Garmmisch-Partenkirchen is an attractive resort town in Oberbavaria Germany near the Austrian Border. Dramatically nestled among the Alpine mountains of Ammergüt, the Esther Mountains and the Weatherstein Mountains, the city of the Bavarian Alps is a stunning destination to explore.
Among the Germans, Garmisch-Parthenkirchen has become one of the most popular ski-wait-away destinations. Garmischs popularity is well-earned as its natural attractions include the majestic Partnachclamm valley, the wild Höllentalklamm canyon and the magical Ibssee. This is also the entrance into the highest mountain ranges in Germany, including Zugspitze (2962).
01. Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen lies in Upper Bavaria in South Germany. Both adjoining towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen lie near the intersection between Lachach and Partnach valleys between the Ammergauer alpine mountain range and Esteergebirge mountain range and the Wetterstein gebirge mountain range. The latter mountain range has the highest summits on the country, including Zugspitze (292 m). Garmisch-Partenkirchen is just 1 hour away from Munich.
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02. Visit Zugspitze, Germany's Highest Mountain
Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany with three glaciers. This is in southern Germany near Vienna's border with Austria. The Zugspitzpark has 20 km of pistes which guarantee snow from late December to May.
You have to go skiing in Zugspitze. But Justin & I didn't go skiing to Zugspitze. This is a fantastic place to visit for the person who just enjoys the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. There is an expansive viewing deck on the top where you can go and admire the beautiful surroundings.
03. Challenge Zugspitze: Germany's Highest Peak
The largest draw in this region of Bavaria is the 2,943m Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak. Known year-round, this impressive peak is most visited during the winter months, as skiers come from Europe and experience the varied, challenging runs and the spectacular landscapes. During spring, the Zugspitze is a buzzing town where hiking enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the summit, and also visit the Zugspitzplatt.
04. Day Trip to Innsbruck, Austria
We spent a very busy week in Innsbruck, Austria. It was a second quick trip to Garmisch. We visited a historical town, had Japanese meals for luncheons, rode the funicular up the hill for a view of the city and visited the Olympic Stadium. Innsbruck hosts both the 1964 and 1976 Olympic Games. We'll have another site soon if we're in München.
05. Best Views of Neuschwanstein
Our walk from the castle to the Mary Bridge offered postcards of the castle. The tight fit on a narrow bridge had visitors from around the globe taking a picture of the iconic Germany monument in front of them. This view in Neuschwanstein was gorgeous, but what I wanted came from a different perspective.
The mountain climber reached Neuschwanstein's summit, found a nice picnic and enjoyed an awesome view of its surroundings. It was so long that it was far too high over Neuschwanstein for my desired views which was eventually learned to exist only via a hot air balloon. I'll just give you some ideas.
06. Things to Do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm)
Along with Zugspitze a great activity at Garmisch-Partenkirchen is experiencing the Partnach Gorge. This is a spectacular natural wonder. Our hike to partnnach valley was a delight to watch. Partnach Gorge is a melting water gorge built out of melting water for thousands of years.
Today you will follow a path through the narrow gorge passing waterfalls, rapids and river basins. Partnach Gorge is now a historic national monument. It is regarded as the greatest attraction in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and is worth adding it to the itinerary.
07. Hike to the King's House
One three-hour hike each way from Garmisch-Partenkirchen will take you to the Königshaus of Schachen. A relatively little wooden castle built between 1869 and 1872 on the Schachener Alpine region was built to resemble a Swiss chalet and was a favorite for King Charles, who wished for a birthday here each August. Highlights include the five lower-level living rooms, whose exquisite wooden floors are a focal point upstairs.
08. Visiting AlpspiX with the Garmisch-Classic Ticket
It has been previously said that the Zugspitze website offers tickets to 3 mountain activities around Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Zugspitze is the largest mountain and it's worth a visit. Alternatively, the Garmisch Glacial ticket / Alpine-Glass ticket (in summer) can be purchased.
During the summer Garmisch-Classic ticket lets you go on three cablecars from Kreuzeck to Hausberg-Alpspitze. The cable train Alpspitzbahn takes us from Osterfelderkopf (2,050 meters above ground), on which there are viewing platforms for AlpspiX.
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09. Ride High in Mountain Gondolas
One of the great ways of making the most from a sightseeing trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen consists of the towns spectacular mountain lift system as well as the gondola system. From Garmisch the Hausbergbahn Gondole travels 1,3338 meters down the Hausberghöhe from the Kreuzwanklbahn to Kreuzwankln on 1550m.
A popular route is via the Kreuzeckbahn which runs through Garmisch on the Kreuzeck 650 metres and provides beautiful scenery especially of the nearby Alpenspitze. From Parterkirchen visitors also benefit from an excellent skiing system that leads to the nearby Mountains.
