ZugspitzCard and ClassicCard

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

ClassicCard

With the ClassicCard you can experience the most popular cable cars, swimming pools, museums and leisure activities.

ZugspitzCard

The ZugspitzCard includes the same attractions as the ClassicCard. In addition, you can exclusively visit the Zugspitze on a validity day of your choice.

You can use one all-inclusive partner from each of the following categories at each day of validity free of charge :

  • 9 cable cars
  • 5 swimming pools
  • 2 boat trips
  • Public skating in the Olympic Ice Sports Center
  • Ice hockey home games of SC Riessersee
  • Cogwheel train between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Eibsee (as often as you like)

In addition, bonus partners grant discounts on products, admissions and activities!

The ZugspitzCard and the ClassicCard are available for 3 to 14 consecutive days. The "4 out of 6 days" subscription includes 4 freely selectable days of use within a period of 6 days.

  • All listed attractions can only be used during the validity period of the card.
  • Please note the opening hours of the respective partners.
  • Per ZugspitzCard or ClassicCard holder one dog can be transported free of charge in the cable cars.
  • Errors, mistakes and changes excepted.
  • All information and tariffs at zugspitzcard.de.

Points of sale

The ZugspitzCard and the ClassicCard are available at all ticket offices and in the online shop of the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn .

In addition, the ZugspitzCard and ClassicCard are also sold by various partners, hosts and tourist information offices in the region.

To the overview of all points of sale.

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

Tourist tax / guest card

The tourist tax is a fixed fee which contributes to the development and maintenance of facilities in the area. This includes, for example, health and sports facilities, hiking trails, ski runs and other facilities.

The tourist tax is per person and per day

  • Adults and children over 16 years €3
  • Children between 6 and 15 years €1
  • Children under 6 years, free €0

We ask you to transfer the tourist tax separately to our account,

  • Account Owner M. Hoffmann
  • IBAN DE83 7002 0270 0015 3447 26
  • BIC HYVEDEMMXXX

or via PayPal,

or bring it with you in cash upon arrival.

You will receive the guest card from us Z ug spitz A rena  B ayern   T irol CARD  

The guest card offers you many opportunities and discounts.

You can find a list here: https://www.gapa-tourismus.de/de/GaPa-vor-Ort/Garmisch-Partenkirchen/Gastekarte

For example, you can use the summer & hiking bus and the Postbus free of charge.

Local buses 1-5 and some RVO buses are also free.

Many admissions to facilities and attractions are free or reduced.

For example, you can use the Alpspitz wave pool once free of charge, and much more.

Holiday Apartment Mountain Pad

Michelle Healy & Martin Hoffmann

Wannerweg 6B

82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Mail : [email protected]

Mobile :  +  49 172 340 93 78

Copyright © All rights reserved.

Icon Sprachauswahl

Please notice that most of the all-inclusive partners will be closed due to maitenance works .  You can find the opened All-Inclusive Partners here .  

Zugspitzcard

ZugspitzCard and ClassicCard

If you stay in our region for several days, you can use the new cards to take advantage of numerous attractive offers free of charge (all-inclusive partners) or at reduced rates (bonus partners).

With the ClassicCard , you can experience the most popular mountain railways, swimming pools, museums and leisure activities:

On each day of validity you can use one all-inclusive partner from each of the following categories free of charge: 9 mountain railways 4 swimming pools 2 boat tours 2 gorges 5 museums Public skating at the Olympic Ice Sports Center Ice hockey home games of SC Riessersee Cogwheel train between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Eibsee (as often as you like)

The ZugspitzCard includes the same services as the ClassicCard, but exclusively with the ZugspitzCard, as a highlight of your stay, you can enjoy a visit to Germany's highest peak on a validity day of your choice.

In addition, our bonus partners grant you discounts on products, admissions and activities!

Points of Sale Buy online

All-inclusive partners

All-inclusive partners

Numerous free services from our All-inclusive partners. Please take care of closing times from All-inclusive partners due to revision!

Mountain Rails

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

Public Pools

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

Cruise Ships

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

Bonus Partner

Bonus Partner

Special discounts are allowed by our Bonus partners.

Zugspitzbad Sauna

Zugspitzbad Sauna

Grainau 25 % reduced entrance

Miniature Golf

Miniature Golf

Grainau 12.5 % – 16.6 % reduced entrance for adults and kids

Indoor Sports

Indoor Sports

Grainau 20 % reduction per person

Kletterwald

Kletterwald

Garmisch-Partenkirchen 30 % – 35 % Ermäßigung

Der Alpenoptiker

Der Alpenoptiker

Garmisch-Partenkirchen 10 € Rabatt ab 100 € Einkauf bei Sport- und Sonnenbrillen

Flying Fox

Overview map

Rear View Of Hiker Walking On Mountain

©Simon Koeppl/EyeEm/Getty Images

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The double-barrelled resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is blessed with a fabled setting just a snowball’s throw from the Alps and is a top hang-out for outdoorsy types, skiing fans and day-trippers from Munich. To say you ‘wintered in Garmisch’ still has an aristocratic ring, and the area offers some of the best skiing in the land, including runs on Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze (2962m).

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Germany, Bavaria, Wetterstein mountains, Zugspitze, Summit cross

On good days, views from Germany’s rooftop extend into four countries. The return trip starts in Garmisch aboard a cogwheel train (Zahnradbahn) that chugs…

Jagdschloss Schachen

Jagdschloss Schachen

A popular hiking route is to King Ludwig II’s hunting lodge, Jagdschloss Schachen, which can be reached via the Partnachklamm in about a four-hour hike …

Partnachklamm

Partnachklamm

A top attraction around Garmisch is this narrow and dramatically beautiful 700m-long gorge with walls rising up to 80m. The trail hewn into the rock is…

Kirchdorf Wamberg

Kirchdorf Wamberg

For an easy hike accompanied by achingly quaint, chocolate-box views head to Germany's highest Kirchdorf (basically a hamlet with a church where services…

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Garmisch-Partenkirchen with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

About the author:

Durant Imboden photo.

After 4-1/2 years of covering European travel topics for About.com, Durant and Cheryl Imboden co-founded Europe for Visitors (now including Germany for Visitors) in 2001. The site has earned "Best of the Web" honors from Forbes and The Washington Post .

For more information, see About Europe for Visitors , press clippings , and reader testimonials .

Photos 1, 4 copyright © Kurverwaltung Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

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Tourism Germany

Garmisch-Partenkirchen – A Lovely Mountain Resort Town

The villages of Garmisch and Partenkirchen were joined together for the 1936 winter Olympics to form a small town, which over the years has become Germany’s top winter sports resort and a popular year-round holiday destination. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a traditional Bavarian town with quaint cobblestone streets and half-timbered buildings. It lies in a convenient location just over an hour’s easy motorway drive from Munich to the north and just under an hour’s drive from the Austrian city of Innsbruck to the south.

Keeping fit in fresh mountain air

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is perfect for both the super fit and for those who prefer to take life at a gentler pace. In winter, downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and sledding are all on offer, and the fun continues into the summer with dry tobogganing, horse riding, cycling and swimming in indoor and outdoor pools and crystal clear mountain lakes.

A popular trip option combining sightseeing and fitness is a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh ride from the Olympic Stadium – worth a visit in itself – to the spectacular and slightly scary Partnach Gorge . The gorge is the starting point for numerous hiking trails, including a strenuous climb up to Schachen where ‘Mad’ King Ludwig II built a Swiss-style hunting lodge with an interior as outrageously ornate as those inside his famous fairytale castles.

Partnachklamm

Bavaria’s castles – the stuff dreams are made of

The king’s best-known castles – Linderhof , Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau – and the Herrenchiemsee Palace are all just a short drive from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. They are easily accessible by public transport too but make sure you reserve tickets in advance, particularly during the summer months when tours regularly sell out. Looking up at Neuschwanstein, teetering on an outcrop of rock over the River Pöllat, you’ll soon understand why visitors flock here from all over the world. Linderhof, where the eccentric king rowed his golden swan-boat on an underground lake inside an artificial grotto, is both beautiful and bizarre, and the Hall of Mirrors at the Herrenchiemsee Palace that dwarfs its counterpart at Versailles is utterly breathtaking.

Hohenschwangau

Entrance to the castles costs around €13 per adult and is free for children but if you intend to visit more than one of the fairytale buildings that inspired Disney Group’s Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty castles, the Bavarian castles and palaces season ticket is a sensible buy. Valid for two weeks, it gives access to over forty properties for the very reasonable price of around €44 for a family of four. Private guided tours from Garmisch-Partenkirchen cost around £132 per person online and include stop-offs in Oberammergau and Ettel Abbey .

A train with a view

Another trip that must be booked in advance is to the Zugspitze , Germany’s highest peak, towering above beautiful Lake Eibsee . Hardy walkers may chose to hike from the Partnach Gorge but the short train ride to the lake gives equally stunning views of its green-blue waters and surrounding wooded mountain slopes. If you have time, wander along the shoreline to look at the yachts moored at secluded jetties. In summer, there are regular regattas and firework shows.

Zugspitze and Lake Eibsee

The journey from Eibsee to the summit of the Zugspitze is made in two stages: by an old-fashioned funicular railway that travels through numerous tunnels blasted through the rock face and a hairy cable car ride. At the summit, you can steel your nerves for the journey down with a bite to eat at the panoramic restaurant or a beer at Germany’s highest beer garden. A ticket to the summit for a family of 2 adults and 2 children costs around €126. A guided day trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which also includes a visit to Neuschwanstein, will cost around £162 if you book online.

A perfect rural base for exploring towns and cities

The train from Garmisch-Partenkirchen will transport you to two unique world cities within an hour…and you will barely notice you’ve left! In Munich , high-tech industries and modern buildings cohabit harmoniously with museums, monuments and parks. From the resplendently landscaped Englischer Garten you can even see the Alps on a clear day.

Munich English Garden

Innsbruck has a similar vibe with late medieval buildings, like the Hapsburg Palace and baroque cathedral, sitting alongside more modern constructions. The Nordkette mountain range is so close that within minutes you can be away from the city centre enjoying a picnic lunch and listening to the sound of cowbells chiming in Alpine fields.

Oberammergau is a small town, close to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, famous for its buildings painted with religious scenes, a trompe l’oeil effect known as Lüftmalerei . The town is probably best known for its Passion Play, which is performed by local residents and takes place every ten years. The next performance isn’t until 2020 but the custom-built open-air theatre that enables 800 people to take to the stage at the same time has an extensive and interesting exhibition.

Oberammergau

Here even the roads are romantic

There are many lakes worth visiting within the vicinity of Garmisch-Partenkirchen – the Walchensee, Ammersee, the Chiemsee, the Starnbergersee – but the Bodensee , or Lake Constance, is arguably the most beautiful. It will take a couple of hours by car or train to reach the medieval town of Lindau but your efforts will be rewarded: Lindau is an island encircled by crystal clear water, snow-capped mountains and luscious green pastures, connected to the mainland by a rail and road bridge.

Lake Constance

Lindau is also the starting point of the Romantic Road , which follows the course of the Roman Via Claudia all the way to Salzburg in Austria. The route is 280 miles long and passes through the most stunning parts of the German Alps, including all the main sights. If you love a road trip, this could make a great holiday, especially if you break up the journey in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to recharge your batteries.

Getting around is easy.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a veritable transport hub. It’s possible to get to all the major sights easily by public transport. The most economical way of using the transport system is to buy a Bayern Ticket , either online or from a vending machine (the cost is slightly more from ticket station windows. The ticket is valid for one day’s unlimited travel and may be bought for individuals or for small groups. A ticket for a family of four will cost around €43.

..and there’s accommodation to suit all pockets

There’s an extensive range of accommodation in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: ski chalets, house rentals, bed and breakfast, chain hotels, spa resorts as well as hostels and campsites. Some are in the town centre, some close to the Zugspitze, some in more rural locations. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a popular year-round holiday destination for Germans and Austrians as well as for foreign tourists, so it’s worth booking accommodation in advance.

Sausage, schnitzel and so much more

All the traditional foods are on offer in Garmisch-Partenkirchen – sausages, dumplings, Wiener schnitzel, and pork chops – but there are more delicate offerings too: farm-produced cheeses and smoked meats can be eaten with black and rye breads as well as sourdough rolls.

Schnitzel

River fish are on most menus and almost all restaurants offer vegetarian options. If you fancy something a little more international, try Colosseo or La Baita for pizza and pasta, Reindl’s for French cuisine and El Greco for Greek. If you can’t last a whole week without a curry, try the Restaurant Bollywood for a vindaloo.

Spending a leisurely hour or two watching the world go by in an ice-cream parlour or cafe is a German tradition and in Garmisch-Partenkirchen you’ll find ice-cream, desserts and cake to rival anything you might find in Italy or France. Try chocolate and praline sundaes, delivered with a smile, at the Eiscafe Magia Fredda and the plum, strawberry and blueberry waffles at Hoffmann’s Wafflehouse.

And there’s the beer, of course

Bavaria is famous for its beer, and there’s something in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to suit every palate, from the traditional sweet dark beers to the larger-type light beers. Bock and Doppelbock are local favourites as is the yeasty Weissbier , or wheat beer, which is usually served with a slice of lemon. A huge salty pretzel is great for getting up a thirst for the next round.

If you have a car (and a volunteer driver!) there are a dozen different breweries in the vicinity, but true beer lovers might prefer to consider one of the private guided bus tours that set out from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and cost around £143, including all beer and a hearty feast of traditional Bavarian fayre.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen has it all

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a tourist destination that never feels particularly busy. Fresh air, fields, fitness, fine food and fabulous mountain views make for a relaxing yet invigorating break. Whether you visit in the winter or the summer, it is the perfect holiday destination for couples and families – a place where fairy tales really do come true.

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A Complete Travel Guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen: 25 Best Things To Do & See

A Complete Travel Guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen: 25 Best Things To Do & See

A mountain-lovers paradise.

There’s no way around the fact that Garmisch-Partenkirchen (GaPa) is the best place in Germany if you like mountains .

In this medium-sized Bavarian town, you’re literally surrounded by them.

If you don’t intend on hiking up by your own two feet to catch the gorgeous views offered by the peaks, you’re in luck as more than a handful of lifts operate to provide the views without you having to break a sweat.

For the sporty and adventurous , there are plenty of activities on offer with a huge trail network surrounding Garmisch-Partenkirchen and an active community of outdoor lovers all year round.

Hiking is the name of the game when the sun is out and in winter the town is considered one of the best places to ski in the country.

We love Garmisch-Partenkirchen. In fact, we love it so much that we have visited 3 times now – and we intend to return!

In this travel guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, we share the best things to do and see, where to stay, how long to stay, where to eat, how to get around and so much more.

Where to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

  • Budget : Hotel Atlas Sport – One of the cheapest options for ensuite double rooms in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Free parking.
  • Value for money : Biohotel Garmischer Hof – Amazing views, organic food and a spa and wellness centre. Our favourite hotel in GaPa.
  • Luxury : Bader Suites – Luxurious, spacious apartments with everything you need.

Search for the best value accommodation in Garmisch-Partenkirchen here .

Table of contents

Why visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The 25 best things to do in garmisch-partenkirchen, garmisch-partenkirchen itinerary, how long to stay in garmisch-partenkirchen, where to eat in garmisch-partenkirchen, how to get around garmisch-partenkirchen, how to get to garmisch-partenkirchen, when to visit garmisch-partenkirchen, what to bring to garmisch-partenkirchen, minimise your impact.

Alex & Victoria at Geroldsee near Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Some of the best attractions in or near Garmisch-Partenkirchen can rather easily be visited as day-trips from nearby Munich. So why stay in town?

The answer is quite simple.

There’s so much to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen .

You could never do everything in a day. We’re unsure if even a weekend could do it, but that’s, of course, totally up to your preferences!

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the perfect base for adventures in the region.

Even if you’re not too keen on scaling mountains (whether by foot or cable car), there are still lots of lakes, castles and other awesome attractions to explore.

Tourism is naturally huge here, but the town is big enough in its own right to feel like a real place .

People actually live here all year and not only for seasonal mountaineering or skiing. That’s great as it means shops and restaurants have to survive on longterm quality and not only on short-lived tourist influxes.

Loisach and Partnach rivers in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen

As the name implies, Garmisch-Partenkirchen was originally two towns : Garmisch in the west and Partenkirchen in the east.

Today they have melted together into one city , but the differences between them are still observable to the keen eye.

We have spent most of our time in the Garmisch part of town and think it’s really cosy. Many old buildings are still intact and there’s a distinct small-town feel to it despite being the home to more than 25,000 people.

Partenkirchen is also very nice. Checking out Ludwigstraße is a must.

All in all, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is easily walkable – and how could you not love those mountain views in all directions?

Mountains near Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is located in Bavaria about 700 metres above sea level in the very south of Germany ~90 kilometres southwest of Munich , the state capital and most populous city.

The hotel options in Garmisch-Partenkirchen are really good.

It’s not the cheapest place to stay , but it makes sense that there’s a price to pay for being in what is probably the most beautiful part of Germany .

Whether you’re looking for a budget option or a more high-end stay with spa facilities, check out our hotel recommendations below.

For even more details, check out our ultimate Gapa accommodation guide: Where to Stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: 11 Best Hotels for All Budgets – Our personal recommendations for the best areas and places to stay .

You can also search for the best value accommodation in Garmisch-Partenkirchen here (adlink) .

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

The best budget hotels in Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

  • Hotel Atlas Sport – One of the cheapest options for ensuite double rooms in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Free parking.
  • Bavaria Biohotel – Eco-hotel in the city centre.
  • Alpvital – Apartment with your own kitchen in Klais (15 minutes east of GaPa).
  • Hotel Schatten – Traditional stay in Partenkirchen.

Hotel Atlas Sport

The best value for money hotels in Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

  • Biohotel Garmischer Hof – Amazing views, organic food and a spa and wellness centre. Our favourite hotel in GaPa.
  • Hotel Zugspitze – Big rooms with a great location.
  • Quartier Lodges – Super modern and stylish stay.

Biohotel Garmischer Hof room

The best luxury hotels in Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

  • Bader Suites – Luxurious, spacious apartments with everything you need.
  • Hyperion Hotel – 5-star hotel with a heated indoor pool and spa facilities. A popular choice.
  • Schloss Elmau – Luxury spa retreat & cultural hideaway in a huge castle.
  • Romantik Alpenhotel Waxenstein – View towards Zugspitze in Grainau.

Bader Suites apartment in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Should you stay centrally?

Our best tip is to stay somewhere that is central enough for you to be in walking distance to most of the restaurants.

If you’re staying a little outside of GaPa, it’s of course possible to drive in. But parking can be limited, especially in the high season.

Staying close to the town centre can potentially save you time and money enough to make up for the higher price (except if you plan to cook all of your meals in your accommodation).

Search for the best value accommodation in Garmisch-Partenkirchen here (adlink) .

As we’ve pointed towards earlier in this travel guide, there are a lot of amazing things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

We have visited Garmisch-Partenkirchen on three different occasions : In October 2020, in June 2021 and in March 2022. So we’ve seen the town in basically all seasons – and tried our best experiencing the top attractions and things to do.

Please do tell us what we’ve missed in the comments as we would love to return again to explore more!

Here are the 25 best things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

  • Visit Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain
  • Walk around Lake Eibsee and take in the magical views
  • Get a new perspective from the top of Alpspitze
  • Hike the stunning Partnach Gorge
  • See the Olympic Ski Jump
  • Check out the amazing alpine views at Geroldsee and Barmsee
  • Visit Grainau and the beautiful church
  • Stroll around Lake Riesersee
  • Visit the old town of Mittenwald
  • Experience the epic Höllentalklamm Gorge
  • Go on a canyoning tour
  • Take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
  • Iconic meadow views at Hammersbacher Fußweg
  • Ski down the slopes of Zugspitze
  • Go cross-country skiing
  • Chill out at the Kurpark
  • Spot all the murals (Lüftlmalerei) in town
  • Walk down Ludwigstraße in Partenkirchen
  • Visit the charming Wamberg church village
  • Discover the Werdenfels Castle ruins
  • GaPa views from Kriegergedächtniskapelle
  • Check out the royal views from Königstand above town
  • Enjoy the lake views at Pflegersee
  • Hiking Wank Mountain
  • Go on a day trip to Munich

The lovely nature of Garmisch-Partenkirchen around Hammersbacher Fußweg

1. Visit Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain

Who doesn’t want to be able to say they’ve been to the highest point in Germany ?

If it isn’t cloudy (which it invariably is sometimes) Zugspitze is easily spotted from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and, indeed, even from Munich on clear days.

What makes Zugspitze so special is that you have a clear view in all directions – including towards Austria where the mountainous landscapes continue as far as the eye can see.

Getting up there is easy with the modern cable car.

There’s also skiing in winter at the top which you can read more about below .

Learn all you need to know about visiting Zugspitze in our travel guide here .

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

2. Walk around Lake Eibsee and take in the magical views

Lake Eibsee has to be the most beautiful lake in Bavaria, if not in the whole of Germany.

It’s definitely one of the prettiest ones we’ve ever seen!

When the water is still the reflections from Zugspitze and the mountains next to it are incredible. The water colour is insane. And then there are islands in the lake? And then you add the autumn foliage … Perfection!

Lake Eibsee is easy to visit before or after taking the Zugspitze cable car. It’s also very much worth a visit in its own right.

Read more about Lake Eibsee and what to expect in our travel guide here .

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

3. Get a new perspective from the top of Alpspitze

Alpspitze is one of the other mountains you can take a cable car to in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

The view from up here is quite different than from Zugspitze. You don’t get to see over the other mountain ranges, but catching a glimpse of the town below and the mountains surrounding the valley is great. Visiting the AlpspiX skywalk is also super cool.

Enjoying the view from Alpspitze over Garmisch-Partenkirchen

4. Hike the stunning Partnachklamm Gorge

Visiting the Partnachklamm (Partnach Gorge) is one of the most popular activities in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It’s exciting and hiking here feels like a true adventure.

Partnach Gorge is a gorge (duh) that has been created by a stream cutting through the mountain. It’s crazy to think that water can cut through solid rock like that. It takes a while, but the result speaks for itself!

The gorge is 702 metres long and up to 80 metres deep .

We were amazed by the continually changing views and couldn’t take our eyes off the azure blue colour of the water.

Read our travel guide here to learn more about visiting the Partnach Gorge .

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

5. See the Olympic Ski Jump

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is home to the famous Olympic Ski Jump.

This is the venue of the New Year’s jumping you’re likely watching on January 1st each year.

Visiting the arena is free . We saw the Olympic Ski Jump as we walked from the parking lot to the entrance of the Partnach Gorge.

If you’re interested in learning more about flying more than a hundred metres through the air with nothing but skis strapped to your feet, guided tours are available.

Olympic Ski Jump in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

6. Check out the amazing alpine views at Geroldsee and Barmsee

Geroldsee is a small lake east of Garmisch-Partenkirchen known for its dreamy Alpine views .

Barmsee is located right next to it and hiking between and around the lakes is a lovely non-strenous activity.

In winter, nordic skiing is popular here.

Geroldsee famous view

7. Visit Grainau and the beautiful church

Grainau is a small town located a few kilometres west of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Walking around here (perhaps on the way to or from Eibsee and Zugspitze) is a nice thing to do. The streets are quiet and it’s all very idyllic.

Grainau is especially famous for the church of St. Johannes with commanding views of the mountains behind it.

Church of St. Johannes

8. Stroll around Lake Riessersee

We visited Lake Riessersee on a cloudy day. No matter the weather, hiking around the area is relaxing .

When it’s clear, it’s possible to see the mountains reflect in the lake which is surely a sight for sore eyes.

It’s possible to go here directly from town by crossing the train tracks and following a trail up to the lake.

Riessersee Lake

9. Visit the old town of Mittenwald

The small town of Mittenwald is located just 20 minutes of driving east of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and is a must-visit if you enjoy fairytale towns surrounded by towering peaks .

The core of Mittenwald is the Alstadt (old town), which is the perfect place to go for a stroll on the cobblestoned streets and take in the enchanting atmosphere .

Just like in GaPa, many of the houses here have been adorned with murals (Lüftlmalerei).

Mountains near Mittenwald

10. Experience the epic Höllental Gorge

You have probably heard about the Partnachklamm (Partnach Gorge). But have you heard about the Höllentalklamm (Höllental Gorge)?

Located just a few kilometres west of Partnachklamm, Höllentalklamm sees fewer visitors but provides a similarly epic experience .

Hiking to the start of the Höllentalklamm is a bit steeper, taking about an hour from the parking spot with 250 metres of gained altitude. The walk itself is beautiful as you walk besides the river on a nice forest trail.

The gorge itself is, of course, the main attraction. Just like at Partnachklamm, you walk on a narrow path cut into the mountain , sometimes in tunnels and sometimes over bridges.

Beside you and underneath you, the clear river cuts deep into the rock and roars ferociously .

The walk through Höllentalklamm takes about 30 minutes. When you’re finished, you can either turn around and experience it all from the opposite direction or continue on and go on a long hike over Hupfleitenjoch to Kreuzeck.

Höllentalklamm is only open while it’s snow free – usually meaning it’s open from May to the end of October. The price is 5 EUR for adults and 2 EUR for children aged 7-17 while free for those who are younger*.

* Prices are from 2023 .

Iconic GaPa view

11. Go on a canyoning tour

On our second visit to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, we went on a canyoning tour with Canyoningtour.de .

In short, canyoning is all about descending steep mountain rivers by rappelling, jumping and sliding .

We won’t lie: Canyoning is not for the faint of heart. You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie … But it will certainly help!

Of course, canyoning isn’t dangerous when you’re in the hands of professionals.

We felt completely safe and had a lot of fun on the tour.

Read our full article about the canyoning tour and what to expect here .

Why You Should Go on a Canyoning Tour From Garmisch-Partenkirchen

12. Take a daytrip to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is a palace from the 19th-century built for King Ludwig II of Bavaria.

The flashy exterior design is recognisable (to say the least) and it has been used in several films and inspired, among others, Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Visiting Neuschwanstein is supremely popular with about 1.5 million visitors per year. If you wish to enter the castle, booking a tour well in advance is highly recommended.

Without tickets , you can still walk up to the main entrance and see the castle up close.

Neuschwanstein Castle is located about an hour of driving west of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and therefore pretty easy to reach on a daytrip.

Neuschwanstein famous view

13. Iconic meadow views at Hammersbacher Fußweg

For some of the most iconic GaPa mountain views, you have to walk down the Hammersbacher Fußweg.

It’s a very mellow walk with no elevation gain to speak of. Walking all the way to Hammersbach takes around 30 minutes (it’s 2.6 kilometres) and will surely leave you feeling very small as the imposing steepness of the Wetterstein mountain range (including Zugspitze !) looms closer and closer.

How to find the Hammersbacher Fußweg?

The trail goes through the large meadow that starts around the corner of St.-Martin-straße and Rießerseestraße in the southwestern part of town. Once there, find the trail that cuts through the meadow diagonally .

The “ official start ” is right by Katzensteinstraße.

Hammersbacher Fußweg

14. Ski down the slopes of Zugspitze

How cool is it that you can ski down Germany’s highest mountain ?

Zugspitze has a quite well-developed ski area with 20 kilometres of snow-sure runs suitable for all skill levels.

Because of its height, the ski season at Zugspitze is very long – often starting in December and ending in May.

If you’re not into downhill skiing, it’s also possible to hire bob sledges and wooden sledges to go tobogganing down Zugspitze.

You can either reach the ski area by the Seilbahn to the top of Zugspitze and then take the Gletcherbahn down to the ski area or by travelling there directly with the Zugspitzbahn.

For even more downhill skiing options (including some really steep ones!), also check out the skiing at Hausberg and Kreuzeck .

Read more about skiing at Zugspitze (including prices) at the official website here or check out the webcams here for a current update on the conditions.

Alex skiing on Zugspitze

15. Go cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing (called langluafen in German) in Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers an invigorating way to explore the beautiful winter landscapes.

We went twice last time around and loved it!

One of the closest places to town to go cross-country skiing is Kaltenbrunn where you’ll find trails for beginners and experts alike – including one for biathlon training (a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting).

We also went to the trails around Krün and Barmsee further east.

The cross-country trail network of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is home to a total of 28 kilometres of groomed tracks which can all be enjoyed for free .

We rented skiing equipment from Skischule Sprenzel .

Learning cross-country skiing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

16. Chill out at the Kurpark

When strolling down the Am Kurpark pedestrian street in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, it’s impossible to miss the centrally located Michael-Ende-Kurpark .

Michael Ende, a native of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, is best known for his acclaimed children’s books, including “ The Neverending Story ” and “ Momo “.

Even if you’re not familiar with Ende’s work, you’ll be enchanted by the park’s whimsical features , such as the giant sculpture of Morla the turtle from “The Neverending Story” that children can climb on or the numerous other small wonders scattered throughout.

In the summer months, the Kurpark comes alive with a variety of events and concerts .

The Kurpark

17. Spot all the murals (Lüftlmalerei) in town

You can’t walk around GaPa for long before noticing the painted houses .

These murals, known as “Lüftlmalerei” in German, are a traditional style of painting that originated in Bavaria.

They feature intricate and colourful designs , often depicting scenes from local history, religion, folklore, and daily life.

Some murals are very traditional-looking while others seem much more modern (like the hockey player!).

How many Lüftlmalerei can you spot in total?

If you wish to learn more about the murals of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, here’s a great resource with lots of free information .

Murals on the houses in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

18. Walk down Ludwigstraße in Partenkirchen

Ludwigstraße is the main street and heart of Partenkirchen (the eastern part of Garmisch-Partenkirchen), a charming historic district that exudes traditional Bavarian charm.

Walking down Ludwigstraße, we were greeted by picturesque buildings with colourful facades , quaint shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs, and cosy cafes and restaurants.

You can combine your visit to Ludwigstraße with hiking around the foothills (or to the summit) of the Wank Mountain .

Partenkirchen street

19. Visit the charming Wamberg church village

Located at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, Wamberg is one of the highest-lying villages in the country .

The architecture is rural and very traditional. The view towards the church is iconic with the towering Alpspitze and Zugspitze peaks in the background.

Only around 30 people live in Wamberg . When we visited, it seemed like that number could be even lower. But we did meet a few kids who most likely have a very different day-to-day life than their peers down in Gapa.

We hiked up to Wamberg from the hospital “Klinikum Garmisch-Partenkirchen”. It’s around 5.5 kilometres each way with 550 metres of elevation gain . It’s also possible to start at the Eckbauernbahn cable car.

Wamberg church village in winter

20. GaPa views from Kriegergedächtniskapelle

One of the most rewarding hikes in GaPa is walking up to the small Kriegergedächtniskapelle.

The chapel is located on a cleared patch from where you can catch some great views south of both the town and the amazing mountains.

It’s also the perfect place to enjoy a picnic in the sun.

Kriegergedächtniskapelle

21. Check out the royal views from Königstand above town

Some of the most impressive views of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the mountains to the south can be found at the Königstand.

The platform is located about 700 metres above the town , so getting all the way up there is not for the faint of heart. The hike is 4-5 kilometres each way.

Here’s the location on Google Maps .

High-altitude hiking near GaPa

22. Enjoy the lake views at Pflegersee

Located right by the impressive Königsstand mountain range, Lake Pflegersee is a popular excursion for the locals of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Especially at the weekend.

After hiking up here, it’s hard to resist taking a break and enjoying the lake views from Berggasthof Pflegersee hut – open all year round.

Pflegersee

23. Discover the Werdenfels Castle ruins

Probably built somewhere between the years 1180 and 1230, the history of the Werdenfels Castle isn’t very well-known…

Today it’s more or less a ruin , but it still makes for a very interesting and not-too-difficult excursion from Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

It’s easy to find Werdenfels Castle as the paths are pretty well sign-posted.

Hiking to the Werdenfels Castle

24. Hiking Wank Mountain

One of the best places to go for a hike (or a run) in eastern Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the foothills of the Wank Mountain.

Here you’ll find lots of mellow paths in the forest , some of which have killer views over the town and the surrounding mountains.

For the more adventurous, it’s also possible to hike up to the summit of the Wank Mountain (located at 1,780 metres above sea level).

The round summit is often considered GaPa’s “ sun balcony ” due to its sunny position in the valley.

It’s also possible to use the cable car to go directly to the Wank Mountain summit from Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Great views over Garmisch-Partenkirchen

25. Go on a day trip to Munich

Munich is the capital of the state of Bavaria (where Garmisch-Partenkirchen is located) and is the third largest city in Germany .

Luckily, it’s just a little over an hour’s drive away from Garmisch-Partenkirchen!

We stayed for a few days in Munich as there are plenty of cool things to do, but you can definitely also visit on a day trip to see the main sights.

If you don’t have your own car, you can also visit Munich by bus or train from GaPa. The trip then takes around 1 hour and 15-20 minutes.

Marienplatz in Munich

There are so many different things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, it’s difficult to provide an exact itinerary as people’s interests are so different.

In short, you can spend weeks (if not months) exploring the nature and mountains surrounding the town. There really are close to endless trail options for hiking and trail running.

If you’re only visiting GaPa for a few days , you have to prioritise your time as you won’t be able to see and do everything.

For most people, going to Eibsee and taking the cable car to the top of Zugspitze (Germany’s highest mountain) is a true highlight of their visit. That can be done in a few hours if you’re in a rush. You can also spend the whole day walking around Eibsee taking in all of the views.

To experience a lot on a short trip , consider mostly experiencing things that are in or are very close to the city centre (or wherever your accommodation is located). That way you’ll spend less time driving and more time exploring.

Here are some itinerary ideas for the best things to do in GaPa near the city centre (that doesn’t take too long):

Itinerary for Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

  • Stroll around Lake Riesersee .
  • Catch the iconic meadow views at Hammersbacher Fußweg .
  • Chill out at the Kurpark .
  • Spot as many murals (Lüftlmalerei) as you can .
  • Walk down Ludwigstraße in Partenkirchen .
  • Enjoy the GaPa views from Kriegergedächtniskapelle .
  • Hike around the foothills of the Wank Mountain .

You can also save a lot of time in general by using the cable cars .

We can really recommend taking one to Alpspitze . Walking out on the AlpspiX skywalk is a super cool thing to do!

All of the other things to do in GaPa mentioned in this article can easily be done in less than a day .

Especially if you visit while the days are long in spring and summer you can probably cram in 2-3 activities a day without breaking a sweat. It’s all up to your travel tempo and how you best like to experience things.

Alex hiking in GaPa

Naturally, the length of your stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen depends on your travel goals and interests.

As mentioned above, there are enough outdoor activities here to fill a whole year . So if you’re into hiking, you’ll have to make some hard choices about what to cut out unless you’re moving here for good.

  • Staying for a weekend is popular with Germans, but in our opinion, it’s way too little time to experience enough of the best things to do here.
  • 3-4 days is much better as you’ll be able to go on both longer and a few shorter excursions.
  • Staying for a week will be optimal for most people. While you might not be able to do everything mentioned in this travel guide, you’ll surely have enough time to see the main sights and highlights at a relaxed pace – even if the weather gods don’t shine on you 24/7.

Views in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

To our delight , there are plenty of great restaurants and cafés offering healthy and delicious plant-based dishes in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

We have written a full eating guide that you can check out here: Vegan Eating Guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany: The Best Restaurants & Cafés .

Even if you don’t consider yourself a vegan, vegetarian or even flexitarian, we still think you’ll love these places.

Here’s an overview of the cafés and restaurants we recommend visiting:

  • Café Max – Breakfast all day
  • Garmischer Hof – Veggie-friendly brewery
  • Berge – Vegan breakfast options
  • Pano – Vegan-friendly café
  • Shaka Burgerhouse – Vegan burger
  • La Baita – Italian pizza & pasta
  • Der Laden – Mostly vegetarian café
  • Thang Long – Asian restaurant
  • San Marco Da Claudio – Italian restaurant
  • Vegan-friendly supermarkets in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
  • Bonus: Wildkaffee Café

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

Getting around Garmisch-Partenkirchen on foot is just great.

The city centre (Am Kurpark) is totally car-free, and the rest of the streets have sidewalks.

Parking in the very centre isn’t all that easy which is why we recommend staying in walking distance to the cafés and restaurants.

Public transport is simple to use in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen centre

From inside Germany

The 95 autobahn directly connects Munich with Garmisch-Partenkirchen making the drive quick and effortless.

  • Driving yourself should take about 1 hour.
  • Taking the bus takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • It’s also possible to take the train directly from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen with the ride taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The main train station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Garmisch-Partenkirchen Bahnhof)

From outside Germany

The main international hubs and airports close to Garmisch-Partenkirchen are Munich , Innsbruck (closest), Salzburg and Zürich .

Garmisch-Partenkirchen mountains drone photo

What’s the best time of the year to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen?

There’s no bad time to visit GaPa, but as with most other popular destinations, avoiding the main holiday seasons makes sense if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy cheaper accommodation.

Spring is a beautiful time to visit with warming weather , rushing water and blooming flowers .

March, April and May are some of the best months of the year for off-season travel to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Tourism is at a low, so you’ll find cheaper prices on accommodation and almost no crowds.

If you visit early enough , you might still be able to go cross-country skiing. And the downhill runs on Zugspitze are probably open.

Summer is naturally the warmest season.

The summer holidays in Germany are spread out between the middle of June and the middle of September

Booking your hotel or guesthouse in advance is a good idea if you plan to travel to GaPa in June, July, August or September.

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit.

We have visited Garmisch-Partenkirchen in October and loved seeing the changing colours of the leaves .

The weather wasn’t particularly warm (it was downright freezing at Zugspitze) but the colours and lack of tourists more than made up for it.

Winter is a popular time to visit GaPa for winter sports.

The snow season generally runs from the start of December to the end of April/beginning of May.

Needless to say, it’s a good idea to pack warm clothes for a winter trip in Europe.

But don’t be surprised if you also get some sunny days down in the valley making for some perfect low-altitude-hiking weather.

The views from Zugspitze

  • Travel insurance (adlink) . Never travel without it!
  • A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use .
  • Sunscreen (adlink) . The sun can be strong even in winter.
  • Hiking shoes .
  • Swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim in the lakes or at one of the hotels with a spa area.
  • Water and snacks .

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

To minimise your impact during your visit, follow these guidelines:

  • Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
  • Avoid single-use plastics , including straws.
  • Dispose of waste properly . While putting your trash in a nearby trashcan is convenient, wrappers and other small items are prone to get taken by the wind and end up in the lake.
  • Check your sunscreen if you intend to swim. Many brands contain oxybenzone and other chemicals that are harmful.
  • Take only photos, leave only footprints . Let everything stay in its natural place. No stone-throwing.
  • Be considerate of other visitors .
  • Respect wildlife.

GaPa mountain views

Thanks for reading

Thanks for getting all the way to the end!

We hope this travel guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen has been useful.

What do you think about GaPa?

If you’ve been to the Gateway to the Bavarian Alps, it would be awesome to hear your best tips in the comments.

If you haven’t been yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything. We’re glad to help.

Eibsee's natural beauty

Pin for later:

A Complete Travel Guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen: 25 Best Things To Do & See

Our favourite travel resources:

  • Booking.com for cheap hotels.
  • Momondo for the best flight deals.
  • SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller . All three compared here .

