Bavarian ski resort town at the foot of Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze. Former Winter Olympics host with a unique divided history and scenic mountain railway.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen sits at the foot of Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze, in the Bavarian Alps. This mountain town draws visitors year-round with its Alpine scenery and Bavarian atmosphere. You can climb the Zugspitze by cable car, walk through the dramatic Partnach Gorge, ski down Olympic slopes, or admire the painted facades of Ludwigstrasse. The area transforms into a ski hub in winter, while summer brings opportunities for hiking and swimming in crystal-clear lakes.
Ascending the Zugspitze
At 2,962 meters, the Zugspitze dominates the skyline of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. You can reach the summit by cogwheel train or cable car. The Zugspitze cable car, opened in 2017, whisks you to the top in 10 minutes. On clear days, the viewing platform reveals peaks across four countries. Germany's highest ski area occupies the Zugspitze, with slopes open from November to May. In summer, you can hike trails on the Zugspitzplatt glacier plateau.
Exploring Partnach Gorge
The Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm) carves through limestone cliffs southeast of town. You'll walk on iron walkways clinging to rock walls as the Partnach River rushes below. In winter, large icicles form along the 702-meter-long gorge. The gorge remains open year-round, though conditions can be slippery in cold weather. Bring a headlamp for the tunnels. Many hikers use the gorge as a starting point for longer treks into the surrounding mountains.
Skiing and Winter Sports
Since hosting the 1936 Winter Olympics, Garmisch-Partenkirchen has welcomed skiers and winter sports enthusiasts. The Garmisch-Classic ski area spans three mountains - Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Alpspitze - with 40 km of slopes. Advanced skiers tackle the challenging Kandahar run, which hosts World Cup races. Cross-country skiers have over 28 km of trails to explore. You can also try ice skating, curling, or sledding. The historic Olympic ski jump continues to host international competitions, including a popular New Year's event.
Hiking Trails and Summer Activities
When the snow melts, the mountain trails beckon hikers. Easy walks include lakeside paths, while challenging routes lead to mountain summits. The Alpspitze via ferrata offers a climb with panoramic views. Mountain bikers can explore over 300 km of trails. For water activities, take a boat out on Lake Riessersee or swim in the clear waters of Lake Eibsee. You can also play golf, go paragliding, or ride the summer toboggan run.
Wandering the Historic Town Center
Garmisch and Partenkirchen were separate towns until 1935, and their distinct characters remain visible. Partenkirchen's Ludwigstrasse maintains a traditional Bavarian look with elaborately painted building facades known as Lüftlmalerei. Garmisch has more shops and restaurants along Marienplatz. Both areas display typical Bavarian architecture with wooden balconies and colorful window boxes. The central park, Michael Ende Kurpark, honors the author of "The Neverending Story" who lived in town.
Getting There and Around
Garmisch-Partenkirchen lies about 90 km southwest of Munich. Trains run regularly from Munich's main station, taking about 1.5 hours. If you're driving, take the A95 autobahn. You can walk to most places in town within 20 minutes. Local buses connect to trailheads and cable car stations. To reach more remote areas, consider renting a car. In winter, prepare for snowy road conditions.
