Partnachklamm: European gorge-river wonder

Austria | February 1, 2011 | No discussion yet

In the Bavarian Alps, a spectacular natural gem attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year, which is called Partnachklamm. Nestled flanking the corner of the Garmisch-Partenkirchen that are the twin towns, this is a beautiful gorge that encloses a rushing white-water river. Once you see this stunning beauty, you will not wonder as to why it is designated as a ‘Natural Monument’ as well as ‘National Geosite’.

Partnachklamm gorge is actually a natural channel made for the Partnach torrent, which stretches 800 m amid the 80 m walls of limestone forming one of the most gorgeous gorges in the zone of naturally beautiful alpine. One can understand why this site is always thronged by the tourists, but no matter how much is the crowd, the site is well worth a visit. Most of the tourists walk the stretch of the gorge by following a dedicated pathway that is chiseled into the rock of limestone just some metres over the river.

Walking

Your this nature walk will make you meander via the pitch-black tunnels after which you finally expose yourself to daylight for marveling up at the white cascades stepping into Partnachklamm from 80 m. The roar of the water is just impressive. It plunges from the melted glacial snow as well as from the snow made by gradually melting ice-age glacier called as the Schneeferner that is located in the Alps. I would suggest coming here on a sunny day so that you get a chance to spot the glow of the sunbeams falling on the river water as well as the rocks. Additionally, you should also walk across the gorge’s top on the Eisernen Brücke (Iron Bridge) that is now almost 97 years old. Irrespective of the rains, you must carry your raincoat if you do not want to get wet from the cascading water.

However, there is no doubt that the gorge is also equally impressive in winter, but this time the reason is different. If you come this time, you will be stunned to see the freezing of the water along the walls of the gorge, which render the entire scene of an external cave of beautiful stalactites.

Extend your adventure

The area of Partnachklamm is flourishing with a myriad of hiking as well as biking trails that include all levels of difficulty. So, if you are interested, just pick up a trail map that is available at the tourist office or approach a bike rental shop in the twin town for some useful advice.

Actually, a tour of this gorge is an adequate reason for you to plan for a day trip from Munich. However, many other highlights as well as things to do surround this gorge if you are ready to go a bit further, in fact, far from the gorge. One of the options is to take up a full day hike until the Konigshaus am Schachen up in the mountains. This is a small hut that was made by King Ludwig II. From the gorge, this will take your three to four hours. For the most adventurous, try climbing up to the Germany’s highest peak, which is named as Zugspitze at 2962 over the twin towns. This is the trek of a minimum eight hours. Therefore, think of staying at the peak’s guesthouse.

Getting to and around

From Munich, Partnachklamm is an easy one day trip. From the Olympic Ski Stadium, it will just take a walk of 30 minute. Alternatively, a ride on a horse-drawn carriage is also possible to reach the entrance. Along the water’s edge, a foot path will become your guide from where an array of tunnels as well as carved galleries from the rock occupies the other side. This gives you a chance to amble along the deafening thunder featuring the white-blue water pools as well as a surprise splatter of water for making you wet.

Best time to go

Partnachklamm is open throughout the year, except for some days in spring during which the water level increases because of the melting snow rendering the hike along the gorge very dangerous. Once the water comes back to the safe level, several hiking tours as well as mountain climbing excursions begin around Garmisch-Partenkirchen towns. Summer is an ideal time to escape from the heat, while the winter is ideal for ambling beneath the white frozen waterfalls.