Complete Garmisch-Partenkirchen Travel Guide: Know Before You Go

Quick Overview: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

• Location: Southern Bavaria, Germany – at the base of the Zugspitze
• Best For: Outdoor lovers, slow travelers, couples, and scenic getaways
• Known For: Germany’s highest mountain, alpine lakes, gorges, and Bavarian charm
• Ideal Trip Length: 3 days is perfect for a relaxed but thorough visit
• Best Time to Visit: Autumn for color and fewer crowds, summer for hiking, winter for skiing
• Where to Stay: Hotels near Lake Riessersee, downtown Garmisch, or Grainau
• Getting There: Easy train ride or drive from Munich (~90 minutes)
• Don’t Miss: Zugspitze, Partnach Gorge, Lake Eibsee, and the cobbled lanes of Old Town Partenkirchen
• Related Reads: 3 Day Garmisch Itinerary, Best Things to Do in Garmisch, Where to Stay in Garmisch

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them — at no extra cost to you.

If you’re looking for a classic Bavarian mountain town that still feels authentic, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the best places to visit in the German Alps. From the top of the Zugspitze to the peaceful shores of Lake Eibsee, this alpine destination offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and slow travel charm. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Garmisch a couple of times now, and every time I go, I leave already thinking about the next trip.

This complete Garmisch-Partenkirchen travel guide covers everything you need to know before you go — whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying longer. I’ll walk you through when to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and of course, the best things to see and do. Plus, I’ve linked out to all of my detailed blog posts for deeper dives into each part of your trip.

Is Garmisch-Partenkirchen Worth Visiting?

Absolutely — Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the most beautiful places in Bavaria, and a must-visit if you’re looking for that quintessential German Alps experience. Whether you’re into hiking, lakes, snowy peaks, cozy Bavarian inns, or just taking it slow in a scenic setting, Garmisch delivers.

It’s not just about the big-ticket sights like Zugspitze or Partnach Gorge — it’s about the atmosphere. Garmisch blends outdoor adventure with mountain-town charm in a way that’s hard to beat. And while some parts of the town are geared toward tourism, it doesn’t feel overly commercialized. It’s still very much a real, lived-in place.

I always recommend Garmisch to people who want the Alps without the crowds of Austria or Switzerland — and who want to base themselves somewhere peaceful but still packed with things to do.

Where to Stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Where you stay in Garmisch will shape how you experience the town — and each part of Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers something a little different. Here’s a quick guide to the best areas to stay, depending on your travel style.

Hotel Highlight: Staying at Hotel Riessersee

If you’re looking for somewhere peaceful, scenic, and just a little off the beaten path, Hotel Riessersee is hard to beat. It’s perched above town on a small alpine lake, surrounded by forest, with mountain views in nearly every direction. I stayed here on my most recent trip and honestly, it was one of the highlights of my entire visit.

Learn more about my stay at Riessersee Hotel!

It’s the kind of place where you can go for a walk around the lake in the morning, sip coffee on your balcony, or just sit and watch the clouds roll over the peaks. There’s a great restaurant onsite, and even though it feels remote, it’s only a short drive or taxi from downtown Garmisch.

Book your stay at Riessersee Hotel on: Expedia or Booking.com

Airbnb Highlight: A Cozy Stay in the Heart of Garmisch

If you’re looking for more space, a kitchen, or just that “live like a local” feel, an Airbnb in Garmisch is a great option — and I found one I can genuinely recommend. It’s a cozy one-bedroom apartment right in town, with a balcony that faces the mountains and everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Learn more about my Airbnb stay in Garmisch!

It’s perfect for couples, solo travelers, or even remote workers spending a bit more time in the Alps. You can walk to the shops, grab groceries nearby, and settle into a slower rhythm while still being close to all the sights.

Best Areas to Stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Downtown Garmisch

Best for: Walkability, shops, restaurants, and first-timers
This is the modern half of town and the main hub for travelers. If you want to be able to walk to restaurants, grab a morning coffee, or hop on a train, this is the most convenient base. You’ll find plenty of hotels, shops, and access to public transport here.

Lake Riessersee

Best for: Peaceful views, nature lovers, couples
Set just above the town, this area offers a quieter, more scenic stay. You’ll get beautiful views of the surrounding forest and mountains, and there’s a peaceful walking trail around the lake. It feels like a retreat but is still just a short drive or taxi from downtown.

→ I stayed at Hotel Riessersee here and it was one of the highlights of my trip.

