The Partnachklamm Gorge

This story begins, as most do, with me realizing that I hadn’t taken any pictures or added to my portfolio in a while. There are always these periods of lull where the inspiration just isn’t there, you slip away into the realm of complacency and just settle for the fact that you have some solid pictures and that would be good enough. And I feel that it’s true that inspiration can’t be force especially in the sense of art and being creative. But sometimes, its just time to get off your ass and be your own muse. Well, here's that story:

It had been a few months since I traveled away from the busy city life and mundane day-in and day-out of my full-time job, so I decided to take a few days off and treat myself to some beautiful scenery. Some place I knew would be relaxing and peaceful, but also some place new. After a few YouTube videos and scrolling on Tik Tok and Instagram, I find my new place; the Partnachklamm Gorge. With most places, I had a little bit of insight of what to expect once I got there but in order to fully appreciate the beauty of a new location you have to see it for yourself. I spent the two days before my trip like any photographer would; cleaning my camera, drone, GoPro, and lenses, charging batteries, formatting SD Cards and making sure all the settings right on my gear. Again, I decided that since I had the time off I’d revisit one of my favorite spots, the Wagenbruchsee Cabins then the gorge.

I set out fairly early in the morning. Nothing beats being the first person on location and having the whole scene to yourself. Not even to take pictures, but just to take everything in and enjoy the peace and quiet. That’s exactly what I got! I decided to go see the cabins again, a place I had already visited in the past, but it was later in the evening during my first visit. Even then it was quiet and relaxing, with only about 10 or so people spread across the fields and lake, enjoy the autumn warmth. This time, if everything went as planned, I’d get there around 7 in the morning just in time to watch the sun rise over the mountains. The drive there was almost as peaceful as the rest of the day (granted I left my house at 4 in the morning lol). With hardly any other drivers on the road, I was able to cruise along, blasting my music and entertaining the thousands of fans who came to attend my car concert. The sun started to rise and for a few moments I started to worry that I wouldn’t get to shot of the mountain sunrise, but I remembered this trip wasn’t about the photos, it wasn’t about nailing the perfect shot, it was about getting away from the chaos and pandemonium.

I arrived at the Cabins around 7:30 in the morning. The sun had risen casting shadows complimenting the Blue Hour scenery, the air was fresh and clear, there was a stillness to the atmosphere but still lively all at once. I parked my car, grabbed a parking ticket for about 3 hours, gathered my camera bag and started out on the short 10 minute walk to the Cabins. It was exactly how I hoped it would be. I walked along and was met with the faint chirping of birds and bleating goats grazing on the peaks of the rolling hills. As I listened to the melodic steps of my boots along the gravel road, I turned the corner of the main path and sure enough there was no one there; I had the place to myself! I kept along the path and took in the scene, embellishing in every aspect of this natural, beautiful scene. From the fading mountain-scape backdrop, to the thick forest that rested in front, the still water of the lake capped by the light vail of morning fog, to the emerald green grass, wildflowers and trees covered in dew, everything was perfect. Taking a turn off the main path, I ascended up one of the hills to my vantage point and that’s where the majesty of this place truly lies. I stood atop this hill and essentially ogled over the view with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. But not because of the reason most would assume. No, this feeling came from my acknowledgement that there, in that moment, I kept a promise to myself and it paid off with providing me with one of the most relaxing mornings I’ve had in a long time. I stayed there for about 2 hours or so, just taking pictures, flying my drone and building memories I’m sure I won’t ever forget. But then it was on to our new destination, the Partnachklamm Gorge. And what do you know, it was only 9 MINUTES AWAY!!!

I descended down the hill, back to the gravel path, to the car and punched in the address to the Gorge. A short drive and I had arrived. Now here’s something that isn’t really mentioned in YouTube videos or Instagrammer’s Reels; there’s a hike to get to the hike! And boy oh boy, did I underestimate how long I would be walking. Now, I would consider myself to be in relatively good shape at this time. I’ve ran two half marathons, played soccer all my life, PT and ACFT test, Ruck Marches with 50lbs Ruck Sacks. But carrying this camera bag along this unknown distance damn near broke me! Ok…maybe I’ve over exaggerating a little bit, but I took a minute to take a breather and a sip of water by the time I got to the ticketing booth. Grabbing a ticket for the Gorge was easy enough; automated ticket booths were set up and I could easily navigate through after selecting “English” (because after studying German for about a year I’m no closer to learning how to speak it than I am closer the being the CEO of Microsoft!) And what do you know, once I grabbed my tickets…MORE walking to the entrance. I will say this about Europeans, boy do they love their walking! But it’s honestly a healthy lifestyle to emulate. As I approached the first gate things started to come into view.

After scanning my ticket at the first turnstile gate, I noticed some more experiences Trekkers taking a moment to waterproof themselves and their gear. Now what do you think I did in that situation? Did I have a waterproof cover for my camera bag? Did I have a waterproof case for my $4,000 camera? You bet your sweet ass I did not! But I prepared as best I could; by placing my 15-35mm lens (roughly $2,100) on to my $4K camera, tucking it under my $8 cotton t-shirt, saying a quick prayer to the camera overlords and hoping for the best. To be fair, yes there were spots that were a little wetter than others, but nothing that the weather sealing on my camera couldn’t handle.

Stepping into the trail of the Gorge was as if you were entering into another world. From the parking lot to the ticketing booths was incredibly hot; however, the second you enter the pathway a gentle mist of the cyan and turquoise blue waters rushing through their parallel, towering companions that were the mountains, brushes against your entire body much like a cool summer breeze hugs you when you need it most. It was also loud! The rushing current provided ambiance that displayed the strength and power of the water while at the same time generating a simple symphony of serene sound. I had planned to wear my airpods throughout the hike but after hearing the song of the running river, it would have been a crime to not experience such a masterpiece and revel in its natural excellence. Traveling along the trail was lit fairly well and was only intensified by the beams of piercing sunlight that created what I would describe as the “fingers of God” reaching down through the crevasses in the mountains to illuminate the water making it almost glow. The walls of the Gorge were draped with moss and various vibrant vegetation. The bends, craters, cracks, and occasional cut outs of the walls were unique in every respect and provided so much character to every step moving forward. The excursion through the initial part of the Gorge lasted about 15-20 minutes for me. As one of the first travelers, I didn’t have much traffic in front on me and I was in fact likely causing traffic for others as I stopped every few meters to take another picture of the beautiful spectacle. After a few more turnstile gates, I came to a clearing and the scene (all be it, slightly adulterated by some construction equipment…[which come to think of it, how the hell did they get it back there?!] hmmm) was almost as breathtaking as the trip to that very point. The winding, cerulean river split the rocky banks, partnered by the emerald forest on either side. The view was textbook example of leading lines, as my eyes were led to the snow capped mountain centered in my field of vision. I stopped for a water break and took in the sights, snapped a few pictures and pondered as to why this wasn’t one of Germany’s more known attractions. Yes, castles are fascinating, Christmas Markets are heart-warming, biergartens are all the rave, but the natural beauty of this place overshadowed all those things with ease!

I’ll spare you the details of the return trip through the one-way passage, that by this time was so crowded that if you have any fear of cramped or enclosed spaces…you may just want to call for an air lift of there. I made it back to my car, ankle swollen because, well…yeah I have bad ankles. Anything over a 30-minute hike and I’m in pain! Which begs the question: why have a picked such an active hobby to have??? But regardless, I finished my day with a beer, a camera full of amazing photos and yet another successful trip under my belt.