There is hardly any other place near the Zugspitze where you can lose track of time like in the Reintal Valley. The idyllic green valley is located at the top of the Wetterstein massif, where the bright light of the sky meets the clear waves of the Partnach. When hiking weather is perfect in June, we set off for Bockhütte, a picturesque and lovingly designed alpine pasture at 1052 m, which is an important stop for anyone who wants to climb the Zugspitze.

Tour profile

Difficulty level: easy to medium
Route length: approx. 18 km (total)
ascents: 600 hm
descents: 600 hm

Getting there

12:15 p.m.: Just 10 minutes from the hotel door via a leisurely hiking trail through the forest — and we're already at the Grainau-Badersee Zugspitze railway station. The train to the local mountain takes another 10 minutes. Then we get off and walk to the ski stadium first. From here, the journey to the enchanted land starts — first across the Partnach Gorge. The 20-minute access to the Partnachklamm gorge is usually full of tourists, and if you want, you can also have this section driven by carriage. After the Partnach Bridge, you can see the well-known route on the right, on which every year on January 6 the Horn sled racing takes place.

The gorge

1:15 p.m.: As soon as you make your way to the Partnach Gorge, you can hear the sound of the waves. As soon as you enter the gorge, you are simply overwhelmed by this natural monument. The rocks collide high above the gorge and the powerful current pushes its way through gaping crevices. Whether the whole thing is a game of nature or whether an evil boy has converted the mountains into his home here? Dark, reverberating passages with wet walls alternate several times with dazzling sun reflections and the roar of water — and after 700 meters, we are finally free again.

To the left above the Partnachklamm, you will find the popular Eckbauer Gasthof, which is easily accessible by Eckbauer cable car and is worth a separate trip with other sights such as the Hintergraseck-Alm and the Kaiserschmarrn-Alm.

Off to Reintal!

1:40 p.m.: After the turmoil in the Partnach Gorge, the further route along the Partnach seems rather appeasing. Only a few hikers continue the tour into the Reintal Valley, most tourists enjoy the sun on the shore next to the gorge and then return to Partenkirchen. At the fork after the bridge, we follow the signs for Reintal or Zugspitze. Here we walk along a wide forest road through an enchanting natural landscape for about 1 hour.

After an hour, we think about whether we should use the mountain bikes next time. The forest road is wide and fairly flat with only a few steep sections, making it ideal for cycling. In addition, the entire route is almost 20 km long. The trail climbs further and further along the shore, after steeper stretches where you can admire the Partnach from high above, followed again by places with access to the water.

Reintal, the lost world

3:20 p.m.: The wide forest road suddenly comes to an end and the small path nestles against the wall of the valley. There is only an abyss on the left — at the bottom of a 30 m deep gorge, the clear blue waves romp happily, at the top, the jagged edge of the Wetterstein massif with its eternal snow rises proudly... As in a slow-motion picture, clouds, stones, waves, huge trees, flowers, grasses, even more waves, butterflies and dragonflies pass by. The sun dazzles and the fresh wind cools. The waves and stones seem to be getting bigger and more beautiful — a magical land! Everything here has a unique meaning — including us! After a few minutes, we finally look for the perfect pub and dip our tired feet into the ice-cold blue water. Brrrrr, that's called refreshment!

16:50: Time has come to a standstill but the clock is still ticking. After some time, we notice that we have enjoyed nature for so long that we don't have much time left to reach Partenkirchen before nightfall. So, dry your feet quickly and put on your hiking boots. Where is the Bockhütte? The question remains stuck in the mountain air. Three more photos of the bridges, ten panoramic photos and countless photos with plants, stones and water — and finally a sign appears that promises us the hut in just 5 minutes.

The Bockhütte

17:00: We cross Partnach again and here it stands idyllically on the shore, the Bockhütte. Despite perfect weather, we can easily find space outside on the terrace — only a few mountain bikes are leaning against the fence.

The Bockhütte is an unmissable stop for anyone who wants to climb the Zugspitze and a perfect starting point for numerous via ferratas in the area. Drinks, hearty snacks, coffee and cake are offered with wonderful mountain views. The first alpine farm existed here as early as 1408. In 2011, the hut was rebuilt again. The alpine pasture is normally open during the grazing season from the end of June to mid-September and has no overnight accommodation.

Way back to Partenkirchen

18:00: After the short break, we unfortunately have to go back and experience all the waves, clouds, stones, trees, butterflies and dragonflies again. Then, shortly after the start of the forest road, we turn left — towards Partnachalm. The hut offers a cozy break with the famous view of Dreitorspitze and Schachen, but today's tour does not have the necessary time for that. Next time then. The mountains glow tempting in the evening light and the Partnach Gorge rushes deep below us.

The last route runs from the Partnach Gorge across the Kochelberg. Here you can either descend the horn sled track and get back to the starting point at the ski stadium, or alternatively turn left towards Kochelbergalm. From Kochelbergalm, you can reach Hausberg station in just 20 minutes.

8:30 p.m.: The perfect way to round off a perfect day is at Mukkescrew in Garmisch. In summer, the beer garden is completely occupied, but we're lucky enough to get a table without reservation. The popular restaurant offers a 'typical Garmisch' atmosphere and numerous regional highlights.

tips

Sturdy shoes and rain protection required, min. 1.5 l of water per person.

‍