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10. Partnach Gorge
Tell me the best way to travel around GAMISS? Partnach Gorge was our biggest surprise during our visit to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It is our selection of most interesting sights in Garmisch. The next morning our ship arrived and we were totally shocked when we arrived in that valley.
The water was powerful during our walk through an 750m (1460m). It is on an inclinable cliff. During our walk around the gorge through a tunnel through bridges and stones, the heart leapt. The rains poured over our house. This is amazing and frightening at the same time.
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11. Stroll through Ludwigstrasse and Historic Partenkirchen
The eastern portion of Garmischen-Partenkirche is located between the Partnach Mountains. Its main street, the Ludwigstrasse, is lined with typical houses with dazzling paintings and windows dappled with geraniums.
Although the front door of the house is one-dimensional trompelouille paints show them with elaborate scrollwork at windows and doorways. It's the place where you can relax and take in the wood-panel, wrought-iron and glazed signs in the shops and the Gasthof.
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12. Hike or Skate at the Eibsee
Southwest of Garmisch-Partenkirchen the village of Grainau is situated on a rolling parklike land near the Waxenstein. The Eibsee has excellent views of the Waxenstein and Riffelwand at Zugspitze.
It's easy to watch a fish swim beneath the water. It's a paved walk along four miles and combines benches and beautiful places to picnic. Lake Erie is well known for ice skating. Every season it is the best part of Bavaria, surrounded by beautiful alpine homes and a picturesque ancient church.
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13. Walk through Mountainside Meadows
More than 400 miles of marked walking paths traverse pine forests and lower slopes, and most are accessible through bare feet. A favourite path is the Philosopher's Path or the Philosopherweg, the easy 5-kilometre walk from Partenkirchen to Farchant punctuated on benches to enjoy the view or contemplate the words of famous philosophers recorded there.
The Katzenstein-Kochelberg Loop is an easy and short walk through forests and pastures and along glacier lakes. The experienced climbers will find nearly infinite opportunities throughout Bavaria and Garmisch.
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14. Winter Sports: Ski and Skate in Olympic Venues
The 1936 Winter Olympics shaped the community of Garmisch-Partenkirchen thereby earning the city the title of the best Wintersport destination. Many colourful buildings were created specifically for the event but are still used today.
Some famous instances include the Olympia Ski Stadion on the Giudiberg easily identifiable from ski-jumps and still used during Ski Season for international and local competition. Those who enjoy skating will find themselves in the same Ice Arena where the 1936 Winter Games were held.
Today, public skating is performed here and lessons can be taken either for speed skating or for traditional choreography dancing routines.
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15. Olympic Village – Olympiaschanze
Garmisch-Partenkirchen was the first country to catch international attention when hosting the Winter Olympics in 1936. Both towns came together in 1935, just before the Olympics skiing competitions.
Currently the Olympic Ski Jump stadium is still fully operational hosting international games. Its rebuild has been completed since 2008 and is a world-class ski jumping arena. The incredible views of Garmisch-Partenkirchen aren't surprising given their hosting at the Olympic Games.
It’s winter wonderlands paradise. However, Garmisch-Partenkirchen has plenty to explore during the summer.
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16. Never Ending Story – Michael Ende Kurpark
As a child I really liked Neverending. I had no idea I could one day visit his hometown. If you visit the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen make sure to stop at Mike Kurrpark during the celebrations.
It is dedicated to his writings – a turtle from Neverending Story, a Momo Amphitheater – as well as seeing his personal lime tree! Micheal Ende Kurpark offers peaceful retreats in which you can stroll through the Labyrinth and meditate or watch giant goldfish swim into a fresh water pond. I love the location.
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17. Stroll Through Old Town
GarmischPartenkirchen is one of the most photographed villages on earth. Visiting the historic town is mandatory. House and restaurant interiors are decorated with religious mural paintings, fairy tale paintings, or frescoes indicating profession in house. These facades give the houses a shuddery appearance with a smudge and window frames hanging in front.
Walking through the town gives different views. Between traditional farmhouses, and ornate streets set against the backdrop of the alpine mountains, you will enjoy sitting outdoors in a beer garden and enjoying a relaxing atmosphere.
18. Step into History at the Werdenfels Regional Museum
The fascinating little museum in Ludwigstraße has been built since 1895 and is contained inside an old merchant's house from the 17th century. It also contains local archaeological finds such as a medieval "gardmisch parthenkirchen" and artifacts including carnival masks and folk artwork, and antique furniture from around the city.
The bauern-malerei tradition painting is an excellent example for the use with furniture and other household furniture. The focus will be on exhibits related to the region's history, including a fascinating view on their 700-year-long independence period from 1802 to 1803. Get us brochures in English.
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19. Sunrise at Geroldsee
If you browse pictures from GarmischPartenkirchen, you may see wooden huts dotted around the landscape. It's Geroldssee. When we got there for sunrise, June 1st we found one of the busiest photography spots in our city. Often sunrise begins around 4:30 a.m. and you may have everything to yourself.
