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Germany
Bavaria
Upper Bavaria
Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Grainau

Top 20 Waterfalls around Grainau

Best waterfalls around Grainau are found in a picturesque village nestled in the Bavarian Alps, serving as a gateway to natural wonders. The area is characterized by dramatic gorges and numerous waterfalls, formed by rivers draining from the Zugspitze. Visitors can explore a diverse landscape featuring cascading waters within deep gorges and serene forest settings. This region offers a range of experiences for those seeking to discover the power and beauty of alpine water features.

Best waterfalls around Grainau

  • The most popular waterfalls is Kuhflucht Waterfall, a waterfall that offers a lookout point behind it. It provides good photo opportunities, even for smaller cascades.
  • Another must-see spot is Häselgehrbach Waterfall, a waterfall located on the bike path just before Ehrwald. Visitors can reach behind the waterfall via a staircase and a trail, offering a unique experience.
  • Visitors also love Höllental Gorge, a gorge featuring many waterfalls, small tunnels, and illuminated passages. This natural spectacle provides an immersive experience for nature lovers with its dramatic rock walls and rushing water.
  • Grainau is known for gorge waterfalls, forest waterfalls, and waterfalls flowing into lakes. The region offers a variety of waterfalls to see and explore, from challenging hikes through dramatic landscapes to more gentle strolls alongside cascading waters.
  • The waterfalls around Grainau are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 4300 upvotes and over 6200 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Höllental Gorge

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The Höllentalklamm near Grainau, Hammersbach district, is a real experience. It's quite an uphill climb before you reach the entrance to the gorge. Nature lovers will find an unforgettable natural spectacle through the unique gorge with its many waterfalls, small tunnels and illuminated passages.

In the snow-free period, around mid-May to the end of October, the gorge is open 24 hours a day. Please don't forget to bring appropriate clothing, as it is quite humid in the gorge and even in summer the temperatures are sometimes cool. The Höllentalangerhütte at an altitude of 1,387 meters invites you to stop off afterwards. You can also stay overnight here. There are drying rooms for clothes if it gets too wet. From the Höllentalangerhütte, further climbs are possible, for example to the Alpspitze, the Matheisenkar or even to the Zugspitze. Information at: grainau.de/hoellentalklamm.

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Kuhflucht Waterfall

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It does not always have to be the big waterfall, even the smaller waterfalls are very nice photo opportunities.

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Kotbach Waterfall

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The Kotbach is one of the few named tributaries of the Eibsee. Here he falls over a small waterfall in the lake. Next to it is a bank waiting.

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Häselgehrbach Waterfall

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On the bike path just before Ehrwald located waterfall. The Häselgehrbach falls here over several levels and Gumpen in the Loisach. You can even reach behind the waterfall via a staircase and a trail - a unique experience.

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Schalmeischlucht Waterfall

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Beautiful waterfall in the middle of the wild romantic Schalmeischlucht.

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Tips from the Community

DANΨ
July 8, 2025, Schalmeischlucht Waterfall

The Schalmeischlucht is definitely worth a hike, easy to walk.

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Petr
September 19, 2024, Schalmeischlucht Waterfall

Very cute small waterfall to enjoy :)

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Pete
August 7, 2024, Kotbach Waterfall

Nice place for a little rest

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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 :-)

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A beautiful waterfall. Was worth it.

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Beautiful waterfall right in the bend in the path... but often only relatively little water

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The platform allows for a great view of the falls from above

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Many smaller and larger springs to see.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some unique waterfall experiences near Grainau?

Near Grainau, you can find unique experiences like walking behind the Häselgehrbach Waterfall via a staircase and trail. The Höllental Gorge offers an immersive journey through tunnels and illuminated passages with dramatic rock walls and rushing water.

Are there family-friendly waterfalls around Grainau?

Yes, several waterfalls near Grainau are suitable for families. The Kotbach Waterfall, which flows into the Eibsee, is considered family-friendly. The Häselgehrbach Waterfall is also noted as family-friendly, located conveniently on a bike path.

What is the best time to visit the waterfalls in Grainau?

The gorges and waterfalls are generally best visited from mid-May to the end of October, depending on snow conditions. During this period, the trails are typically open and safe. For a unique winter experience, the Partnachklamm (a bit further afield) transforms into a magical ice world, offering guided torchlight hikes.

What kind of terrain can I expect on waterfall hikes near Grainau?

The terrain varies significantly. For instance, the hike through the Höllental Gorge involves ledges, wooden slopes, and stone steps, with some sections carved into tunnels. Other trails, like those leading to the Koflute Waterfalls, offer more leisurely strolls along a river. Expect a mix of intermediate to challenging paths, often requiring sturdy footwear.

What should I wear when visiting the gorges and waterfalls in Grainau?

When visiting gorges like the Höllental Gorge, it's essential to wear sturdy shoes due to potentially wet and uneven paths. Water-repellent clothing is also recommended, as conditions inside the gorges can be humid and cool, even in summer.

Are there any less-known or 'hidden gem' waterfalls in the Grainau area?

Beyond the popular spots, you can explore the Schalmeischlucht Waterfall, described as a beautiful waterfall within the wild and romantic Schalmei Gorge. The Koflute Waterfalls near Farchant are also considered a 'secret' spot, offering a less strenuous hike with multiple small cascades.

What outdoor activities can I combine with a waterfall visit near Grainau?

The area around Grainau offers diverse outdoor activities. You can combine a waterfall visit with cycling tours, such as the 'View of the Alpspitze – Loisach River Path loop' or 'View of Eibsee – Eibsee Panorama loop'. For running enthusiasts, there are trails like the 'Ascent to Höllentalklamm loop'. Find more options on the Cycling around Grainau or Running Trails around Grainau guide pages.

Are there waterfalls near Grainau that flow into lakes?

Yes, the Kotbach Waterfall is a notable example. It's a tributary of the beautiful Eibsee and forms a small waterfall as it flows directly into the lake, with a bank nearby for visitors to enjoy the view.

What do visitors enjoy most about the waterfalls and gorges near Grainau?

Visitors frequently praise the immersive natural spectacle of the gorges, particularly the dramatic rock walls and the powerful rush of water. The unique experience of walking through tunnels and behind cascades, as well as the stunning photo opportunities, are also highly appreciated. Many find the combination of challenging hikes and serene natural beauty captivating.

Are there any waterfalls near Grainau that offer good photo opportunities?

Absolutely. The Kuhflucht Waterfall is known for providing excellent photo opportunities, even for its smaller cascades, with a lookout point behind it. The Häselgehrbach Waterfall also offers a unique perspective, allowing you to capture shots from behind the falling water.

Are there options for gravel biking near the waterfalls in Grainau?

Yes, the region offers several gravel biking routes that can be combined with a visit to the waterfalls. You can explore routes like the 'Plansee – East end of Lake Plansee loop' or the 'Loisach River Path – View of the Zugspitze loop'. For more details, refer to the Gravel biking around Grainau guide page.

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

MittenwaldAmmergauer AlpsKrünWallgauSaulgrubUnterammergauOberammergauOberauSchwaigenBad KohlgrubEschenloheOhlstadtEttalEttaler ForstFarchantMurnau a. StaffelseeGroßweilRiegseeBad BayersoienNaturpark Ammergauer AlpenUffing am StaffelseeAmmergebirgeSeehausen am StaffelseeSpatzenhausen

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