Best natural monuments around Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen include a diverse range of natural features. The region is characterized by its alpine landscape, featuring prominent mountains, deep gorges, and clear lakes. These natural landmarks offer varied terrain for outdoor activities and provide insight into the geological formations of the Bavarian Alps. The area's natural beauty is a key draw for visitors seeking to explore the outdoors.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Gorge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Gorge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Summit
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Triathlon around Germany
Zugspitz Ultratrail – experience Germany's highest mountain over 3 days
L1 from Garmisch to Brescia – Far from the classic Alpine crossings
Maximilian Trail in Germany — Lake Constance to Königssee
Ammergau Alps meditation path in Bavaria – Breathe in, breathe out
MTB Transalp Lake Como – From the Zugspitze to Lake Como
The Ammer-Amper Cycle Path – Experience nature in the foothills of the Alps
Isar cycle path — From Alpine peaks to the Auenwald (7 stages)
Land of the Moors – cycling between alpine views and wetland paths
The National Natural Landscapes in Bavaria
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.
11
0
The sign above the entrance to the gorge, a popular photo motif, shows the time it was opened up in the years 1910-1920.
13
0
Lower entrance to the gorge. here you can buy the tickets
12
0
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
10
0
June - September: 08:00 - 20:00 October - May: 08:00 - 18:00 The Partnachklamm is open all year round, but may be closed for safety reasons. If this is the case, there are two other ways to avoid the gorge.
10
0
The path is easy to walk and has great views! The last part leads steeply through a beautiful forest, past very old trees (sycamore and spruce). A great way!
10
0
Also feasible with dogs 👍
15
0
Visitors frequently enjoy the stunning View of Lake Eibsee, especially beautiful in autumn. The dramatic Klammweg, often associated with the Höllentalklamm, offers a unique natural spectacle with waterfalls and tunnels. For panoramic views from Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze Summit Cross is a must-see.
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Partnach Gorge and its entrance are popular choices, offering an exciting experience for all ages. The View of Lake Eibsee and the View of the Eibsee Islands are also great for families, with easy access and beautiful scenery. Additionally, Lake Ferchensee provides a lovely setting for family outings.
The region is characterized by its diverse alpine landscape. You'll encounter impressive gorges like the Höllental Gorge and Schleifmühl Gorge, crystal-clear lakes such as Lake Eibsee and Lake Ferchensee, and majestic mountain summits offering breathtaking views, including the Zugspitze Summit Cross.
The natural monuments are beautiful year-round, but the best time often depends on the activity. Gorges like the Partnach Gorge and Höllental Gorge are typically open from late spring to late autumn (mid-May to late October) when conditions are safest. Lakes like Eibsee are particularly harmonious in autumn, though they can be crowded. Summer is ideal for swimming and hiking, while winter offers a different, often snowy, charm to some areas.
Yes, Lake Eibsee is a popular spot for swimming. You can find a dedicated Rest area and swimming spot at the Eibsee. Lake Ferchensee also offers opportunities for a refreshing dip, especially after a hike.
The region offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'Plansee – Allgäu Cycle Path loop from Saulgrub', or touring bicycle routes like the 'Loop through the Loisach Valley from Garmisch-Partenkirchen'. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are gravel biking trails like 'Along the Linder at Plansee Olé'. Explore more options on the Road Cycling Routes, Cycling, and Gravel Biking guide pages for Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Visitors consistently praise the harmonious landscapes, especially around Lake Eibsee, where mountains and lake create a stunning overall picture. The unique natural spectacle of gorges with their waterfalls and tunnels, like the Höllentalklamm, is also highly appreciated. Many find the challenging climbs rewarding, with the memory of reaching summits like the Zugspitze being unforgettable.
Yes, the Höllental Gorge is known for its challenging trails, often serving as an ascent route to higher alpine peaks. The Zugspitze Summit Cross also involves challenging climbs for those opting to hike to Germany's highest point.
Yes, some natural monuments have facilities nearby. For instance, Lake Ferchensee has an inn on its bank where you can strengthen yourself. The Höllentalklamm also has the Höllentalangerhütte at 1387 m above sea level, which invites visitors to stop for a break and even offers overnight stays.
While popular spots like Lake Eibsee can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, visiting during the week or outside peak season can offer a more tranquil experience. Exploring lesser-known gorges or trails might also lead to a more secluded natural encounter.
Gorges like the Höllentalklamm typically have an entrance fee. For example, members of the Alpine Club often receive reduced admission. It's advisable to check current prices and opening times before your visit, as these can vary seasonally. The Höllentalklamm is generally open in the snow-free period from mid-May to the end of October.


Find even more amazing natural monuments around Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen by checking out the top Highlights region by region:
Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen: