Zugspitze Secret Tip: Höllentalklamm – Waterfalls, Hiking, Caves
Höllentalklamm: Facts & Overview
The Hellenthal Gorge is located in the Wetterstein Mountains, about 8 km southeast of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The gorge is approximately 1 km long, with rock walls rising up to 150 m vertically. Waterfalls and the roaring Hellenthal Gorge stream accompany you at every step. During the summer season (May to October), the gorge is open daily, but it is closed in winter due to avalanche danger.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Wetterstein Mountains, Bavaria, near Garmisch-Partenkirchen |
| Gorge Length | approx. 1 km |
| Rock Wall Height | up to 150 m |
| Admission Adults | 2 Euro |
| Admission Children | free of charge |
| Open | May to October (weather dependent) |
| Hiking Time Through the Gorge | approx. 45 minutes |
| End of the Gorge | 1,193 m altitude |
Hiking Routes: From Easy to Challenging
The Höllentalklamm is the starting point for routes of varying difficulty levels — from the pleasant family hike to the Zugspitze summit for alpinists.
| Route | Length | Altitude | Difficulty | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nur Klamm (there and back) | 2 km | approx. 150 m | Easy | Waterfalls, tunnels, rock walls |
| Klamm + Höllentalangerhütte | approx. 8 km | approx. 700 m | Moderate | Hut rest, mountain panorama |
| Klamm + Neuneralm Rundweg | approx. 10 km | approx. 500 m | Moderate | Sunny terrace at 910 m |
| Zugspitze via Höllental | approx. 22 km | approx. 2,200 m | Very difficult (alpine route) | Summit 2,962 m, glacier crossing |
Tip for families: The gorge itself is also suitable for children from about 5 years old. Sturdy footwear is a must — the stone slabs can be wet and slippery.
Getting there and parking
By car: From Garmisch-Partenkirchen, drive along the B2 towards Grainau. At the Hammersbach parking area (payable), the hiking trail to the gorge begins — about 1.5 km walk to the entrance.
By train: Take the Bavarian Zugspitzbahn from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the Hammersbach stop (about 8 minutes). From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the gorge entrance.
Parking: Hammersbach parking lot, parking fee about 5 euros per day. In the high season (July/August), arrive early — the parking lot fills up by 9 o’clock.
Refueling: The best huts along the way
Neuneralm (910 m)
Directly after the gorge, you reach the Neuneralm. On the large sun terrace, you enjoy a magnificent view over the Werdenfelser Land and the surrounding Alps with coffee, pretzel or a white beer. The kitchen offers classic bread snacks and bread plates.
Höllentalangerhütte (1.387 m)
The main goal of many hikers is the Höllentalangerhütte — a managed DAV shelter in the middle of the mountain world. The menu offers cheese spaetzle, soups, and cakes. Those who want to continue to the Zugspitze often stay here. Tip: Reservation is strongly recommended during the high season!
Equipment: What you definitely need
The Hellentalklamm is not a difficult terrain, but the humidity and stone slabs require the right equipment.
| Equipment | Importance | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Professionally soled hiking shoes | Mandatory | Wet stones — no sneakers! |
| Rain jacket | Highly recommended | Water mist from the waterfalls can soak you |
| Backpack (20–30 L) | Recommended | Water, food, spare clothes |
| Water (min. 1.5 L/person) | Mandatory | Do not drink from the sources in the gorge |
| Sun protection + headgear | Recommended | Strong sun possible above the gorge |
| First aid kit | Recommended | Especially for families with children |
| Headlamp | Optional | Tunnels in the gorge are lit |
Clothing: The Layering Principle for Mountain Hiking
In the Bavarian Alps, the weather can change quickly. The proven 3-layer system reliably protects you:
- Base layer: Functional underwear made of merino wool or polyester — wicks sweat away, keeps you warm
- Middle layer: Fleece jacket or light down vest — stores heat, breathable
- Outer layer: Water- and windproof hardshell jacket — protection from rain and spray
For the gorge: Even in summer, the waterfall mist flows through the ravine. A light rain jacket in your backpack is a must.
Virtual tour through the Höllentalklamm
Thundering waterfalls, dark caves and electrically lit tunnels:
Overview of the hike
Safety in the gorge and in the high mountains
- Check the weather report: Retrieve the current weather report before every hike — thunderstorms in the high mountains develop quickly
- Mobile reception: Often no network in the gorge — download an offline map (e.g. Komoot or Maps.me)
- Emergency: Bavarian Mountain Rescue 112 — in case of accidents also provide the exact GPS position
- Early start: Start as early as 7 a.m. in summer — thunderstorms usually develop in the afternoon
- Via ferrata gear: Only needed for the Zugspitze route, not required for the gorge itself
Leave No Trace: Hike responsibly
The Zugspitze National Park is a sensitive ecosystem. So that future generations can also experience this beauty:
- Take all trash with you — leave no plastic, no orange peels behind
- Do not leave the trails — trampled paths destroy rare alpine plants
- Observe wildlife, but do not feed or disturb — chamois and marmots need space
- Campfires only at designated sites — generally prohibited in the national park
- Keep noise to a minimum — especially in the early morning hours
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Höllentalklamm
Ist die Höllentalklamm für Kinder geeignet?
Ja, ab ca. 5 Jahren gut machbar. Die Steinplatten sind teilweise feucht — festes Schuhwerk und Aufsicht sind wichtig.
Wie lange dauert die Wanderung durch die Klamm?
Reine Gehzeit durch die Klamm ca. 45 Minuten eine Richtung. Mit Pausen und Rückweg plane 2–3 Stunden ein.
Kann man die Höllentalklamm im Winter besuchen?
Nein — die Klamm ist von November bis April wegen Lawinengefahr und Eis gesperrt.
Gibt es einen Eintrittspreis?
Erwachsene zahlen 2 Euro, Kinder sind kostenlos.
Brauche ich für den Weg zur Zugspitze besondere Ausrüstung?
Ja — die Zugspitze via Höllental ist eine Hochtourenroute. Klettersteigset, Helm, Steigeisen und Erfahrung im Hochgebirge sind notwendig. Nicht für ungeübte Wanderer geeignet.
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