Our camera gear:

  • Panasonic GH5 . Used for all of our photos and videos.
  • DJI Mavic 2 Pro . Best drone out there!
  • Sirui Tripod . Lightweight and strong.
  • See all of our camera gear here .

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  • Bad Segeberg Travel Guide: 8 Best Things To Do & See Around the Fascinating Mountain - Everything you need to know about Bad Segeberg including what to do, where to stay, when to visit - and when not to!
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13 Top-Rated Things to Do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the busiest year-round holiday destinations in the Bavarian Alps. In a valley at the base of a number of tall mountains, it's well known as a winter sports resort and is famous for hosting the 1936 Winter Olympics, along with the International Alpine Skiing Championships in 1978 and 2011. In 2022, it hosts two men's slalom events for the Alpine Skiing World Cup.

The town's history can be traced back to AD 15, when Partanum was a major stopover on the Venice to Augsburg trade route. The wide valley of the Loisach is enclosed by mighty mountains: to the north, Kramer and the Wank; to the south, the towering Wetterstein group, with the Kreuzeck, the jagged Alpspitze, and the Dreitorspitze; and, rearing up behind the Grosser Waxenstein, the Zugspitze, at 2,962 meters Germany's highest mountain.

Between hiking, skiing, and riding cable cars to breathtaking Alpine views, active travelers will find plenty of choices in this list of things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

See also: Where to Stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

1. Challenge Zugspitze: Germany's Highest Peak

2. winter sports: ski and skate in olympic venues, 3. walk through the partnach gorge (partnachklamm), 4. defy gravity at the alpspix, 5. hike to the king's house, 6. ride high in mountain gondolas, 7. stroll through ludwigstrasse and historic partenkirchen, 8. hike or skate at the eibsee, 9. walk barefoot at the michael-ende kurpark, 10. franziskanerkloster st. anton, 11. walk through mountainside meadows, 12. richard strauss villa and festival, 13. step into history at the werdenfels regional museum, where to stay in garmisch-partenkirchen for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to garmisch-partenkirchen, map of things to do in garmisch-partenkirchen, garmisch, germany - climate chart.

Zugspitze: Germany's Highest Peak

One of the biggest draws to this corner of Bavaria is the 2,962-meter-tall Zugspitze, Germany's tallest mountain. Popular year-round, it's during the winter months that this impressive peak is busiest, as skiers from across Europe arrive to sample its many challenging runs and to enjoy its dramatic scenery.

In summer, the Zugspitze comes alive with the sound of tramping hiking boots, as outdoor enthusiasts visit the summit, as well as the Zugspitzplatt , a plateaued area well known for its caves and glaciers. The Bayerischen Zugspitzbahn, a cog railway, ascends the mountain and the Zugspitze-Round-Trip ticket combines this with rides on the Gletscherbahn cable car and the Cable car Zugspitze for a complete mountain experience.

If you're visiting Munich, the mountain is easy to reach on the Zugspitze Day Tour from Munich , a full day of breathtaking Alpine scenery. After a ride through the Bavarian countryside with your guide, you'll board the Gletscherbahn cable car to the summit of Zugspitze for views that include mountain peaks in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. Ride back down on the cogwheel train before returning to Munich.

Official site: https://zugspitze.de/en

Skiing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The 1936 Winter Olympics left a lasting legacy on Garmisch-Partenkirchen, earning the town its place as one of Europe's top winter sports destinations. Many of the community's colorful chalets and buildings were built especially for the event and remain in use to this day. The most notable examples include the Olympic Ski Stadium on the Gudiberg, easily identified by its ski-jumps and still used during the ski season for international and local contests.

Skating enthusiasts can strut their stuff at the same Ice Stadium used for the 1936 Winter Olympics. Today, public skating and lessons take place here, whether in speed skating or traditional choreographed dance routines. The stadium, which is a popular venue for skating competitions and shows, also has a curling rink. In the winter, several lakes and outdoor rinks are also available for skaters to enjoy.

Ski lifts and pistes extend from the valley floor to the Zugspitze and other peaks, creating a network of downhill and Nordic ski opportunities for all levels of skiers. Another historic landmark is the Olympiaschanze , the ski-jump used for the 1936 Winter Olympics. You can tour the jump for beautiful views and learn more about the sport at a small museum; you might even find an event or practice session in progress there.

Address: Karl-und Martin-Neuner-Platz, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The Partnach Gorge

Just three kilometers southeast of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the wild and romantic Partnachklamm, the Partnach Gorge. This dramatic and rocky gorge on the River Partnach is 702 meters long and reaches depths of more than 80 meters. While wonderful to explore at any time of year, winter brings with it additional beauty in the guise of massive ice formations that cling to the cliff faces.

Another notable gorge is Höllentalklamm , just six kilometers southwest of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. A variety of excellent trails lead to and around the summit (1,045 meters), including a track that can be followed through numerous tunnels and over bridges to the end of the gorge.

AlpspiX

Almost immediately upon its opening, the AlpspiX became one of the most popular places to visit from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Consisting of two crossed steel beams that cantilever in an X formation from the edge of a cliff, the AlpspiX allows you to stand in mid-air, atop a vertical drop of about 1,000 meters above the ground. All around is a panorama of Alpine peaks: the Zugspitze, Waxensteine, and the impressive Alpspitze north face. Below is the broad Höllental Valley.

The platform is free, but of course you'll need to pay to ride the Alpspitzebahn to its top station, where the AlpspiX is located. Several walks begin here - a popular one is along the Genuss-Erlebnisweg from the top station of the Alpspitzebahn lifts to the top of the Kreuzeckbahn lifts.

The King's House Hike

A three-hour hike each way from Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the King's House in Schachen, the exquisite "hunting" lodge of King Ludwig II (the king was opposed to hunting, but that was the accepted name for country retreats such as this). Built between 1869 and 1872 on the Schachen Alp, this relatively small wooden palace was designed to resemble a Swiss chalet and was a favorite of the king, who celebrated his birthday here each August.

Highlights include its five lower-level living rooms with their exquisite wood paneling, while upstairs the main focal point is the fabulous Turkish Hall with its stained glass windows, rich embroideries, and fancy candelabra. The stunning views, the incongruity of the opulent Turkish Hall amid such remote surroundings, and lively guided tours help make it worth the long hike.

Official site: www.schloesser.bayern.de/englisch/palace/objects/schachen.htm

Gondola above Garmisch-Partenkirchen

An excellent way to get the most out of your sightseeing and hiking high above Garmisch-Partenkirchen is to make use of the town's fantastic network of summit lifts and gondolas. In Garmisch, the Hausbergbahn Gondola travels 1,338 meters up the Hausberghöhe from where the Kreuzwanklbahn continues to the Kreuzwankln at 1,550 meters.

Another popular route is via the Kreuzeckbahn, which travels from Garmisch up the Kreuzeck at 1,650 meters and has fine views, particularly of the nearby Alpspitze.

From Partenkirchen, visitors are also well served by an excellent network of ski lifts heading into the surrounding mountains. The Wankbahn Cableway runs from Partenkirchen some 3,000 meters to an upper station on the Wank at 1,755 meters. From the summit at 1,780 meters, there's a magnificent view of the Garmisch basin.

The Eckbauerbahn departs from the Olympic Ski Stadium up the Eckbauerhöhe at 1,236 meters and also has fine panoramic views, while the Graseckbahn travels from the entrance to the Partnachklamm with its superb gorges and raging rivers, southeast of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, to the Alpenhotel Forsthaus Graseck at 903 meters.

Historic Partenkirchen

Partenkirchen, the eastern part of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, lies between the river Partnach and the Wank mountains. Its main street, Ludwigstrasse, is lined with traditional houses with beautifully painted facades and window boxes abloom with geraniums. Although the house fronts are one dimensional, trompe l'oeil painting makes them appear to have elaborate carved scrollwork around windows and doors.

It's a good place for a leisurely stroll to admire the carved wooden balconies and the intricate wrought-iron and gilded signs on the shops and gasthofs. Fountains punctuate small flower-decked squares, and as you sit in an outdoor café or restaurant you might hear a local band playing Bavarian music. At the end of the street are steps leading to lovely views.

The Village of Grainau

Southwest of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the village of Grainau lies in rolling park-like countryside at the foot of the Waxenstein. Higher up is the Eibsee, from which there's a good view of the Waxenstein and the Riffelwand on the Zugspitze. The waters are so clear that you can watch fish swim far below the surface.

The four-mile walking path around the lake is interspersed with benches and scenic spots for a picnic. In the winter, the lake is popular with ice skaters. Any time of year, it's a picture-perfect slice of Bavaria, a scene made all the more perfect due to its alpine homes and lovely old church.

Michael-Ende Kurpark

With its picturesque old houses - particularly in lovely Frühlingstrasse - Garmisch sits idyllically on the banks of the 114-kilometer-long River Loisach flowing from Austria. A pleasant stroll through this small community takes you to the Kongresshaus, the community center set in pretty Michael-Ende Kurpark , named in honor of Germany's most famous 20th-century storyteller and a former resident (Ende wrote The Neverending Story ).

The park is a quiet oasis filled with places where visitors are encouraged to become one with nature by walking barefoot on soft mosses and smooth stone pathways. Children love climbing on the whimsical grass and stone turtle and challenging the turf maze. Flower beds, pools, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the surroundings make this a popular place.

Address: Richard-Strauss-Platz 1A, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Franziskanerkloster St. Anton

The pilgrimage church St. Anton is a short walk above Partenkirchen; you can recognize it by its distinctive onion dome. Inside the dome is a beautiful fresco by Johann Evangelist Holzer, and elsewhere in the late Baroque/Rococo church are more wall paintings, and carved wooden pews.

Outside, in the covered walkways leading to the church are memorials to the local men who died in the two World Wars, mostly those who were lost in the Russian campaigns of World War II. Along the path leading from the town to the church are Stations of the Cross.

Other churches that are interesting places to visit are the New Parish Church, St. Martin's, built in 1733 with a rich Baroque interior, and the 15th-century Old Parish Church (Alte Pfarrkirche) with its Gothic wall paintings.

Address: St.-Anton 1, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Alpine meadow in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

More than 300 kilometers (186 miles) of marked walking trails traverse the pine forests and high meadows of the lower slopes, and you don't need hiking boots to enjoy most of them. A favorite is the Philosophers' Trail (Philosophenweg), an easy five-kilometer walk from Partenkirchen to Farchant, punctuated by benches, so you can enjoy the views and ponder the words of famous philosophers inscribed here.

A bit longer and with a few more ups and downs, the 6.2-kilometer Katzenstein-Kochelberg Loop is a moderate walk through forests and meadows and along a glacial lake. Experienced climbers will find almost limitless options in the Bavarian Alps around Garmisch.

Richard Strauss Platz

Another famous resident, Richard Strauss, spent 40 years of his life in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Today, his lovely 1908 Art Nouveau villa in Garmisch is a museum and memorial dedicated to the great conductor and composer who lived and died here.

The pleasant two-story structure is itself quite interesting, particularly due to its picturesque oriel tower and pleasing stone and plaster facade. Locals also named the town's public square in Strauss's honor.

If possible, try to time your visit to coincide with the annual Richard Strauss Festival held in early June. Events during this five-day extravaganza include orchestral and chamber concerts, vocal and piano recitals, as well as lectures relating to the town's most famous resident.

Address: Zöppritzstrasse 42, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Werdenfels Regional Museum

This fascinating little museum on Ludwigstrasse was started in 1895 and is housed in a 17th-century former merchant's home. Among its collection are local archaeological finds (Garmisch-Partenkirchen lay alongside an ancient trade route) and artifacts, religious objects, carnival masks, and folk art, as well as antique furnishings.

There are some excellent examples of bauernmalerei, the traditional folk art painting on furniture and other household objects. The focus is very much on exhibitions related to the region's history, including a fascinating look at its 700-year-long stint as an independent state until 1802. Ask for a brochure in English.

Address: Ludwigstrasse 47, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

You'll find plenty of hotel choices in all price ranges in the compact center of town, where the train station (bahnhof) is located. A good local bus system connects to the base station for the train up Zugspitze and to other tourist attractions, such as Partnach Gorge and the bases of several mountain tramways. Here are some highly rated hotels in Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

Luxury Hotels :

  • Beside the river and an easy walk from the center and from trails in the valley, the Bavarian-style Hotel Edelweiss has a pool, balconies with views of the Alps, and free breakfasts with cooked-to-order dishes.
  • Staudacherhof Hotel has an outdoor pool and spa with a sauna, in a quiet neighborhood a few minutes' walk from the old center of Garmisch and the base of the Zugspitze.
  • Obermuehle 4*S Boutique Resort has a wellness center and pool; free breakfast; complimentary battery-powered eBikes; and a free shuttle service to and from the bus station, ski lifts, and local attractions.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • In a beautiful Bavarian-style building in the center of town, with flower-bedecked balconies, Hotel Zugspitze has a pool, sauna, spa, free breakfast, and in-room machines with fresh-ground coffee.
  • Near the train station and rich in old-world charm, the family-run Reindl's Partenkirchner Hof has a pool, sauna, free breakfast, and large rooms with views.
  • Near restaurants and shops in the center of Garmisch, the chalet-style Hotel Almenrausch und Edelweiss has nicely decorated rooms with balconies and views, plus free breakfast.

