A top attraction around Garmisch is this narrow and dramatically beautiful 700m-long Partnachklamm (partnachklamm.eu; adult/child €10/5) gorge with walls rising up to 80m. The trail hewn into the rock is especially spectacular in winter when you can walk beneath curtains of icicles and frozen waterfalls.
To reach the gorge, head along the river south from the train station, following the signs. On the way you'll pass the old Olympic Stadium from the 1936 Winter Games and Ga-Pa's giant ski jumps. At the entrance to the gorge you'll have to buy a ticket to enter and it's best to have cash. A narrow walkway above the gushing river guides you along – take a fleece or jumper as it's chilly down here even in the height of summer. It's an enjoyable hike year-round, but things get particularly spectacular in winter when icicles and frozen waterfalls add seasonal decoration.
Before you know it, the Partnachklamm spits you out into the still narrow valley of the River Partnach. You can just turn back and enjoy it all again in the opposite direction, or have a picnic on the banks.
