Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the perfect place to make a base when exploring the Bavarian Alps. There are so many things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you’ll have an easy time filling at least a week of exploring its top attractions.
We hadn’t heard of Garmisch-Partenkirchen before planning our trip to Germany, but once we arrived, we quickly discovered the endless possibilities of things to see and do in this beautiful corner of the country.
Located on the border of Austria, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is nestled in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, making for the perfect year round travel destination. There are many things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and below we have highlighted the top attractions to make the most of your stay.
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Things to do in Garmisch Partenkirchen, Germany
We highly recommend renting a car for your stay as there are many day trips from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and a lot of the attractions are spread out and require a bit of driving. You are going to want to have the freedom to see it all.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is only 80km (50 miles) from Munich and the drive is an easy hour. Also read: The Essential Guide to Germany’s Romantic Road
1. Alpspix
One of our favorite things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is to take the gondola up the Alpspix to take in its breathtaking views from two steel walkways jutting out over the abyss.
Two steel beams cross each other as they reach out 25 meters (82 Feet) from the edge over a 1000 (3280 feet) meter vertical drop. After you take in the views, you can spend the day in the Alps hiking from peak to peak.
If you purchase the Garmisch Classic Ticket, you can catch a gondola to Hochalmbahn to do some hiking at a lower elevation. We walked directly to catch the next gondola down which was about 30 minutes.
It was a lovely walk over a beautiful valley to our final gondola ride back to the parking lot where we had the car to ourselves to enjoy the scenery. This area is also very popular for alpine skiing in the winter. So if you want views and great winter sports this should be high on your bucket list.
2. Zugspitze – The Highest peak in Germany
If you want to go to the top of more peaks, Zugspitze is a must. It’s the highest peak in Germany at 2,962 meters (9717 feet) above sea level. This is one of Garmisch Partenkirchen’s top attractions.
Make a day of it and catch the cogwheel train from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Lake Eibsee where you will then take the train to the glacier plateau. Then you catch a cable car to the top station for a one of a kind views of the Alps.
If you want to see all the high viewpoints in Garmisch Partenkirchen, purchase the Zugspitze Ticket for 58€. It includes one mountain ascent and descent, either in the form of a round trip on the cogwheel train, a ride on the Gletscherbahn cable car and the Cable car Zugspitze. You can use the Gletscherbahn cable car as often you like on the day of your visit.
3. Partnach Gorge
Wondering what to do in Garmisch for adventure? Partnach Gorge was the most surprising adventure we had in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. We’d put it up there are our choice for the top attractions in Garmisch.
We didn’t know what to expect, but when we entered the gorge, we were completely blown away. The water was so powerful as we walked along a 750 meter (2,460 feet) narrow path clinging to the side of a rocky cliff.
As we wove our way through tunnels, over bridges, and along the stone path, our hearts raced as rushing water cut through the 80 meters (260 feet) deep gorge. Water fell all around us.
It was exhilarating and daunting all at once. I imagined one small slip causing me to topple into the rapids below. It is completely safe if you pay attention (dogs are even allowed on a leash), but my imagination got the best of me. It was exciting to finish. And although I was stressed, I loved every minute of it.
Tips for hiking Partnach Gorge: Be sure to bring a flashlight, (we used our phone), a rain jacket, a sweater (it can be chilly in there) and wear good hiking shoes.
4. Linderhof Palace
King Ludwig II commissioned three separate palaces but Linderhof Palace is the only one that he actually saw completed. It is the smallest of his palaces, but its fairytale setting is an enchanting place to explore.
Set within the rolling Bavarian countryside, the palace contains sculptures and statues, a fountain that reaches 25 meters high from pressure alone and gardens. Ludwig idolized French King Louis XIV and like Herrenchiemsee, much of Linderhof Palace is modeled after Versailles.
5. Church of Grainau
The nearby village of Grainau houses one of the most photographed churches in Bavaria. The Church of Grainau sits at the base of Zugspitze and is a beautiful site.
It looks like any other Bavarian Church but the setting makes it stand apart with a dramatic cemetery lining the front, as the Alps tower over the back. The cogwheel railway goes right by here as well.
6. Eibsee
One of the most popular activities in Garmisch Partenkirchen is hiking. We recommend going for sunrise to Lake Eibsee. The lake offers unobstructed views of Zugspitze making for the perfect Instagrammable picture.
When you are finished up with photos, take a hike around the lake. There is a 6.5 km (4 miles) walking path around the lake. The trails are well marked and easy to follow.
7. Sunrise at Geroldsee
If you browse photos of Garmisch Partenkirchen, you may spot a picture of wooden huts dotting the landscape in front of a lake. This is Geroldsee. We were told it was one of the busiest photo spots in town, but when we arrived for sunrise in June, only one other person was there.
When sunrise is at 4:30 am, chances are you will have it all to yourselves. Once you find the spot, it’s a bit of a hike through long grass up a hill to the perfect photo spot.
So be sure to give yourself ample time to arrive before the sun rises as it takes a bit of time to find the perfect position.
Go inside the Abbey and admire its ornate dome ceiling. It’s worth a stop to tour the grounds.
8. Ettal Abbey
While driving out to Linderhof Palace a short distance out of town, a domed abbey caught our eye. This wasn’t on our itinerary or radar, but I am so glad we pulled over for a closer look.
Ettal Abbey is a Benedictine Abbey founded in 1330 by Ludwig IV. Today it is still in operation with 50 Monks residing in its grounds.
9. Olympic Village – Olympiaschanze
Garmisch Partenkirchen first caught the eyes of the world when it hosted the 1936 Winter Olympic Games. The two towns united in 1935, just in time for the Olympic ski events.
