I’ve become quite comfortable with public transportation around my small town area of Garmisch-Partenkirchen (GaPa), regardless of the language barrier. I know how to ask for an all day pass, I know where to get off if I am taking a train or another bus out of town, and I know how to get to some surrounding areas for exploration. Eventually I will invest in a bike because GaPa is a big biking town, but for now I explore by bus or by foot.
One of my recent explorations was the Partnach Gorge, or Partnachklamm.
This gorge was a quick 15-20 minute bus ride from the back gate of where I live and easy to find from where the bus drops off. This made it easy to visit after a day of work. Going this time of year meant that I was able to see the gorge covered in ice and snow, and when I say covered I mean cooovveerrredd. Basically Elsa came in and got real angry. I have never seen ice like this in my life.
I tend to overheat when I hike, and I wasn’t sure how strenuous the walk to the gorge would be, so I underdressed. This ended up being an easy, mostly flat walk and I regretted my jacket of choice pretty quick. If it looks cold in these photos, it’s because it was COLD. The gorge is somewhat in a cave as well, so little to no sunlight hits the interior. Fitting for me to find a place where my exterior finally matches my interior.
Joking…sort of.
It costs 5 euro to walk through the gorge, and round trip its about a mile. Once you reach the other end however, there are endless trails to explore. My friend and I walked on one for about 45 minutes, but had to turn around because it was getting dark. I can’t wait for the summer months when the sun stays in the sky until 9. Naturally walking on the trails made my cold inside light a small fire of happiness.
The irony of my life right now is that back home in Washington I don’t care for the snow. I typically avoid hiking in the winter months because I have slight PTSD after getting lost once due to snow. I also just don’t enjoy trekking through knee high snow, so I don’t. In Germany however, there is something magical about the snow. I guess it takes moving to Bavaria for me to appreciate the white blanket of death.
Walking to and from the gorge we passed by the Olympic Ski Jump, where the Winter Olympics were held in 1936. Next to the jump is a quaint restaurant called the OlympiaHaus, and they had delicious food! We sat at a communal table sandwiched between two German parties, and it was pure magic. I love getting away from Americans as often as I can, and sitting around Germans with their coffee and cake made me swoon.
When I first moved to Germany I was intimidated and slightly anxious about living in a town where I don’t speak the language, but after living here for a month and a half I’m no longer phased. Thank goodness for that because it means I don’t mind exploring alone like I would back home. I look forward to seeing the gorge again in the warmer months, hiking the trails beyond the gorge, and gorging myself with food from OlympiaHaus again when the ice melts.
Q: What’s your favorite season for outdoor activities?
Blissfulbritt 
29 thoughts on “Partnachklamm”
Nowhere Tribune
That looks awesome! Fall and winter are my favorites; I don’t like snakes, mesquitos, or heat. I’d love to be able to take some of the trips you’re taking.
Brittany
Fall is my favoriteeee esp in my home state!
sligo101
Dear Brit,
Thank you for the story. I appreciated the spectacular photos! They are amazing!
I wish I were there with you! Travel safely!
Love to you,
Papa
Brittany
Love you bunches.
Josh dV
I’ve been away from the blog scene for a bit and did not realize you were updating us again!
So happy to see your smiling (frigid) face. It looks like you are having some more wonderful adventures.
I love the heat of summer (but not humidity so the high desert seems a good place for me). Actually I don’t mind humidity and my trek through the rain forests of Guatemala were quite fun.
I’m also a big fan of fall when it is still warm but you can see the seasons change.
Love you friend and I’ll keep a sharp eye for more updates now that I know they are coming.
Brittany
So glad you stopped by! I also love fall, I’m excited to see what fall is like in Germany!
Josh dV
Well please share with the rest of us that do not know! Take care and be safe friend!
AJ
Wow that looks amazing!
Brittany
It’s unreal!
Julanne
My favorite outdoor month is definitely winter but I live in Louisiana so I’m loving these photos. Thanks for posting them….those are amazing ice formations! Really enjoying your posts from Germany!
Brittany
Winter in Louisiana must be different than my home state, and Germany! I enjoy winter in Arizona when I visit my dad! Ha.
bearly
Skiing is the thing to do around Garmisch in the winter time. Enjoy.
Brittany
If only I wanted to learn. 🤷🏻♀️😂 Maybe next year!
Amy
“White blanket of death” 😂😂😂 My thoughts exactly!! You know me… I’m definitely a late spring to early fall type of girl. Warm weather for me please! 😉 But man oh man, those photos still make winter look absolutely magical!!
Brittany
I’m with you on spring and fall! But I like a crisp fall day. 😝
sunsetdoc
Your dad is soooooo appreciative of the blog and photos!!!! He loves ya much/
Brittany
Your daughter is soooooo appreciative that you read what she posts. Means a lot.
stateeats
Swoooon! Even tho I am not a big winter fan, this gorge looks so gorge! Hahah, see what I did there? – Kat
Brittany
HA!! I’m with you on all of this. Not a winter fan, but something about it here is just lovely!
P
Wow all of those icicles! And to think it’s literally your backyard right now 😍
Brittany
I knoooww!! So thankful.
Pam & Kiki
I think I read somewhere there is an illness that you can get from being surrounded by too much Beauty….😃👍
Your photos are Awesome…,
What a Wonderful Memory making Adventure You have embarked upon🙏❤️
Keep Posting 👋👋👋🙋
Brittany
Thank you!!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
Have I mentioned I’m living vicariously through you. I almost forget you’re there for work.
Brittany
I sometimes forget I work here, and then I have to go back to work and I remember. HAAAH.
gpavants
Hi Brittany,
Caving is awesome. Sounds like fun! Thanks,
Gary
Brittany
I can’t wait to return in the warmer months and see the caved areas without the ice!
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