Location: Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Top Things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Top Restaurants in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The 10 Best Things to Do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
South of Garmisch-Partenkirchen on the Austrian border lies Germany's highest mountain, Zugspitze, rising nearly 10,000 feet and offering gorgeous glacier-top skiing. The towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen used to be separate, but were merged for the 1936 Winter Olympics. With almost 75 miles of downhill runs of all difficulty levels, Zugspitze also has 68 miles of cross-country trails, a terrain park and Germany's first superpipe. It's super cool to say you were skiing in Garmisch, so be sure to spread the word upon your return.
Restaurants in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Alan F - Bournemouth, United Kingdom
This is a very exciting experience in winter when the ice is well established. It can get very busy and congested. There is a small fee at the entrance. Note that there are no toilet facilities once you enter the gorge. You need waterproof shoes and a camera. At its best in February/March if you want to see the best ice formations.
2. Hell Valley
Overall Ratings
5 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By Leon Z - Drunen, The Netherlands
We did this tour today when it was not so hot. The climb to get to the attraction takes about 1 hour. There you can have a drink before paying your entry fee and then one can walk further uphill over stairs and footpaths along the waterfall between two huge Mountains. Sometimes you walk alongside the water, sometimes through covered corridors carved out of the rocks. It takes about half an hour to arrive at the top and then one can either return the same way or use an even longer route. Not for people with bad feet or legs. It's steep and sometimes difficult although the rating says "easy". Nevertheless when you have 3 hours and a good condition, it's a must-do activity.
3. Wank Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Reviewed By Joppatowne
I read other reviews and opted for this mountain rather than Zupspitze. Zupspitze was a little pricey for the entire family. It was a wonderful way to spend a few hours. As you go up the mountain, you'll see people walking and hiking up; great for them it seemed pretty daunting to me. On your way up the car makes one stop, stay on in order to go to the top. Once there, the views are amazing; the horses and cows roam free. There are many places to walk around once up at the top. There is also a restaurant and then one at a much higher elevation that we didn't visit. The one we did visit had very reasonably priced snacks and again everything had the backdrop of the amazing views. Wank mountain is definitely worth your time to visit.
4. Eibsee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 543 reviews
In the water and on the water, on land, and in the Mountains – at the Eibsee lake, you have diverse options for enjoying the summer. Absolutely unique: the crystal-clear Eibsee at the base of the Zugspitze, 1,000 m (3281 ft.) above sea level. Embedded in a magnificent Alpine Panorama and beautiful in every season. A day at the Eibsee is the highlight of a vacation in the Zugspitze Region. The Eibsee lake is located around 13 km (8 mi.) southwest of the center of Garmisch-Partenkirchen beneath the Zugspitze mountain in the Wetterstein range in Bavaria. It part of Zugspitze Village Grainau and is privately owned by the family that owns the Eibsee Hotel. With its clear, Emerald green water, it is truly one of the most beautiful lakes in the Bavarian Alps. 32.5 m (107 ft.) deep, greatest length 2450 m (8038 ft.), greatest width 850 m (2789 ft.), circumference 8.800 m (28,871 ft.), surface area 1,796 km² (693 mi2)
Reviewed By johnmM754OI - Chesterfield, Missouri
Have run around the Eibsee almost every trip to Garmisch. Absolutely picture perfect, with a well maintained trail the 4+ miles around it. With the Mountains on one side, and the lake on the other, there's no more beautiful place, at least in my mind. Fall colors add an even better touch. For the Marathon runners, have someone drive you out there, then run around the lake, and then back to Garmisch. There is a trail, and it's mostly down hill from the lake. Additionally, they are almost finished with a new Cable Car to the summit of the Zugspitze, with the ascent beginning near the Eibsee.
5. Ettal Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 398 reviews
Reviewed By FactotumDellaCitta
This Benedictine monastery is noted for the large, beautifully decorated, domed chapel. Also on the premises is a large gift shop that offers many products made by the monks.
6. Alpspitz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
One of several quality ski resorts located in the Bavarian Alps.
7. Zugspitze
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
At nearly 10,000 feet, Germany's highest peak is a popular ski area during the winter and a challenging hiking trail during the rest of the year.
8. Aussichtsplattform AlpspiX
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By JJ F - Seattle, Washington
So, I used to live in Garmisch and have also visited multiple times since living there. I have therefore been to/seen the majority of "tourist" attractions there are to see in Garmisch - however I had never before seen the AlpspiX. It was for this reason that I decided to go here on my most recent visit. Now, I have been to the Zugspitze before - twice - and therefore had no real need to go to the AlpspiX for the views (I feel like if you have to pick one or the other, then the Zugspitze is the way to go). But, I more or less wanted to see what the platform was like.
First of all, I had the whole day to myself (and it was a nice day), so I walked all the way to the Alpspitzbahn - a long walk, but nice - but you can take a train from Garmisch if you don't feel like walking. The gondola itself was terrifying - lol! If you don't like heights, don't look down! The views are absolutely amazing, but if your mind wanders, like mine does, then don't freak yourself out by looking. On the plus side, it is a really quick ride though. 10 minutes? If that?
Once you get to the top, there is a self-serve restaurant and various hiking trails. A lot of people take the gondola up and hike down (or vice versa). But this review is specifically about the AlpspiX, and that is all I went up the gondola to see.
The platform is really interesting - literally a big "X" - and there are signs nearby detailing its construction (both in words and pictures). Obviously the big appeal is that the platform is made of grated metal, meaning you can see beneath you. Which, is scary, but at the same time fun. Even more scary? The platform does seem to shake as you walk towards the end!
I actually think the bottom section is scarier, as that is the one where there is nothing beneath you. The top section however, probably has better views. And, on a nice day, great views of Garmisch and the towns behind. This viewing platform is a good alternative if you want to go to the Zugspitze, but notice it is completely clouded up (thus probably hindering any views you would have up there).
Now, as much as I enjoyed crossing the AlpspiX off my list, the only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because it didn't blow me away as much as the Zugspitze or Partnachklamm did. I enjoyed it. Enjoyed the bottomless appeal of the platform. But, again, now that I crossed it off my list, I don't feel an overwhelming need to return. I would, however, return to the Zugspitze.
I definitely think it is worth a visit, but I can't recommend it above some other attractions in Garmisch. Hopefully that makes sense!
9. Ludwigstrasse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By Sharon_zz - Tel Aviv, Israel
This street is a must for every tourist in the area. The Façades of the houses are so beautiful. Those façades were decorated with wall paintings in various subjects. Most of them are religious themes, some are related to the shop's merchandize. We were walking along the street, ignoring the rain and enjoying the beauty of the street
10. Garmisch-Classic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Reviewed By Saud A - Coventry, United Kingdom
I followed the water stream for about 40 km long. I enjoyed it. There are some area where you can go barbecue just few miles from the village in the western direction.
