Things to Do Garmisch Partenkirchen-A Complete Guide to Garmisch
Garmisch, Germany is one of the favorite vacation spots in the whole country. Known as a top skiing destination but also is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year. There are so many things to do in Garmisch Partenkirchen, you will never be able to do it all! Garmisch is an outdoor lover’s dream but can be enjoyed by everyone from the very advanced outdoors people to families with small children. There is something for everyone. Read on for some of the best things to do Garmisch Partenkirchen!
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Things to Do Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Visit the Zugspitze
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is home to the tallest peak in Germany, the Zugspitze! For this reason, visiting the Zugspitze is one of the most popular things to do in Garmisch. The best thing to do is try and pick your most clear weather day to go up. If it is cloudy, your view can be blocked and you won’t see much.
Once you make it to the top you can walk around the viewing deck, take in the view, enjoy a beer, soak up the sun, even go sledding/tobogganing. Believe it or not, you can actually sled all year long up on the top! The Zugspitze is split between Austria and Germany, so while you’re up there you can also cross the border and visit Austria as well.
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Cable car station on top of the Zugspitze.
You can get up to the Zugspitze in a few ways.
You can take the Zugspitzebahn (a train) from a few stops in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. From the first stop near the Ice Stadium the trip will take about an hour.
The sielbahn (cable car) from Eibsee is a quicker way to get up. The ride only takes about 10 minutes. The parking lot for the cable car is in the same place as the parking for Eibsee. It starts at 7 Euros for the first 4 hours and goes up from there.
There is also a cable car up from the Austria side. Catch the cable car in Ehrwald and ride up that way.
You should dress in layers. Remember it will be colder at the top of the mountain and it can be windy as well. Even in the summer, bring at least a light jacket and check the weather at the top before you go up.
Zugspitze summit.
Zugspitze in Summer:
If you are an avid hiker, there is the possibility of summiting the Zugspitze on foot. The hike will take all day, and you will need a helmet, harness, and crampons in addition to your normal hiking provisions. This route gets quite crowded at times, and you may have to wait in line on the glacier and once you get to the top for the iconic picture at the cross on the peak.
Zugspitze in Winter:
In winter you can ski or snowboard on the Zugspitze! There are a few blue and red runs up here. It’s not the most expansive ski area but on a clear day it has quite a view! There are several options of ski passes in Garmisch. Check out the details and decide which would be the best for your visit. There’s even an igloo hotel up on the glacier in the winter months.
Read more about what to do in Garmisch in Winter
Alpspix viewing platform.
Walk Out on the Alpspix
A great option for a viewpoint in Garmisch is going up the Alpspitzbahn to the Alpspix viewing platform. This platform in a criss cross design is not for the faint of heart. People with a fear of heights beware, it might be a challenge. The floor of the platforms are an open lattice design giving you the chance to look down and see everything underneath you. Once you get to the end there is a glass wall giving you an open panoramic view of Garmisch and the Bavarian Alps.
To get here ride the Alpspitzbahn (a cable car) to the top where you’ll also find a restaurant and several hiking trails. Specifically there is a family hike from here down to the Hochalm or a little further to the Kreuzeckbahn. There’s several plaques along the path telling the story of a giant and some activities to go along with them.
If going down to the Kreuzeck is a little too far for your tiny hikers, you can also hike down to the Hochalmbahn and ride back up to Alpspitz to catch the cable car back down to the valley floor.
Kreuzeck Garmisch
This is one of our favorite places to go with the kids. You can ride the smaller gondolas up to the Kreuzeck and walk a short way down to Kreuzeck Alm, a restaurant with an outdoor playground and an epic view of the Alpspitz peak.
You can hike all the way down to the valley from here or hike all the way up to Alpspitz. The hiking opportunities in Garmisch abound! Hiking in Garmisch has so many options at varying abilities. To find the best one for you, try browsing the Komoot app.
Eibsee Garmisch
Eibsee is the most famous and most beautiful lake in the area. You’ll be stunned by the gorgeous blue water and mountain backdrop. Eibsee is a wonderful place to visit all year long. The lake is surrounded by a 4 mile (7 km) walking trail. In the summer you can rent pedal boats, bring stand up paddle boards, or find a spot on the shore to picnic and take a refreshing dip.
In the winter Eibsee is just as beautiful covered in snow. Sometimes the lake even freezes over. Please be very careful if you visit in winter. You shouldn’t try to walk out on the ice here, falling through the ice can be deadly.
It shares a parking lot with the Zugspitze cable car, if you’re ambitious you could try to visit the Zugspitze in the morning and spend the afternoon at Eibsee.
Kramer Plateauweg
The Kramer is the peak on the opposite side of the valley from the Zugspitze and Alpspitz. You can find a walking path a little way up that gives wonderful views of those mountains. Drive up to the Alm Hütte, park, and walk on the path from there. You can hike to the Werdenfels castle ruins or up to Pflegersee, or to the Kreigergedächtniskapelle (WW2 memorial). When you’re done hiking, go back to Alm Hütte to enjoy lunch with a view. This restaurant also has an outdoor playground to entertain little ones. Make sure you save room for their famous cream puff desserts (cream puffs only after 2:00 PM, restaurant is cash only and closed Wednesdays).
Partnachklamm
Partnachklamm is a must do when you visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The Partnachklamm is a narrow river gorge that you can hike through. You’ll be impressed by the rock walls surrounding you and by the icy blue water rushing through the middle.
In winter you’ll find the rock walls covered in huge icicles and ice sheets. It feels like you’re walking through an ice palace.
Wear sturdy shoes here, preferably ones with a lot of traction, it can get slippery. Strollers won’t work here, you’ll need to carry babies/toddlers in a carrier. There are a couple restaurants toward the entrance of the klamm.
You can hike down and back through the klamm, or hike through and then continue on a path through the woods to get back to your car at the Olympic Ski Jump, or to the Eckbauerbahn which can take you back to the Ski Jump.
Check the website before your visit, Partnachklamm can close unexpectedly due to weather conditions that make the klamm unsafe.
Walk, Run, or Bike the Valley Trails
This might not sound very exciting, but it is really a must do in my opinion. The imposing mountain views from the valley floor are stunning. You can walk, run, or bike on these paths. In the winter there are also cross-country skiing paths through the valley. Just watch the signs to stay on the right path for your activity.
In the fall you’ll walk alongside the famous cows of the region and be enchanted by the sound of their bells. One note about the cows, you should never have your dog off leash around the cows. Dogs can spook the cows which may make them charge. Getting trampled by a cow can result in serious injuries, so be careful!
Reissersee Garmisch
Reissersee is a smaller lake nestled up on a hill. You can easily walk around the Riessersee on its flat path. There are also several trails that you can connect to from here. You will also find the old bobsled track here. Garmisch-Partenkirchen was home to the winter Olympic Games in 1936. Hike up alongside the bobsled track and you’ll eventually find a bobsled you can sit in for a photo!
View of Garmisch from the Wank.
Wankbahn
This smaller cable car will take you to the top of the Wank (pronouced “Vonk”) for a different panoramic view. You can also hike to the top or to the middle cable car station. At the summit you’ll find two restaurants and a wooden playground. In the summer months, you can expect to see your friendly neighborhood Alpine cows grazing nearby.
Generic ropes course photo from Unsplash. Not the actual Kletterwald in Garmisch.
Kletterwald Garmisch
Near the bases of Wank is a Kletterwald or ropes course where anyone from 5 years and up can climb! 5-12 year olds must climb with an adult but over 12 can climb on their own. This is seasonal and generally open from April to October. Make sure to check the website before your visit!
Eckbauerbahn
This cable car begins to the left of the Olympic Ski Stadium. Take it to the top to enjoy sledding in the winter and hiking in the summer. You can bring a picnic lunch up or stop by Berggasthof Eckbauer, just a 5 minute walk from the cable car station, for a meal with a view. There are a variety of trails here as well. Plenty of options for hiking up or down.
Kids will enjoy the brand new playground at the cable car station at the top. Plenty to entertain them for a couple hours!
Olympic Ski Jumps in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Olympic Ski Jump
The Olympics were held in Garmisch in 1936. The ski jumps still remain and are still in use. If you happen to visit over New Year’s, you can buy tickets to watch the ski jump competition. Watch the movie Eddie the Eagle before your visit to see the ski jumps in action. You’ll also find a restaurant here in the stadium.
Alpine Coaster Garmisch
Garmisch has its own Alpine Coaster! You can find it near the Olympic Ski Jump. Truth be told, the one in Oberammergau is much better but if you can’t get over there during your visit, this is another option.
Garmisch Pools
Whether warm or cold weather, there are a number of pools in the area to be enjoyed. All of them have indoor pools and outdoor pools. Some have waterslides, saunas, and baby pool areas.
