thebackpackdiaries

The rain didn’t let up as we made our way into Partnachklamm, but somehow, the weather made it even more dramatic. Water roared through the narrow gorge, echoing off mossy stone walls while rivulets of rain joined the spectacle from above. Garmisch-Partenkirchen in November wasn’t exactly the cozy postcard I expected—but it turned out to be so much more. From misty hikes around Eibsee to the hidden beauty of Kuhfluchtwasserfall, and even a surprise detour to Munich’s twinkling Christmas market, this trip was all about unexpected magic—and the kind of quiet, moody beauty you only find in off-season Bavaria.

Day 1: Exploring the Hidden Magic of Partnachklamm

We start our day in Garmisch-Partenkirchen with a visit to Partnachklamm (Partnach Gorge). The weather at that time is snowy and rainy, in which this place transforms into something truly magical. The gorge, which is already impressive with its towering cliffs and rushing water, takes on an ethereal quality in the winter months. The water droplets freeze along the rocks, creating icicles that sparkle in the light, while the mist from the rushing river adds a mystical atmosphere to the scene.

As we walk through the gorge, we noticed that the trail is well-maintained, but be prepared for wet and slippery conditions, especially during rainy or snowy weather. The sound of the water and the crunch of snow underfoot provide a calming soundtrack as we make our way through the gorge. It’s an experience that feels almost otherworldly—one of those moments where nature’s raw beauty really takes our breath away.

From Partnachklamm, we passed by the river and at that time the area was covered of snow (well, not that heavy, but still) it was hard to walk because the snow was melting already. We continued our hike up to Eckbauer/Graseck, at that time some small stalls are closed due to preparation for winter. Also the popular Kaiserschmarrn-Alm restaurant (with a beautiful view while eating Kaiserschmarrn) is closed. And continued to pass by in “Iron Bridge” back to the main point which is Das Graseck Seilbahn (Cable Car). 3 hours hike ( with some pause during the ascend and descend) in total. ( Well, it depends on your pacing also.) hahaha

Tip: Waterproof gear is a must, especially in the rainy season! The gorge is open year-round, but if you want to avoid the crowds, aim for an early morning or a drizzly day like ours. Opening hours and closing hours depends on the months, so better check first their website or the GaPa website for the complete information.

Afternoon Walk: A Quiet Stroll Down Ludwigstraße

After our adventurous exploration of Partnachklamm, we make our way to Ludwigstraße, the main street of Partenkirchen. On a quiet, cloudy afternoon, the street feels peaceful, with fewer tourists and a soft, calming atmosphere. The colorful houses with their intricate frescoes on the facades stand out even more against the grey sky, their beauty highlighted in the diffused light.

A slow walk down the street, appreciating a glimpse of traditional Bavarian life. A few tip, some coffee shops and pastry/bakeshop closed early during this time so better come by mid afternoon around 2pm- 4pm. And if you’re in the mood for some shopping, there are quaint boutiques selling local crafts, woolen goods, and handmade jewelry—perfect souvenirs to remind you of the calm beauty of the day.

Day 2: The Hidden Magic of Eibsee and the Stunning Kuhfluchtwasserfall

The next morning, (still with a leg sore from unexpected hike in Partnachklamm) we put on our hiking boots again and set out to explore the Eibsee, a picture-perfect lake nestled at the foot of the Zugspitze.

While the fog over the water created an eerie yet serene vibe, we opted for a hike around the lake. It’s a fairly easy loop, perfect for soaking in alpine views while still feeling that slight chill of winter in the air. We took (again) 2 hrs hike to complete the starting point up to the end point of the other side of the lake.

There is a lovely circular trail around the lake, with stunning views of Zugspitze. In Autumn, the changing colors of leaves, the transition of autumn vibes to winter vibes can be seen on one side of the lake (as you can see in the picture).

In Summer, you can take a leisurely stroll or you can rent a boat to paddle around the lake. It is indeed,an ideal place to slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy the tranquility. From here you can already ride the Seilbahn going to Zugspitze.

Late Afternoon: A Scenic Hike to Kuhfluchtwasserfall

We ended our day heading to Kuhfluchtwasserfall,(we are not yet tired of hiking and walking hahaha) a stunning waterfall in Farchant outside Garmisch town. The hike there is relatively easy as they said ( but for us it is not!) and takes you through lush forests and across peaceful meadows. The trail is often quiet, especially on weekdays, so it’s an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy nature in solitude.

The waterfall itself is breathtaking, cascading down a series of rocky steps. At that time, the water flows with full force, creating a powerful and soothing sound. There’s something incredibly calming about the sight and sound of water in the mountains—it makes for the perfect end to a day filled with natural beauty.

We didn’t continue to hike more because it was already getting dark (Mind you 4pm is already dark) so in my suggestion you go around 1 pm if you’re up for a bit more adventure, so you can hike further to explore the surrounding area, but for us even just sitting by the waterfall, taking in the views, and listening to the natural sounds of the forest is enough to leave us feeling completely refreshed and at peace. Hiking hours (again) is around 1 1/2 hours, well depends on your pacing. There is a place their ( a few walks near the entrance ), where it was really a great spot for appreciating the sunset. And from here you can see the view of different mountains surrounding the Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Day 3: A Quick Christmas Market Escape in Munich

Our final adventure, before going back in our different town, we stopped by in Munich’s Christmas Market, which felt like stepping into a winter wonderland. Twinkling lights, the smell of mulled wine, and the chatter of festive locals created the kind of atmosphere that instantly got us in the holiday spirit. We sipped on hot chocolate, and explored the traditional Bavarian stalls selling everything from hand-carved ornaments to intricate gingerbread cookies.

Tip: If you’re visiting Munich in winter, plan for at least half a day at the Christmas Market. It’s busy, but worth it for the atmosphere, food, and unique gifts. Another tip: if you are mug collector, from every Christmas market you will go, you can buy the drinks together with the mug and after drinking you can take that. But if you don’t feel to collect then you can return the mug and they will give back the deposit price of the mug.

Overall Tips for Visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen in November:

❄️☀️Weather: November is the shoulder season in Bavaria, so expect a mix of rain, fog, and crisp air. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities. (As you can see in my picture, I was unprepared, my boots are not like waterproof, so it was hard to dry it.hahaha)

🚉Transportation: The train system in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is very efficient, and Munich is only about an hour away by train, so make use of public transport. It is still part of Deutsche Bahn Ticket.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s Off-Season Charm:

Garmisch-Partenkirchen in November was an unexpected delight for us. From misty mountain hikes to cozy shopping streets and the festive spirit of Munich’s Christmas Market, it offered a mix of natural beauty, local culture, and seasonal magic that made our trip feel uniquely memorable. The rain might have been a little inconvenient, but it also made for one of the most unforgettable landscapes I’ve ever witnessed.

Tip: If you’re after an authentic, quiet side of Bavaria—where the beauty of the mountains feels untouched—this is the time to visit.

For any comments, suggestions and violent reactions feel free to write it down. For now Thebackpackdiaries is now signing off…Till my next story to tell.😊