Budget Hotels:

  • With Alpine views from its balconies, Hotel Rheinischer Hof provides guests with a free bus pass and is within walking distance of the center of town.
  • In the traffic-free center, Atlas Posthotel has rooms in the main building and apartments in an annex.
  • With sweeping views of Zugspitze and other mountains, Mercure Hotel Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a five-minute walk from the village center.
  • Touring the Zugspitze: A seven-hour Private Day Tour of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Zugspitze Mountain includes a cable car ride to the summit of Zugspitze with a guide to point out the peaks in the spectacular panorama. Once at the top, you'll cross over into Austria to take a cable car to the glacier. Back in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you'll learn about Bavaria's history and culture as you explore the pretty village with your private guide.
  • Touring Neuschwanstein Castle from Garmisch-Partenkirchen : A Full Day Private Tour of Neuschwanstein Castle begins with pickup right from your hotel and a drive through the Bavarian countryside to King Ludwig II of Bavaria's most famous and spectacular palace, where you'll walk right past the waiting line to tour the fairy-tale-like castle. Next, explore the pretty Bavarian village of Oberammergau, then visit Ettal Abbey before returning to your hotel.

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Places to Visit near Garmisch-Partenkirchen : The Tyrolean Alps are only the beginning of the many tourist attractions in Bavaria , but as you are so close to the border of Austria, it would be a shame to miss seeing the beautiful imperial city of Innsbruck , less than an hour's drive to the south.

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Exploring Munich : You will want to see Bavaria's beautiful and fun-loving capital of Munich and visit its abundant museums and galleries . Our page on Exploring Munich's Frauenkirche (The Cathedral of Our Lady) will lead you to the highlights of this landmark, and if you are traveling with the family, you'll find plenty of ideas in Traveling to Munich with Kids: Top Things to Do .

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Destinations , Europe , Germany · 28. July 2021

A Travel Guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Things to do in Bavaria Germany

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Bavaria is probably the best-known region in Germany overseas. When people think about Germany, they think of everything typical to Bavaria – Lederhosen, Pretzels, beer, the Octoberfest and traditional old towns. You can find all of this in Bavaria and so much more. It’s hands down one of the most beautiful regions in Germany and offers something for everyone. It is no wonder that everyone seems to love Bavaria with its many lakes, the mountains and a lot of outdoor adventures. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the perfect base to explore the region and experience some of the best things to do in Bavaria Germany. In this travel guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you’ll find the best things to do in Bavaria Germany from lakes to castles, hikes, lookouts and picturesque towns.

The region never ceased to amaze me, there was a new favourite moment around every corner. I think in Bavaria it’s the little things that make it a feel-good holiday such as the bells of the cows you come across on walks, the blooming meadows, the amazing beer, the glowing mountains during sunset, the cafe with a view and so much more.

Bavaria was the first region to allow tourism after Covid, so my friends and I decided to go on a spontaneous trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. We loved it so much that we decided to go there every year from now on (let’s see if we actually will…) but in this post, I will show you why. If you love the outdoors, picturesque castles and towns, crystal clear alpine lakes in all shades of blue and hiking on top of the mountains, keep reading! In this travel guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you’ll learn how to get there, where to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, when to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen, how to get around and the best things to do.

travel guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Eibsee

Table of Contents

Quick Tips Garmisch-Partenkirchen

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

How to get to Garmisch-Partenkirchen Bavaria

Garmisch Partenkirchen is located in Southern Germany at the border to Austria. There are many ways to travel to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, depending on where you come from. Most people from Germany would probably take their car, which is a good idea because having your car in Garmisch-Partenkirchen makes your stay really flexible. Alternatively, you can take a train. Trains in Germany are fast and frequent. Even from other European countries, the train might be the best option, especially if you look into the most environmentally friendly way of transport. If you are flying from overseas, the best arrival airport is Munich, as it’s only one hour by car and two hours by train. You can find train tickets on the homepage of Deutsche Bahn .

How to get around in Garmisch-Partenkirchen Bavaria

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is located in a rural area surrounded by lots of nature. I personally loved having a car and being able to go wherever we want, whenever we want. A car also gives you the opportunity to visit places that are less accessible or further away. You can either take your own car or rent a car at the airport or a local rental company if you travel by train. I usually look on check24 to book rental cars.

If you don’t want to rent a car you can use public transport which connects all places in this Garmisch-Partenkirchen travel guide. The local bus company offers 5 lines that connect the local towns. If you want to visit the Eibsee and Zugspitze, you need to catch the Eibseebus . The Oberbayernbus connects Garmisch-Partenkirchen with lakes and nice hiking areas. Unfortunately, the websites are in German but it’s quite easy to find buses when you get there. I will also include directions with the places so you can plan ahead. In summer when it gets really crowded, you might have the advantage of not having to find parking when using the buses.

There is no Uber in Germany, so if you want to use a taxi service, you need to call the local taxi company . They are usually a bit expensive and you can get almost everywhere by bus but you might need a taxi at night or if you want to get to a more inaccessible place.

travel guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen: mountains

Where to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is actually composed of two towns – Garmisch and Partenkirchen. Partenkirchen is a more traditional town with old houses and has a lot of charm while Garmisch is a bit more modern. However, I don’t think there is a big difference. Staying in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, in general, is great as you are never far from sights. We stayed in Kaltenbrunn which is very close by. There are some hotels and a lot of holiday homes and Airbnbs.

I think the best tip of this whole travel guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is to look for accommodation on the official Gapa website . I usually look on Airbnb or on the big websites but there was nothing left as we booked very spontaneously. We found a great and affordable flat on the website and absolutely loved it! We were allowed to bring a dog and they were so friendly and easy-going. I would absolutely recommend staying there, especially if you have a car as it’s not in the centre. The area around Garmisch-Partenkirchen is very idyllic so most accommodations have great views of the mountains. This photo was taken from the garden of our accommodation.

travel guide to garmisch-Partenkirchen: mountains during sunset

When to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen

I believe the best time to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen is all year. It really depends on what you are looking for but in general, there are a lot of things you can do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen all year round. The area is famous for its beautiful lakes and winter sport. As we visited in May, this travel guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen only contains things to do in spring/summer/autumn. I guess I’ll have to go back in winter to discover the best things to do in Bavaria in winter!

In the mountains, it usually gets a bit colder than in the rest of Germany but in general spring (April to May) is a great time to see the flowers blooming in the meadows. Temperatures are good for hiking but it’s too cold to swim in the lakes.

In summer (June to August) it gets warm and sunny but crowds stream into the popular region. Summer to me is the time for the best things to do in Bavaria Germany. If you enjoy hiking and swimming in lakes this might be the best time for you to visit. However, keep in mind that it can get very busy.

Autumn (September to November) is much quieter but also colder. If you’re lucky you still get warmish weather in September but after that, it gets quite cold. However, you can see the leaves changing their colour which is very beautiful.

In winter (November to March), the region turns into a paradise for winter sports. There are lots of ski slopes, winter hiking routes and you can do tobogganing. You’ll definitely get snow, so if you’ve always wanted to see snow, head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen!

travel guide to garmisch-Partenkirchen: Eibsee views

How long to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

A lot of people come to Garmisch-Partenkirchen for a few days but you could easily spend 2 weeks there. To see everything in this travel guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you should at least plan 5 days, as in 5 days packed with activities. I would recommend staying 7 days and longer if you want to do additional stuff or relax.

The best things to do in Bavaria Germany, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen has a lot to offer! As mentioned above, there are no particular winter activities in this guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen but there’s heaps to do during all seasons.

Visit Lake Eibsee

Lake Eibsee is probably the most famous lake in Bavaria and definitely one of the best things to do in Bavaria. It’s all over Instagram and should be on everyone’s bucket list. This alpine lake is the most beautiful lake I’ve ever been to. The water is crystal clear and shimmers in every shade of green and blue you can imagine. In summer the lake is perfect for a swim or some water sports and in winter it becomes a magical landscape surrounded by snow and ice.

Lake Eibsee is private property and belongs to the Eibsee Hotel even though it’s accessible for everyone. Therefore, if you want to fly a drone you need to ask the Eibsee Hotel for permission. The lake has a length of 2450 m and a width of 850m with a depth up to 32,5 m. In summer the water temperature is about 20 to 22 degrees Celsius but in spring and autumn, it’s much colder.

Best things to do in bavaria: Eibsee

You can rent a boat bring a canoe, book a tour with the tour boat “Reserl” or rent a SUP at the Eibsee Hotel . There is also a 7.5 km hike around the lake which should take about 2 hours. It’s very easy and you get amazing views.

Lake Eibsee is also a famous place for photographers as you can see the reflections of the Zugspitze – the tallest mountain in Germany – if you come at the right time. The whole lake is instagrammable and you can take beautiful pictures walking just walking around the lake. I personally find the side on which you can see the islands very close and the mountains in the background the prettiest.

best things to do in bavaria: Eibsee

The Zugspitze – Germany’s highest peak

Lake Eibsee is located right at the foot of the Zugspitze. There is a cable car that brings you to the top of the mountain.

best things to do in bavaria: visit the Zugspitze

It’s a bit pricey but I absolutely recommend! The top of the Zugspitze is very impressive and you can look very far if the weather is good.

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

There is a live webcam on the website and you can check the visibility. It might not be worth it if the visibility is really bad but it said the view would be bad on the day we visited and even though we didn’t see a lot from the top, we had an amazing view from the Glacier and the cablecar itself.

Eibsee from above

The ticket is 61 Euro for adults and for a round trip. You take the cable car up to the peak. From there you can get on the Gletscherbahn to see the Glacier with snow all year round. There is also a cafe and Germany’s highest church. On the Glacier, you can borrow sledges for free. In winter the cable car runs as well and it’s a bit cheaper, there are also skiing rates that you can look up on the website .

Potatosoup on the Zugspitze

Herzogstand – Panoramic views of Lake Walchensee

One of the best things to do in Bavaria Germany is hiking and you can do a lot of it around Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Herzogstand is one of the highlights in this travel guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and one of the best things to do in Bavaria Germany. It’s not located in Garmisch-Partenkirchen but only a 30-minute car ride away. Herzogstand is also accessible by public transport. We almost missed this beauty as we were short in time and weren’t sure if we should actually do it but believe me you simply cannot miss this. You can either hike from the bottom or you can take the cable car up and hike the rest up to the peak. On the way to the top, you get stunning and very picturesque views of Lake Walchensee and Lake Kochelsee. The colour of the water is out of this world!

travel guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Herzogstand

We took the cable car as we were late but it was already a little hard to walk the 45 minutes to the peak 😀 Due to the cable car, there are a lot of tourists in summer. We were lucky because we visited right after the lockdown. If you want to avoid crowds, take the first cable car. A round trip is 16 Euro and you can purchase the ticket at the station. Not far from the mountain station there is a Berggasthof where you can have a drink and something to eat. From there you can follow the top. You can visit the summit cross first and then make your way to the Herzogstand peak.

You can find more on the website of the Herzogstandbahn , such as prices, hiking routes and transport etc, however, the website is in German. If you have any questions, leave a comment and I’ll try to help! The area is so picturesque and there are heaps of photo opportunities. A great spot is not far from the cable car station. Just before the first corner after walking straight from the station, there is Lake Walchensee on your left. This whole area is beautiful for pictures. The peak itself is a beautiful photo spot of course. Apparently, in summer, there are a lot of people though.

hiking on the Herzogstand: one of the best things to do in bavaria

Lake Walchensee

Lake Walchensee is one of the deepest and biggest alpine lakes in Germany (up to 190m deep!) From the Herzogstand I already looked for the best spots to go for a swim and cool down after the hike. The water just looked too beautiful to not go for a swim. You can walk or drive around the lake and there are some cafes where you can stop for a Bavarian beer.

If this is not one of the best things to do in Bavaria, I don’t know what is. It was stunning and gorgeous to sit by the water and cool down with a Radler. This is a beer with lemonade and the perfect refreshing drink after a hike. I know in some cultures it’s weird to drink alcohol for lunch but it’s very common in Germany. Unfortunately, it had gotten late, so I had to hurry up for my swim and we just went to the closest spot. The water was freezing but super clear. I’m sure if you walk around the lake, you’ll find great spots to go for a swim. There are also boat rentals so you can paddle across Lake Walchensee.

Lake Walchensee: travel guide on Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Visit Partnach Gorge

Partnach Gorge is something I’ve been hearing all my life but I never got to visit. On this trip, I finally had the chance to see this incredible gorge. A stream built a gorge in the rock and you can walk on ways carved into the rocks along the rushing stream. If it was rainy, there are little waterfalls coming from the edges of the rocks and the water has a beautiful colour. The gorge is 700m long and 80m high. It’s a fairytale landscape and I can not recommend enough to check it out.

