In this resort village, experience the best of the Bavarian Alps, from world-class skiing on shimmering glaciers to scenic hiking routes, heritage trails and dense woods.
The village of Garmisch-Partenkirchen lies in the valleys of the Bavarian Alps, beneath the towering Zugspitze peak. Combined in 1935 to host the 1936 Winter Olympics, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is best known as a mountain resort, home of the magnificent Garmisch-Classic Ski Resort. Ski pristine powder and groomed slopes on this internationally acclaimed mountain or visit the resort in summer to experience breathtaking alpine hiking and history.
Visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen in winter to enjoy its exceptional ski areas. With modern cable cars and chairlifts, Garmisch-Classic has a range of slopes for all skill levels, from the blue-graded Kinderland to the dizzying moguls and tree-skiing runs of Kreuzeck. Garmisch-Partenkirchen hosts thrilling international snow-sports events, including downhill ski races, figure skating and hockey. Ride the cogwheel train up the formidable Zugspitze to enjoy stunning views and glacial plateau skiing. See this mountain vista throughout the summer while exploring the rugged alpine landscapes above Garmisch-Partenkirchen and neighboring Grainau.
Visit the town year-round and admire the charming streetscapes. Garmisch has a more modern atmosphere, while Partenkirchen has maintained plenty of traditional alpine Bavarian charisma. Stroll around Partenkirchen to see heritage houses with painted façades. Learn about some of the resort’s more recent history at the Stadion Olympiaschanze Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a relic of intriguing architecture from the 1936 Olympics.
Explore some of Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s glacially chiseled landscapes, such as the awe-inspiring gorges of Partnachklamm and Höllentalklamm. Stroll around beautiful Eibsee for views of the colossal Zugspitze.
Check out traditional Bavarian beer gardens and restaurants. Sample a cold Bavarian lager and select from a variety of quality meats, cheeses and breads. Find a range of accommodations, from camping sites to traditional inns and ferienwohnungen (vacation rentals).
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is located in the Bavarian Alps, 56 miles (90 kilometers) southwest of Munich. Reach the resort within 1.5 hours from Munich on public transportation. Nearby, visit the pretty vacation resort of Seefeld in Tyrol, Austria, and the castles of Ludwig II, including the fairy tale-like Neuschwanstein Castle.