10 Best Things to Do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Best Things to Do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

There’s plenty to fill a weekend in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, but I’d stay longer if your itinerary allows it. The big-ticket sights like Zugspitze, Eibsee, and Partnach Gorge deserve their reputation, but I also recommend leaving time for the towns, smaller lakes, and surrounding villages.

These are the 10 things I would prioritize on a trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, based on what I’ve personally enjoyed during my visits.

1. Ride the Zugspitze Cable Car – Germany’s Highest Peak

If you only have time for one major attraction in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, I’d make it Zugspitze. At 2,962 meters, it’s the highest mountain in Germany, and getting to the summit is much easier than you might expect.

You can reach Zugspitze using a combination of the cogwheel train and cable cars, so there’s no hiking required unless you specifically want to hike. I particularly like the round-trip option because the journey itself becomes part of the day rather than simply getting you from point A to point B.

From Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you can take the cogwheel train toward Zugspitze and combine it with the Cable Car Zugspitze at Eibsee. The official round-trip ticket allows you to experience the different mountain railways while taking in the views from both the glacier plateau and summit.

Once you’re at the top, give yourself enough time to actually enjoy it. On a clear day, the mountain panorama stretches far beyond Garmisch and across the surrounding Alps.

Tips for visiting Zugspitze:

• Go earlier in the day if you want to avoid the busiest period, particularly during summer and holiday weekends.
• Check the official Zugspitze webcam and current mountain conditions before committing to the trip. Visibility makes a huge difference up here.
• Dress in layers. Conditions at nearly 3,000 meters can be completely different from what you left behind in Garmisch.
• The Zugspitze Round Trip Ticket is worth considering if you want to combine the cogwheel train and cable cars rather than simply travel up and down the same way.
• Bring sunglasses. Snow glare can be surprisingly strong even outside the middle of winter.
• Allow several hours rather than trying to squeeze Zugspitze into a packed itinerary.

2. Walk Through Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm)

Partnach Gorge is one of the experiences I would consider essential on a first trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

The path follows the Partnach River through a narrow gorge, with sections cut directly into the rock beside the rushing water. It’s a relatively short experience compared with many of the hikes around Garmisch, but the scenery changes dramatically depending on when you visit.

I’ve walked through Partnach Gorge in both summer and winter and honestly have a hard time choosing which I preferred. Summer is green, wet, and powerful, while winter can completely transform the gorge with huge formations of ice hanging from the cliffs.

That seasonal difference is one of the reasons I think it’s worth visiting even if you’ve been before.

Tips for visiting Partnach Gorge:

• Wear shoes with decent grip. The path is regularly wet and can be slippery from spray coming off the gorge walls.
• Adult admission is currently €10, but check the official website before visiting since prices can change.
• Short-notice closures can happen for safety reasons, particularly when weather or trail conditions are poor.
• Some tunnel sections are dark, so a phone flashlight can be useful.
• I’d try to visit earlier or later in the day if you want a quieter experience.
• The walk begins beyond the Olympic Ski Stadium, so factor in the approach when planning how much time you need.
• If you want to stay right in this part of Garmisch, Das Graseck has an unusual location above the gorge area. Check rates on: Booking.com | Expedia | Trip.com

3. Visit Lake Eibsee

Sitting directly below Zugspitze, Lake Eibsee is one of the places around Garmisch that I would happily return to on every trip.

The combination of clear water, forest, small islands, and the mountains rising behind the lake makes it incredibly scenic, but I think the best way to experience Eibsee is to actually spend some time walking around it rather than stopping for a few photos near the main entrance.

A roughly 7.5-kilometer trail circles the lake. It’s not a difficult hike, and you get changing views as you move around the shoreline.

Eibsee also works particularly well in the same itinerary as Zugspitze since the Cable Car Zugspitze departs from beside the lake. If you have enough time, I’d rather combine the two at a relaxed pace than rush through both.

