Partnachklamm: New safety measures for worry-free hiking!

Partnachklamm: New safety measures for worry-free hiking!

The Partnachklamm in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers, has been open again for a few weeks. Several hundred visitors flock to the impressive gorge every day, and particularly high numbers can be expected during the Whitsun holidays. These popular hiking routes now shine in new splendor after the path through the gorge was extensively renovated and technically upgraded during the overhaul period. Rudi Achtner, the employee responsible for the gorge, emphasizes the importance of these measures to ensure the safety of visitors. Exercises such as the replacement of fragile bridges and modern emergency systems are the focus of this extensive work.

The innovations include the installation of three additional defibrillators - each at the new ticket office and at the two entrances to the gorge. These devices are not only modern, but also user-friendly and offer step-by-step instructions in different languages. In addition, several emergency call buttons were installed, which enable emergency services to be alerted quickly in the event of an emergency. Another important measure is the fundamentally renovated climbing system, some of which dates from the period between 1910 and 1912. Dilapidated hiking trails were re-concreted and railings were given a special coating to protect them from moisture. Daily checks by trained employees and annual comprehensive inspections by geologists ensure the long-term preservation of this natural attraction.

Bridges in focus

Another component of the safety measures are the bridges in the Partnachklamm. There are a total of eight bridges there, four of which need to be replaced because they are in a worrying condition. Rudi Achtner informs that many of these bridges visually merge with the rock face and are often overlooked. The current inspections show that the affected bridges recently displayed the critical “bright red” status in the traffic light system, which signals the need for immediate action. This work is not trivial and is carried out by external companies that specialize in cable engineering. Due to rust and moisture damage, new steel beams are required, which were also classified as being in great need of renovation during the last inspection. The longest bridge measures an impressive 30 meters, while the smaller bridges vary between four and nine meters.

Current developments in the field of bridge inspections shed interesting light on the challenges of this craft. Regular inspection is essential in order to identify potential dangers in good time. Technological advances, such as the use of drones or bridge inspection cameras, make this task easier and improve the efficiency of inspections. Not only do the results become more reliable, but the operations are also less labor-intensive and therefore more cost-effective.

A high security standard

An additional flood monitoring gauge now ensures that reliable data on the Partnach's water level is provided 30 minutes earlier. These proactive measures are aimed at preventing erosion and maintaining the safety of visitors. A new rainwater channel at the upper exit of the gorge also supports this aspect. The extensive renovation and safety measures are being pursued with the aim of guaranteeing the highest safety standards for visitors to the Partnachklamm.

The Partnachklamm not only shines in a new light, but also remains an attractive destination in the region for visitors thanks to extensive technical improvements and safety measures. Regardless of whether the weather is sunny or rainy, the natural attraction remains an indispensable part of the Garmisch-Partenkirchen experience. For more information on the details of current work and security initiatives, see the posts from Mercury and Evening newspaper, as well as further background information on the challenges of bridge inspections Rinnovision.