Partnachklamm Explorer's Hike

This stage starts in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and leads from the ski jump stadium into the Partnach valley before climbing towards Toni Hütte am Riesserkopf. The main landmark is the Partnachklamm, a narrow gorge reached early in the route after following the Partnach River upstream. With 730 m of elevation gain, this is a steady climbing stage, especially after leaving the gorge area and continuing higher into the hills above town.

From the start, you follow the Partnach River towards the entrance of the Partnachklamm. After paying the entrance fee, you enter the gorge, where the path runs close to the water and includes a tunnel section. This is the highlight of the stage, with steep rock walls, the river below and a dramatic change from the open valley at the start.

After the gorge, the route climbs away from the river and continues through forested slopes and hillside paths. You pass viewpoints towards the Wetterstein Mountains and follow the high trail above Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The final section keeps climbing towards Toni Hütte am Riesserkopf, where the stage ends after a varied first day of river walking, gorge scenery and steady uphill hiking.

From Toni Hütte am Riesserkopf, you have two ways to finish the route back towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The shorter option climbs to the cable car area at Kreuzeck, with 530 m of ascent packed into just over 4 km. It is a compact but steady uphill walk through forest and open ski-area terrain, ending at the cable car station for an easy descent.

From Toni Hütte am Riesserkopf, the route leaves the hut area and climbs through forest, soon passing a viewpoint towards the Zugspitze. You continue along wooded tracks and smaller paths, with a beautiful forested section before the route opens up towards views of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Higher up, the trail passes Trögel Hut and the Garmisch Classic Ski Area, with views towards the Wetterstein Mountains along the way.

The final stretch climbs past Kreuzeckalm Mountain Inn and continues towards Kreuzeck Summit. In this area you find clear landmarks, including the mountain inn, ski-area buildings and the cable car station. From here, you can take the cable car down and then the 5-minute train back to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The longer option is to skip the cable car and continue on foot all the way back to town.