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sunset behind Mount Zugspitze photo by Andreas Kretschmer –

The Top 10 Remarquable Facts about Mount Zugspitze and Partnach Gorge in Garmisch- Partenkirchen

The Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is accustomed to rendering visitors speechless with its extraordinary beauty. It is well known for the highest peak in Germany the Zugspitze, which towers over the rooftops.

It is a much-loved Ski resort that is also a paradise for summer sports fans and has all kinds of day trips on offer. Garmisch-Partenkirchen sits at the base of Germany鈥檚 highest mountain and Germany鈥檚 fourth highest mountain also overlooks Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the quintessential Bavarian town that came to be since two separate Bavarian towns joined to become one shortly before the winter Olympics. Garmisch-Partenkirchen has become one of Europe鈥檚 top winter sports destinations. One of the biggest draws to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the Zugspitze mountain and the Partnach Gorge.

Zugspitze looms high over the cosy town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and in fact all over Germany. It is located roughly ten kilometres southwest of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The Partnach Gorge springs from the Zugspitze region, it has wild waterfalls, rapids and pools that fascinate young and old.

Here are top 10 remarquable facts about Mount Zugspitze and Partnach Gorge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

1. Mount Zugspitze is the highest point in Germany

Summit cross on mount Zugspitze, Germany photo by Christof46 –

Standing at (9,718 ft.) 2,962 meters above sea level, the Zugspitze is the highest peak of the Wetterstein mountains and Germany’s highest mountain. Popular year-round, it鈥檚 during the winter months that this impressive peak is the busiest, as skiers all over Europe arrive to sample its many challenging runs and enjoy its dramatic scenery.

In summer the mountain comes alive with the sound of tramping hiking boots, as outdoor enthusiasts visit the summit, as well as the Zugspitzplatt, a plateaued area.

2. Mount Zugspitze is home to Germany鈥檚 only Ski resort

Photo by Joan Oger on

On the flanks of the mountain are three glaciers. The glaciers include the two largest in Germany: The Northern 8chneeferner with an area of 30.7 hectares and the H枚llentalferner with an area of 24.7 hectares. The third is the southern Schneeferner which covers 8.4 hectares.

The 20 kilometers of pistes enjoy a deep covering of natural snow for skiing and boarding for six months of the year.

3. Mount Zugspitze’s impressive view reveals over 400 mountain peaks

Image by David Mark from

An impressive panorama opens up to reveal extensive views of over 400 mountain peaks in four countries. It gives panoramic views of around 400 summits in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. You will be able to look over snow-clad peaks spread across the four countries.

On the very top, Germany鈥檚 most beautiful roof terrace is a popular sport to enjoy the 360藲 panorama of 400 alpine peaks in Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland year-round at eye level with the Golden summit cross. The view enables you to look out into the distance 鈥� up to 250 kilometres on clear days in winter and high summer.

4. Mount Zugspitze hosts Germany鈥檚 highest church

Photo by eberhard 馃枑 grossgasteiger on

Germany鈥檚 highest church is situated near the glacier at 3000 meters above sea level, inaugurated by J. Cardinal Ratzinger.

5. Zugspitze鈥檚 first recorded ascent was on 27 August 1820

Summit cross on mount Zugspitze, Germany photo by Christof46 –

The first recorded Ascent of the Zugspitze mountain was achieved on 27 August 1820 by Lieutenant Joseph Naus and mountain guide, Johann George Tauschll together with Naus鈥� survey assistant and batman (servant), Maier. As early as 21 July Naus, an officer in the Bavarian Army, had asked about the route through the Reintal Valley to the Northern Schneeferner.

The Lieutenant was taking part in the survey exercise by the Royal Bavarian Topographic Bureau for the Atlas of Bavaria in the Werdenfeiser land. On 27 August around 4 in the morning, Naus, Tausal and Maier set off for the Zugspitzplatt and Zugspitze Summit.

They attempted to reach the west summit along the west ridge from the Schneeferner glacier but failed once. The second trial was successful and they finally reached the west summit around 11:45 am, where they left behind a bergstock and cloth to mark the success.

6. Partnach Gorge is 2,305 ft. long and 263 ft.

view of the Partnach Gorge in Garmisch. Partnachklamm photo by Angibrownphotography –

With its spraying waterfalls, rapids and calm basins, the partnach Gorge is a jaw-dropping wonder of nature, being 2,305 ft. long and 263 ft. high. Just three kilometres southeast of Garmisch- Partenkirchen is the wild and romantic Partnachklamm, the Partnach Gorge.

The Partnach Gorge is a deep gorge that has been incised by a mountain stream, the partnach, in the Reintal valley near the south German town of Garmisch- Partenkirchen.

7. The Gorge was declared a natural monument in 1912

Partnach Gorge, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany photo by Zairon –

The Partnach Gorge with its brawling cataracts, waterfalls and deep puddles is said to be one of the most fascinating gorges of the Bavarian Alps. It has been declared a natural monument in 1912. Soon after, it was made accessible for tourists.

Since 2006, the gorge is announced as a national geotope.

8. Partnach Gorge served as a wooden log transportation route

The beautiful Partnach Gorge in Garmisch Partenkirchen photo by Angibrownphotography –

At the beginning of the 19th century, the partnachklamm gained more economical importance, by serving as a transportation route of wooden logs to the valley, this method was known as 鈥淭rift鈥� (Drifting). In those times, it was life-threatening to come closer to the torrent.

Today, the gorge is open throughout the year for hikes on safe paths. It is also the gateway for many more hikes in the area.

9. The Gorge served as a film location

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from

The Partnach Gorge served as a film location for the 1979 film Nosferatu the vampire. In an early montage, the protagonist travels through the wilderness to count Dracula鈥檚 castle.

Although the film鈥檚 dialogue refers to the route as the Borgo Pass in the Carpathian Mountains, the footage of the narrow passages and rushing water identifies the location as the Partnach.

10. Partnach Gorge had an unexpected fall in 1991

On 1 June 1991, about 5,000 cubic meters of rock broke away from a rock face at the southern end of the gorge and blocked the old path as well as the watercourse. Fortunately, this unexpected rock fall did not claim any lives.

From Zugspitze looming high over the cosy town of Garmisch- Partenkirchen and in fact, over all of Germany to Partnach Gorge being a deep gorge incised by a mountain stream, they remain to be the biggest draws in Germany and a popular year-round tourist destination.