Tips for visiting Lake Eibsee:

• Arrive earlier if you’re driving, especially during peak summer weekends when the area gets busy.
• You can also reach Eibsee using the Zugspitzbahn, which saves you from worrying about parking.
• Give yourself around two hours for the full loop, and longer if you tend to stop frequently for photos.
• Morning is especially nice when the water is calmer and reflections are more likely.
• Water activities such as paddleboarding and boating are available seasonally.
• Bring snacks or stop for something to eat by the lake rather than rushing straight back to Garmisch.
• If you want to wake up directly beside Eibsee, Eibsee Hotel is the obvious splurge.

4. Explore Old Town Partenkirchen

Garmisch and Partenkirchen may officially be one town today, but they still feel noticeably different when you walk around them.

Partenkirchen is the quieter and more historic-feeling half, and I think it’s worth exploring separately rather than assuming you’ve seen Garmisch-Partenkirchen after walking around central Garmisch.

The main street, Ludwigstraße, is lined with traditional buildings, painted façades, restaurants, shops, and plenty of examples of Lüftlmalerei, the elaborate fresco painting you’ll see throughout Bavaria.

This is not somewhere I would plan around a long checklist of attractions. The point is more to slow down, walk the streets, look at the buildings, and stop somewhere for food or a drink.

Tips for exploring Old Town Partenkirchen:

• Start around Ludwigstraße, which is the main historic street and the easiest place to begin wandering.
• Look closely at the painted façades rather than rushing past them. The artwork is one of the things that gives Partenkirchen so much character.
• Gasthof Fraundorfer is a well-known option if you want traditional Bavarian food and a more atmospheric evening.
• Partenkirchen is easy to reach from Garmisch either on foot or using local transportation.
• Late afternoon and early evening are especially nice when the streets quiet down and the mountains catch the softer light.

5. Stroll Through Downtown Garmisch

While Partenkirchen feels more historic, central Garmisch is livelier and is where you’ll find more shops, cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and everyday activity.

I like having both sides of town because they offer very different experiences. Garmisch is somewhere I naturally ended up returning to between hikes and day trips, whether that was for a coffee, something to eat, or simply an easy walk around town.

The pedestrian center is compact and easy to explore without much of a plan.

Tips for exploring downtown Garmisch:

• Start around the main pedestrian zone, then wander rather than sticking to a strict route.
• Stop at a bakery or café for something sweet. Apfelstrudel is never a bad idea in Bavaria.
• I particularly like being in town toward the end of the day when the light starts changing on the mountains.
• Walk through Michael-Ende Kurpark if you want somewhere green and quiet close to the center.
• Check the local event calendar during your stay. Markets, festivals, and seasonal events regularly take place around town.

6. Relax at Lake Riessersee

Lake Riessersee offers a completely different experience from Eibsee.

It’s smaller, quieter, and sits just above Garmisch, making it an easy place to visit when you don’t necessarily want another full sightseeing day. I especially like it as somewhere to walk, sit by the water, or simply enjoy the mountain views at a slower pace.

Riessersee was one of the places that stood out more to me on my second visit to Garmisch. It doesn’t have the same scale or fame as Eibsee, but that’s part of the appeal.

The reflections across the water can be beautiful when conditions are calm, and the short loop around the lake is easy to add to an otherwise relaxed day.

Tips for visiting Lake Riessersee:

• You can reach Riessersee from Garmisch on foot or drive up to the lake.
• Keep in mind that the lake sits above town, so the walk back and forth involves elevation.
• The loop around the lake is short and easy, making this a good option when you want something more relaxed than a mountain hike.
• Early morning and later afternoon are my favorite times for calmer light and reflections.
• In winter, conditions around the lake can change considerably, so use normal caution on icy paths.
• If you want to stay directly beside the lake, Riessersee Hotel is right on the shoreline.

7. Stay at Hotel Riessersee

If your idea of a Garmisch trip involves waking up somewhere quiet with the mountains immediately around you, Riessersee Hotel is worth considering.