It is very popular though so I can imagine the crowds in summer. Especially if they come from both sides! Due to Covid, we could only walk one way and it wasn’t crowded at all. The Partnachgeorge is open all year, even in winter which is probably even more stunning. The price is 6 Euro for adults and it can get cold, so take some warm clothes. You can find more information here .

travel guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Partnachgorge

Visit the Olympic Ski Jump

The Olympic Games were held in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in 1936. The Ski Stadium is a popular sight in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. There is a traditional New Year’s Ski jumping every year. In 2007 the original Ski Jump was torn down and replaced with a huge Ski Jump. It doesn’t look that big in pictures but if you stand in front of it and imagine people are flying through the air, it’s quite impressive. You can access the stadium and the grounds for free. This is also where the walk to the Partnach Gorge starts, so you might want to visit the Olympic Ski Jump and the Partnach Gorge on the same day.

Olympic ski Jump

Visit the Kaiserschmarrn Alm

When visiting the Partnach Gorge, you should definitely visit the Kaiserschmarrn Alm to eat the most delicious Kaiserschmarrn ever. Kaiserschmerrn is a typical food you’ll find everywhere around Bavaria and Austria. This might even be one of my favourites in this travel guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The hike is not far from the end of the Partnach Gorge and you’ll see signs leading to the Alm. We wanted to hike to Eckbauer and Wamberg from there but we had to turn around as it got too late. If you decide to visit the Kaiserschmarrn Alm please indulge in the Kaiserschmarrn, at least as a dessert. We all ordered the large portion and it was so much but also so delicious. It’s served with applesauce and with or without rum raisins.

best things to do in bavaria: eat Kaiserschmarrn

The landscape around the Kaiserschmarrn Alm is very beautiful with lots of blooming meadows and mountain views.

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle – One of the most popular things to do in Bavaria Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle is located in Füssen which is about 1 hour by car. King Ludwig II had started to build the castle in 1868. In 1886, seven weeks after his death, it was opened to the public. The castle is extremely popular and visited by about 1.4 million people annually. Thus, in summer it can get really crowded. Neuschwanstein castle is a real fairytale castle and was the inspiration for Disney’s sleeping beauty castle. You can do guided tours to see the interior but you can also visit the outside area without a ticket. The best viewpoints and photo spots are a little hike away, however, due to construction on the bridge, some are not accessible until fall 2022. On a list of the best things to do in Bavaria Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle simply cannot be missed.

view of the Alpsee from Neuschwanstein castle

Go shopping in Garmisch-Partenkirchen Town

What cannot be missed in a travel guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a visit to Garmisch-Partenkirchen of course. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a beautiful town with a very pretty old town. You can stroll along the main street and find some beautiful cafes and shops that sell the cutest things.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen town

You should definitely visit Cafe Krönner which has a beautiful view from the rooftop and very delicious cakes and drinks. Even though we just had breakfast before, I couldn’t resist the cake. Trust me, you won’t regret it! I also had an Eierlikör Macchiato. Eierlikör is egg-liqueur and I know I said it’s absolutely normal to drink alcohol for lunch but you can also drink alcohol for breakfast. The old towns and cafes should definitely be on the list of the best things to do in Bavaria Germany, they still have so many traditional ones compared to the rest of the country.

Konditorei Kroenner in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: best things to do in bavaria

Hammersbacher Fussweg

The Hammersbacher Fussweg is an easy trail starting in Hammersbach. You can take public transport or park your car in an official car park. The trail is 9,3 km, flat and easy. You walk through meadows dotted with wooden huts and a view on the Waxenstein mountain if you walk towards Hammersbach. At the car park, you can already see cows and a stunning mountain view. There are a lot of photo spots along the way but I recommend stopping at the wooden huts and taking pictures in the direction of town so you get the mountains in the background.

best things to do in bavaria: Hammersbacherfussweg

Lake Geroldsee

Lake Geroldsee is a small lake also known as Wagenbrüchsee not far from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It’s really nice during sunset as the mountains glow up and you can go for a walk. Walking from the village to the lake, I felt like walking through the Shire in Lord of the Rings. Geroldsee has become Insta-famous so it can get crowded in summer. The lake makes a great photo spot but please be mindful of nature if you visit.

Travel Guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Lake geroldsee in the evening

And this is my travel guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen where you can find some of the best things to do in Bavaria Germany. If you have any questions or you want to share some tips, please leave a comment 🙂

You can download a printable 5 day itinerary here:

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

Travel Map to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

and remember all the things to do in Bavaria Germany, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

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The guest card of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena

More varied, more adventure-packed, and even more affordable: The “Zugspitz Arena Bayern-Tirol Card” is your added bonus for holidays on the Tyrolean side of the Zugspitze. Countless attractive deals let you experience a variety of holiday joys for the best possible price. In collaboration with the holiday destinations of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Grainau, the adventure region at the foot of the Zugspitze offers a seemingly limitless number of experiences in the mountains.

Your holiday bonus: the Zugspitz Arena Bayern-Tirol Card

Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Grainau: These three regions around the Zugspitze have gotten even closer. Together they now offer holiday guests a special guest card that boasts numerous included services and discounts. The guest card unites what belongs together and offers holiday makers the best of three regions – which will make your time in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena even more affordable and enjoyable. 

Where can you get the guest card? 

Upon arrival at their accommodation, all guests of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena receive their personal key to the region from their host. In a convenient credit-card format, you can take this card anywhere with you, and it opens the doors to numerous deals and offers for a wonderful holiday experience.

garmisch partenkirchen tourist card
  • Tour "Heritage museum Berwang"
  • Tour "Distillery A. Linzgieseder Ehrwald"
  • Concerts of the local marching band
  • Tyrolean evening in Ehrwald and Lermoos
  • Tour 'History of the Ehrwald valley'
  • More winter

    • Skishow Lermoos
    • Skishow Berwang
    • Cross-country skiing trails : daily
    • Model Club Zugspitze

    Infomaterial

    • Free info brochures
    • Free hut pass

    Program for kids

    • Spielefest (play day) Ehrwald, Lermoos, Biberwier

    Discounts in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena:

    Swimming pools

    • Swimming Pool Berwang (Bärenbad): 20% discount
    • Hallenbad Hotel Edelweiss, Lermoos

    Tennis  

    • Indoor Tennis Centre Ehrwald: 8% discount
    • Tennis Court Ehrwald: 10% discount
    • Tennis Court Biberwier: 26% discount
    • Tennis Court Berwang: 20% discount
    • Guild Museum Bichlbach: 25% discount

    More Winter

    • Artificial Ice Rink Ehrwald: Adults 20%, Children 28% discount

    Summer & Winter

    • Indoor Climbing Wall Ehrwald : 15% discount
    • Air Gun Shooting: 0.50€ discount

    More Summer

    • Tiroler Zugspitz Golf: 10% on greenfee
    • Minigolf Berwang: 10% discount
    • Climbing Forest Bichlbach : 2€ discount (until 14 Y.) | 2,50 € from 15 Y.
    • 3D Archery Ehrwald : Adults 20%, Children 15% discount
    • Flying Fox Bichlbach: 4€ discount
    • Sport and leisure park Bichlbach swimming lake  - € 1,00 discount
    • Sport and leisure park Bichlbach minigolf - € 0,50 discount

    Free benefits and discounts in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

    Free Benefits 

    • Concerts and events by "Musik im Park": Calender
    • Library Garmisch: daily
    • Library Partenkirchen: daily
    • Free entry to the casino (Spielbank): incl. 1 glass of prosecco

    Discounts 

    • Partnachklamm: 1.00 € discount
    • Guided city tour: 2.00 € discount, Calender
    • Tour through "Olympia Skisprungschanze": 2.00 € discount, Calender
    • Guided Segway Tour "Sport & Olympia": 15% discount
    • Bakery Moun10 Bakers: up to 10% discount on everything
    • Tour "Bobbahn Riessersee": 2.00 € discount, Calender
    • Swimming pool "Kainzenbad": 0.50 € discount, daily
    • Kletterwald am Wank: 2.00 € discount, daily
    • Scorecard (10 rides) for the summer toboggan Kainzenbad: 0.50 € discount
    • Boulderhall GaPa: 2.00 € discount
    • Flying Fox at the Olympia Skistadium - Adults €4,00 discount, Kids: €3,00 discount
    • Land- and Golfclub Werdenfels e.V.: 10.00 € discount
    • Entry Bauerntheater Partenkirchen: 2.00 € discount, Calender
    • Museum Aschenbrenner: 0.50 € discount, daily
    • Entry Richard-Strauss-Institut: 1.00 € discount, daily
    • Werdenfels Museum: 1.50 € discount, daily
    • Events Kulturbeutel, stage "U1": 1.00 € discount, Calender

    Free benefits and discounts in Zugspitzdorf Grainau

    Free Benefits

    • Guided city tour: Calender
    • Guided summer hikes
    • Guided torch hikes, snowshoe tours, winter hikes: Calender
    • Water treading basin at the Kurpark: daily
    • Water gymnastics at the Zugspitzbad: Monday 17:30
    • Concerts "Musikkapelle Grainau": Calender
    • Local evenings, Parkfests and Bavarian evenings: Calender
    • Reading hall at the library (Bücherei): daily
    • Bavarian curling (Eisstockschießen) according to weather
    • Ice rink in the winter: according to weather
    • Use of the clay-free courts at Tennissportparadies Grainau: needs to be arranged
    • Swimming pool "Zugspitzbad": 0,50 € discount, daily
    • Theater "Bauerntheater":  Calender
    • Concerts in the Kurpark: Calender
    • Burgenwelt Ehrenberg: 1.00 € discount
    • Swarovski Kristallwelten/Wattens: 10% discount, daily (kids up to 5y. free)
    • Kristall Therme trimini Kochel am See: 0.50 € - 1.50 € discount, daily
    • Freilichtmuseum Glentleiten: 0.50 € discount, daily
    • Laber Cable Car Oberammergau: €0,50 - €1,50 discount, daily
    • Alpentherme Ehrenberg: 1.00 € discount
    • Museum "Grünes Haus", Reutte - daily, €1,00 discount, kids up to 14 years free

    the guest card is not transferable and may only be used in conjunction with valid photo identification. The card must display the holder’s full name and the period of stay. Any abuse will result in the card being confiscated without replacement. Card benefits may be temporarily restricted due to operational or unavoidable circumstances. Services will not be reimbursed or paid out in cash. Applicable terms and conditions can be accessed in full at  www.zugspitzarena.com .

    Get even more from your holidays on the Tyrolean side of the Zugspitze!

    garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

    Event Calendar

    garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

    Winter in the mountains

    garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

    Summer in the mountains

    garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

    PLAN YOUR HOLiDAYS

    Group of people with torches in the Partnachklamm nearby Garmisch in the surrounding region of Munich.

    Garmisch-Partenkirchen

    More than wintersports.

    Fancy a trip into the mountains? Garmisch-Partenkirchen is nestled amid breathtaking peaks, at the foot of the 2,962-metre Zugspitze mountain.

    Icon zur Trennung von Inhalten

    The town at Garmisch-Partenkirchen today came into being in 1936, formed from the amalgamation of the previously independent towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen – which have nonetheless retained their own distinctive characters to this day. For a particularly lovely stroll, historic buildings from various epochs line Ludwigstraße, many with façades decorated with the frescoes so typical of the region.

    The town, located in the Werdenfelser Land region, became world famous when it hosted the 1936 Olympic Winter Games. The Olympic ski jump course remains in use to this day – including for the annual tradition of the New Year’s ski jump (Neujahrsspringen).

    Garmisch-Partenkirchen evokes a natural and automatic association with the Zugspitze mountain. But be aware that it’s not necessary to scale the peak yourself: thanks to the new cable car, the cog railway and the Glacier cable car, you can reach the Zugspitze Glacier and panoramic platform without even breaking a sweat.

    And if you prefer not to venture up so high, it’s also possible to hike through the rugged, 700-metre-long Partnach Gorge , which has walls that tower as high as 80 metres overhead. If you prefer, you can take a tour of the splendid Königshaus am Schachen (King’s House at Schachen), built in the Oriental style by the Fairytale King Ludwig II , between 1869 and 1872. It can be reached on foot in around three to four hours.

    A man is sticking his legs out the boat window at the Königssee in the surroundings of Munich.

    Tip: Garmisch-Partenkirchen is around 90 kilometres from Munich. If you are driving, the trip takes around an hour on the A95. You can also reach Garmisch-Partenkirchen easily by rail; the journey takes around one and a half hours and you do not need to change trains.

    www.gapa.de

    Foto: Tobias Schnorpfeil / Carolin Unrath

    Neuschwanstein Castle in the surrounding region of Munich.

    Hiking guide

    Royal wanderlust.

    Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, Schachenhaus and Neuschwanstein: Bavaria's castles and palaces are among the most beautiful in the world.

    Landscape near Kochel am See

    Franz Marc & Kochel

    The home of ”der blaue reiter“.

    Our author goes on a hike in search of the places where Franz Marc found his inspiration.

    Our author goes on a hike in search of the places where Franz Marc found his inspiration – and finds a magical place.

    Two hiker are on a mountain ridge near Munich.

    For latecomer lovers of the mountains

    After-work hiking.

    Getting out into nature quickly: no problem in Munich, even in the afternoon. Five hiking tours for late risers and after-work athletes.

    View of an alpine hut in front of a mountain panorama in Munich.

    Munich's southern reaches

    Hiking in wonderland.

    Barren rocks, wild mountain forests – and a fairy-tale castle.     

    Barren rocks, wild mountain forests and a fairy-tale castle: The perfect tour for a lonely weekend in Munich's landmark mountains.

