Opening the Senses through Zugspitze

Revitalizing adventures amid nature’s embrace, through Partnachkalm gorge, Zugspitze's trails, and Munich's charm, this journey unveiled the soul-stirring beauty of Germany.

Truly, Munich and Zugspitze's journey marveled me and unlocked new senses. Arriving in Munich after an early train from Jena, I met Laxmi, a friend from IISER. She guided me through Munich's highlights, from Karlplatz and Marienplatz with its iconic Glockenspiel to the Residenz and Odeonplatz, all amidst the bustling city.

The stunning cathedrals, with their intricate architecture and immense structures, captivated us. Hungry, we explored the English Garden, marveling at the surfboarders tackling the park’s waves.

After visiting another beautiful cathedral, we indulged in a hearty meal at an Indian restaurant. Shopping for the next day's hike, we then visited BMW World, where I was enthralled by the sleek cars and bikes, embracing the kid within.

After posing with every car and bike, I headed to my accommodation at The Tent, a wonderful student dormitory. Conversations with fellow travelers about their journeys and backpacking adventures were heartwarming and enriching.

The next morning, we took the scenic route to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. As the fog set in, the weather turned chilly, a stark contrast to the previous day’s heat. Jackets on, we arrived at the Olympia Ski Stadion. A fortunate detour to the information center led to a helpful chat about our hiking plans.

Initially, I had planned to visit Munich and then head to the Black Forest. However, due to the length of the journey, I decided to explore Zugspitze instead. From our ambitious plans to hike the entire Zugspitze, we scaled back to a more manageable 5-hour Kreuzeck hike. To be safe, we added a buffer and planned a hike through the Partnachkalm gorge, a must-visit despite the rain.

At the information center, we learned that the rainy weather made our original plan challenging. Instead, we opted for a simpler hike through the Eckbauer forest, a 3-hour trek that, with our amateur skills and photography breaks, would likely take 6 hours. The forest's canopy offered some gorgeous views and protection from the rain, making it a better choice.

And so, we began our hike. We clicked countless photos along the way, taking a slight detour for some beautiful shots. The Partnachkalm gorge was beyond stunning, with roads enveloped by waterfalls, forests, hills, and all the natural beauty one could imagine.

The scenic beauty of Partnachkalm gorge, with its rushing water and captivating rock formations, provided an exhilarating start. Despite the rains, the powerful flow of the river added a dramatic touch to the landscape. After exploring the gorge, we ascended to find a cozy spot for lunch, sheltered from the gentle drizzle. As we enjoyed our sandwiches and oranges, friendly bees buzzed around, adding a touch of nature's charm to our meal.

Further the journey through the Eckbauer hike, where spiraling roads and misty forests showcased nature's vibrant colors and intricate ecosystems. The intense hike led us through meadows and across suspension bridges, offering stunning views and serene moments. It activated all our senses, making us appreciate the subtle details of the environment, from the vibrant colours to the deafening silence! The cable car ride back down, cutting through the clouds, was a breathtaking finale, bringing us to the historic cogwheel train leading to the serene lake Eisbee.

As we relaxed by the serene lake, the tranquility of the moment marked the end of our journey. However, with no connecting bus for Laxmi later, we had to head out early. She left, while I embarked on an overnight journey, switching super-fast trains and eventually arriving in Jena at dawn. Despite the hectic travel, I slept comfortably, carrying with me vivid memories of the wonderful time spent and the extreme fun we had. This adventure will always hold a special place in our hearts, a testament to the beauty we experienced.