Why Garmisch-Partenkirchen Makes a Great Base for Visiting Bavaria

Garmisch-Partenkirchen: A Great Base in Bavaria

The town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen makes a great base in Bavaria due to its location on the border of southern Germany and Austria. While here, visit the king’s castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, stand on the top of Germany at Zugspitze, and hop on a summer luge run. In this article, we share why Garmisch-Partenkirchen makes for a great place to stay and explore while visiting Bavaria.

About Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Located right on the border of Germany and Austria, Garmisch-Partenkirchen was once originally comprised of the two towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen. The two towns were forced to unite in 1935 by Adolf Hitler in order to prep for the 1936 Olympic Winter Games. Even today, some residents remain loyal to either Garmisch or Partenkirchen, refusing to acknowledge this unification.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a world-renowned ski destination in the winter and a coveted hiking destination in the summer. Beyond these alpine activities, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is primely located to visit Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. It also makes for a great base when visiting the king’s castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, located in Füssen, about a one hour drive away.

When we went

June 2024. The weather was glorious with temperatures in the 70s and mostly blue skies.

Where we stayed

We stayed in a fantastic Airbnb. It was so great to have a full kitchen and laundry and even a sauna and workout facility in the building. At this point in the trip, the last half, we really appreciated all these amenities.

Enjoying the outdoor area of our Airbnb

Great Things to do Around Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Stand at the top of Germany at Zugspitze

Zugspitze is known as “the top of Germany”, as it is Germany’s highest peak. You can reach it by hiking, although that will take days. The fastest way is to take the Eibsee Gondola, which you can reach with the train that departs the Garmisch-Partenkirchen station.

GUIDE TO VISITING ZUGSPITZE

We have a full guide on visiting Germany’s highest peak, Zugspitze, located here.

OUR EXPERIENCE VISITING ZUGSPITZE

We parked in the lot in front of the Zugspitze station and purchased our tickets on site. We then had a short wait for the train and soon were on our way to Eibsee, where we caught the gondola up to Zugspitze. The views are incredible on the train ride to Eibsee.

Views from the train from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Eibsee

We got off the train in Eibsee, crossed a small pathway, and entered the gondola station. This may be a bit challenging if you have a fear of heights. However, the ride was smooth and the views absolutely incredible! The gondola is the longest free span gondola in the world and has the biggest distance between valley floor and summit station at 2 kilometers!

On the gondola up to Zugspitze

As you ride up, you pass over hikers, above Lake Eibsee, and next to the mountainsides. It feels as though you can reach out and touch them! The final ascent seemingly whisks you vertically among the mountains and then you finally arrive at the top of Germany. If you can handle the ten minute gondola ride and riding up to over 9,000 feet next to mountainous terrain, you will be handsomely rewarded with the most magnificent views.

After getting off the gondola, you are free to explore the entire area. It will likely be chilly and windy, as you are on the literal top of Germany!

The golden cross marks Germany’s highest peak, Zugspitze

The views of the Alps from the Top of Germany are magnificent. Zugspitze, the official highest peak of Germany, is marked with a golden cross. One can climb up to the top and officially stand at the top of Germany as long as it is open. When we visited in mid-June, snow still covered the path which meant it was closed for climbing.

The path up to the cross was still snow-covered in June

You can also cross from Germany into Austria simply by walking through a doorway. The Austrian side had a big snow pile, which you can see Mike standing on!

Mike is the tall guy on the snow pile on the Austrian side

The views are jaw-droppingly beautiful. A visit to Zugspitze is not to be missed while in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Views from the top of Germany

Visit the Kings Castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein

Located about an hour east of Garmisch-Partenkirchen are the King’s Castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, located in Füssen. Hohenschwangau was the boyhood home of King Ludwig the II with Neuschwanstein being his dream castle he had built as an adult. King Ludwig only lived in the castle for 172 days as he was found dead in a nearby lake. Was it murder or suicide? The official cause of death still remains a mystery to this day.

GUIDE TO VISITING THE KINGS CASTLES

For our full guide on visiting Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles, including planning tips and more, check out the guide here.

A visit to the King’s Castles is a must while visiting Bavaria. We toured the interior of both castles, although one can visit for free, simply by hiking up to Neuschwanstein instead of taking the shuttle bus.

Neuschwanstein Castle

You can then walk onto Marienbrucke and all around Neuschwanstein Castle, taking views from various points. Head back down to the P4 parking lot and hike up to Hohenschwangau, also walking around and taking in the views.

Hohenschwangau Castle

While you cannot enter the castles without paying for a tour, this may suffice if on a budget or unsure of your time constraints.

VIew of Hohenschwangau and beyond from Neuschwanstein Castle

Besides visiting the castles, there are souvenir shops and restaurants in the area. We dined at a biergarten just below Hohenschwangau, enjoying the festive atmosphere with live music, charcuterie, and bier.

Shops and restaurants – the yellow building is the biergarten we dined at following our castle visits

Coast down the Mountainside on a Summer Luge Run

The Alpine regions of Europe feature a really fun way to experience them in the summer: A summer luge run! Known as a “Sommer Rodelbahn”, these luge runs can run from long and fast to shorter and better suited for small children.

Since we were near Schwangau while visiting Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles, we stopped at the Tegelberg Sommer Rodelbahn for a try at the luge run. This one was not too steep and there were a lot of families with small children here. We had fun gliding down the mountainside.

Fun on the Sommer Rodelbahn

While on the luge run we also saw lots of paragliders, as it is a popular thing to do in the area.

Paragliders

Visit the Olympic Ski Jump

The Olympic Games that were the catalyst for the uniting of Garmisch and Partenkirchen were the host of the ski jump event in the 1936 Munich Olympics.

In 2007, the original ski jump was torn down and a replacement went up. Walking around the grounds and stadium are free!

Take in the Views at Lake Eibsee

The beautiful Lake Eibsee is one of Germany’s most picturesque lakes. You can rent SUPs from the Eibsee Hotel, canoe around the lake, or even hike around the lake, which is about 4.5 miles.

View of Lake Eibsee from Zugspitze

Hike the Partnach Gorge and Trails

We had wanted to visit Partnach Gorge while here, but the weather on the day we wanted to visit was not good for visiting. With impressive rock faces and rushing water, Partnach Gorge is a unique hiking destination. The gorge can close from time to time due to water levels, so be sure to check the website for current information.

Many trails lace Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a glorious hiking destination. Surrounded by mountains, including Germany’s highest peak, you won’t run out of trails to hike in the area! If walking is more your thing, paths run along side the roadways, allowing you to simply meander from town to town.

Explore Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a lovely town with charming Bavarian facades on the buildings and the rushing Loisach River flowing right through town.

The Loisach River flows through Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Braden and I set out to explore one afternoon, really enjoying our time in this German town at the foot of the alps.

Exploring the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen

You will find plenty of shops, including those selling traditional Bavarian clothing, cafes, restaurants and more.

Staying in Garmisch-Partenkirchen opens up a world of alpine fun. From hiking to standing at the top of Germany and visiting the King’s Castles, it is a fantastic place to base for a few days while exploring these gems of Bavaria.