The power of water
Visiting the Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm) is one of the most popular activities in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
It’s a gorge (duh) that has been created by a stream cutting through the mountain. It’s crazy to think that water can cut through solid rock like that. It takes a while, but the result speaks for itself!
The gorge is 702 metres long and up to 80 metres deep.
We visited the gorge in October 2020 and were amazed by the continually changing views. Oh, and that clear, azure blue colour of the water is insanely beautiful.
Where to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen?
- Budget: Hotel Atlas Sport – One of the cheapest options for ensuite double rooms in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Free parking.
- Value for money: Biohotel Garmischer Hof – Amazing views, organic food and a spa and wellness centre. Our favourite hotel in GaPa.
- Luxury: Bader Suites – Luxurious, spacious apartments with everything you need.
Search for the best value accommodation in Garmisch-Partenkirchen here.
Table of contents
Everything you need to know including the best experiences, when to visit, where to eat and where to stay
What to expect at the Partnach Gorge
Being just about 700 metres long, hiking the Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm in German) is a relatively easy and quick affair.
If you just rush through it, you could probably walk it in 5-10 minutes. But taking the time to stop on the way to take in the views is definitely worth it.
In some parts, the path is really narrow.
And you’ll want to walk carefully in the short but dark tunnels on the way.
Dogs are allowed on a leash. Wheelchairs, baby carriages and bicycles are not permitted.
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Read morePrice of visiting the Partnach Gorge
The price for visiting the Partnach Gorge is 7.5 EUR (~ 8 USD)* per adult and 3 EUR (~ 3.5 USD)* per child (6-17 years of age).
You can also bring your dog for an extra 2 EUR.
*These prices are from March 2023.
Partnach Gorge opening hours
The Partnach Gorge is open from 08:00-18:00 from October to May and from 08:00-20:00 from June to September.
Closures can occur at any time on short notice for safety reasons.
Map
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Read moreHow to get to the Partnach Gorge
As you can’t drive directly to Partnachklamm, the whole ordeal actually encompasses walking from the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Olympic Ski Jump to the gorge, walking through it and then (per the Corona restrictions) hike another way around it to the start and then back to the Olympic Ski Jump.
It’s about a 25 minutes walk from the Olympic Ski Jump to the Partnach Gorge entrance. This path is very wide and walking-friendly.
Parking near the Partnach Gorge
We parked our car at the car park next to the Olympic Ski Jump. It’s a big car park so you can’t miss it.
What to bring to the Partnach Gorge
- Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
- A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
- Hiking shoes. It can be a little slippery in places so wearing sturdy shoes is highly recommended.
- Warm clothes if you’re not visiting in summer.
- Water and snacks is always a good idea.
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Read more
Minimise your impact
To minimise your impact during your visit at Partnach Gorge, follow these guidelines:
- Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
- Avoid single-use plastics, including straws.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Take only photos, leave only footprints. Let everything stay in its natural place.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
- Respect wildlife.
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Thanks for reading
Thanks for reading our travel guide to the Partnach Gorge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. We hope it has been useful!
What do you think about the Partnach Gorge?
If you’ve been to the Partnach Gorge, it would be fantastic to hear your best tips for visiting in the comments.
If you haven’t been there yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us what’s on your mind. We’re happy to help you with your planning.
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for hotels and apartments.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- AirHelp for flight delay compensation.
- GetYourGuide for great tours everywhere.
- Airalo for reliable eSIM.
- Discover Cars for transparent car hire.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like True Traveller. Compared here.
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Hej, Jeg har læst jeres fantastiske artikler om Garmisch-Partenkirchen og vi skal derned med 2 overnatninger – vi har stort set kun 1-1,5 dag. Vi er dernede fra den 17. juni. Vi vil gerne vandre og tænker Partnachklam og så en kabelbane op til en af toppene. Vandringen omkring søen så også fin ud.
Skal vi bestille billetter hjemmefra til bane og Partnachklam. Vi skal bo på Biohotellet.
Rare hilsener Tina
Hej Tina og tusind tak for din fine kommentar! Hvor er det dejligt, at du kan bruge vores guides. Da vi besøgte Partnachklamm, købte vi vist billetten ved indgangen, men hvis I allerede er sikre på at tage derhen, kan I spare tid ved at have købt den online på forhånd (læs mere her). Husk at downloade den på forhånd, da der er dårlig forbindelse henne ved kløften. Der er sikkert en del mennesker i GaPa i juni, så vi kan anbefale at komme tidligt på dagen eller senere på eftermiddagen – bare husk at det er lidt køligere og måske en smule vådt på ruten.
Vi købte vist også billetter til kabelbanerne på dagen, men hvis I vil være garanteret at komme derop, er det nok en god idé at booke på forhånd – ellers skal I satse på at komme tidligt om morgenen, så der ikke er lang kø.
Det lyder skønt, at I skal bo på Biohotellet! Nyd GaPa!
Been there many times during my military tours in Germany. I wish they would have shown some winter pictures, it’s. real pretty then.
That sounds so cool! We visited in October but we can imagine it looks beautiful with icicles and all frozen. However, we’ve heard some sections might close during the winter.