You step off the train in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the cold air hits your face. Snow dusts the rooftops of the Bavarian buildings, and mountains rise in every direction. This town sits in the Bavarian Alps near the Austrian border, and winter brings a whole new energy. Snow covers the trails, the lakes freeze over, and the slopes come alive. This guide covers the best things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in winter, all tried and tested after living here. You will not need a car if you stay near the center, but renting one gives you more flexibility to reach outlying spots.
- Best time
- December to March for snow cover
- Where to stay
- Partenkirchen (historic side) or near the pedestrian area in Garmisch
- Perfect for
- Skiers * Hikers * Families
- Don't miss
- Going up the Zugspitze on a clear day
After living in Garmisch for over two years, here are the bits of advice I share with everyone who visits in winter.
Check the weather first
The Zugspitze ticket costs 61 euros per adult. You want to see the view, not clouds. Check the live cams on the official website before you buy your ticket.
Source · Checked this myself
Use the public bus
You must pay in cash on board the bus. If you rent a car, download the EasyPark app to pay for parking. Many hotels give you a free bus pass.
Source · Verified from experience
Avoid the midday rush
Partnachklamm gets doubly long lines by midday. Go as early as you can. Strollers cannot fit on the path, and some cave portions have low clearance.
Source · What I tell friends
Zugspitze
The Zugspitze is the tallest point in Germany at 2962 meters. It is the most famous mountain in Garmisch and a must-do in winter.
- Tallest peak in Germany at 2962 meters
- Ticket price 61 euros per adult
- Igloo hotel on the plateau from end of December to early April
- Toboggan rental available at the top
The Zugspitze peak sits right on the border between Germany and Austria. You can cross the border at the top without a passport check. There are three ways to get there: a cable car from Grainau, a cable car from Ehrwald in Austria, or the Zugspitzbahn train from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The cable car from Grainau takes about 10 minutes. The train takes about an hour. The train and the cable car arrive at different places, but a smaller gondola connects them. At the top you will find three restaurants. Two sit at the ski area where the train arrives, and one is at the summit. You can rent toboggans and go sledding, enjoy a meal with a view, or ski on the glacier. During winter an igloo hotel exists on the plateau. You can walk inside the igloo even if you are not a guest to see the carved designs. The Zugspitze ticket price is not cheap, but on a clear day the views are worth it. Tickets can sell out during holiday breaks and busy times, so buy online in advance. My advice: check the weather and the live cams before you go. If you time it right, you will have an amazing day.
61 euros per adult
The ticket price is 61 euros per adult. Buy online in advance to secure your spot, especially during holiday breaks.
Tickets can sell out on busy days
During holiday breaks or busy times, tickets can sell out. Buying your ticket online ahead of time is the safest way to go.
Train, cable car, or gondola
You can take the Zugspitzbahn train from Garmisch (about 1 hour) or the cable car from Grainau (about 10 minutes). The two arrive at different spots, but a gondola connects them.
Check the live cams before you buy - that way you know you will see the view.
Staying near the train station makes Zugspitze access quick and easy.
Hotel Am Badersee
- Spa and wellness center
- Private Parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Fitness center
- Skiing
- Bar
- Very Good Breakfast
Eibsee Hotel
- Indoor swimming pool
- Spa and wellness center
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Beachfront
- Private beach area
- Very Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Partnachklamm
Partnachklamm is a gorge carved by an icy blue river. In winter it freezes over with huge icicles, and it feels like walking through a magical ice palace.
- Entry is 6 euros per adult
- Strollers cannot fit on the path
- Low clearance in some cave portions
- Torch-lit night tours sometimes available
The Partnachklamm is a gorge that runs 699 meters long. The Partnach River has cut through the rock over time, creating walls up to 86 meters tall. In winter, the gorge freezes over with huge icicles hanging from the rock faces. It is a sight you won't forget. For kids, it feels like walking through Elsa's ice palace. They also enjoy walking through the cave portions of the trail. But be aware that strollers cannot fit on this path. Some cave sections have low clearance, so if you wear a tall hiking backpack, you will need to duck through parts. The gorge can close unexpectedly when weather conditions make it unsafe, so check the website first. Sometimes torch-led night tours are available. Check the official website for details and schedules. The earlier you get here the better, because the line gets long.
6 euros per adult
Entry to Partnachklamm costs 6 euros per adult. Check the official website for current hours and possible closures.
No strollers and low clearance
Strollers cannot fit on the path. Some cave portions have low clearance, so tall backpacks may force you to duck.
Check for torch-lit night tours
Sometimes torch-led night tours are available. Check the official website for dates and availability.
Go early - when we came out the line was doubly long.
Staying in Partenkirchen puts you a short walk from the trailhead to the gorge.
Atlas Grand Hotel
- Parking on site
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Fitness center
- Restaurant
- Skiing
- Room service
- Terrace
- Bar
- Wonderful Breakfast
Hotel Atlas Sport
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Exceptional Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Garmisch Valley Trails
One of the best free things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in winter is walk the valley trails. The mountain views are stunning when blanketed in snow.
- Trails maintained well, stroller-friendly
- Variety of trails between Hausberg and Alpspitzbahn
- YakTrax recommended if recent snow
- Pedestrians should avoid cross-country ski paths
The valley trails between the Hausberg station and the Alpspitzbahn offer some of the best winter walking in Garmisch. The mountain views are truly stunning and look most beautiful when covered in snow. The trails are maintained very well, so even a jogging stroller can handle them. If there has been recent snow, wear YakTrax or similar traction devices to avoid slipping. Pay attention to signs for cross-country skiing paths - pedestrians are not supposed to walk on those. If you want to cross-country ski, you can rent gear from places in town. Look for the word "skiverleih" which means ski rental. You can also drive 25 minutes to Lermoos, Austria, for another valley walk. Park near the Golf Course there for a breathtaking winter stroll. Kids will love playing with the snow, making snow angels, or having snowball fights.
Free to walk
The valley trails are free to use. You only need to pay for parking if you drive to a trailhead.
Avoid cross-country ski paths
Pedestrians should not walk on cross-country skiing paths. Look for signs that mark the ski tracks.
Drive to Lermoos for more trails
A 25-minute drive to Lermoos, Austria, gives you another stunning valley walk near the Golf Course.
Wear YakTrax after fresh snow - the trails get slippery.
Staying near the Hausberg station gives you quick access to the valley trails.
Hyperion Hotel Garmisch - Partenkirchen
- Indoor swimming pool
- Private Parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Fitness center
- 2 restaurants
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Wonderful Breakfast
Atlas Grand Hotel
- Parking on site
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Fitness center
- Restaurant
- Skiing
- Room service
- Terrace
- Bar
- Wonderful Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Staying near the Eckbauerbahn valley station makes it easy to start your sledding adventure.
Hyperion Hotel Garmisch - Partenkirchen
- Indoor swimming pool
- Private Parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Fitness center
- 2 restaurants
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Wonderful Breakfast
Atlas Grand Hotel
- Parking on site
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Fitness center
- Restaurant
- Skiing
- Room service
- Terrace
- Bar
- Wonderful Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Staying in central Garmisch puts you close to both lakes and the temporary ice rink.
Atlas Grand Hotel
- Parking on site
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Fitness center
- Restaurant
- Skiing
- Room service
- Terrace
- Bar
- Wonderful Breakfast
Hotel & Gasthof Fraundorfer
- Private Parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Skiing
- Terrace
- Excellent Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
What is the best time to do things in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in winter?
December through March gives you the best snow cover for skiing, sledding, and ice skating on the lakes.
Do I need a car for winter activities in Garmisch?
Not necessarily. The town is walkable, and the public bus system works well. But a rental car gives you more flexibility to reach Eibsee or nearby Austrian towns.
How much does the Zugspitze ticket cost?
The Zugspitze ticket costs 61 euros per adult. Buy online in advance during busy times to avoid sellouts.
Can I sled at the Zugspitze?
Yes, you can rent a toboggan at the top of the Zugspitze near the ski area and sled there year-round.
