Partnach Gorge

Walking through this narrow canyon feels like stepping into a hidden world where tall rock walls rise high above the rushing water of the Partnach River below. The path is carved into stone, and the sound of flowing water fills the air, creating a calm yet powerful atmosphere that invites you to slow down and look closely at every detail.

The gorge became an official landmark in 1912, when a safe walkway was built so visitors could explore this natural wonder without danger. Before that time, only brave adventurers dared to make their way through the narrow rocky passages, risking their lives to see the beauty hidden inside the canyon carved over thousands of years by water.

Locals and travelers alike see this place as a special treasure of Bavaria, where people come to enjoy the quiet rhythm of nature and the simple beauty of the landscape. Many visitors walk slowly and respectfully, stopping often to admire the waterfalls and rock formations, treating the gorge as a peaceful retreat where the power of nature can be felt in every corner.

The entrance is about a 30-minute walk from the train station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and parking is available nearby if you come by car. Wear waterproof shoes with good grip and bring a rain jacket, as water often drips from the walls and the paths can be slippery, especially after rain or during the colder months when ice forms.

In winter, the waterfalls inside the canyon freeze into glittering ice sculptures that hang from the rock walls, turning the gorge into a shimmering wonderland where every step reveals a new icy formation. This seasonal transformation makes the place feel completely different, as if nature has painted the canyon with frost and turned rushing water into silent, sparkling art that visitors remember long after they leave.

Location: Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Elevation above the sea: 800 m

Length: 700 m

Width: 15 m

Address: Partnach Gorge, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Website: https://lfu.bayern.de/geologie/geotope_schoensten/16

GPS coordinates: 47.46917,11.11861

Latest update: December 3, 2025 15:01