Grainau

Best for: Quiet villages, Zugspitze access, families with a car
Grainau is a small village on the edge of Garmisch, closer to the base of Zugspitze and Lake Eibsee. It’s great if you want a more residential, laid-back feel — and it’s perfect for early starts to the cable car or lake hikes. Best if you have a car.

Partenkirchen

Best for: History, traditional charm, a slower pace
This is the older part of town, with narrow cobbled lanes and painted buildings. It’s quieter than Garmisch and has more of a traditional Bavarian village feel. It’s a lovely base if you want something a little more off the tourist track.

Recommended Hotels in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

• Riessersee Hotel
  Lakeside hotel with mountain views, spa, and classic Bavarian charm
  Book on Expedia | Book on Booking.com
• Das Graseck – Mountain Hideaway & Health Care
  Adults-only alpine retreat accessible by private gondola, focused on wellness
  Book on Expedia | Book on Booking.com
• Eibsee Hotel
  Right on the shores of Lake Eibsee with direct access to Zugspitze cable car
  Book on Booking.com
• Hotel Zugspitze
  Centrally located with alpine interiors and wellness amenities
  Book on Expedia | Book on Booking.com
• Obermühle Boutique Resort
  Upscale boutique hotel with panoramic mountain views and an infinity pool
  Book on Expedia | Book on Booking.com
• Werdenfelserei
  Modern, eco-friendly boutique hotel with a rooftop spa and local cuisine
  Book on Expedia | Book on Booking.com
• aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen
  Larger resort-style stay with pool and spa, great for families or groups
  Book on Expedia | Book on Booking.com
• Hotel Garni Brunnthaler
  Clean, affordable, and centrally located — good for short stays
  Book on Expedia | Book on Booking.com
• HYPERION Hotel Garmisch-Partenkirchen
  Upscale chain hotel with modern amenities and a reliable experience
  Book on Expedia | Book on Booking.com

How to Get to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is incredibly easy to reach, especially if you’re coming from Munich, which is the most common jumping-off point. Whether you’re planning to travel by train, rental car, or on a guided tour, the trip takes about 1.5 hours and gets more scenic the closer you get to the Alps.

By Train (Most Popular)

The train from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Garmisch-Partenkirchen Bahnhof is direct, comfortable, and scenic. Trains run hourly and the ride takes about 90 minutes. If you’re traveling after 9 AM, grab a Bayern Ticket — it’s a budget-friendly option for unlimited travel on regional trains for the day.

→ Check schedules and book tickets on Omio

Read my full guide about How to Get to Garmisch!

By Car (More Flexibility)

Driving gives you more freedom to explore at your own pace — great if you plan to visit Eibsee, Mittenwald, or Neuschwanstein Castle as part of your trip. From Munich, it’s a straightforward drive down the A95 Autobahn, and most hotels in Garmisch offer free or paid parking.

→ Find car rental deals on Rentalcars.com or Discover Cars 

By Tour (Best for Day Trips)

If you’re short on time and not staying overnight, guided tours from Munich are an option. Some include Zugspitze, Lake Eibsee, or even castle visits in a single day — though I personally think Garmisch is best enjoyed at a slower pace.

→ Browse day trips on GetYourGuide

Best Time to Visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The best time to visit Garmisch really depends on what you want from your trip. Each season brings something different — from wildflower hikes and alpine lakes in summer to snow-covered mountains and cozy lodges in winter.

That said, autumn is my personal favorite. The trees around Lake Riessersee and Eibsee turn vibrant shades of red and gold, the summer crowds thin out, and the air gets that crisp mountain freshness that makes you want to slow down and just take it all in.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect each season:

• Summer (June–August): Great for hiking, lake days, and long daylight hours — also the busiest season.
• Autumn (September–November): Fewer crowds, beautiful fall colors, and perfect for slow travel.
• Winter (December–March): Snow sports, Christmas markets, frozen gorges — magical, but cold.
• Spring (April–May): Quiet season with blooming valleys, but some hikes may still be closed due to snow.

Read my full guide about When to Visit Garmisch!

Best Things to Do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch is packed with stunning nature, classic Bavarian charm, and easy ways to get outdoors without needing to be an extreme hiker. Here are some of the best things to do during your visit:

• Ride the Zugspitze Cable Car or Train – Visit the highest peak in Germany for sweeping alpine views and a bucket-list photo op.
  → Check out my Zugspitze Travel Guide and how to get there from Garmisch.
• Walk through the Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm) – A dramatic canyon with tunnels, waterfalls, and misty rock walls.
  → Read my full Partnach Gorge Guide.
• Stroll around Lake Eibsee – A crystal-clear alpine lake with an easy walking trail and incredible reflections of the Zugspitze.
  → Explore my Lake Eibsee Travel Guide.
• Wander the Garmisch pedestrian zone – Great for shopping, cafés, and soaking up a laid-back Bavarian vibe.
• Explore historic Partenkirchen – The older, quieter side of town known for painted facades and traditional Bavarian charm.
• Relax at Lake Riessersee – A peaceful lake just above town, perfect for a sunset drink or morning walk.
  → Learn more in my Hotel Riessersee review.