Day Trips from Garmisch
Farchant Waterfall Trail
Farchant is about a 15 minute car drive from Garmisch. This waterfall trail is a great hike for families. The trail has several stations with signs/stories alongside it. The trail follows a river with bridges and waterfalls. There is a barefoot area at one point in the trail where you can stop off and try out the cold pool and different features. There’s a lot of entertainment and interest along the trail to keep the kids entertained. Park at Parkplatz Natur und Erholungspark Kuhflucht.
Photo of Ehrwald at the base of the Zugspitze.
Ehrwald, Austria
Shhhh, I’m going to tell you a secret…Ehrwald is a great spot to go if you are going to visit the area. You can ride the cable car to the top of the Zugspitze from here. Ehrwalder Almbahn is our kids favorite place to ski with a funslope, jumps, ski school, and kindergarten where you can drop your little ones off. We can't wait to come here in the summer for hiking and to enjoy the summer playgrounds. Make sure to stop at the Ehrwalder Alm for their famous Farmer’s Salad.
Ehrwald also has a great pool with views of the Zugspitze from the waterslide. Next to the pool you’ll find an indoor climbing hall. You can rent all the necessary gear onsite.
Lermoos, Austria
Lermoos is also a short drive over the border. The valley here, the Tirol Zugspiz Arena, has epic panoramic views. In the winter come here for cross country skiing. In the summer come here to enjoy the walking trails.
Eat at 180 grad restaurant and enjoy the views and the specialty desserts.
Splurge on the kinderhotel to enjoy a wide array of amenities including childcare.
The pool in Lermoos has a stunning view of the Sonnenspitz.
In the winter, you can also ski here. We find the slopes to be a little more challenging than Ehrwald but still completely doable for experienced skiers. I would advise beginner skiers to go elsewhere.
Biberwier, Austria
Another mountain area in between Ehrwald and Lermoos. In the winter you’ll find a gentle slope great for beginning skiing or when you want to escape the crowds of the other resorts. In the summer you can rent mountain carts to ride down the mountain. They are like giant big wheels. Bring helmets if you have them and exercise caution!
Oberammergau, Germany
Oberammergau is a cute town about 25 minutes from Garmisch. It is famous for its Passion Play, only put on every 10 years. The next one will be in 2032.
In addition to the play, Oberammergau is a very cute Bavarian town to explore. You’ll find a lot of wood carving shops and the famous Christmas store: Kathe Wolfthart. Pick up a Bavarian Christmas ornament to bring home.
For children and reptile lovers, there is a small but interesting reptile house in town. This might be a good activity for a rainy day or to use as a bargaining chip with little ones, just sayin’.
The Kolbensattle Alpine Coaster is our favorite thing to do in Oberammergau. Buy tickets to ride the Cable Car up and take the long alpine coaster down. Before you ride down, you can eat a meal at the restaurant and kids can play at the playground. Mine LOVE the zipline here.
There are also mountain bike trails and hiking trails. So many options for outdoor fun!
Schloss Linderhof, one of Bavarian King Ludwig’s palaces is also nearby. The palace can only be entered on a guided tour right now. The gardens are beautiful. Not nearly as expansive as Versailles but very beautiful nonetheless. Bring a picnic here or stop by the restaurants near the ticket kiosks.
Ettal Monastery is located just before you get to Oberammergau. This monastery has been here since the 1300’s and has been brewing their own beer for just as long. The restaurant across the street is very good, but make reservations because in the high season it gets very busy.
Highline 179, photo courtesy of Unsplash
Highline 179, Austria
This suspension bridge is sure to be a memorable stop. It crosses over the highway to castle ruins. It is open year long, so you can visit any time. I have heard it’s pretty scary if you’re afraid of heights, so it’s an “if you dare” type of activity, good luck!
Neuschwanstein castle as seen from Marienbrücke.
Schloss Neuschwanstein
Germany’s most famous castle, Neuschwanstein is just an hour away from Garmisch. It’s the most famous for a reason and well worth the visit. Make sure you buy tickets in advance as it does book up. You can either hike to the castle or pay to take a horse carriage to the top. Strollers must be left outside the castle near the giftshop.
Mary’s Bridge will be closed for most of 2022 but when it reopens it provides the best view of the castle. Beware if you are afraid of heights! It also gets quite crowded in peak tourism times.
Consider also touring the Hohenschwangau castle at the same site. This was Ludwig’s childhood home and the tour gives you more insight to his life.
Fussen is the nearby town. It is also very charming. You can walk to see the waterfalls, see the castle in town, or visit the reptile house. This one is a bit bigger than the one in Oberammergau.
