
Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Bavaria) - the charming community at the foot of the Zugspitze
This beautiful Bavarian community, now world-famous for its natural beauty, mountains, and breathtaking panorama, should definitely be one of your next travel destinations. But it's not just the nature that will enchant you; it's also the people who make Garmisch-Partenkirchen what it is. Garmisch-Partenkirchen enchants with its authenticity, joie de vivre, and Bavarian charm. The small town consists of two villages (Garmisch and Partenkirchen), which were united in 1935 for the Olympic Games held the following year.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a popular holiday destination for skiers, cyclists, and hikers. But even if you're looking for a relaxing holiday, don't let that deter you! You can also enjoy wonderfully relaxing days here.
Our tips for your holiday in Garmisch-Partenkirchen & surroundings
The Zugspitze
You don't have to be a passionate hiker to reach the Zugspitze. Alternatively, you can take the Zugspitze cable car to Germany's highest peak, almost 3,000 meters above sea level. The tranquil journey begins at the Zugspitze train station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, taking you to lofty heights. Far above the clouds, where freedom seems endless. Once you arrive at the Zugspitze, a fascinating 360° mountain panorama of around 400 peaks awaits you. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Alps, pause for a moment, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. For all winter vacationers and ski enthusiasts, there is, of course, a first-class ski area with numerous slopes on the Zugspitze. Incidentally, the Zugspitze is the only glacier ski area in Germany!
Partnach Gorge
For those who don't want to climb so high but still want to explore the mountains, we recommend the Partnach Gorge, a natural monument! It's easily accessible for all hikers and requires no prior mountaineering experience. Since 1912, the gorge has been a natural monument, attracting and delighting tourists every day. Anyone vacationing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen should definitely plan this detour. Here, you'll discover impressive, approximately 80-meter-high walls through which the Partnach stream winds. To make the area accessible, several tunnels and passageways, as well as an iron bridge 68 meters above the river, were built. A winter hike here is particularly impressive when fascinating ice structures have formed.
Eibsee
Lake Eibsee offers a beautiful natural spectacle at the foot of the Zugspitze. Relax with a lovely walk around the lake, stay active in and on the water, with a stand-up paddleboard or a swim. If you visit Lake Eibsee in the summer, don't forget your swimsuit. You'll hardly find a more beautiful lake for swimming. In summer, the crystal-clear waters of the lake simply invite you to dive in! A dip in the lake is especially refreshing after a hike or bike ride with a view of the lake! Looking for a nice route for a short stroll? Then we recommend the circular path around the lake. Here you can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake with its mountain panorama! We think the approximately two-hour route is one of the most beautiful walking trails in Bavaria! On a trip to Lake Eibsee, as well as on any other hike, we recommend always bringing a large, sturdy backpack . This offers you enough space for drinks, a snack, sunscreen, and possibly even the swimwear you'll certainly need at Eibsee ;)
Walchensee
The Bavarian Caribbean. Lake Walchensee is one of the deepest and largest Alpine lakes in Germany. It is located 75 km south of Munich, in the Bavarian foothills of the Alps. From Garmisch-Partenkirchen, it takes just under half an hour by car to reach Lake Walchensee. This fantastic mountain lake is a popular destination in summer, when its turquoise-green color gives you a Caribbean feel. On hot summer days, the lake is not only inviting for swimming, but also a popular destination for surfers, kitesurfers, and sailors. Not only water sports enthusiasts but also hiking enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy here: surrounded by the Alps, this is also an ideal hike! The most popular mountain around Lake Walchensee is the Herzogstand, one of Munich's most famous local mountains. From here, you can enjoy views to the south of Lake Walchensee and the Karwendel Mountains behind it, and to the north over Lake Kochel into the valley. The tour runs along well-maintained paths and can be safely undertaken even in winter. Once you reach the top, you'll find a mountain hut where you can fortify yourself with Bavarian delicacies and a shandy!
The Garmisch-Partenkirchen district has many unique natural spectacles to offer! What's particularly special about it is that even for nature novices, alternatives have been created, so you can experience everything even with little mountain experience! In addition to impressive natural phenomena, discover old Bavaria in the villages with their famous Lüflt paintings and Biedermeier frescoes. Follow in the footsteps of history and experience the culture of the Zugspitze region up close!
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