Today the Olympic ski jump stadium is still in full operation hosting world cup events. It was rebuilt in 2007 and has become one of the most significant ski jumping arenas in the world cup.
When seeing the incredible peeks surrounding Garmisch-Partenkirchen, it’s no wonder it hosted the Olympics. This is winter wonderland heaven.
But there are plenty of things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the summer too.
We spent most of our time in Bavaria based in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and had the most incredible time touring the sites around the picturesque twin town in the Alps.
10. Never Ending Story – Michael Ende Kurpark
When I was young, I loved the movie Never Ending Story. Little did I know that one day I’d be visiting the hometown of the man who created it. When walking around Garmisch-Partenkirchen be sure to spend some time in Michael Ende Kurrpark to celebrate his work.
The park is dedicated to his writings with the turtle from Neverending Story, the amphitheater from Momo, and see the lime tree that was planted by Michael Ende himself!
The Michale Ende Kurpark is a quiet retreat where you can walk through a Labyrinth quietly meditating or watch giant goldfish swim in a fountain of waterlilies. It is a lovely place to visit.
11. Epic Hikes
If you love hiking, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the place to be. There are hikes around lakes, cross country from town to town and up in the Alps.
There are several day hikes from Garmisch. If you pop into the visitor’s centre in town, they’ll be able to recommend one for you!
12. Stroll Through Old Town
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a photogenic town. A walk through the historic old town is a must. Houses and restaurants are adorned with religious murals, fairytale paintings, or frescos depicting the profession of the house.
These facades make the traditional homes look as if they have shudders and window boxes hanging on the outside.
Walking around town offers one picturesque view after another. Between the traditional houses, and ornate streets set in the backdrop of the Alps, you’ll love sitting outside in a beer garden taking in the relaxed atmosphere.
13. Gondola Rides
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can still venture into the Alps. Besides the gondolas leading up to the Alpspix and Zugspitze, there is also the Eckbauerbahn at Olympic Stadium.
Gondolas seem to be clinging to the Alps all around. This is the premier ski spot in Germany and you have many to choose from in both summer and winter. Other gondolas are the Hausbergbahn and the Krewuzeckbahn that we took down from the AlpspiX hike.
14. Richard Strauss
Another famous resident of Garmisch was the composer Richard Strauss. Garmisch-Partenkirchen has a couple of spots dedicated to his memory. He lived in Garmisch from 1908 to his death.
There are two buildings dedicated to Strauss, the Richard Strauss Institute and the Strauss Villa.
It is difficult to get into the villa but if you are a fan, the Institute is open to the public. There is a multimedia exhibit taking you through the life journey of the celebrated composer.
Day Trips from Garmisch Partenkirchen
15. Munich
Munich is just an hours drive from Garmisch, so if you are not planning to spend the night in the city, you can easily explore it one day from Garmisch. Read more: Best Things to do in Munich
16. Innsbruck, Austria
Garmisch Partenkirchen is located very close to the Austrian border, so if you want to get another country on your travel list, Innsbruck in Austria is a great choice.
Located just an hour’s drive from town, it’s an easy day trip from Garmisch Partenkirchen.
17. Neuschwanstein Castle
This is one of the most popular attractions in all of Germany. The Fairytale castle inspired Walt Disney when creating his disney castle and no trip to Bavaria would be complete without seeing it.
Neuschwanstein Castle is located just one hour from Garmisch Partenkirchen. Leave early in the morning to arrive for sunrise and beat the crowds. See more: The Best Castles in Germany
18. Liechtenstein
It’s a little bit longer of a drive than the other attractions, but Liechtenstein is a great choice when doing a day trip from Garmisch.
It’s Europe’s fourth-smallest country after Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino. This is a great way to add another country to your bucket list checklist.
Where to Stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
We stayed at the welcoming Gastehaus Maria that is just a few minutes walk from downtown. We had a beautiful view from our room where we enjoyed 2€ beer from the honor bar on our terrace as we took in the beauty of the Bavarian Alps.
We were up long before breakfast each day, but they made us a packed lunch for the road that was waiting for us in the refrigerator each day.
It’s a great B&B to make a home base while exploring the area.
If you are looking for a fantastic vacation destination filled with outdoors and adventure, jaw-dropping views and fantastic cuisine, Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany is the place to be.
Amazing things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen – The Video
Frequently Asked Questions
The Alpspix is the best thing to see two massive steel beams cross each other reaching out 25 meters (82 Feet) from the edge of a 1000 meter (3280 feet) vertical drop.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen was home to the 1936 Olympics so there are a lot of winter activities from skiing, to taking the gondolas up to the Germany’s highest peak, Zugspitze.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is located in Bavarian Germany just a one hour drive from Munich and one hour from Neuschwanstein Castle.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is our favorite place in Germany. Located in the beautiful Bavarian Alps, it makes for a perfect home base with plenty of adventure, food, castles and history.
Our trip to Bavaria was sponsored by the Germany Tourism Board, for more information on Travel to Germany visit their website for ideas.
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I really love these, Thanks for the information.
It’s very helpful.
I have never heard about this place before. Thanks for sharing. Really loved to read this.
I never knew the author of Neve Ending Story was born in this part of the world (I knew he was German though). Apart from the breath-taking views, this park would be the must-visit for me. Thank you for this blog – really liked reading it!
Garmisch-Partenkirchen took my breath away! I had never heard of it, but met a solo traveler in Vienna a couple of years earlier who raved about it. When I planned to check Neuschwanstein Castle off my bucket list, I decided to visit. It was simply amazing and I learned my 2 days (plus day trip to the castle) was nowhere near enough! I’ll flag this as someday, I really want to go back!
I’ve never heard of this place, but it looks nice for vacationing 🙂