- The town was created by a mandatory merger ordered by the Nazi government to host the 1936 Winter Olympics, joining the independent villages of Garmisch and Partenkirchen.
- Despite being one municipality, Garmisch and Partenkirchen maintain separate traditional brass bands and distinct local identities.
- The town features a unique architectural style known as 'Lüftlmalerei,' where house exteriors are decorated with complex, hand-painted murals depicting religious or folktale themes.
- It remains one of the few places in Germany that hosted both Summer (as part of early planning concepts) and Winter Olympic events in the 20th century.
About Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a prominent Bavarian alpine market town located at the foot of Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze. Formed by the 1935 merger of two distinct towns for the Winter Olympics, the area serves as a premier hub for mountain sports and cultural heritage. Visitors can access high-altitude terrain via the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn Mountain Railway or explore local geology at the Partnachklamm gorge. The town retains a traditional aesthetic with elaborate Lüftlmalerei murals adorning many facades, particularly along the Historische Ludwigstraße.
Highlights of Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Traverse the narrow, dramatic limestone rock faces of this protected natural monument.
Places of interest
Step onto this cantilevered viewing platform for an unobstructed perspective of the deep Höllental valley.
Venues
Visit the modern architectural landmark that continues the town's historic Olympic legacy.
Natural attractions
Ride the historic rack railway to reach the Zugspitze plateau from the valley floor.
Temples
Explore the historic Baroque architecture and active monastery life of this nearby religious site.
Historical places
Walk through the historic heart of Partenkirchen to view well-preserved Lüftlmalerei frescoes.
Parks
Enjoy the landscaped green spaces designed for public leisure in the center of Garmisch.
Historical places
Hike to these medieval ruins for a view overlooking the valley floor and surrounding peaks.
Top things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The 258 highest-rated places in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
Linderhof Palace is the only one of King Ludwig II's three palace projects that was completed during his lifetime. The a...
2
Places of interest
The Partnachklamm is a 700-meter-long limestone gorge carved by the Partnach River, reaching depths of up to 80 meters....
3
Natural attractions
The Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany, reaching an elevation of 2,962 meters above sea level. Located in the...
4
Natural attractions
Eibsee is a crystal-clear, emerald-colored alpine lake located at the base of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. For...
5
Natural attractions
The Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany, reaching an elevation of 2,962 meters above sea level. The modern Cabl...
6
Natural attractions
The Tiroler Zugspitzbahn is an aerial tramway in Ehrwald, Austria, that ascends to the 2,962-meter summit of the Zugspit...
7
Places of interest
Alpspix is a steel viewing platform consisting of two cantilevered arms that extend 25 meters over the abyss above the H...
8
Amusement parks
AREA 47 is an extensive outdoor adventure park located at the entrance to the Ötztal valley in Tyrol, Austria. The facil...
9
Places of interest
The Leutascher Geisterklamm is a dramatic limestone gorge carved by the Leutascher Ache river, situated on the border be...
10
Natural attractions
Walchensee is one of Germany's deepest and largest alpine lakes, reaching a maximum depth of 192 meters. Situated in the...
11
Natural attractions
The Wankbahn is a cable car system in Garmisch-Partenkirchen that transports visitors to the summit of the Wank mountain...
12
Venues
The Grosse Olympiaschanze is a modern ski jump facility in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, rebuilt in 2007 to replace the 1936 O...
13
Natural attractions
The Leutasch-Klamm (Leutasch Gorge) features a series of iron catwalks bolted directly into the rock face, suspended up...
14
Natural attractions
The Bayerische Zugspitzbahn is a rack railway that transports passengers from the base in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the...
15
Places of interest
The Kuhfluchtwasserfälle represent one of the highest waterfall systems in Germany, cascading down a total height of app...
16
Natural attractions
The Kolben chairlift serves as the primary access point to the Kolbensattel mountain lodge situated at an elevation of 1...
17
Places of interest
Seebensee is a high-altitude mountain lake located at 1,657 meters above sea level in the Mieminger Chain of the Austria...
18
Temples
Ettal Abbey is a major Benedictine monastery located in the Ammergau Alps, founded by Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian in 133...
19
Temples
Stift Stams is a Cistercian monastery founded in 1273 by Count Meinhard II of Gorizia-Tyrol. The complex features a 17th...
20
Places of interest
Schleifmühlklamm is a dramatic, narrow limestone gorge in the Ammergau Alps carved by the Schleifmühlbach stream. The tr...
21
Historical places
Burgruine Werdenfels is a 13th-century hilltop castle ruin situated on a limestone cliff overlooking the Loisach valley...
22
Natural attractions
Piburger See is a protected natural lake situated in the Ötztal valley of Tyrol, Austria, at an elevation of 913 meters....
23
Natural attractions
Blindsee is a high-altitude mountain lake located near Biberwier at an elevation of 1,093 meters, renowned for its turqu...
24
Natural attractions
The Häselgehr Wasserfall is a natural cascade located in the Lechtal Alps within the Austrian state of Tyrol. It is fed...
25
Natural attractions
Seebensee is a high-alpine lake situated at an elevation of 1,657 meters in the Mieminger Chain of the Tyrolean Alps. It...
26
Natural attractions
Staffelsee is a moor lake located in the Bavarian Alpine foothills, notable for its seven islands and panoramic views of...
27
Temples
28
Parks
29
Historical places
Historische Ludwigstraße serves as the vibrant, pedestrian-friendly heart of the Partenkirchen district in Garmisch-Part...
30
Temples
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Garmisch-Partenkirchen on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Late June to early September for optimal hiking and mountain access, or January to March for winter sports.
3-4 days to balance mountain excursions with village exploration.
The local Eibsee-Bus and regional train lines connect key sites, while the village centers are largely walkable.
Stay in Garmisch for proximity to the rail station and ski lifts, or choose Partenkirchen for a quieter, more historic atmosphere.
Mid-to-high range, reflecting the popularity of this year-round alpine resort.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 258 curated attractions in and around Garmisch-Partenkirchen, ranked by traveller ratings.
Linderhof Palace is the highest-rated place to visit in Garmisch-Partenkirchen right now.
The largest category is natural attractions, with 73 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Vienna, Innsbruck, Ebbs.
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