turned out to be one of the most memorable hikes in the Bavarian Alps, with roaring waterfalls, narrow tunnels carved into the rock, and walkways clinging to the cliffs.

During our visit, we actually combined it with a longer hike starting from the Kreuzeckbahn upper station along the ledges of the Wetterstein Mountains before descending through the gorge — an incredible route, but definitely not for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to visit Höllentalklamm, what to expect on the trail, and whether it’s worth adding to your itinerary — including both the classic short route and longer hike options.

Why we think this hike is worth it?

Hiking Höllentalklamm surprised us in the best way. We expected a nice gorge walk — but what we experienced felt far more dramatic and immersive.

The trail takes you through tunnels carved straight into the rock, past roaring waterfalls, and along narrow ledges where you’re literally surrounded by the sound of rushing water. The scenery constantly changes, so it never feels repetitive.

What we loved most is that it is raw and adventurous, without requiring extreme hiking skills. The classic gorge route is manageable for most visitors with decent mobility, yet it still feels wild and thrilling.

If you choose to extend it like we did with a longer mountain route, it becomes even more rewarding — but the short version alone is already memorable.

Hiking Map

When to hike Höllentalklamm

The hike is seasonal and typically open from mid-May until October, depending on snowmelt, ice, and safety conditions inside the gorge. Exact opening and closing dates change each year.

If you’re planning a trip early or late in the season, it’s always smart to check current status before you go. We recommend visiting grainau.de.

As for timing during the day, late morning to midday is when most visitors arrive. It does get busier then, but it’s usually still manageable and doesn’t ruin the experience.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere and better photo opportunities, starting early or later in the afternoon makes a noticeable difference.

Weather note: Avoid visiting after heavy rain — water levels rise fast and sections may close for safety.

Getting to the trailhead

By Car

The trailhead is located near the village of Hammersbach, where there’s a small parking lot close to the entrance (about €13 for up to 12 hours).

Spaces are limited, so if it’s full, head to the larger lot at Kreuzeckbahn, about a 20-minute walk away. We parked here since we took the cable car up for the longer hike.

A local train runs between this area and the trailhead, which can save time. However, the trains don’t run that frequently.

By Bus

Regional bus line 323 (Eibsee bus) stops directly at Hammersbach, just a short walk from the start of the trail. The seasonal also stops here, which is handy if you’re combining multiple nearby sights in one day.

By Train

The nearest railway stop is Hammersbach station, located right by the path leading toward the gorge, making this one of the most convenient alpine hikes to reach without a car.

The train is operated by Bayerische Zugspitzbahn.

Höllentalklamm Entrance Fee

Access is marked by an iron gate with turnstiles at the lower entrance. Right before it, you’ll find a small ticket booth where you can buy entry.

The current price is €7 for adults and €3.50 for children aged 7–17, while kids under 7 enter free. Members of the German Alpine Club (Deutscher Alpenverein) receive a discount.

Make sure to keep your ticket, as it may be checked again when exiting the gorge.

If you’re doing the longer circular hike we mentioned earlier and enter from the top, there’s no ticket check or payment point there. We paid at the booth at the bottom after passing through.

Höllentalklamm Trail Description

The trail to Höllentalklamm begins right next to Berghotel Hammersbach, where a clearly marked path leads you into the valley toward the gorge entrance.

To make it easier to follow and plan, we’ve broken the route down into simple sections below so you know exactly what to expect at each stage.

Hammersbach to Höllentaleingangshütte

As soon as you leave Hammersbach and head toward Höllentalklamm, you’re welcomed by the soothing sound of the rushing Hammersbach river flowing down the valley.

The water here looked incredibly clear during our visit, and the whole stretch felt peaceful.

This first section follows a forest path with a very gentle incline. The only slightly tougher part comes near the gorge entrance, where a short set of serpentines climbs uphill. When we visited, this section was muddy and slippery, so proper footwear is essential.

After roughly 1 hour, you’ll reach Höllentaleingangshütte, a beautiful mountain hut that genuinely surprised us. The terrace overlooks the valley and is a perfect place to stop for lunch, coffee, or dessert. Sadly, we passed later in the day, and it was already closed.

