Best waterfalls around Schwaigen are found in the scenic Garmisch-Partenkirchen district of Upper Bavaria, Germany. While the municipality of Schwaigen itself is rural, it serves as a base for exploring several impressive natural attractions nearby. The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain and river systems, which create numerous gorges and waterfalls. Visitors can experience diverse natural landscapes, from forested trails to dramatic rock formations.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Bridge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more waterfalls around Schwaigen.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Schwaigen
7 days, 7 summits – varied mountain Tour week in the Zugspitz region
Hike up to the most beautiful views in Upper Bavaria – Go 7 Summits
The Art Loop — Wasser-Radlwege Oberbayern
Hiking around Schwaigen

Mountain Hikes around Schwaigen
Cycling around Schwaigen

Gravel biking around Schwaigen
Road Cycling Routes around Schwaigen
Running Trails around Schwaigen
MTB Trails around Schwaigen
The path to this point is not maintained and is therefore not recommended; safe walking cannot be guaranteed.
2
0
The Schleier Falls are very beautiful and the difficult path through the Ammer Gorge is worth it. Please note: extremely sensitive area - entering the Schleier Falls and possibly "showering" in the waterfall causes damage that nature will take a very, very long time to repair. So: it's OK to look, but please don't enter!
1
0
We hiked here from Garmisch Partenkirchen, a good 14 km there and back. The waterfalls are impressive. The power of the water, and there's no entrance fee. It's a highly recommended excursion :-)
3
1
Beautiful waterfall just above Ohlstadt
0
0
Directly above the "Heimgarten" car park in Ohlstadt - worth seeing and v. a. a great place for children! 👍🙂
0
0
Sections of the tour are only really feasible with very good shoes and sufficient body size. Especially in the rather wet seasons you have to be prepared for muddy and sloping paths.
1
1
The platform allows for a great view of the falls from above
3
1
The stairway that leads up here from the gorge is only for sure-footed walkers (see signs), with some very high steps, slightly exposed and extremely greasy when wet. The T1 rating (walk) in the komoot map is definitely wrong. The whole path in the gorge is T2 (hiking trail), this place is more like T3 (hiking trail with easy difficulty).
4
2
The region around Schwaigen, particularly the Garmisch-Partenkirchen district, offers several stunning natural water features. The Kuhflucht Waterfalls near Farchant are among Germany's highest, with a cumulative descent of approximately 270 meters. The Schleifmühl Gorge provides trails and viewpoints, while the Kaltwasser Waterfalls are part of a beautiful hiking trail to Heimgarten. Additionally, the dramatic Partnach Gorge and Höllental Gorge are significant natural monuments in the wider area.
Yes, the Kaltwasser Waterfalls are considered family-friendly. The path goes over several bridges, offering an engaging experience for all ages. The hike to the lower Kuhflucht Waterfalls from Farchant is also generally suitable for families, though some sections can be steep and require sturdy footwear.
The waterfalls and gorges offer unique experiences year-round. In summer, you'll witness thundering spray and lush greenery. In winter, many transform into bizarre and beautiful ice sculptures, creating a magical landscape. The Partnach Gorge, for instance, is particularly enchanting when frozen.
Yes, the Kuhflucht Waterfalls are accessible year-round. In winter, they transform into impressive ice formations, offering a different, yet equally stunning, natural spectacle.
The Partnach Gorge is a dramatic chasm carved by the Partnach River, featuring steep, towering rock walls. You'll traverse well-maintained paths and tunnels carved into the rock face, with numerous smaller waterfalls, rapids, and cascades along its length. In winter, these waterfalls freeze into elaborate ice formations.
The Schleifmühl Gorge is noted for being less crowded than places like the Partnach Gorge. It offers a peaceful experience where you can explore paths and wooden walkways year-round, listening to the babbling stream without an entrance fee.
The region around Schwaigen offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including routes through the Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve. For cyclists, there are touring bicycle routes like the Lake Barmsee loop, and mountain biking trails with views of Lake Staffelsee.
The Kuhflucht Waterfalls are notable as their water originates from the Kuhflucht Spring, emerging from karst rock at around 1,000 meters above sea level in the Ester Mountains. This karst geology contributes to their impressive multi-stage descent.
Given the varied terrain and potential for slippery paths, especially in gorges or near waterfalls, sturdy footwear with good grip is highly recommended. Depending on the season, layers of clothing are advisable, and a waterproof jacket can be useful due to spray from the falls or changing weather conditions.
The hiking route through the Partnach Gorge is approximately 700 meters long and typically takes about 45 minutes to traverse. You can reach the gorge from the Garmisch Ski Stadium by foot or by horse-drawn carriage.
Yes, the Schleierfälle — Waterfalls on the Ammer River offer a fantastic natural spectacle. They are part of a beautiful path along the Ammer, particularly enjoyable during a hike through the Ammer Gorge.
Visitors frequently appreciate the dramatic natural beauty and the immersive hiking experiences. Highlights like the Kuhflucht Waterfalls are praised for their lookout points and photo opportunities. The Schleifmühl Gorge is valued for its peaceful atmosphere and wooden walkways, while the Kaltwasser Waterfalls are loved for being part of a scenic trail to Heimgarten.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Schwaigen: