A picturesque town nestled in the Bavarian Alps, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is lined with historic facades and timber houses with intricate mural. The 1936 Winter Olympics left a lasting legacy on this winter sports destination, which is now considered a hotspot for snowboarding and skiing.
Things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Stroll through the charming Old Town and walk along the banks of the River Loisach. Admire the collection of half-timbered buildings, particularly Gashof Husar and Polznkasparhaus, which are two of the oldest and most beautiful in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
One of the biggest draws in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is its 2,962-metre-tall Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. Admire the rugged alpine peaks from above the clouds, then make your way down the challenging slopes. It’s a favorite for skiers in winter and hikers in summer, with its summit accessed via a cogwheel train or cable car.
Stretch your legs with a guided hike to Partnachklamm, a narrow 700-meter-long gorge with 80-meter-tall walls. You’ll be surrounded by cascading waterfalls that freeze into massive ice formations clinging to the cliff faces during winter.
If you’re looking something more low-key, visit the Michael-Ende Kurpark to pay tribute to one of Germany’s most famous 20th-century storytellers who wrote “The Neverending Story”. Learn more about the region’s history at the Werdenfelser Heimatmuseumfor, which showcases sacral items, peasant folk art and early archaeological findings dating back to 1895.
Getting around Garmisch-Partenkirchen
You can explore Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s compact streets on foot, while buses and taxis are also available. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is an hour by car from Munich and Munich Airport is 1.5 hours by train.