Partnach Gorge by antistar
The Partnach Gorge is just incredible, and the perfect antedote to a stinking hot day like the last day I was in Gap. The water thunders through the crack in the granite rock and creates its own natural air conditioning system, funneling the cool mountain air and running it over the thrashing waters of the Partnach river. You can feel the temperature dropping as you approach the gorge, and when you are inside it is devine. Of course in winter the chill air will likely sap you to the core, but I've heard the views are even more spectacular then.The power of the water crashing through the gorge is immense. It creates a deafening noise that would probably drown out a gunshot. The thundering water that has carved a trough in the pure granite of the mountain also tears down whole trees and leaves them stranded helplessly in the turbulent eddies. It is simply amazing to witness this wonder of nature, and it isn't spoilt much by the tourist hordes that cram into the tight tunnel through the gorge. In fact catching sight of another human on the path serves to highlight the grandness of the gorge and put its size into perspective.
The walk to the gorge is a delight in itself too. You can join the Partnach river near the station, and walk the path down to the old Olympic Ski Jumping Stadium. From there it is another 20 minutes walk to the gorge through beautiful yellow and green buttercup meadows so typical of the Bavarian Alps. After the gorge you can relax on a riverside beach of shingle, or take a walk up to the top of the Graseck and take the gondola ride back down. This is what I did, although next time I go on a 30+ degree day I'll take the gondola UP the Graseck and walk back down...
The gondola ride itself costs 3.50 euros either way and takes you over the gorge in a scary old cabin that rocks like a cradle.
