Fresh springtime greenery, a sea of scented summer blossoms, luminous autumn mountain forests or peaks in the deepest snow – Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers adventure, inspiration and relaxation in every season and as a climatic health resort with a breathtaking mountain backdrop, it is the ideal supplement to big city life.
The Bavarian tradition lives on in Garmisch
Strolls along Frühlingsstraße in Garmisch or the historic Ludwigstraße in Partenkirchen reveal traces of a long tradition. The magnificent Lüftlmalereien (murals) on the facades of the buildings tell stories about their inhabitants, the region and their customs, which can be understood even by foreign visitors without a guide.
During your stroll through the pedestrian zone of Garmisch, which leads from Marienplatz to Richard-Strauss-Platz, you will find traditional shops but also famous fashion labels and exclusive boutiques. Here high-quality traditional handcrafts – such as artistically decorated local costumes – meet modern, regional fashion and Alpine lifestyle. Traditional craft businesses such as goldsmiths and Haferl shoemakers are located near the historic Ludwigstraße in Partenkirchen.
Germany's highest mountain in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Thanks to its location in the midst of breathtaking mountain scenery at the foot of the 2,962 metre-high Zugspitze, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the epitome of towering and original Alpine nature. You can already sit back and relax on the trip up to the Zugspitze: The rack railway takes you comfortably from the Zugspitze station at Garmisch-Partenkirchen via Grainau to Eibsee station.
From there the Eibsee cable car takes Zugspitze visitors to the roof of Germany at 10-minute intervals. Views from the cable car of the picturesque and wildly romantic Eibsee, located in the valley, or towards the north into the Upper Bavarian pre-Alps is already a wonderful warm-up for the breathtaking panorama that awaits guests on Germany's highest mountain: over 400 peaks in Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland are grouped around the Zugspitze – and the feeling of unlimited freedom is free of charge.
Garmisch hiking paradise
The network of hiking routes, which is famed far and wide, stretches along more than 300 kilometres around the town, both uphill and downhill. From simple walks with sunny meadows and beer gardens along the way to multi-day tours, sleeping in rustic mountain huts — every wish can be fulfilled here.
Foe instance, a unique experience for the whole family is a hike through the breathtaking topography of the Partnachklamm. With its rushing waterfalls and currents, this journey of discovery is one of the most impressive natural displays in the Alps, both in summer and in winter.
A number of tours through the area also begin at the Partnachklamm. For example, there are hikes that follow historical paths to the Königshaus am Schachen, which was once inhabited by King Ludwig II. Herb excursions, Nordic walking and hiking with climate therapists are all on offer, as well as snowshoe tours in the winter season. Individual tours can be planned in comfort here.
Active at every time of the year
Downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoe hikes or ice hockey in winter; canoeing, rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, climbing or hiking in summer: Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a synonym for exercise and sport: "In and with nature". A cycle network of over 450 kilometres, 60 kilometres of wonderful slopes, 20 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, as well as 19 golf courses within a radius of one hour – whatever nature lovers are looking for, they will find it in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is also Germany's top address for winter sport: for holidaymakers and top athletes. Each year the who's who of international Alpine skiing participates in the World Skiing Races. And the world's elite ski jumpers take part in the famous New Year's ski jump on the new Schanze, the futuristic landmark of the modern Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The most up-to-date lifts carry skiers to their slopes; new snow machines guarantee sufficient snow on five downhill valley routes.
A taste of Bavaria
A piece of unmistakeable lifestyle is also reflected in the excellent cuisine. It ranges from famous Bavarian delicacies to modern recipes with organic products from the region and to exquisite dishes in elegant gourmet restaurants. There is something for every taste. A special tip from the Michelin Guide is the family-run "Reindl's Restaurant" in Bahnhofstraße, with modern Alpine understatement and an excellent wine menu.
Environmentally friendly and stress-free to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
German Rail offers attractive and fast connections; on Saturdays there is a fast ICE connection, with no need to change trains, from Hamburg, Berlin and Dortmund/Ruhr Area/Cologne to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The trip from Düsseldorf via Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen costs from 29 Euro.
Garmisch in general: http://www.gapa.de/
Partnachklamm: http://www.partnachklamm-info.de/
Hiking: https://www.gapa.de/de/Sport-und-Natur/Fruhling-Sommer-Herbst/Wandern
Zugspitze: http://www.zugspitze.de