Picturesque Alpine resort town combining two villages, host of 1936 Winter Olympics. Surrounded by Zugspitze and other peaks, offering world-class skiing, hiking, and traditional Bavarian architecture. Lüftlmalerei frescoes decorate buildings throughout the charming pedestrian zone.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a market town in the Bavarian Alps at the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, formed by the administrative merger of two villages in 1935 to host the Winter Olympics of 1936. The distinction between the old Partenkirchen — with its Lüftlmalerei painted facades on Ludwigstrasse and a history dating to the Roman road — and the more modern Garmisch to the west is still visible in the streetscape. Together they form the principal resort base for the Bavarian Alps: winter skiing across four mountain areas (Zugspitze, Alpspitze, Hausberg, and Wank), summer hiking on over 300 kilometres of marked trails, and cycling across the Loisach valley. The Olympic Ski Stadium in Partenkirchen, built for 1936, remains active and is the venue for the annual Four Hills Tournament ski jump competition on New Year's Day. The Lüftlmalerei fresco tradition is best seen on the houses of Ludwigstrasse in the old Partenkirchen quarter: biblical scenes, hunting motifs, and architectural trompe-l'oeil decorate entire facades in a style unique to this part of the Bavarian Alps. The Zugspitzbahn cogwheel railway departs from Garmisch station and is the starting point for the Zugspitze ascent. Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm), a 700-metre limestone canyon with 80-metre walls, begins at the Olympic Ski Stadium and is one of the region's most spectacular walking routes. The town is easily reached by direct train from Munich in 90 minutes.
Good to know
- Hours
- Accessible year-round
- Best for
- skiers, hikers, nature lovers, families
Location
Garmisch-Partenkirchen town center
47.4924, 11.0955 View on map
Highlights
- Direct base for Zugspitze ascent via cogwheel railway from the town station
- Lüftlmalerei painted house facades on Ludwigstrasse in the Partenkirchen quarter
- Olympic Ski Stadium — venue for the New Year's Four Hills ski jump tournament
- Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm) beginning at the stadium edge — 80-metre limestone walls
- 300+ km of summer hiking trails across four surrounding mountain areas
Tips for visiting
- Base for Zugspitze, Partnach Gorge, and Alpine hikes
- Excellent skiing Dec-Apr on multiple mountains
- Try traditional Bavarian restaurants on Ludwigstrasse
- GaPa guestcard provides public transport and discounts
- Visit Olympic Ski Jump complex for history and views
When to visit
December through March for skiing and winter Alpine scenery. June through September for hiking, mountain biking, and lake swimming at Eibsee. The New Year's Four Hills ski jump on 1 January is a festive spectacle drawing large crowds to the stadium.
Accessibility
The town centre and pedestrian zones are flat and accessible. The Zugspitze Eibsee cable car and cogwheel railway are accessible for wheelchair users. The Partnach Gorge walkway has steps and uneven surfaces that limit wheelchair access through the gorge itself.
Frequently asked questions
Is Garmisch-Partenkirchen a good base for day trips?
Yes. The Zugspitze, Neuschwanstein Castle (1.5 hours by car or bus), Partnach Gorge, Eibsee lake, and Mittenwald are all within easy reach. Munich is 90 minutes by direct train.
What is there to do in summer beyond hiking?
The Alpspix observation platform, Eibsee lake for swimming and kayaking, the Partnach Gorge walk, and cycling routes through the Loisach valley all operate in summer. The Zugspitze cable car runs year-round.
When is the best time for skiing?
The main ski season runs December through March. The Zugspitzplatt glacier maintains ski conditions through April or May depending on snowfall. Snow reliability is generally good above 1,200 metres.