The Partnach Gorge, mountain trails and cultural attractions reveal different sides of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. If you’re looking for a hotel in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on: should your stay be shaped mainly by hiking and cycling, or by museums, architecture and music?
Gorge, peaks and trails
Visitors can walk through the Partnach Gorge between towering rock walls and experience the water rushing below. In 1912, the gorge was declared a natural monument and opened to visitors.
At 1,780 metres high, Wank is Partenkirchen’s local mountain and is ideal for leisurely mountain hikes with panoramic views. The Wank cable car takes you directly from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the summit. As access by cable car depends on operating conditions, check these before your visit.
The 1,237-metre-high Eckbauer can be reached by cable car, with access depending on operating conditions. It can be hiked in both summer and winter and is a popular, versatile hiking area. The Kramer Plateau Trail has a different character: this panoramic trail lies at the foot of Kramer and offers well-maintained paths with gentle inclines. This gives you a choice of different mountain and hiking experiences without implying an unverified shared route.
Cycling also offers plenty of options: Garmisch-Partenkirchen has a well-signposted network of cycle paths stretching for more than 453 kilometres. It includes leisurely outings, challenging mountain rides and downhill trails. The network’s total length may change as routes are added or modified.
Museums, architecture and sporting history
The Richard Strauss Institute is housed in the historic Villa Christina in Partenkirchen’s spa gardens. It features a permanent exhibition about Strauss’s life and work. The Werdenfels Museum was established in 1895 from a private collection and is now one of the most important museums of its kind in Bavaria. In the Zugspitze Room, you can see the original summit cross from the Zugspitze; it weighs 150 kilograms.
On walks through Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you can discover Lüftlmalerei, the traditional painted murals on house façades. Associated with the 1936 Winter Olympics are the Olympic Ski Stadium in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the ski jump on Gudiberg and the Olympic bobsleigh run near Riessersee. The ski jump and bobsleigh run are listed as attractions.
Guided tours of the Olympic Ski Jump are available. The listed times are Mondays at 6 p.m. from July to September, Wednesdays at 6 p.m. from June to September, Wednesdays at 3 p.m. from October to May, and Saturdays at 3 p.m. year-round. Times and availability may change; check your preferred tour date before your visit.
The Garden of the Senses in Michael Ende Spa Park offers experiences for the senses of smell, taste, touch, sight and hearing. The Richard Strauss Festival takes place every June in Garmisch and features performances of his works; the annual programme may vary. Werdenfels flower salt is one of the region’s products. Its production prioritises local production, traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients.
There is a practical difference when choosing when to visit: the festival takes place in June, while the Eckbauer can be hiked in both summer and winter. If you want to plan your days around a festival date or a ski jump tour, check the programme or your preferred tour time in advance.
Discover more destinations: Bad Kohlgrub, Ettal, Farchant, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Grainau, KrĂĽn, Mittenwald, Murnau Am Staffelsee, Oberammergau, Oberau, Wallgau, Seehausen Am Staffelsee, Saulgrub, Ohlstadt, Unterammergau, Uffing Am Staffelsee, Riegsee.
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