Since two separate Bavarian cities came together to become one shortly before the 1936 Winter Olympics, Garmisch-Partenkirchen has become one of Europe’s top winter sports destinations. Located on the border of Germany and Austria, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the Bavarian city par excellence. Yodelling, slap dancing and Lederhosen perform in this German city to destroy all German cities. Garmisch (in the west) is modern and urban, where Partenkirchen (in the east) retains the old-school Bavarian charm. Despite the city’s reputation for world-class skiing, it also features spectacular hikes in the summer months and plenty of other things to do.
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Explore Germany’s highest peak
Direction
82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, GermanyGet directions
While Garmisch-Partenkirchen is full of lovely things in its own right, it is also a popular base for exploring the Zugspitze , Germany’s highest peak. It is a favorite for skiers in the winter and hikers in the summer. Visitors can access its 2,962-meter (9,718-foot) summit by rack railway or cable car. The cogwheel train stops at Zugspitzplatt , a plateau with glaciers and caves, before continuing to the top of the Gletscherbahn cable car. Be aware that it can be quite crowded in the peak seasons. The journey takes 75 minutes from Garmisch.
If you want to opt for the views, there are two impressive cable car options: one from Lake Eibsee and one from Austria, the Tiroler Zugspitze . The journey from Eibsee takes only 10 minutes. Either way, the Zugspitze Ticket includes an ascent and descent of the mountain, allowing you to choose different methods of traversing the mountain to see every inch of this magnificent peak.
Once you reach the top, you can admire a 360-degree panorama of 400 peaks in four countries (on a clear day). Refuel with a bite and beer at one of the mountaintop restaurants, say a little prayer at Germany’s tallest church, or explore an igloo village. No matter what time of year, bring a warm jacket.
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Yodel through the old town
Garmisch-Partenkirchen Old Town fulfills all your German fantasies. Picturesque half-timbered houses display typical local murals, particularly along Frühlingstrasse . Look for the Biedermeier frescoes at Gashof Husar and Polznkasparhaus, some of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in the city. Enjoy Gemütlichkeit (cozy and friendly atmosphere) and accept the need to walk as you walk along the banks of the 114-kilometer Loisach River.
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Walk among the waterfalls
Direction
Partnach Gorge, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, GermanyGet directions
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Leave the alpine cityscape for mind-blowing nature that goes down, not up. Partnachklamm is a narrow gorge 700 meters long with walls that rise 80 meters. It was designated a natural monument in 1912. Waterfalls cascade around you, except in winter, when they freeze like a scene from Game of Thrones, north of the wall.
Visitors can walk the trail on their own or take a guided walk. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all year round (with extended hours in summer and excluding a short period in spring when snowmelt makes the route impassable) and costs 4 euros as of 2018.
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Enjoy the snow like an Olympian
Direction
82475 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, GermanyGet directions
Garmisch-Partenkirchen has been a favorite of ski champions from the 1936 games to the International Alpine Ski Championships. But that doesn’t stop ordinary people from enjoying it too.
The races at the Zugspitze are open from October to May. This includes more than 35 miles of downhill ski slopes, 40 lifts and more than 100 miles of cross country ski trails. If you’re more of a spectator, visit during race week every January. And winter fun isn’t just for those skiing or snowboarding – there are also two toboggan runs to delight every age group.
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Hike through the Bavarian Alps
Direction
82481 Mittenwald, GermanyGet directions
Hiking is not limited to the easy walk along the Partnachklamm . There are hikes of all levels with trails that go from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to great places like a king’s hunting lodge or the ruins of a fortified castle or unspoilt villages like Mittenwald. Use the cable cars to reduce the difficulty of the hikes and always come prepared with a map, suitable clothing and suitable walking shoes.
For those up to the challenge of alpine climbing, the limestone cliffs of Wetterstein are just 15 minutes from the mountain terminus of the Alpspitzbahn ski lifts.
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Immerse yourself in Alpine history
Direction
Ludwigstrasse 47, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, GermanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 8821 751710
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Visit the Werdenfelser Heimatmuseum, one of the most renowned cultural sites in all of Bavaria, to learn the history behind this region. Held inside a merchant’s home, it is filled with impressive private collections. Started in 1895, the museum has a comprehensive exhibition of unique local items, including peasant folk art from alpine farmers, early archaeological finds, and a carnival mask room.
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Honor the writer of the never-ending story
Direction
82467, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, GermanyGet directions
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Michael-Ende Kurpark pays tribute to one of Germany’s most famous storytellers of the 20th century. Ende wrote the timeless classic The Neverending Story, and Garmisch-Partenkirchen was his city. Located in the center of the city, this park is a quiet respite from all the more challenging activities. Walk through the flowers, find the labyrinth or relax in the shade of the century-old trees. For some entertainment, check out the live concert schedule. Head back inside to discover the Kurhaus, where there is a permanent Michael Ende exhibit, as well as changing exhibits.
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Make a pilgrimage to a mountain church
Direction
Marienpl. 6, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, GermanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 8821 9439140
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Being so high in the mountains can seem like a holy place. These three churches will confirm that sentiment. The New Parish Church, also known as Saint Martin, rises from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to touch the sky. Built in 1733, it has an intricate Baroque interior. Alte Pfarrkirche translates to ‘Old Parish Church’, as it should be with a 15th century origin. Go inside and admire the Gothic wall paintings. Meanwhile, San Antón, a pilgrimage church, offers the best of mountain landscapes on the outside and heavenly paintings on the ceiling inside. Impressive pastel frescoes are featured in the building itself. It dates back to 1704.
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Practice your ski jump
Direction
Karl-und Martin-Neuner-Platz, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, GermanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 8821 180700
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The Olympiaschanze , or the Olympic Ski Jumping Hill, is a landmark for Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It was built in 1923 and has undergone multiple renovations that keep it operational and inspiring. This spectacular setting is ideal for enjoying the winter scenery, standing above the snow-covered valley like the Olympians before you. The site was used for the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies in 1936 and still runs a New Years ski jump every year. Visitors can explore the site via a guided tour every Saturday at 3 p.m. and Wednesday at 6 p.m.
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To listen to music
Richard Strauss was one of the most famous residents of the city. The 1908 Art Nouveau villa that he called home is now a museum dedicated to his life as a director and composer, while the main town square is named after Strauss. The honors awarded to Strauss are spread across the city during the annual Strauss Festival in June. For five days, music plays in the mountains.