Attractions and Places To See around Oberau - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Oberau, a village nestled in the Bavarian Alps, provide a blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences. The region is characterized by its majestic mountain ranges, scenic valleys, and impressive gorges. Oberau serves as a base for exploring a variety of natural features and cultural sites in the wider area. This area offers diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around Oberau
- The most popular attractions is Klammweg, a gorge that offers an unforgettable natural spectacle with many waterfalls, tunnels, and passages. It is accessible during the snow-free period from mid-May to the end of October.
- Another must-see spot is Wank Summit, a summit offering wonderful views over Garmisch and the Wettersteingebirge. It serves as a starting point for tours of various difficulty levels.
- Visitors also love Entrance to the Partnach Gorge, a natural monument that is always impressive. Sturdy shoes are recommended for exploring this gorge, which features a popular photo motif above its entrance.
- Oberau is known for its gorges, summits, and man-made monuments. The region offers a variety of natural spectacles, historical sites, and viewpoints to explore.
- The attractions around Oberau are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 8000 upvotes and over 9000 photos shared.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Partnach Gorge
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Large Olympic Ski Jump Garmisch-Partenkirchen
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Klammweg
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Entrance to the Partnach Gorge
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Wank Summit
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From 1910 to 1912, the Partnach Gorge, which is up to 80 meters deep, was opened up for tourism under the most difficult conditions and at great financial expense.
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The sign above the entrance to the gorge, a popular photo motif, shows the time it was opened up in the years 1910-1920.
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Lower entrance to the gorge. here you can buy the tickets
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The Partnach Gorge is a 700-meter-long gorge in the Reintal near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, cut by the Partnach torrent to a depth of more than 80 meters in places. The valley floor is at about 800 m above sea level in the middle of the gorge. In 1912, the Partnach Gorge was declared a natural monument. The path always runs on the right side of the stream. In the Middle Triassic, around 240 million years ago, dark gray, relatively hard layers of alpine shell limestone, known as Wurstel limestone or Knollenkalk, were deposited on the bottom of a shallow sea in the area of today's Partnach Gorge. On the bulging layers of this rock, you can still often see traces of burrowing and feeding by the sea creatures of that time. Around five million years later, significantly softer marls were deposited in the same sea basin, which are now known as the Partnach layers. During the later Alpine folding, the so-called Wamberger Saddle was formed from these rock layers. The erosion power of the Partnach, fed by the Schneeferner on the Zugspitzplatt, was great enough to quickly erode the softer layers, keep pace with the ongoing uplift of the terrain and thus also cut into the hard alpine Muschelkalk. Today, the river forms the typical narrow valley shape of a gorge in the Muschelkalk area, while to the north and south of it, in the areas of the softer Partnach layers, wider valley shapes predominate. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partnachklamm
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June - September: 08:00 - 20:00 October - May: 08:00 - 18:00 The Partnachklamm is open all year round, but may be closed for safety reasons. If this is the case, there are two other ways to avoid the gorge.
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The path is easy to walk and has great views! The last part leads steeply through a beautiful forest, past very old trees (sycamore and spruce). A great way!
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Also feasible with dogs 👍
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I visit near Oberau?
The region around Oberau is rich in history and culture. You can explore the opulent Large Olympic Ski Jump Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a significant historical site. Further afield, but easily accessible, are King Ludwig II's magnificent Linderhof Palace and the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. Don't miss Ettal Abbey, a working Benedictine monastery known for its Baroque architecture, or the nearby village of Oberammergau, famous for its Passion Play Theater, intricate Lüftlmalerei frescoes, and traditional wood carving.
Are there any impressive natural gorges to explore around Oberau?
Yes, Oberau is surrounded by stunning natural gorges. The Partnach Gorge is a natural monument with paths winding past rock formations and waterfalls. Another unforgettable natural spectacle is Klammweg (Höllentalklamm), featuring many waterfalls, tunnels, and passages, accessible from mid-May to late October. The Entrance to the Partnach Gorge is also a popular spot, with sturdy shoes recommended for exploration.
What are the best viewpoints for panoramic scenery near Oberau?
For breathtaking panoramic views, consider visiting Wank Summit, which offers wonderful vistas over Garmisch and the Wettersteingebirge. Germany's highest mountain, Zugspitze, also provides 360-degree panoramic views and is accessible by cable car. Other peaks like Heimgarten Summit and Kofel Mountain (overlooking Oberammergau) offer expansive views of the Ammergau Alps and picturesque lakes.
What outdoor activities can I do near Oberau's attractions?
The region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous mountain biking trails, such as the 'Reschbergwiesen Meadows – Enningalm loop' or the 'Loisach – Murnau Moor loop'. For road cycling, routes like 'Kuhflucht Bridge – View of the Bavarian Alps loop' are available. There are also challenging mountain hikes, including 'Up the Notkarspitze' or 'With via ferrata on the Ettaler Manndl'. You can find more details on these activities in the MTB Trails around Oberau, Road Cycling Routes around Oberau, and Mountain Hikes around Oberau guides.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the Oberau area?
Absolutely! Many attractions are suitable for families. The Partnach Gorge and its Entrance are considered family-friendly natural monuments. The Large Olympic Ski Jump Garmisch-Partenkirchen also welcomes families. For more adventure, Oberammergau offers an Alpine Coaster (summer toboggan run) and the WellenBerg Oberammergau, an outdoor pool paradise. The Reptilienhaus in Oberammergau is another captivating option for children.
What is the best time of year to visit Oberau for outdoor activities?
The snow-free period from mid-May to the end of October is ideal for exploring gorges like Klammweg and enjoying hiking. Summer offers pleasant temperatures for cycling, mountain biking, and swimming. Winter transforms the region into a skiing and snowboarding paradise, especially around Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Zugspitze, with the Partnach Gorge offering a unique experience with its ice formations.
Are there any accessible walks or trails near Oberau?
While many alpine trails can be challenging, the village center of Oberau itself offers a pleasant, tranquil setting for easy walks. For specific accessible routes, it's best to check local tourist information or trail descriptions, as accessibility can vary. Some sections of the gorges might be challenging due to uneven terrain, but the main paths are generally well-maintained.
What are some unique natural features besides gorges in the region?
Beyond the impressive gorges, the region boasts the majestic Bavarian Alps, including Germany's highest mountain, Zugspitze. The Ammertal (Ammer Valley) offers scenic routes along the Ammer River, perfect for walking and cycling. The Ammergau Alps Nature Park is a diverse landscape of mountain ridges, pastures, and unique moors like Ettal Weidmoss and Pulvermoos, providing habitats for various flora and fauna.
Can I bring my dog to attractions around Oberau?
Leashed dogs are generally welcome at many outdoor attractions. For example, the Partnach Gorge is dog-friendly. However, it's always advisable to check specific rules for each attraction or trail, especially for indoor sites or protected natural areas, to ensure a smooth visit with your canine companion.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Oberau?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, particularly the impressive gorges and panoramic mountain views. The unique experience of walking through the Partnach Gorge and the unforgettable natural spectacle of Klammweg are often highlighted. The diverse opportunities for hiking, from easy walks to challenging alpine routes, and the rich cultural heritage of nearby towns like Oberammergau also receive high acclaim.
Are there options for mountain sports like skiing or snowboarding near Oberau?
Yes, Oberau serves as an excellent base for winter sports. The nearby Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers superb skiing areas, including Garmisch Classic and the Zugspitze, which is Germany's highest mountain and a prime location for skiing and snowboarding in winter. The region provides diverse opportunities for winter enthusiasts.
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