Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Germany's alpine gateway.

Originally two separate towns, Garmisch and Partenkirchen were united by Hitler in order to host the 1936 Winter Olympics. These ancient towns (Partenkirchen was founded by the Romans as "Partanum") still share a bit of a rivalry, as well as endless beauty. Look up, and you'll find the Zugspitze, Germany's tallest mountain. Look around and you'll find herds of cows passing through en route to alpine meadows, and wooden homes covered in meticulous religious and historic paintings. Home to some of Germany's best skiing and hiking, Garmisch-Partenkirchen has been a popular spot for GIs seeking R&R since the 1950s.

Located near Germany's southern border, it's easy to ski or hike to Austria without noticing. You can ride various cable cars, ski lifts, and trains up the Zugspitze, take in its endless views, then ski down. Nearby is the dramatic Partnach Gorge. Further afield you can find Fussen (home to Neuschwanstein Castle), Oberammergau (featuring painted houses and a passion play held once a decade, and a name used for German tongue-twisters), and Innsbruck, Austria's own skiing and hiking capital, and a fellow Winter Olympics host.

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Spend some time in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on a tour that takes in other cities in Germany and neighboring countries. Our vacation packages including Garmisch-Partenkirchen and other destinations throughout Germany and Europe hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

The Best Hiking Experience in Salzkammergut, Tyrol and Bavaria

Munich, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich

10 Days

from$4,350 pp^*

Winter Sports and More in Germany & Austria

Munich, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna

12 Days

from$4,900 pp^*

Off the Beaten Path in Austria and Germany

Vienna, Graz, Kufstein, Innsbruck, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Munich

12 Days

from$4,375 pp^*

* Starting price is per person, based on double occupancy in 3 star accommodation, in the most affordable month an itinerary is offered. Airfare to Europe is not included.

Click on your choice of itinerary, select number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.

Things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Depending on the time of year you visit, you could be hiking, skiing or snowshoeing your way across the breathtaking alpine landscape in Germany's alps that border with Austria. When we send you your customized itinerary you will be able to choose additional excursions to include in your vacation package or consider adding later.

Private Zugspitze Snowshoe Hiking Tour

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

5.0 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of our trip packages including Garmisch-Partenkirchen, based on 2 reviews

Leslie & Adam

Florida

Incredible personalized trip planning; great attention to detail and coordination with some of the best hotels and tour guides across Europe.

Year : 2023
Visited : Germany, Austria
Itinerary : Munich, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich
Rating :

5 / 5

Daniel, Erin, Keely, Darby & Finley

North Carolina

Everything was seamless and so easy. Jayway saw to every detail and made our vacation amazing!

Year : 2023
Visited : Switzerland, Austria, Germany
Itinerary : Lucerne, Zurich, Innsbruck, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Salzburg, Munich
Rating :

5 / 5

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

How many days should I spend in Garmisch-Partenkirchen?

Even though Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a small city it is surrounded by huge mountains and many natural marvels that worth exploring. Keen hikers in summer and skiers in winter will need at least 3-5 days to fully enjoy this amazing mountain region.

Where's best, easiest and safest to get some local currency?

ATMs are ubiquitous, accessible 24/7 and the easiest and quickest way to obtain cash. However not all machines take all cards. Check with your bank or credit-card company about fees. If you need to exchange cash the safest it to use official bank, for instance Deutsche Bank, Bahnhofstrasse 41, Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Please note that Bavaria is still very much a cash culture and even though most of the shops and hotels accept payment cards many restaurant don't.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a mouthful to say. What do the locals call it?

The locals tend to abbreviate Garmisch-Partenkirchen to 'GAP'. We're sure you're agree that's a lot simpler!

How do I get around?

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is relatively small city and it has efficient public transportation. Five bus lines run all day long in 20-30 minute intervals. If you plan to explore the city and its surrounding it almost always pays off to but a day ticket that allows you unlimited rides on a specific day. Beside that, there is also a network of cable cars, lifts, and cogwheel train. It might be worth checking the official Zugspitze website for combined and discounted tickets before you make a trip to this highest German mountain.

How about the cultural venues?

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is mostly about nature and sport but there is a few museums to visit and live concerts and other cultural events take place as well. Museums are usually open from Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm as other museums all around the country. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is however small town and season might also play a part so it is recommended to check official website of the institution you want to visit before you go.

Shopping

Shops in Germany tend to close early and Garmisch-Partenkirchen is not an exception. Most of the local shops are open till 5 or 6 pm and supermarkets and big grocery shops close 8 pm the latest. Even the biggest shopping mall in the city GEP is open from 9 am till 7 pm only. Please note that except for some small convenience store all shops are closed on Sundays.

Is Garmisch-Partenkirchen safe?

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a very safe city. In fact Bavaria has the lowest crime rate in whole Germany. Having said that, it is always recommended to beware of pickpockets and other petty crime.

What are the options for people with dietary restrictions and intolerances?

German cuisine and Bavarian especially is is based on pork meat, dumpling, sauerkraut and sausages. Traditional pubs have usually very little to offer to vegetarians or anyone with special dietary restrictions. On the other hand Garmisch-Partenkirchen's gastronomic scene has been growing for many years now and it is easy to find the right restaurant for everyone. From Traditional pubs to Italian cuisine and Asian dishes to restaurant focusing on gluten free or raw diet.