I stayed here on my second visit to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and particularly liked the lakeside location. It feels much more removed from town than a central hotel, even though Garmisch is still only a short drive away.

I stayed in a Maisonette Room Alpin and enjoyed having more space, a balcony, and easy access to the lake. Breakfast was also one of the highlights of my stay, and having the pool and wellness facilities was especially nice after spending the day exploring.

The main thing to know is that this is a different experience from staying downtown. Personally, I think it works best if you have a car and value scenery and quiet surroundings over being able to walk straight out of your hotel into restaurants and shops.

Tips for staying at Riessersee Hotel:

• Compare room categories carefully if a lake or mountain view is important to you, since views vary across the property.
• Breakfast was one of my favorite parts of the stay, so I’d make time for it rather than rushing out first thing.
• Having a rental car makes the location much more convenient.
• Give yourself some time to actually enjoy Riessersee rather than treating the hotel purely as somewhere to sleep.
• The hotel works particularly well as a quiet base for an outdoors-focused trip to Garmisch.

8. Take a Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle isn’t in Garmisch-Partenkirchen itself, but if you have an extra day and haven’t been before, it’s one of the easiest major additions to a longer trip in this part of Bavaria.

It is undeniably touristy, but I still think the setting makes it worth seeing at least once. The castle sits above the surrounding landscape with lakes, mountains, and Hohenschwangau below, and there are several viewpoints that make the visit about much more than simply touring the interior.

If you have enough time, I’d also visit Hohenschwangau Castle nearby rather than coming exclusively for Neuschwanstein.

Tips for visiting Neuschwanstein Castle:

• Reserve castle admission ahead of time when possible, particularly during the busiest months.
• There’s an uphill walk between the village and Neuschwanstein, so wear comfortable shoes and allow enough time before your timed entry.
• Marienbrücke is the classic viewpoint, although it can become very crowded.
• Pair the castles with a walk around Alpsee if you have extra time.
• Having a car makes the day trip much easier from Garmisch.
• Without a car, public transportation is possible, but it becomes a considerably longer day.
• Guided tours can make sense if you’d rather not organize all of the transportation yourself.

9. Visit the Village of Grainau

Just outside Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Grainau is another place I think is easy to overlook when everyone is focused on getting to Eibsee and Zugspitze.

It’s a much smaller mountain village with traditional homes, quiet streets, walking paths, and some excellent views toward Zugspitze.

I wouldn’t necessarily dedicate an entire day to Grainau on a first visit, but it’s very easy to combine with other things you’re already doing in this part of the valley. It works especially well before or after Eibsee, or simply when you want an afternoon that doesn’t revolve around a major attraction.

Tips for visiting Grainau:

• Grainau is easy to reach from Garmisch using the Zugspitzbahn or by car.
• Walk part of the Panoramaweg if you want to enjoy the scenery rather than simply passing through.
• Combine Grainau with Eibsee or Zugspitze to make the most of your time in this side of the valley.
• It tends to feel considerably quieter than central Garmisch.
• Some of the nicest Zugspitze views are visible directly from around the village, so this is one place where I wouldn’t be in a hurry.

10. Try Traditional Bavarian Food

One of my favorite parts of traveling through southern Germany is the food. Bavarian cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and built for fueling long days of hiking and exploring. Whether you’re sitting in a cozy wood-paneled guesthouse or dining outside in a beer garden, the food experience is half the fun in Garmisch.

You’ll find plenty of classic dishes here — from käsespätzle (Bavarian mac & cheese) to Schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle) and Weißwurst with pretzels, usually served for breakfast. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss Kaiserschmarrn — a fluffy shredded pancake dusted with powdered sugar.

Tips for enjoying Bavarian food in Garmisch:

• Head to Gasthof Fraundorfer in Partenkirchen for food + traditional music/dancing in the evenings
• Zum Wildschütz in central Garmisch is a great local spot with consistent quality
• Most restaurants are closed in the afternoon (2–5 PM), so plan lunch and dinner accordingly
• Vegetarian options like käsespätzle and mushroom dishes are usually on every menu
• Try a local beer or a Radler (beer + lemonade) — perfect after a summer hike

Where to Stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen for Access to Activities

Where you stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen can make a surprisingly big difference because the area is spread across the two town centers and the surrounding mountains and lakes.

