Garmisch am Partenkirchen is known, understandably, for the surrounding Alps and commanding Zugspitze (the highest mountain in Germany). But don't overlook another natural gem: the Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm auf Deutsch). The electric-blue Alpine waters have carved quite a beautiful gorge over the centuries, and you can see it in relative comfort today from a man-made walkway cut into the rock.
To get to Partnach, park at the Eckbauerbahn (the old Olympic ski lift area). From there you'll have a 1.2 mile walk along a seemingly-unassuming river. Don't be fooled.
The gorge appears quite rapidly. Pay a mild entrance fee and prepare to be blown away. Hopefully only metaphorically (but be careful . . . there are railings to protect you).
As you walk through, marvel at the fact that they once floated (short) logs down this area, and men had to jump in and help them at times. Looks dangerous.
Emerging from the gorge gives you two options: go back the way you came, or hike 40 minutes up to a cable car. We chose the latter, and the below pictures are scenes from that journey. It's not a bad hike, but it does require some level of fitness.
At the top, you can keep hiking (another hour up to the Eckbauerbahn), eat at some local restaurants, or take a smaller cable car back down. Remotely operated from below, it gives an eagle-eye's view of the gorge. It (the cable car) looks poorly made but it works fine.
Back on the ground! The whole experience takes a few hours- more if you go up to the Eckbauerbahn. I've done it twice now, and it never disappoints.
To get to Partnach, park at the Eckbauerbahn (the old Olympic ski lift area). From there you'll have a 1.2 mile walk along a seemingly-unassuming river. Don't be fooled.
The gorge appears quite rapidly. Pay a mild entrance fee and prepare to be blown away. Hopefully only metaphorically (but be careful . . . there are railings to protect you).
As you walk through, marvel at the fact that they once floated (short) logs down this area, and men had to jump in and help them at times. Looks dangerous.
Emerging from the gorge gives you two options: go back the way you came, or hike 40 minutes up to a cable car. We chose the latter, and the below pictures are scenes from that journey. It's not a bad hike, but it does require some level of fitness.
At the top, you can keep hiking (another hour up to the Eckbauerbahn), eat at some local restaurants, or take a smaller cable car back down. Remotely operated from below, it gives an eagle-eye's view of the gorge. It (the cable car) looks poorly made but it works fine.
Back on the ground! The whole experience takes a few hours- more if you go up to the Eckbauerbahn. I've done it twice now, and it never disappoints.
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