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Tucked away in the mountains just outside Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the German Alps, the Partnachklamm Gorge is one of those places that completely caught us off guard.
We’d seen a few photos before visiting, but honestly, nothing prepares you for what it’s like to walk through narrow tunnels carved into the rock while icy-blue water rushes right beside you.
We went early in the morning, right at 8 AM, to avoid the crowds — and it really paid off. The gorge felt calm and almost otherworldly. What we loved most was how the mood kept shifting: dark one moment, glowing with mist and sunlight the next.
If you’re heading to southern Germany and want something that’s easy to reach but unforgettable, Partnachklamm is one of the best things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It’s one of those rare places that feels both peaceful and powerful — and surprisingly doable for almost anyone.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know before visiting, from the best time to go and entrance fees to what to expect inside (plus a few tips we wish we knew beforehand).
Key Highlights
📍Location: Garmisch – Partenkirchen
⭐️ Best time to visit: May – October
💰 Entrance fee: adult 10€, children 5€
🕥 Opening hours: 08:00 – 20:00 (or 18:00)
🥾Accessibility: easy walk with few stairs and tunnels
Why we think it’s worth it
If you’re wondering whether Partnachklamm is really worth visiting — yes, it absolutely is. The walk through the gorge felt surprisingly easy, even though the setting looks wild and dramatic.
It’s fully accessible for most people, and families with kids will love it (strollers are not allowed). Dogs are allowed, too, which makes it a great option if you’re traveling with your pup.
What makes this place special is how immersive it feels. You’re not just looking at nature from afar — you’re right inside it, walking along narrow paths carved into the rock, with water crashing just a few meters away.
It’s one of those rare experiences that feels adventurous yet completely manageable for anyone, even if you’re not much of a hiker.
Where is Partnachklamm
Partnachklamm Gorge is located on the edge of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a small alpine town in southern Germany, right near the Austrian border.
It sits at the foot of the Wetterstein Mountains, where the Partnach River has carved its way through solid rock over thousands of years.
The gorge is only about a 5-minute drive or a 25-minute walk from the center. If you’re planning to explore more of Bavaria’s highlights, Lake Eibsee and the Zugspitze cable car are both less than 30 minutes away — perfect for combining a few incredible spots in one day.
How to get there
By car
If you’re driving, set your GPS to “Skistadion Garmisch-Partenkirchen” — that’s where the main parking area is. From there, it’s about a 20-minute walk (1.5 km) along a scenic paved path that follows the Partnach River straight to the entrance. The walk itself is lovely.
Parking usually costs around €2–3 per hour (we used Easypark), and spaces can fill up quickly on weekends and in high season, so arriving early (before 9 AM) is a good idea.
The road leading to the gorge is narrow and closed to private traffic beyond the Skistadion, but if needed, horse-drawn carriages can take you right up to the gate — a fun option if you’re traveling with kids.
By public transport
From Munich, take the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen — the journey takes about 1.5 hours. Once you arrive, you can either:
- Walk about 30 minutes through town to reach the Skistadion,
- Hop on Bus 2 in the direction Kreuzeck / Alpspitzbahn, which goes directly from the train station to the Skistadion stop.
We recommend using Google Maps’ public transport option to check the latest bus times — it’s accurate and makes planning super easy.
Entrance fee
Entrance Fee: adult 10€, children 5€
You don’t pay the entrance fee right away — it’s collected at the Kasse (ticket office) after the short 25-minute walk from the Skistadion parking area. Once you reach the entrance, there’s a small window where you can buy tickets or use the ticket machines, which only accept card payments (no cash).
We noticed two types of tickets available at the machines:
- A Day Ticket for €10
- A Single Entry Ticket for €9
The cheaper one is perfectly fine if you’re just walking through the gorge — that’s what most people choose.
If you prefer to plan ahead, you can also buy your ticket online on the official tourism website. It’s especially handy during busy times since you can skip the ticket line and head straight to the turnstiles once you arrive.