Passing through Höllentalklamm

The gorge section is only about 1.2 km long, and technically, you could walk through it in under 30 minutes. In reality, we spent almost an hour because we kept stopping for photos, videos, and to just take in the scenery — it’s that impressive.

Compared to Partnachklamm, this one feels noticeably wilder and more raw. The path constantly shifts between dark, dripping tunnels and narrow cliffside ledges protected by railings.

Several waterfalls cascade through the gorge, with the most powerful one near the entrance making a dramatic first impression.

The tunnels are lit, so you don’t need a headlamp. Many sections are wet and slippery, so extra caution is essential. A few sturdy bridges cross the rushing river, adding to the adventure.

Occasionally, when you look up, you’ll see just a thin slice of sky above — the rock walls rise so steeply it almost feels like you’re walking through a giant crack between mountains.

Höllentalklamm to Höllentalangerhütte

After leaving the gorge, the final stretch toward Höllentalangerhütte becomes a bit more demanding. The terrain turns steeper, and the trail gradually climbs higher up the valley.

You’ll know you’ve exited the gorge when the cliffs suddenly open up into a wider basin with a river flowing through it and a simple wooden bridge crossing the water.

Shortly after, you’ll reach a small junction — turn right here and head uphill through a few serpentines. Once past them, the path continues with a steady incline that’s noticeable but still manageable for most hikers.

The reward at the end is incredible: the hut sits in a dramatic alpine valley directly beneath Zugspitze, which you can see towering above when weather conditions are clear.

We especially loved how the entire area is surrounded by rugged peaks, making this one of the most scenic mountain hut settings we’ve experienced.

Trail Difficulty

The hike through Höllentalklamm isn’t technically difficult and doesn’t require any climbing skills. Despite how dramatic it looks, the trail is well maintained and all exposed sections are fully secured with railings, fences, or solid walkways.

The only challenges come from natural conditions rather than terrain — some parts can be wet, slippery, or slightly steep, especially after rain. Good shoes with grip make a big difference.

If conditions become dangerous, the gorge is closed entirely.

Kreuzeck – Hupfleitenjoch – Höllentalklamm longer trail

We started this longer version at the parking area below Kreuzeckbahn and took the cable car to the top. Check the official site zugspitze.de for current prices and operating hours.

From the upper station, we hiked about 45 minutes uphill through forest toward Hupfleitenjoch, with occasional views over Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

From the saddle, the most spectacular section begins: a narrow mountainside ledge trail descending toward Höllentalangerhütte. Parts are secured with cables, and while it isn’t dangerous in dry conditions, it requires sure footing and attention.

When wet, the ledge can become slippery, so extra caution is essential.

After this dramatic stretch, the trail gradually descends to the hut for a well-earned break before continuing through the gorge as described above.

Trail difficulty

The longer route is noticeably more demanding. While it’s still not technically difficult or requiring climbing skills, it does involve alpine terrain, narrow ledges, and sections where you need steady footing and confidence on exposed paths.

Some parts are secured with cables, but you should still feel comfortable walking along mountain trails with drop-offs nearby.

In dry weather, the route feels adventurous rather than dangerous. However, when the ground is wet, it becomes significantly trickier and requires extra caution.

This trail is best suited for hikers with some mountain experience, those who aren’t afraid of heights, and kids already used to hiking in alpine environments.

Facilities on the trail

Along the main route through Höllentalklamm, facilities are quite limited. There’s a mountain hut near the entrance — Höllentaleingangshütte — and another in the valley at Höllentalangerhütte, where you can rest and grab food or drinks. Apart from these two stops, there are no additional services, shops, or toilets along the trail.

If you’re doing the longer loop via Kreuzeckbahn, you’ll find toilets and facilities at the top station before starting the hike. After that, there’s nothing until you reach the huts in the valley, so it’s best to prepare in advance and bring everything you might need.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

If you’re deciding whether Höllentalklamm deserves a spot on your itinerary, we’d absolutely say yes. It may not be as famous as some other gorges in Bavaria, but that’s part of what makes it feel special.

The scenery is raw, dramatic, and constantly changing — the kind of place that keeps you looking around every few steps.

What we loved most is that you can tailor the experience. Want something short and memorable? Just walk the gorge. Prefer a more adventurous mountain day? Combine it with the longer alpine route like we did.