Top 20 Gorges around 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.