The spectacular hiking route through a narrow gorge with a blue water river

Germany is a country characterized by landscapes that seem straight out of a fairy tale. In the south of its territory, in the region of Upper Bavaria, lies one of them: the Partnach Gorge, a narrow river gorge in the city of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This spectacular natural monument, defined by enormous rock walls and deep blue waters, captivates approximately 200,000 visitors each year who decide to take a tour around its main channel.

A 12-kilometer trail

Hiking through the Partnach Gorge is like stepping into a fantasy world. A trail traverses the natural currents of the Partnach River, approximately 702 meters long. It's a mostly flat path that's easy for all ages. Because the gorge entrance isn't accessible by car or bus, the route begins at Garmish's Olympic Stadium (Olympia-Skistadion).

The most common route is the one along the Partnach Trail, which can take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete round trip. However, it's recommended to extend the hike to Berggasthof Eckbauer and Wamberg. This way, the charming circuit would be 12 kilometers long and can be covered in 4 hours.

How can I visit the Partnach Gorge?

The gorge is open year-round, with opening hours varying depending on the season: from June to September, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and from October to May, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Last entry is permitted up to 30 minutes before closing time. For safety reasons, the gorge is closed to all visitors outside of opening hours.

To visit, you must purchase tickets in advance, which range from 5 to 10 euros per person:

To be considered a vacationer, you must have a guest card from the Alpenwelt Karwendel, Zugspitzdorf Grainau, Eschenlohe, Oberau, Farchant, or Tiroler Zugspitz Arena hotels. As a local, you must be a native of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Farchant, Oberau, or Eschenlohe.