Top 20 Gorges around Grainau
Best canyons around Grainau are situated in the Bavarian Alps, offering access to dramatic natural gorges. This region is characterized by its mountainous landscape and the powerful rivers that have carved impressive canyons over time. The area provides opportunities to explore unique geological formations and experience the natural environment.
Best canyons around Grainau
- The most popular canyons is Partnach Gorge, a gorge approximately 700 meters long with walls rising up to 80 meters. Well-maintained wooden walkways are carved into…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Partnach Gorge
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Höllental Gorge
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Klammweg
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Entrance to the Partnach Gorge
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Höllental Entrance Hut and Museum
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Tips from the Community
Very informative 🤓.
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Mega beautiful view 😍.
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From 1910 to 1912, the Partnach Gorge, which is up to 80 meters deep, was opened up for tourism under the most difficult conditions and at great financial expense.
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The sign above the entrance to the gorge, a popular photo motif, shows the time it was opened up in the years 1910-1920.
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Lower entrance to the gorge. here you can buy the tickets
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The Partnach Gorge is a 700-meter-long gorge in the Reintal near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, cut by the Partnach torrent to a depth of more than 80 meters in places. The valley floor is at about 800 m above sea level in the middle of the gorge. In 1912, the Partnach Gorge was declared a natural monument. The path always runs on the right side of the stream. In the Middle Triassic, around 240 million years ago, dark gray, relatively hard layers of alpine shell limestone, known as Wurstel limestone or Knollenkalk, were deposited on the bottom of a shallow sea in the area of today's Partnach Gorge. On the bulging layers of this rock, you can still often see traces of burrowing and feeding by the sea creatures of that time. Around five million years later, significantly softer marls were deposited in the same sea basin, which are now known as the Partnach layers. During the later Alpine folding, the so-called Wamberger Saddle was formed from these rock layers. The erosion power of the Partnach, fed by the Schneeferner on the Zugspitzplatt, was great enough to quickly erode the softer layers, keep pace with the ongoing uplift of the terrain and thus also cut into the hard alpine Muschelkalk. Today, the river forms the typical narrow valley shape of a gorge in the Muschelkalk area, while to the north and south of it, in the areas of the softer Partnach layers, wider valley shapes predominate. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partnachklamm
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If you walk through the Höllentalklamm, you will automatically come here. Small museum in a hut. Very informative and descriptive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most prominent canyons to explore near Grainau?
The two most prominent canyons near Grainau are the Partnach Gorge and the Höllental Gorge. Both offer unique experiences with dramatic landscapes, carved walkways, and powerful water features.
What makes the Partnach Gorge a unique experience?
The Partnach Gorge is a designated national monument known for its 700-meter length and walls up to 80 meters high. It features well-maintained wooden walkways carved into the rock face, allowing close-up views of spraying waterfalls and rapids. Uniquely, it's accessible year-round, transforming into a magical scene with frozen waterfalls and ice formations in winter, with torch-lit tours available.
What can I expect when visiting the Höllental Gorge?
The Höllental Gorge is a wild and impressive gorge carved by the Hammersbach stream. Visitors can expect deep ravines, towering rock walls, and a series of tunnels, bridges, and wooden walkways. It's characterized by roaring waterfalls and powerful rapids, with ice chunks sometimes persisting into summer. The path winds through cave passages and over rock stairways, showcasing impressive geological formations.
Is the Partnach Gorge suitable for families and dogs?
Yes, the Partnach Gorge is considered family-friendly and leashed dogs are welcome. The walk through the gorge is relatively short and suitable for most visitors. Sturdy shoes and a rain jacket are recommended due to potentially wet conditions.
When is the best time to visit the Höllental Gorge?
The Höllental Gorge is typically open from late May to October. Access is restricted during winter due to snow and ice conditions. Even in summer, temperatures inside the gorge can be cool and humid, so appropriate clothing is advised.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the canyons?
Near the Höllental Gorge, you can find the Höllental Entrance Hut and Museum. This hut, located at about 1,045 meters, includes a museum that provides insights into the gorge's history and geological formation. The walk to the entrance hut itself takes about 60 to 90 minutes from the Hammersbach hiking car park.
What kind of hiking trails are available near the canyons?
The canyons around Grainau serve as excellent starting points for various hikes. For instance, the Höllental Gorge is a significant starting point for challenging routes, including ascents to the Zugspitze and trails leading to the Höllentalangerhütte. You can find numerous hiking possibilities, including routes like the 'Durch die Höllentalklamm zur Höllentalangerhütte und zurück' or the 'Klammweg – Waterfall in Höllentalklamm loop from Hammersbach', by exploring the Hiking around Grainau guide.
What other outdoor activities can I do near Grainau's canyons?
Beyond hiking, the area around Grainau offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore various running trails, such as the 'Ascent to Höllentalklamm' loop, or enjoy road cycling routes like the 'Plansee' loop from Garmisch-Partenkirchen Hausberg.
Are there facilities or places to eat near the canyons?
Yes, near the Höllental Gorge, the Höllental Entrance Hut offers facilities and a museum. Further along the trail, the Höllentalangerhütte at 1,387 meters invites visitors to stop for a break, offering food and even overnight stays. Near the Partnach Gorge, the path opens up to numerous hiking possibilities leading to traditional Bavarian mountain huts (Alms) where you can find refreshments.
What should I wear or bring when visiting the gorges?
For both the Partnach Gorge and the Höllental Gorge, sturdy shoes are mandatory. A rain jacket or appropriate clothing is highly recommended, as it can be quite humid and cool inside the gorges, even during summer, and you may get wet from spraying water.
Is there an entrance fee for the gorges?
Yes, both the Partnach Gorge and the Höllental Gorge have entrance fees. For the Höllental Gorge, members of the Alpine Club receive reduced admission. It's advisable to bring some change for the entrance fee.
What is the Klammweg and how does it relate to the gorges?
The Klammweg is a gorge trail that leads to the Höllental Gorge. It offers an ascent with scenic views before reaching the gorge entrance. It's a popular path for visitors heading to the Höllentalklamm, providing an opportunity to discover much on the way.
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