Then you go on a walk through the grass and up the hills to the perfect location for photographs. So make sure you have enough time to arrive before the sun is up as this may take some time to find a place in the right place at the right time. Visit a monastery and view its magnificent ceiling. It is worth visiting this site.
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20. Richard Strauss and Garmische-Partenkirchen
Just behind the park is Richard Strauss Place. Located in Oberammergau is the fountain of Hans Schwaighofer. This fountain was designed for Richard Strauss' opera "Salome Elektra Daphne".
Three of its major characters have been featured on its site. Richard Strauss, a well-known composer, grew up in Garmisch-Parthenkirchen during the 1930s. He had built his summer villa here and quickly established the base for his travels.
He wrote several significant works for Villa Strauss. Today it is possible to visit Villa Strauss and Richard Strauss'Institut in Villa Christina in Kurpark Partenkirchen.
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21. Joseph Naus Stub'n in Hotel Zugspitze
Having won Michelin Bib Gourmand, this comfortable hotel restaurant provides exquisite, beautifully prepared Bavaria cuisine at an affordable price. Ingredients are seasonal and local. Food was amazing!
We ordered the divine Emmer Urkorn Risotto made from a local Ettal cheese, fermented vegetables and pesto, and a Mittelwald Rindfleisch Pflanzen. Joseph Naus Stub is the primary provider with half board for hotel customers. Book the Hotel Zugspitze with Booking.com!
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22. Philosopher's Walk (Philosophenweg)
The Philosopher Walk, the Philosopher Trail or the Philosophenweg in Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers good hiking options in the city. There is a bench beside a path where a list of famous philosophers is found. Take note of these words when walking along this peaceful trail. The trail begins at St Anton's Pilgrim church and ends at Farchant.
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23. Neuschwanstein Castle
It has become a popular attraction for Germans. The fairytale castle influenced Disney in the creation of Disneys Castle. Schloss Neuschwanstein is about a half a mile from Garmisch partenkirn. Leave early morning to reach dawn and beat crowds.
Day Trips From Garmisch-Partenkirchen
It is highly recommended you build your base here at Garmisch-Partnerkirchen, Bavarie. Stay here with day trips in the local town. It was nice that the place where you stayed was where you could stay all day. Below are some great suggestions for day trip trips from the city of Ga-Po, perfect for exploring Germany's Alpine Mountains.
Is Garmisch-Partenkirchen worth a visit?
Can Garmisch be visited? Garmisch offers an incredible scenic landscape with emerald lakes and mountains such as Zugspitze, the largest German mountain, and has an impressive history.
How many days do you need in Garmisch-Partenkirchen?
To view the entire Garmisch-Partenkirchen itinerary, it takes 5 days to complete 5 days of activities. I would suggest staying 7 days plus longer if you need more activity or relaxation.
What is Garmisch famous for?
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a popular destination in Germany to ski and snowboard, and it has several excellent skiing areas (Garmisch Classic and Zugspitze), among them. This was the location for the Winter Games 1936, the first in which there were ski races on alpine terrains.
Is Garmisch in Austria or Germany?
Garmischer-Partenkirchen is a wonderful small town situated in Bavaria, Germany. From GarmischPartenkirchen, we travel daily to Austria, Liechtenstein or another destination in Bavaria. Garmisch-Partenkirchen has an excellent base to visit the South of Germany.
What is Garmisch Germany famous for?
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is an excellent skiing and hiking destination with one of Germany's best ski areas: the Garmisch Classic and Zugspitze. This place was the home of the 1936 Winter Olympics, the first with Alpine skiing.
Is it worth visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen?
Is Garmich worth visiting? Garmisch's scenic beauty has spectacular emerald lake landscapes such that Zugspitze the Germans highest peak, as well as rich historical cultures.
How far is Garmisch from Germany?
It is 583 km between Berlin and Garmisch Partenkirchen. There are approximately 669.9kms of road. How do you travel without an automobile between Berlin, Garmisch-Parteenkirchen and the surrounding towns and cities? The fastest route to get to Berlin via GarmischPartenkirchen without a car is a train 5h 33 metres which costs €120 - £170.
How do you spend a day in Garmisch?
What's good to do in GarmischPartenkirchen? Visit Zugspitze, the German peak. Walk through Lake Eibsee for a spectacular view. Take a look at the Alpspitze peaks. Explore the beautiful Partnach River Gorges. Look at the Olympic skiing leap. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle.
Is Garmisch-Partenkirchen worth visiting in winter?
Garmisch Partenkirchen has many destinations throughout the year. We offer a variety of outdoor activities for everyone! Ski and snowboarding in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is an important activity in winter.
How long to spend in Garmisch-Partenkirchen?
Some people go to GarmischPartenkirchen for some days, although you can spend 2 months there. For a complete tour through the Garmischen-Partenkirchen guide you should plan five days if possible and 5 full days filled with activities.
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