    A woman with the Tegernseer chalet in the background at the Bavarian foothills of the Alps in the surrounding region of Munich.

    Munich and its mountains

    10 mins from the main station.

    In Munich you can reach mountain tops, Alpine views and creature comforts in no time. Here are a few suggestions.

    Two women with a bicycle on a pier by a lake in Bavaria.

    Wasser-Radlwege Oberbayern

    Bathe, banter, bike.

    Whether „Hopfen and Bier-Schleife“, „Salz-Schleife“ or „Kunst- and Kulturschleife“, Munich is the hub for all routes of the water cycle paths.

    Entrance of the Hündeleskopfhütte, the first vegetarian hut in the Alps near Munich.

    Hiking guide: alpine huts

    Alpine huts around munich.

     With this selection of alpine hut restaurants, everyone will find their ideal destination.

    Families, mountaineers, connoisseurs: With this selection of alpine hut restaurants, everyone will find their ideal destination.

    Kehlsteinhaus Berchtesgaden including a panoramic view of the valley in the surroundings of Munich.

    Eagle's Nest

    Hitler's tea room.

    A historical lookout high above Berchtesgaden, offering a stunning panoramic view.

    The Kehlsteinhaus has been retained in its original form as a historical monument from the Third Reich, and is among the most popular destinations for trips in Germany.

    Nymphenburg Palace in Munich at sunset.

    Royal Munich

    Castles and palaces in and around munich.

    The magnificent castles and palaces in and around Munich are world famous. An overview.

    Residenz, Nymphenburg, Herrenchiemsee, Neuschwanstein: The castles and palaces in and around Munich are world famous. An overview. 

    Haystacks in the Munich Alpine foothills at blue hour

    Art museums in the Munich region

    A country outing with a museum visit.

    There are numerous interesting art museums in the Munich area. We introduce you to the six best.

    Tegernsee lake in wintertime

    Munich's environs: Tips for the cold season

    Eight great winter excursions.

    From snow-covered Neuschwanstein Castle to the icy Partnachklamm gorge: eight excursion ideas that are particularly beautiful in winter.

    Two skiers skiing down in deep snow in front of a mountain panorama.

    Ski touring

    Under your own steam.

    From Munich, you can experience the combination of climbing under your own steam and descending through untouched snow within a weekend.

    View from above of a snow-covered winter landscape with a monastery in the outskirts of Munich.

    Winter walks in and around Munich: snow trekking

    Into the snow.

    Whether in the city centre, along the banks of the Isar river or up a mountain in advance of tobogganing back down into the valley, Munich offers a wide selection of winter hikes to enjoy.

    München Card und München Pass

    Munich Card & City Pass

    Discover Munich in a relaxed and uncomplicated way: discounts for the diverse range of art, culture and leisure activities with our guest cards.

    garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

    Free Public transport

    Reduced or included!

    Public transport is included

    Many discounts with the Card, many things for free with the Pass.

    Online or at the tourist information offices

    Boat trip at the Königssee with panoramic view of the Alps in the surroundings of Munich.

    A boat ride to a natural paradise

    Emerald-green water at the foot of the legendary Watzmann.

    Emerald-green water at the foot of the Watzmann – taking a trip to Königssee lake is to enjoy a singular natural experience.

    Lake Chiemsee with the Bavarian Alps in the background.

    The Bavarian Sea

    At Bavaria's largest lake, you can not only do water sports or go on a bike tour, you can also experience many cultural attractions.

    At Bavaria’s largest lake, you can not only do water sports or a bike tour, you can also experience a lot of culture at the Herrenchiemsee Palace.

    A man is standing on rocks at the shore of Eibsee nearby Garmisch in the surrounding region of Munich.

    The highest mountain in Germany

    The Zugspitze is only 90 kilometres away from the Bavarian state capital.

    While Zugspitze in the Wetterstein Mountains may not be one of Munich’s local mountains, it is a mere 90 kilometres away from the Bavarian state capital.

    Watzmann in the Berchtesgadener Land in the surrounding of Munich.

    The mountain of destiny

    The Watzmann has long fascinated mountain climbers from all over the world.

    A truly extraordinary shape and the legendary east face: The Watzmann has long fascinated mountain climbers from all over the world.

    Boats in Starnberger See in the Five Lake Region nearby Munich with the Alps in the background.

    Recharge your batteries

    Starnberger see.

    Anyone who fancies a swim, bike ride, leisurely stroll or boat trip won’t be disappointed on a trip to Starnberger See.

    Around just 20 kilometres to the south-west of the city, you will find “Munich’s summer swimming pool”. Anyone who fancies a swim, bike ride, leisurely stroll or boat trip won’t be disappointed on a trip to Starnberger See.

    The Tegernsee in the evening light with cloud reflection on the lake surface near Munich.

    Like God in Bavaria

    Lake Tegernsee lies nestled between hillsides of dark-green forestation, is a wonder of nature whose origins date back to the last ice age.

    Lake Tegernsee lies nestled between hillsides of dark-green forestation. Its banks are lined with reeds and old oak trees. Beyond, the masts of sailing boats sway in the wind.

    Evening atmosphere with sunset at Ammersee near Munich

    From Utting to Herrsching

    It is not only one of the largest lakes in Bavaria, but also a popular destination for those seeking peace and tranquillity.

    Windsurfer on the Walchensee in the hinterland of Munich.

    The Bavarian Caribbean

    Walchensee is not only the perfect destination for swimming, but also for windsurfing and hiking. Tips and information for a day trip from Munich.

    Schloss Neuschwanstein with lake in the background in the Munich environs.

    Dream castles Neuschwanstein & Linderhof

    Immerse yourself in the world of the fairytale king!

    Dream castles Neuschwanstein & Linderhof VIP

    As VIP in the footsteps of King Ludwig II. On this day tour in the luxurious long-distance coach of Gray Line Sightseeing you can visit both dream castles of the fairytale king.

    A day tour in the luxurious long-distance coach of Gray Line Sightseeing.

    Berchtesgaden area and Eagle's Nest

    The day trip takes you along the Alpine Road to Berchtesgaden area with its dreamlike scenery.

    Schloss Neuschwanstein with lake in the background in the Munich environs.

    Salzburg and the Lake District

    Visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

    Visit the birthplace of composer extraordinaire Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, stroll through the Baroque old town and then relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

    View over the old town of Innsbruck and a mountain range in the background.

    Innsbruck and the Swarovski Kristallwelten

    Visit the Austrian city Innsbruck right in the alps and the impressive experience world of the famous glass manufacturer, the "Swarovski Kristallwelten".

    Visit the Austrian city right in the alps and the impressive world of the famous "Swarovski Kristallwelten".

    An alley in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

    Romantic Road: Rothenburg and Harburg

    Hop on and be whisked away by one of the world's most beautiful stretches of street: the Romantic Road to Rothenburg and Harburg.

    Three people are sitting in the evening sun by the Isar in Munich and one of them is playing a guitar.

    Local Love Munich

    Munich's districts are diverse, contrasting and worth exploring. Immerse yourself!

    • Book excursions
    • Book the Munich-Card
    • Book guided tours

    Find your hotel now

    Travel date

    garmisch partenkirchen tourist card

    • Guest card Garmisch-P.

    Guest card - GaPaCard, the experience card

    The spa contribution is a fixed and earmarked contribution, the proceeds of which are used to develop and maintain "facilities provided for spa purposes". This includes, for example, spa and sports facilities, hiking trails, ski runs and other locally different facilities. The spa fee is 3 EUR per person and day. Children under 6 years of age are free of charge; children between 6 and 15 years pay 1 EUR. Every guest gets the GaPaCard from the landlord upon arrival. You can enjoy the following highlights free of charge with your personal GaPaCard during your stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen:     free travel with all local buses     free admission to all concerts (also special events) of "Musik im Park     free access to the Loisachbad leisure complex     partly free or reduced participation in the adventure hikes and other guest programmes of Garmisch-Partenkirchen Tourism     free entry to the reading rooms of the Kurhaus Garmisch     free lending in the libraries of Garmisch-Partenkirchen     1 x free admission to the Alpsitz wave pool     1 x free visit of the casino Garmisch-Partenkirchen (identity card) additionally a glass of sparkling wine for free     Entitlement to purchase the "ZugspitzCard" and "ZugspitzCard Gold In addition, reduced admission is granted to the following attractions:     Partnachklamm     Guided tour with certified guide     Discount for: "Healthy hiking with the climate therapist"     Cainzenbad     Summer toboggan run at the Kainzenbad (when purchasing a points card)     Climbing forest on the wall, Flying Fox in the Olympic ski stadium     Guided tours of the historical bobsleigh run     Olympic Ice Sports Centre     Indoor tennis hall on the local mountain     Peasant theatre Partenkirchen     Michael Ende-experience exhibition/spa in Garmisch     Art exhibition/spa in Garmisch     Museum ash burning     Richard Strauss Institute     Werdenfels Museum     Events of the Kulturbeutel e.V. in the stage U1     Body analysis - measurement of the energy balance in the GaPa health corner     Laber mountain railway/Oberammergau     Open-air museum Glentleiten     Alpentherme Ehrenberg     Swarovski Crystal Worlds/Wattens Further information on the following points:     Art+Culture     Places of interest     Excursion destinations     Electric mobility     Hiking     Mountaineering+Climbing     Walking+Jogging     Cycling+Biking     Paragliding     Golf     Water sports     Geocaching     Family     Segways     Rain programme Further information is available at www.gapa.de or directly at the Tourist Information at Richard-Strauss-Platz 2 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

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    Alpine gentian, © Touristinformation Grainau - Foto Bäck

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    The electronic guest card "Zugspitz Arena Bavaria Tyrol CARD".

    The Zugspitzdorf Grainau has joined forces with Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena to form the Zugspitz Arena Bayern-Tirol in order to offer guests even more.

    With the numerous free and discounted offers you simply discover more Grainau and experience more vacation!

    With a valid Zugspitz Arena Bayern-Tirol CARD , guests spending their vacation in the Zugspitz village of Grainau can take advantage of numerous services.

    All services, also for guests from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and those from the Tyrol Zugspitz Arena, can be found here.  

    Fee amount for guests "Kurbeitrag"

    The spa fee is calculated according to the number of days of stay. Started days are considered full days. The day of arrival and departure is counted as one day of stay. 

    information about the spa fee

    Please register as a guest in Grainau immediately upon arrival at your holiday accommodation. You will then receive the "Zugspitz Arena Bayern Tirol CARD" from your host. Our electronic guest card assures you many advantages in our Zugspitzdorf.

    Disabled people:

    • Please bring your ID for disabled people in our visitor centre so we can give you further information about fee reductions.

    Information about the spa contribution:

    • Arrival and departure are calculated as one day.
    • The municipality of Grainau uses the proceeds to create, provide and maintain the spa facilities.

    Free services with the guest card "Zugspitz Arena Bayern Tirol CARD" for our Grainauer guests:

    • free transfer with the bavarian  Zugspitzbahn from Grainau to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, from Grainau to Lake Eibsee (both directions) and local in Grainau, during the entire time of stay
    • one free entry to the  Zugspitzbad per started week of stay.
    • free use of the   regional buses (RVO) in the entire network of the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and beyond bus lines 9606, 9608, 9618, 9622
    • free use of the guestbus Bavaria-Tyrol (Ehrwald-Grainau-Garmisch-Partenkirchen - and back) 
    • Guided  local tours and guided mountain-, herbal- and torch-hikes
    • Kneipp facilities
    • Concerts (middle of May - September), folklore events and bavarian evenings
    • information brochures

    Attention! Unfortunately there will no longer be a bus connection between Garmisch, Grainau and Eibsee from 01.01.24. We are working on a solution!