For a first visit without a car, I generally think staying closer to central Garmisch is the easiest option. You’ll have restaurants, shops, the train station, and local transportation close by.

If scenery and quiet surroundings are more important, places such as Riessersee or Eibsee offer a completely different experience.

I have a full guide comparing the different areas and hotel options, so I wouldn’t try to recreate that entire decision here.

Here are a few popular places to stay that offer great location, comfort, and that classic Bavarian charm:

• 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

Located about 90 minutes south of Munich, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is easy to reach by train, car, or on a guided day trip. Whether you’re visiting as part of a longer Germany itinerary or planning a quick alpine escape from the city, it’s one of the most accessible destinations in the Bavarian Alps.

From Munich by Train

The train from Munich Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) to Garmisch takes about 1 hour 20 minutes and runs hourly throughout the day. No need to book in advance — just grab a Bayern Ticket and you’re set. The train drops you right in town, within walking distance of the pedestrian zone.

• Pro tip: Book your train via Omio for easy mobile tickets
• Want to skip the logistics? Consider a guided day trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen from Munich, with options that include Zugspitze or Neuschwanstein

By Car

Driving from Munich to Garmisch takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. It’s a scenic route through the countryside, and having a car gives you more flexibility to explore places like Eibsee, Grainau, or even cross the border into Austria.

• If you’re renting a car, I usually compare rates on Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com for the best deals

From Innsbruck, Austria

Garmisch is also reachable from Innsbruck (about an hour by train or car), making it a convenient stop between Germany and Austria if you’re doing a multi-country trip.

For more details, step-by-step train instructions, and what tickets to buy, check out my full post:

Tips for Visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen

A little planning goes a long way in Garmisch, especially because mountain weather and seasonal operating schedules can affect what you’re able to do on any given day.

A few things I wish every first-time visitor knew:

• Stay at least 2–3 days. You can see a few highlights in a weekend, but adding another day gives you much more flexibility with mountain weather.
• Choose your season based on what you actually want to do. Summer is best for hiking and lake time, while winter completely changes the destination into a skiing and snow-focused trip.
• Keep some flexibility in your itinerary. I wouldn’t lock Zugspitze into one specific day too far in advance if the forecast looks uncertain.
• Get connected with an eSIM from Airalo — I use it on every trip and have full bars, even at the top of Zugspitze
• Dress in layers. Conditions in town can feel completely different from the mountains above.
• Carry some cash. Card acceptance has improved, but having euros is still useful at smaller businesses and mountain huts.
• Check cable car operating schedules before your trip. Maintenance closures are common outside the main seasons.
• Don’t schedule every hour. Some of the things I like most about Garmisch are simple: walking around town, sitting beside Riessersee, or stopping somewhere for a long lunch.

• Consider a car for a longer stay. It isn’t essential, but it gives you much more flexibility once you start exploring beyond central Garmisch.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen has become one of those destinations I can keep returning to without feeling like I’m repeating the same trip.

The major sights are genuinely worth seeing. Zugspitze, Eibsee, and Partnach Gorge would all be on my itinerary again. But after visiting twice, I’ve also come to appreciate the quieter parts of the area just as much like walking beside Riessersee, spending an afternoon around Partenkirchen, or finishing a day in the mountains with Käsespätzle and a beer.

If it’s your first trip, I’d start with the ten experiences in this guide and give yourself enough time that you don’t have to rush between them. Garmisch is at its best when there’s some room in the itinerary to slow down and enjoy where you are.

And if you’re still working out the details of your trip, I have a full collection of Garmisch-Partenkirchen guides covering where to stay, transportation, itineraries, seasonal planning, hikes, and individual attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Pin this Post for Later!