Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a German ski resort in Bavaria right near the Austrian border. It’s a prominent destination for skiing, ice-skating and hiking. The town sits at the base of the Zugspitze Mountain, Germany’s highest peak. Filled with log cabin ski resorts and frescoed Austrian buildings, this is the perfect place for the outdoors fanatic to spend a long weekend, but also plenty of things to do and see if outdoor activities are not your thing.

Where to Stay

If you are military you might be tempted to stay at the massive military resort in Garmisch, called Edelweiss Lodge & Resort. Edelweiss is a very nice resort and certainly the largest one in the area, however, we wouldn’t recommend you to stay there for a few reasons. 1) It’s very Americanized. The restaurants are low quality, American sports bars, and the atmosphere lacks the authenticity that most people hope for when they travel. 2) It is often over-run by families with tons of children. If that’s appealing to you, because you have tons of kids of your own, then by all means…but, for us that further took away from the desired ambience. 3) It’s actually one of the more expensive resorts in the area. There isn’t much of a military discount if you’re active duty and staying at the Lodge

For our money we much prefer The Riessersee Hotel just down the road. This secluded hotel, a slight drive up on the side of the nearby mountains, has it all. It’s as genuinely authentic a Bavarian hotel as you’ll ever find. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. And, the on premises restaurant is phenomenal. They also have two saunas, a steam bath, an indoor pool and extensive offerings of wellness treatments. They even have herbalist and wellness coaches on staff to help you relax.

Things to Do in Garmisch

Zugspitze

Zugspitze is Germany’s highest mountain peak at almost 3000m high. A cogwheel train and cable car take you to the top for an unforgettable view of almost 400 snow-capped peaks across four countries. If you plan on skiing in Garmisch, make sure you go to Zugspitze. The other peaks in the area like Alspitze simply don’t have the elevation to provide good ski conditions. Towards the bottoms of the mountains the snow gets very slushy. Even if you don’t plan on skiing, still take the trip to the top of the mountain. The views are insane and there’s restaurants, bars and cafes that you can visit one day on your visit for lunch or even just a hot chocolate while taking in the view.

Eibsee

At the foothills of Zugspitze is one of the most beautiful, crystal clear, mirror-like alpine lakes you’ll ever see. Eibsee is considered to be one of the most stunning lakes in Germany, if not its prettiest. In the summer there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating and scenic hikes around the lake. For more information on popular Eibsee activities click HERE.

Partnachklamm: The Partnach Gorge

In the summer time, a great place to hike is the Partnach Gorge. With its gushing waterfalls, rapids and crystal clear pools fed by mountain streams of ice water, there are more than enough jaw-dropping sites to fill an entire day. The gorge is 263 feet deep and runs for over 2300 feet in length. There’s two safe trails to choose from and a pathway that leads you across the gorge if you choose. They even have guided torchlight tours in the evening. Check out all the available options for your visit HERE.

Hike the Wetterstein Mountains

The Wetterstein mountain range is shared by Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Mittenwald, Bavaria and Seefeld and Ehrwald in Tyrol, Zugspitze being the most famous peak in this range. If you are an avid hiker/trekker you can follow these self-guided hut to hut hikes HERE.

Linderhof Palace

A 5 min drive from Garmisch will bring you to the small town of Ettal. Here, among other things, you will find Linderhof Palace, the opulent winter retreat of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. A tour of the palace is absolutely a must do while visiting Garmisch.

Ettal Abbey

Also in the tiny village of Ettal, close to Oberammergau and Garmisch, is a stunning Benedictine monastery & distillery, the Ettal Abbey. With a community of more than 50 monks, the Abbey is one of the largest Benedictine houses on earth. You can visit the Abbey, take in its beautiful church and then head to their gift shop where a full length robed monk will sell you as many bottles of their deliciously home brewed beer as you can carry to your car.

Kolbensattel (The Alpine Coaster)

In summer time you can enjoy the Alpines best adventure in nearby Oberammergau, the Kolbensattel Alpine Coaster. Ride down the mountain in a single person, tracked cart, while taking in the mountain landscape. To learn more, click HERE.

Other Activities

Check out ice skating, sledding and ice stock shooting (the secret Bavarian national sport) by clicking HERE.

Check out mountain bike routes and rentals HERE.

Check out white water rafting options HERE.

Take a Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

For more information on visiting the castles of Neuschwanstein check out our page dedicated to Neuschwanstein by clicking HERE.

Bavarian Cuisine That You Should Definitely Try

Fleischpflanzerl

Whether you call them hamburger patties or meat balls – they’re not quite either and they never taste as good as they do here, on holiday in Bavaria. Try them with warm potato salad.

Schweinshaxe mit Knödel

Crispy pork, fluffy Knödel (dumplings), a pretzel or Bavarian kraut – it doesn’t get any more Bavarian than that

Obazda

Ripe camembert, lots of butter and spices form an irresistible trio. The traditional spread is an obligatory part of every Bavarian Brotzeit (meal with bread, cold cuts and cheese).

Auszogne

Sweet and lardy – the fried yeast-risen pastry tastes best with lots of powdered sugar!

Zwetschgendatschi

The perfect treat on a balmy Alpine summer day. Zwetschgendatschi with whipped cream is probably the most seductive combination of shortcrust pastry, with plums and powdered sugar that you’ll ever find.

Strüdel

And, of course, strüdel. This thinly layer dough with melted butter, powdered sugar, fruit filling and crumble, sugary, bread crumbs is pretty much synonymous with German desserts and the Bavarians do it the best.

Garmisch’s Best Restaurants

Wurzelwerk Restaurant at Werdenfelserie

Our favorite restaurant, by far, in Garmisch is the outstanding Werdenfelserie. This restaurant has one of the most perfect seasonal tasting menus you’ll ever find. The food is perfectly prepared and plated and expertly paired with wines in a stunning mountain lodge ambience. If you’re looking for a special meal while visiting Garmisch look no further than Werdenfelserie.

Seerestaurant at Riessersee Hotel

There are a couple restaurants at the Riessersee Hotel, but the one you want to book is the Lake House restaurant that is across the street from the hotel. It offers fantastic mountain and lake panoramas and serves excellent Bavarian food with a seasonally changing menu.