    • brochure for the hike "Sagenhafter Bergwald"
    • hiking pass
    • Cross Country Skiing  in Grainau und Garmisch-Partenkirchen
    • guided tour  torchlighthike-, snowshoe - and winterhike

    Reductions and discounts

    • Partnachklamm (Partnach gorge)
    • extensive guest programme
    • Theatre , special concerts
    • Open-air museum of Glentleiten
    • 10 % discount on oneday courses from Vivalpin Mountaineering and Skiing School (in the region of Grainau) during the stay and on multiday courses directly before or after the stay
    • One boat tour with the electric boat "Reserl" on Lake Eibsee for the GrainauCard special price of € 2,50 for adults and € 1,00 for children per stay (Normal prices € 8,00). Operation only during summer
    • 10 % off on the rental of Stand Up Boards on the Lake Eibsee (only during summer)
    • Laber Bergbahn in Oberammergau
    • Flying Fox Bichlbach - discount 3 € per adults and kids
    • Climbing forest at Wank

    Offers from the Zugspitz Arena

    Free services.

    for all guests of the Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Grainau

    Active winter:

    •        Torch & lantern hike Lermoos
    •        Torchlight hike in Biberwier
    •        Lama hike in Biberwier
    •        Snowshoe trial tour in Berwang
    •        Torchlight hike in Berwang
    •        Highline hike in Heiterwang
    •        Snowshoe hiking tour in Heiterwang

    Active summer:

    •        Orchid or herb hike Lermoos
    •        Guided hiking tour Ehrwald
    •        Guided hiking tours Berwang
    •        Guided hiking tours Lermoos
    •        Guided mountain experience hike with hut stop, Lermoos
    •        Guided hike Montanweg Biberwier
    •       Lama hike Biberwier
    •       E-Bike introduction tour

    Children's program summer:

    •        Children's games festival Ehrwald & Lermoos

    Culture & Music:

    •        Square concerts all places
    •        Tyrolean evening Ehrwald & Lermoos
    •        Guided tour "Drei Mohren Museum" Lermoos - dates by  appointment only
    •        Guided tour present & past of the Ehrwald valley basin
    •        Guided tour museum of local history Berwang
    •         Guided tour of the winery with tasting Linzgieseder Ehrwald - Wednesdays, at certain times of the season

    More winter:

    •        Ski show Lermoos
    •        Ski show Berwang
    •        Use of the cross-country trails

    Information material:

    •        free information material
    •        free hut pass

    REDUCED SERVICES

    for all guests of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Grainau

    Active summer & winter:

    •        Guild museum Bichlbach - 25% reduction
    •        Stage Berwang - €1,00 reduction
    •        Family pool Ehrwald - 18% reduction
    •        Indoor swimming pool Hotel Edelweiss, Lermoos - daily from 14:00 - 21:00 hrs
    •        Indoor tennis court Ehrwald - 8% reduction
    •        Tennis court Ehrwald - 10% reduction
    •        Tennis court Biberwier - 26% reduction
    •        Climbing hall Ehrwald - 15% discount
    •        Climbing forest Bichlbach - €2,00 reduction
    •        Artificial ice rink Ehrwald - children 28%, adults 20%

       Bärenarena Berwang:

    •        Bear pool Berwang 20%,
    •        Mini golf course Berwang - 10%
    •        Tennis court Berwang - 20%
    •        Tiroler Zugspitz Golf - 10% discount on green fee
    •        3D Bogenpacours Ehrwald - children 15%, adults 20% discount
    •        Flying Fox Bichlbach - Zugspitz Arena Liner - € 3,00 reduction, adults and children

    www.zugspitzarena.com

    Offers in Garmisch-Partenkirchen with the GuestCard

    Included free services.

    • Concerts and special events of "Music in the park"
    • Borrowing books in the library of Garmisch - daily
    • Borrowing books in the library of Partenkirchen -  daily

    SERVICES AT REDUCED PRICES

    Aktive summer & winter:.

    • Partnach gorge - daily, adults: €1.00 discount
    • Guided tours with tour guides - dates see event calender, €2.00 discount
    • "Healthy Hiking" with Climate Therapists - dates see event calender, €2.00 discount
    • Guided tour of the large Olympic ski jump , €2.00 discount
    • Guided tour historical bob run Riessersee - dates see calendar of events, €2.00 discount
    • Entrance to the Kainzenpool - daily, €0.50 discount
    • Climbing forest at the Wank - daily, €2.00 discount
    • Points ticket (10 rides) for the summer toboggan run at Kainzenbad, according to opening hours, €0.50 discount
    • Boulderhall GaPa - according to opening hours, €2.00 discount
    • Land- and Golfclub Werdenfels e.V. - according to opening hours, €10.00 discount
    • Ice hockey   Ice hockey games games of the 1st team of the SC Riessersee, ice stadium, € 2.00 discount on seat tickets category 1
    • Guided Segway Tour "Sport & Olympia" in and around Garmisch-Partenkirchen: 15% discount, dates by arrangement: Keyword: ZABT-CARD by email to: [email protected] or by telephone: +49 (0)173-444 49 48
    • Entrance Bauerntheater Partenkirchen - dates see event calender, €2.00 discount
    • Museum Aschenbrenner - daily, €0.50 discount
    • Entrance Richard-Strauss-Institut - daily, €1.00 discount
    • Werdenfels Museum - daily, €0.50 discount
    • Events Kulturbeutel, Bühne "U1" - dates see event calender, €1.00 discount

    Terms of use

    General terms and conditions:.

    • The GuestCard is a personal guest card for our Grainau guests in the Zugspitz valley Grainau. Issuer is the community of Grainau.
    • It is valid for the registered validity period, including arrival and departure day.
    • It can only be issued by the hosts of the community of Grainau on arrival day. It is not possible to buy the GuestCard.
    • Children card from the age of 6 until 15,9 years. Adults Card from the age of 16 years. Essential is the age on arrival day.
    • The GuestCard is not transferable.
    • It may only be valid in combination with a valid photo identification and with registered full name of the guest and registered validity period.
    • The GuestCard ist not valid for rides up to the Zugspitze!
    • In case of theft, loss or defect of the card, the cardholder is obliged to report the incident immediately to the landlord or the tourist information Grainau.
    • In case of misuse the card will be confiscated without replacement. The card may be restricted in some options for operational or other important reasons.

    Data protection reminder:

    For internal operation your personal data will be collected in conjunction with the GuestCard. Further information on www.grainau.de

    Standup paddeling, © Zugspitzland - T.Marzusch

    VACATION GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN

    Accommodation, accommodation in garmisch-partenkirchen, vacaiton in bavaria.

    Arriving and feeling good is a top priority here in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The hosts in Garmisch-Partenkirchen make exactly that possible! With their warm hospitality and friendly way of life, they immediately draw you under their spell. Come over and spend your vacations with people you like. 

    Whether it's a four-star hotel, a cozy apartment or the vacation home for the whole family. Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers the right accommodation for every taste. Browse and book now!

    Would you like to be informed regularly about news and interesting facts from Garmisch-Partenkirchen?

    Then simply subscribe to our free e-mail newsletter.

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    1. GARMISCH -PARTENKIRCHEN 🏔️⛰️

    2. Garmisch Partenkirchen 22-11-2023

    3. Garmisch

    4. Timelapse Garmisch-Partenkirchen

    5. #Garmisch-Partenkirchen #germany #เยอรมันนี

    6. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany #highestpeak #garmisch #garmischpartenkirchen #germany #travel

    COMMENTS

    1. Digital guest card in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

      Guided Segway Tour "Sport & Olympia" in and around Garmisch-Partenkirchen: 15 % discount, dates by arrangement: keyword: ZABT-CARD. by email to: [email protected] or by phone: +49 (0)173-444 49 48. Moun10 Backers: up to 10 % discount on the product range. Culture & Music:

    2. Digitale Gästekarte in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

      Land- und Golfclub Werdenfels e.V. - laut Öffnungszeiten, €10,00 Ermäßigung. Geführte Segway Tour „Sport & Olympia" in und um Garmisch-Partenkirchen: 15 % Ermäßigung, Termine nach Vereinbarung: Stichwort: ZABT-CARD. per Email an: [email protected] oder telefonisch: +49 (0)173-444 49 48.

    3. ZugspitzCard │ zugspitze.de

      Cogwheel train between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Eibsee (as often as you like) In addition, bonus partners grant discounts on products, admissions and activities! ... All listed attractions can only be used during the validity period of the card. ... hosts and tourist information offices in the region.

    4. ZugspitzCard

      Zahnradbahn zwischen Garmisch-Partenkirchen und Eibsee (beliebig oft) Die ZugspitzCard beinhaltet die gleichen Leistungen wie die ClassicCard, jedoch können Sie exklusiv mit der ZugspitzCard, als Highlight Ihres Aufenthaltes, an einem Gültigkeitstag Ihrer Wahl einen Besuch auf Deutschlands höchstem Gipfel genießen.

    5. Tourist Information Garmisch-Partenkirchen

      Thanks to the scenic A95 highway, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is very conveniently accessible by car. You can also travel by plane, by flying either to the Munich or Innsbruck airports. ... Garmisch-Partenkirchen Tourismus Richard-Strauss-Platz 2 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen Phone: 08821 180 700 Fax: 08821 821292 E-mail: This email address is being ...

    6. Tourist tax / guest card

      Tourist tax / guest card. The tourist tax is a fixed fee which contributes to the development and maintenance of facilities in the area. This includes, for example, health and sports facilities, hiking trails, ski runs and other facilities. The tourist tax is per person and per day. Adults and children over 16 years €3.

    7. ZugspitzCard

      Ice hockey home games of SC Riessersee. Cogwheel train between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Eibsee (as often as you like) The ZugspitzCard includes the same services as the ClassicCard, but exclusively with the ZugspitzCard, as a highlight of your stay, you can enjoy a visit to Germany's highest peak on a validity day of your choice. In addition ...

    8. Garmisch-Partenkirchen travel

      Germany, Europe. The double-barrelled resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is blessed with a fabled setting just a snowball's throw from the Alps and is a top hang-out for outdoorsy types, skiing fans and day-trippers from Munich. To say you 'wintered in Garmisch' still has an aristocratic ring, and the area offers some of the best skiing in ...

    9. Garmisch-Partenkirchen Travel Guide

      Europe > Germany > Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Garmisch-Partenkirchen Travel and Tourist Information. ABOVE: Garmisch-Partenkirchen's local brass make oompah in the Alps. By Durant Imboden. G ermany's largest alpine resort has a split personality, and not just because it consists of two towns that were merged for the 1936 Olympic Winter Games. Rather, it's because Garmisch-Partenkirchen is both a ...

    10. Garmisch-Partenkirchen

      The villages of Garmisch and Partenkirchen were joined together for the 1936 winter Olympics to form a small town, which over the years has become Germany's top winter sports resort and a popular year-round holiday destination. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a traditional Bavarian town with quaint cobblestone streets and half-timbered buildings. It lies in a convenient location […]

    11. A Complete Travel Guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen: 25 ...

      Hotel Atlas Sport - One of the cheapest options for ensuite double rooms in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Free parking. Bavaria Biohotel - Eco-hotel in the city centre. Alpvital - Apartment with your own kitchen in Klais (15 minutes east of GaPa). Hotel Schatten - Traditional stay in Partenkirchen.

    12. 13 Top-Rated Things to Do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

      5. Hike to the King's House. The King's House. A three-hour hike each way from Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the King's House in Schachen, the exquisite "hunting" lodge of King Ludwig II (the king was opposed to hunting, but that was the accepted name for country retreats such as this).

    13. Garmisch-Partenkirchen: A travel report with tips and insights

      The people of Garmisch call this stocking a "Pfousn", in Partenkirchen it is called "Heaslan". There are also linguistic differences in the "lederhosen": the embroidery on the Garmisch version is a darker green than that from Partenkirchen - and it sports a chamois buck. No right-minded Partenkirchen man would have this ...

    14. A Travel Guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

      Garmisch-Partenkirchen has a lot to offer! As mentioned above, there are no particular winter activities in this guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen but there's heaps to do during all seasons. Visit Lake Eibsee. Lake Eibsee is probably the most famous lake in Bavaria and definitely one of the best things to do in Bavaria.

    15. Discover Vacation in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

      When the sun bathes Garmisch-Partenkirchen in its golden light, it's not just the first delicate alpine flowers that sprout from the ground. All those. who prefer to cozy up at home in front of the fire during the cold season also awaken. Suddenly there's a new energy in the air and you know it's time for new adventures out in nature!

    16. Guest card

      The guest card of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena. More varied, more adventure-packed, and even more affordable: The "Zugspitz Arena Bayern-Tirol Card" is your added bonus for holidays on the Tyrolean side of the Zugspitze. Countless attractive deals let you experience a variety of holiday joys for the best possible price.

    17. Garmisch-Partenkirchen

      Tip: Garmisch-Partenkirchen is around 90 kilometres from Munich. If you are driving, the trip takes around an hour on the A95. You can also reach Garmisch-Partenkirchen easily by rail; the journey takes around one and a half hours and you do not need to change trains. www.gapa.de. Munich Card & City Pass.

    18. Guest card

      The spa fee is 3 EUR per person and day. Children under 6 years of age are free of charge; children between 6 and 15 years pay 1 EUR. Every guest gets the GaPaCard from the landlord upon arrival. Further information is available at www.gapa.de or directly at the Tourist Information at Richard-Strauss-Platz 2 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

    19. Opening hours & admission fees

      1 Guests with the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena card and Alpenwelt Karwendel with a valid visitor´s card 2 Locals residing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Grainau, Farchant, Oberau, Eschenlohe 3 from 50% GdB (with respective handicapped ID) 4 please note: leash obligation. GROUPS . Groups of 15 people or more receive the group price of 9,00 EUR for adults and 4,00 EUR for children. The bus driver and the ...

    20. Winter in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

      The possibilities for outdoor activities in winter are almost endless. Whether skiing on the slopes of Zugspitze and Garmisch-Classic, cross-country skiing through snow-covered valleys or winter hiking in untouched nature. Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers just the right thing for every taste and ability.

    21. GuestCard

      Free services with the guest card "Zugspitz Arena Bayern Tirol CARD" for our Grainauer guests: free transfer with the bavarian Zugspitzbahnfrom Grainau to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, from Grainau to Lake Eibsee (both directions) and local in Grainau, during the entire time of stay; one free entry to the Zugspitzbad per started week of stay, or one special-discount for a visit of the sauna in ...

    22. Accommodation in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

      With their warm hospitality and friendly way of life, they immediately draw you under their spell. Come over and spend your vacations with people you like. Whether it's a four-star hotel, a cozy apartment or the vacation home for the whole family. Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers the right accommodation. for every taste.