Munich seen from above.
Munich
Munich is the jewel of Bavaria, it’s biggest city and has a lot to entertain. Our favorite things to do in Munich are:
visit the zoo
take a bike tour
hang out in the English Garden and visit the surfers
stroll through Olympic Park
have a beer at any number of breweries
visit the deer at the Hirschgarten
Innsbruck
Innsbruck, Austria is such a pretty mountain town in Austria. It only takes about an hour to drive here from Garmisch. You can also take the train but it takes a bit longer.
Wander Innsbruck’s old town, do some shopping (they have cuter shops than Garmisch in my opinion), visit the Alpine Zoo, or the Swarovski KrystalWelt which is known to have an excellent playground.
How to Get to Garmisch
Garmisch is best experienced with a car. It is a one hour drive from Munich and a one hour drive from Innsbruck, Austria.
If you will not have a car to use, you can take the train to Garmisch from the Munich Hauptbahnhof or the Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof. Once you arrive in Garmisch, the town is a short walk from the station. Or you can walk over to the Zugspitzebahn and use that train to take you up the mountain. You can also get off at any of the cable cars (Hausberg, Kreuzeck, Alpspitz, or Zugspitze sielbahn). If you get off at the Zugspitze cable car, you will be at the same location as Eibsee.
Otherwise, you could use the public bus system. See schedule and routes here. Or hire a taxi. If coming with children, be aware that taxis will not take babies/toddlers without a carseat.
Hotels in Garmisch
There are a number of guesthouses and hotels located in and around Garmisch. If you’re having trouble finding something in Garmsich, try searching in Grainau. It’s a very short drive away.
If you prefer a hotel, try Hotel Zugspitze (also home to a Michelin star restaurant), Werdenfelserei, or Reindls Partenkirchener Hof
If you are an American military member, Edelweiss Lodge and Resort is also an option. Some people love it, some people prefer other options. It provides some conveniences but is by no means the only place to stay here. If it is full or not your cup of tea, there are many other places to stay.
Restaurants in Garmisch
Here’s a list of places that get recommended over and over again. This isn’t an exhaustive list but it has the tried and true places that are generally crowd pleasers. It’s a good rule of thumb to make a reservation when you want to eat out here. You never know if it will be a busy time with a lot of other tourists.
Mukkefukke-(yes actual name) Come here for their famous salads.
Fraundorfer-check with them to see when they will have the Bavarian slap dancers performing.
Zum Wildschutz-a favorite German cuisine restaurant. The pulled pork sandwich is also very good.
La Baita-Italian food and pizza joint. You can also call for order delivery or pickup.
Bollywood-Indian food restaurant.
Akasuka-Sushi restaurant.
Hoffman’s WaffleHaus-Come here for breakfast, lots of sweet and savory waffle options.
4eck-this is more of a splurge, fine dining experience. They are known for their inventive dishes and beer pairing menus.
A large plate of Kaiserschmarrn makes a great post hike meal.
What to Eat in Garmisch
This area has a few notable dishes that are popular here. You should try out some of the local favorites!
Kaiserschmarrn-a dessert that’s often eaten as a post hike meal. You can find it almost everywhere, especially in the Mountain Hüttes. Its cut up pancake strips fried in a pan (sometimes with raisins) so the edges carmelize a little bit and served with powdered sugar and apple sauce for dipping.
Ettal Beer is brewed at the nearby monastery in Ettal, just 15-20 minutes from Garmisch. They have several varieties of beer. Give one a try!
Weiss Wurst-This is a Bavarian specialty that’s a bit divisive. You’ll either love it or hate it! When you order it you’ll be served a small tureen with 2 white sausages in broth. It should be eaten without the casing and is sometimes served with a pretzel and sweet mustard.
Garmisch mountain range with the Alpspitz on the left and Zugspitze on the right.
What to Pack for Garmisch
No matter what time of year you come to Garmisch, you will want to pack layers. The weather can be a little unpredictable. Sometimes the forecast will show rain for a week and then give you one little shower. Even in the summer, it can get chilly. And it is always cooler on top of the mountains than in the valley. In the winter, you should pack your warmest coats, boots, hats, and gloves. Here are a few other key items I recommend.
Garmisch truly is a destination for everyone any time of year. The outdoor activities abound and everyone loves the gorgeous scenery here. Have you been to Garmisch before? Tell me what your favorite things to do in Garmisch are in the comments!
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