TIP: At the gorge’s exit, you can re-enter through the turnstiles with any ticket.
Accessing Partnachklamm
Getting to the gorge already feels like a small adventure. From the parking area, we first walked past the famous ski jumping decks and through the stadium itself — a fun little bonus before even starting the main trail.
From there, we followed a quiet, paved path that runs along the river for about 25 minutes. There are huge signs at the start, so it’s easy to find the way.
It’s not a difficult walk — more of a gentle stroll — and it set the tone perfectly for what was to come. Our favorite stretch was the section where the path is beautifully lined with trees on both sides. By the time we reached the gorge entrance, we were already pretty excited.
Once we reached the ticket area and paid at the Kasse, it was just another five-minute walk before arriving at the turnstiles that mark the official start of the gorge.
What to expect at Partnachklamm
We went right after opening, around 8 AM, and that was easily the best decision. At that time, it was quiet and calm, with just a handful of people on the path.
The gorge tends to get very crowded by late morning, especially in summer, and because the trail is narrow, it can feel a bit congested when tour groups start arriving.
The overall vibe is touristy but still authentic — you’ll hear plenty of different languages, but the beauty of the place speaks for itself. Most visitors are families, couples, and local hikers enjoying a day out.
Once you pass the turnstiles, the light changes immediately. The path winds along the cliffside, carved right into the rock, with the Partnach River thundering just below. The walls rise up to 80 meters high, dripping with moss and fresh water.
Some sections are dark and narrow, while others open up dramatically with beams of sunlight cutting through the mist.
It’s about 700 meters long, and the entire walk through the gorge takes around 20–30 minutes one way.
You can either turn around and walk back through the same path or continue the circular route through the forest above — we recommend the latter if you have the time, as the views from above the gorge are beautiful.
Facilities
- Restaurants: There are several places to eat around the Skistadion and a few more right before the entrance to the gorge. (We’ve shared more details on where to eat further below.)
- Toilets: Conveniently located at the Kasse (ticket office). We highly recommend using them before entering, as there are no toilets inside the gorge or along the trail once you start.
- Mobile Signal: There’s no mobile reception inside the gorge or at the far end, but you’ll find free Wi-Fi available near the turnstiles at the exit.
- Shops: A few small souvenir stands and snack kiosks can be found near the entrance, but none inside the gorge itself.
Where to eat
One of the things we loved about is that you don’t have to go far to find great food — whether you’re after a quick bite before your walk or a full meal with a view afterwards. Here are a few places we really recommend:
- Klammhaus an der Partnach – A cozy spot right near the gorge entrance, perfect for grabbing lunch before or after your visit. They serve classic Bavarian food and cold drinks.
- Pitzner Hütte – The last restaurant before entering the gorge, and a great stop if you want a snack or coffee before heading in.
- Kaiserschmarrn-Alm – About a 20-minute walk from the exit of the gorge, this mountain hut has amazing views over the valley and serves genuinely great food.
- Zum Wildschütz – Located in the town center, this one is a must if you’re staying in town. They do Bavarian tapas, which means smaller (and cheaper) portions of traditional dishes — ideal if you want to try a few different types of local food.
Best time to visit
We visited in early autumn (mid-September), and honestly, it’s hard to imagine a better time to go. The crowds were smaller, but the weather was still good and rather warm.
If you’re planning your visit, here’s what to expect throughout the year:
- Summer (June – August): The gorge is at its most powerful, with water rushing through at full force. Everything is open and lush, but it’s also the busiest time, so go early in the morning (around 8 AM) or later in the afternoon.
- Autumn (September – October): Our favorite season to visit. The fall colors make the area look even more dramatic, and the weather is still mild. It’s the perfect balance of scenery and peace.
- Winter (December – February): The gorge turns into a frozen wonderland, with icicles hanging from the cliffs and snow covering the paths. Check ahead before you go — it sometimes closes for safety during heavy ice or snow.
- Spring (March – May): Expect strong water flow from melting snow and fewer tourists early in the season. Some sections can be slippery, and it can be temporarily closed, but it’s still a beautiful time to go if you don’t mind a bit of unpredictability.
Where to stay near
If you want to stay close, your best option is definitely Garmisch-Partenkirchen itself. It’s the closest base and has plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shops.
The convenience can’t be beat, but it’s also the busiest and priciest area, especially in summer and during ski season.
If you prefer something quieter and don’t mind a short drive, there are lots of smaller mountain towns nearby that offer a more peaceful stay. Places like Farchant, Grainau, and Oberammergau are all within 20–30 minutes and have that relaxed, local feel.
We personally stayed at the SEINZ Wisdom Resort in Bad Kohlgrub, a vegan and vegetarian hotel about 40 minutes away, and absolutely loved it. We stayed in one of their tiny houses surrounded by mountains, and it felt calm and restorative — a great contrast to the busier tourist hubs. There are several peaceful trails right outside the resort, and the food was excellent too — fresh, creative, and made with real care.
Best hotels around Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Check availability
Other places to visit nearby
If you’re spending more than a day around Partnachklamm, you’re in for a treat — this region is full of jaw-dropping mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and hiking trails that feel straight out of a postcard. Here are a few spots we think are absolutely worth adding to your itinerary:
- Eibsee – This lake is one of Bavaria’s most iconic places — and for good reason. The color of the water changes with the light, from deep emerald to bright turquoise. We loved walking the 7 km loop trail around the lake (about two hours).
- Zugspitze – Germany’s highest mountain and one of the most famous viewpoints in the Alps. The 360° views are incredible — on clear days, you can see into Austria and even Italy.
- Höllentalklamm – A bit lesser-known than Partnachklamm, but just as impressive. This gorge is narrower and wilder, with waterfalls and tunnels that make it feel more adventurous. The hike is steeper, but if you loved Partnachklamm and want something a bit more rugged, this is the one to try next.
If you’re exploring more of southern Bavaria, it’s also worth spending some time around Forggensee near Füssen — a calm, blue-green lake perfectly located for visiting Neuschwanstein Castle and the nearby villages.
- Herzogstand – About 45 minutes away by car, this mountain offers one of the most scenic hikes in Bavaria. You can take the Herzogstand cable car up and hike along the ridge to Heimgarten for jaw-dropping views over Walchensee and Kochelsee.
- Seebensee & Drachensee – These two alpine lakes near Ehrwald (Austria) are simply stunning and worth the drive across the border (about an hour from Garmisch). The turquoise Seebensee and the smaller Drachensee above it are surrounded by dramatic peaks — it’s a photographer’s dream.
- Mittenwald – Just 35 minutes south of Garmisch, this colorful mountain town is known for its painted houses and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great spot for a relaxed afternoon stroll, a coffee with a view, or a bit of local shopping.
FAQ
Definitely suitable for kids, but strollers aren’t allowed due to narrow tunnels and steps. A baby carrier works much better.
Yes! Dogs are allowed inside the gorge, as long as they’re kept on a leash.
Unfortunately, the gorge itself is not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters, as the paths are narrow, uneven, and include stairs and tunnels.
Definitely dress warmer than you think. Even on a warm, sunny day, the gorge itself feels much colder due to the shade, rushing water, and humidity. A light jacket or fleece helps a lot. Comfortable shoes with good grip are a must — the paths can be wet and slippery.
Final Thoughts
Partnachklamm turned out to be one of those places that’s even better in real life than in the photos.
We loved how easy it was to reach, yet how completely different it felt once we stepped inside — dark, echoing, and powerful, with that mix of peace and energy that only nature can create.
It’s the kind of spot that fits into almost any itinerary — whether you’re spending a weekend in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, stopping by on your way to Eibsee, or exploring the wider Bavarian Alps.
If you’re visiting southern Germany, it is one of those experiences we’d recommend to anyone — families, couples, or solo travelers alike. Go early, take your time, and don’t rush it. It’s a simple walk, but one that reminds you just how extraordinary our planet can be.
