Things to Do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a picturesque alpine town in Bavaria, Germany, nestled at the foot of the country's highest mountain, the Zugspitze. This charming destination perfectly combines traditional Bavarian culture with world-class outdoor recreation, featuring colorful painted houses, cobblestone streets, and stunning mountain vistas at every turn. The town was formed by merging two separate communities - Garmisch and Partenkirchen - and gained international recognition as the host of the 1936 Winter Olympics. Today, Garmisch-Partenkirchen serves as a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. In winter, the area transforms into a snow sports paradise with excellent skiing, snowboarding, and winter hiking opportunities. During summer months, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, mountain biking, paragliding, and exploring pristine alpine lakes. The town's rich history, traditional architecture, and proximity to famous attractions like Neuschwanstein Castle make it an ideal base for exploring the Bavarian Alps region.

Top Things to Do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Zugspitze Summit Experience

Take the cogwheel train or cable car to Germany's highest peak at 2,962 meters for breathtaking panoramic views across four countries. The summit features observation decks, restaurants, and year-round snow activities. On clear days, you can see over 400 mountain peaks stretching to Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.

Booking Tip: Book tickets online in advance (€59-69 for adults) to avoid queues, especially during peak summer and winter seasons. Choose morning departures for clearest views, and check weather conditions before ascending as clouds can obstruct visibility.

Alpine Hiking Adventures

Explore over 300 kilometers of marked hiking trails ranging from gentle valley walks to challenging mountain ascents. Popular routes include the Partnach Gorge trail through dramatic limestone cliffs and the Eibsee circuit around a pristine alpine lake. Many trails offer traditional mountain huts serving hearty Bavarian meals.

Booking Tip: Guided hiking tours cost €40-80 per person depending on difficulty and duration. Visit the tourist office for free trail maps and current conditions. Book hut accommodations in advance during summer (July-September) for multi-day treks.

Skiing and Winter Sports

Experience world-class skiing across two main ski areas: Garmisch-Classic and Zugspitze glacier skiing. The resort offers 60 kilometers of slopes for all skill levels, plus cross-country skiing, tobogganing, and winter hiking trails. The Zugspitze glacier provides skiing opportunities even in summer months.

Booking Tip: Day lift tickets cost €54-61 for adults; multi-day passes offer better value. Book ski lessons and equipment rental in advance during peak season (December-March). Consider the Top Snow Card for access to multiple Bavarian ski resorts.

Partnach Gorge Exploration

Walk through this spectacular natural wonder where the Partnach River has carved a narrow gorge through solid rock over millennia. The 700-meter trail features tunnels, bridges, and viewing platforms showcasing dramatic waterfalls and ice formations. In winter, the frozen waterfalls create a magical ice cathedral effect.

Booking Tip: Entry costs €6 for adults, and the gorge is open year-round except during dangerous weather conditions. Wear sturdy shoes and waterproof clothing as the path can be wet and slippery. Early morning visits offer fewer crowds and better photography conditions.

Traditional Bavarian Cultural Experiences

Immerse yourself in authentic Bavarian culture through brewery tours, traditional folk performances, and visits to local artisan workshops. Explore the colorful Lüftlmalerei painted houses in the old town, attend seasonal festivals like Oktoberfest celebrations, or learn about regional history at the Werdenfels Museum.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours typically cost €15-25 including tastings. Check the tourist office calendar for free cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Book traditional dinner shows in advance during peak seasons, with prices ranging from €35-55 per person.

Getting There

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is easily accessible by train, car, or bus from major German cities. The most convenient option is taking the train from Munich, with direct connections running every hour and taking approximately 1.5 hours. By car, the town is about 90 minutes south of Munich via the A95 autobahn, offering scenic mountain views along the route. Munich Airport is the nearest international airport, with bus connections and rental car options available. Regional buses also connect the town to other Bavarian destinations and neighboring Austria.

Getting Around

The compact town center is easily walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops within a few blocks of each other. An efficient local bus system connects different neighborhoods and nearby attractions, with day passes available for €5. Many hotels offer guest cards providing free local public transport. For exploring the broader region, rental cars provide flexibility, though parking can be limited in the town center. Bicycles are available for rent and offer an eco-friendly way to explore valley trails and nearby villages. Cable cars and mountain railways provide access to higher elevations and ski areas.

Where to Stay

Garmisch Old Town

Partenkirchen Historic Center

Near Zugspitze Cable Car Station

Eibsee Lake Area

Grainau Village

Mittenwald Nearby

Food & Dining

Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers an excellent mix of traditional Bavarian cuisine and international dining options. Local specialties include hearty dishes like schnitzel, sauerbraten, and fresh trout from mountain streams, typically served in cozy beer gardens and traditional gasthofs. The town features several acclaimed restaurants earning regional recognition, alongside casual eateries serving Alpine comfort food. Mountain huts and refuges provide authentic dining experiences with spectacular views, serving local specialties like kaiserschmarrn and speck. International options include Italian, Asian, and modern European cuisine, while local bakeries offer fresh pretzels, strudels, and regional pastries perfect for hiking provisions.

When to Visit

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a year-round destination with distinct seasonal appeals. Winter (December-March) is ideal for skiing, winter sports, and enjoying snow-covered Alpine scenery, though it's also the busiest and most expensive period. Summer (June-September) offers perfect hiking weather, with warm days, cool evenings, and the longest daylight hours for outdoor activities. Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) provide fewer crowds, lower prices, and beautiful scenery with blooming flowers or colorful foliage, though weather can be unpredictable and some high-altitude activities may be limited.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Zugspitze ticket online and choose the combination route - cogwheel train up and cable car down for the most scenic experience

Visit Eibsee lake early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and reflection photos of the Zugspitze

Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service (2-5 PM), so plan your meals accordingly or pack snacks for afternoon activities

Things to Do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen