Garmisch-Partenkirchen is, without a doubt, the most famous resort in the German Alps, partly because of its proximity to the highest mountain, the Zugspitze, and partly because it hosted the 1936 Olympic Winter Games. The town’s location between the gentle Ammer mountains and the imposing peaks of the Wetterstein chain, invite skiers and skaters in winter, and mountaineers and hikers in summer. Whatever the season, whatever your fitness level or sports experience, Garmisch-Partenkirchen shouldn’t be missed.
Sports and More
Four Hills Tournament
Garmisch-Partenkirchen might be a dwarf when it comes to the city’s size, with less than 30,000 inhabitants, but it’s a giant on the events calendar particularly in winter. The historic Four Hills Tournament is the absolute highlight of the Ski Jumping season and it’s broadcast worldwide. In 1953, the first tournament was held and Garmisch-Partenkirchen is traditionally the second competition after Oberstdorf. The New Year’s Day Ski Jumping on January 1 is a thrilling start to the year and enjoyed by some 20,000 spectators.
Skiing Races
Germany’s ski town #1 holds world cup races every year and was the host of the World Championship in 1978 and 2011. Standing at the famous Kandahar slope for the first time, you’ll be surprised at how steep and icy the slope is. Watching the ski pros speeding down in a breakneck run, skilled and fearless, is a unique experience.
BMW Motorrad Days
An event involving more horizontal movement happens annually at the BMW Motorrad Days. About 40,000 motorcycle enthusiasts meet at the foot of the Zugspitze to experience new BMW Motorrad products up-close and discover many world firsts. Touching and trying is encouraged, and you can even test ride the latest models. Plus, there are breathtaking stunt shows, heart-stopping daredevil performances in the motodrom and various Alpine excursions.
Heimatwochen (local weeks)
For more than half a century, the “Heimatwochen” (local weeks) in July and August have been celebrating all things Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Processions, national costume groups, “Schuhplattler” (the Bavarian traditional folk dance), “Goaßlschnalzer” (whip-crackers) and stone lifters: this is the best time to experience authentic traditions. Have a beer and a traditional hearty snack before showing how much of a Bavarian temper you possess during the open dance at the “Heimatabend” (local evening).
Cultural Attractions
Richard Strauss Festival
Garmisch-Partenkirchen was the adopted home of the composer Richard Strauss. Every year in early summer famous artists, ensembles and orchestras gather in the idyllic spa town to celebrate him during a top-class, internationally respected festival which entices music lovers from all over the world. If you’d like to stroll in the Strauss’ footsteps, the “Play Walk” will provide you with the right escort. In 2019, the festival will be held from June 21 – 30.
King Ludwig II of Bavaria
As in many other places, King Ludwig II of Bavaria also left his mark on Garmisch-Partenkirchen. In 1860, about six miles south of the town, the “Mad King” built a small castle in the form of a Swiss Chalet. Called The King’s House on the Schachen, the building sits in the tranquillity of the mountains directly beneath Mount Dreitorspitze. The castle’s façade was kept surprisingly simple, however, the colorful and luxurious “Moorish Courtroom”, which occupies the whole top floor, lies in stark contrast to the plain exterior. The castle is only accessible via a 3-4hrs hike and you’ll find a beautiful botanical garden nearby with approx. 1,500 different Alpine plants and flowers.
City Sights
Down below in the historic center of Partenkirchen, follow the tracks of the fresco painter Heinrich Bickel who decorated the “Fraundorfer Inn” in the Ludwigstraße with a gorgeous country wedding scene. In this cozy inn, which is the most famous one of Upper Bavaria, Bavarian tradition becomes almost tangible. At the southern end of the street, you’ll find the Old House, which is thought to have its origin in the time of the emperor Barbarossa (12th century). Tour the Simon House where Archangel Michael keeps watch with his flaming sword and lily and visit the fountain in the church square with the two mountain huntsmen in traditional costumes of Partenkirchen.
Natural Wonders
Zugspitze
The landscape around Garmisch-Partenkirchen is of outstanding natural beauty, and the jewel in the crown is, of course, Germany’s highest mountain. The Zugspitze (9,724 ft) is full of superlatives: home to the country’s only glacier, a sweeping 360° panorama including mountain peaks in four countries and an attractive range of activities from glacier hiking to tobogganing. There’s a reason why the locals advertise the area with the slogan “Top of Germany”.
In order to enjoy the view from the Zugspitze you can scale the mountain on foot (only recommended for experienced mountaineers), ride the popular cogwheel railway from Garmisch-Partenkirchen itself or jump on the new Zugspitze cable car from Lake Eibsee. At the summit, spectacular views, a brand-new restaurant called Panorama 2962 and Germany’s highest beer garden await. In winter, you can spend the night surrounded by snow and ice in an Igloo Village consisting of around 20 snow houses, a bar, kitchen, and two whirlpools.
Partnach Gorge
Declared a natural monument in 1912, the Partnach Gorge near Garmisch-Partenkirchen will cast its spell on you with its wild waterfalls, water rapids and tranquil water basins. At one time visitors trying to walk through it risked their lives, but nowadays there are two safe paths. If you’re not afraid of heights, the iron bridge with a height of nearly 230 ft offers you fascinating perspectives. A more comfortable track through the gorge runs right alongside the water. This is the path that was used by lumberjacks, hunters, and rangers in the past. From here, the roaring waters are within reach.
Romantic horse-drawn carriages, which start at the parking lot, are a comfortable way to reach the gorge and guided torch-lit hikes through the natural monument are especially popular. In wintertime, when the light of the burning torches is refracted by the ice curtains, the gorge is an exceptionally mystical and charming place.