Learn more about the best things to do in Garmisch!

How Many Days Should You Spend in Garmisch-Partenkirchen?

Three days is the sweet spot for visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It gives you enough time to see the major highlights — like Zugspitze, Lake Eibsee, and Partnach Gorge — without rushing. You’ll also have room in the schedule to relax a little, explore the old town, or enjoy a longer meal with a view.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• 1 Day – Just enough for a quick trip up Zugspitze or a scenic walk around Eibsee. Best done as a day trip from Munich.
• 2 Days – Great for a short weekend. You can fit in Zugspitze one day and Eibsee + town the next, but it might feel rushed.
• 3 Days – The perfect long weekend. You can visit all the major sights and still slow down.
• 4+ Days – Ideal for slow travelers, hikers, or those looking to use Garmisch as a base for day trips (like Neuschwanstein Castle).

Find the best itinerary for Garmisch for your visit!

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Garmisch

If it’s your first time visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen, here are a few helpful things to know before you go. These are based on my own trips — little things that made a big difference in planning and enjoying my time there.

• 3 days is the perfect trip length
  It gives you time to see the highlights without feeling rushed. Weather in the Alps can shift quickly, so building in flexibility (like waiting for a clear day for Zugspitze) is a smart move.
• Check the weather and pack layers
  Even in summer or autumn, mornings can be chilly and the weather at higher elevations (like Zugspitze) is a different story altogether. I always bring a light rain jacket and something warm.
• Stay somewhere scenic
  Garmisch is all about the views. Staying at a place like Hotel Riessersee or an Airbnb with a balcony makes a big difference — especially during sunrise or sunset.
• Get an eSIM before you go
  If you’re traveling from outside the EU, I recommend using Airalo to stay connected without relying on sketchy public Wi-Fi. It’s affordable, easy to install, and works great throughout Bavaria.

Getting Around Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch is compact and easy to navigate — here’s a quick guide to how to get around once you’re there:

• On Foot – Downtown Garmisch, the train station, and most restaurants are walkable. The pedestrian zone is especially nice for exploring on foot.
• By Local Bus – Buses connect Garmisch with Eibsee, Grainau, and the surrounding mountains.
• Guest Card Perks – Many hotels provide a guest card that gives you free or discounted use of local buses and attractions.
• By Car – Great if you’re planning to explore nearby towns or do day trips. Parking is widely available at sights like Zugspitze, Eibsee, and Partnach Gorge.
• By Bike – You can rent bikes in town and take advantage of the scenic cycling trails around the valley.
• Taxis – Available at the train station or by phone — handy for early hikes or late dinners.

Easy Day Trips from Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Have an extra day or two in your itinerary? These spots are all within 90 minutes and make for excellent day trips:

• Neuschwanstein Castle – Germany’s most famous castle, about 1.5 hours by car.
  → Book a guided tour from Garmisch or Munich
• Mittenwald – A colorful mountain village just 25 minutes away, known for violin making and painted houses.
• Oberammergau – A traditional Bavarian village famous for woodcarving and the Passion Play.
• Linderhof Palace – A lesser-known but stunning royal palace tucked into the hills near Ettal.
• Ettal Abbey – A beautiful Benedictine monastery with baroque architecture and a brewery onsite.
• Alpspitze & Kreuzeckbahn – Alternate mountain peaks to Zugspitze, with fewer crowds and great hiking trails.
• Seefeld, Austria – A charming alpine town just across the border, great for a change of scenery.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen really is one of those rare places that offers a little bit of everything — dramatic landscapes, charming streets, local culture, and enough to keep you busy without overwhelming you. Whether you’re here to hike around Lake Eibsee, ride the cable car up Zugspitze, or just slow down and enjoy mountain life, this alpine town has a way of sticking with you.

It’s a place I keep coming back to, and each trip reminds me how special it is. Hopefully, this guide helped you feel more prepared and excited for your own visit — whether it’s your first time or you’re returning for another round. And as always, if you want to dig deeper into anything from this guide, I’ve got full posts linked throughout to help you plan every part of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen

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