I’ve been torn the last few days. I really wanted to go to the highest peak in Germany, Zugspitze, but I also wanted to go to explore the nearby Partnach Gorge. Decisions. Decisions.
The weather didn’t look favorable for good views from Zugspitze and the gorge highly recommend getting there before 10:30 so we nixed Zugspitze, prioritized the gorge, and identified another touristy thing for after the gorge hike.
We got an earlyish start (the first clear day since we arrived!) and made it to the gorge parking lot, located at the old Olympic ski jump, around 8:30. The parking lot is about 30 minutes from the entrance. We and perhaps 8 other people slowly made our way to the turnstiles at the gorge entrance.
We bought our tickets and entered a fabulous wonderland. I’m not joking when I tell you that the views around each bend were more fabulous than the last. These pictures do NOT the place justice.
We made our way up the gorge with the water coming at us which meant that we were on a slow incline most of the way. The water thundered past us with awe-inspiring force.
To be honest. I don’t have words other than I loved it. I loved the thrum of the water rushing past. I loved the gorgeous greenery covering the canyon walls and the sun peeking through at the top. I loved it all.
And then we reached the end. We hiked up a steep hill to make our way back to the car and encountered my first-ever suspension staircase. It had to be flown into place!
We passed by an isolated hotel and then made it to a steal bridge that traversed the gorge. This one also had to be helicoptered in! We had it to ourselves and it was fabulous. I didn’t want to leave.
But I did leave and it’s a good thing too because people were coming. In droves.
I warn you dear reader, believe the tourist site managers when they tell you to avoid the crowds by arriving before a certain time. As we walked back to the car, HUNDREDS of people were making their way to the gorge from the parking lot.
It’s such a tight space. I was already a bit claustrophobic when it was pretty empty. I can’t fathom how it must feel to share the experience with hundreds of other tourists and thankfully, I never will. I’ll absolutely go back but only first thing in the morning.
PS it turns out the Olympic ski jump is not only still in use but you can use it in the summertime. I didn’t fact-check this but it appeared that they were spraying water on it so I’m guessing that’s how they got sufficient friction? Impressive to watch regardless!
