You step off the train in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the first thing you see is the sheer face of the Zugspitze. Germany's highest mountain looms over the valley, and the air smells of pine and snow. This is where you come for real alpine adventures. Whether you are looking for the best things to do in Garmisch or just a weekend in the mountains, this town delivers. The two halves of the city feel different: Garmisch is modern and busy, while Partenkirchen keeps its old Bavarian charm with painted houses on every street.
- Best time
- Summer for hiking, winter for skiing, spring and autumn for fewer crowds.
- Where to stay
- Partenkirchen for traditional charm, Garmisch for more modern options.
- Perfect for
- Hikers * Skiers * Castle lovers * Families
- Don't miss
- Zugspitze cable car or the Partnachklamm gorge.
After spending time here, these are the bits of advice I pass on to anyone planning a trip.
Rent a car for flexibility
Public transport works for the main sights, but a car makes day trips to Neuschwanstein, Oberammergau, and Geroldsee much easier. Train from Munich takes 1.5 hours, and then you can pick up a rental in town.
Source · Checked this myself
Visit the two towns separately
Garmisch and Partenkirchen feel like different places. Spend an evening in each. Partenkirchen has the painted facades and narrow streets. Garmisch is more lively with better bars.
Source · Personal experience
Book Neuschwanstein tours online
Tours to the castle sell out fast, especially in summer. Book before you go. If you can't get inside, you can still see it from Mary's Bridge for the classic photo.
Source · Learned the hard wayZugspitze
Germany's highest peak at 2,962 meters. A cable car takes you up in ten minutes.
- 10-minute cable car ride
- Panoramic views over the Alps to Switzerland
- Climb the summit via metal cables
- Access from both Germany and Austria
Standing on top of Zugspitze feels like being on top of the world. The cable car from the Eibsee side costs €78 for a return in 2026. Alternatively, you can drive 45 minutes into Austria and take their cable car. It costs less per person and is usually less crowded. Once up top, walk between the German and Austrian sides. If you feel adventurous, climb the rocky peak on the German side - hold onto the metal cables. The views stretch across the Alps all the way to Switzerland. It gets chilly even in summer, so bring a jacket.
Austrian side is cheaper
The cable car from Austria costs less than the German one and sees fewer crowds. Drive to the Austrian base station near Ehrwald.
€78 return ticket from Eibsee
The Eibsee cable car costs €78 for adults in 2026. The ride lasts 10 minutes. Check the weather before you go - clouds can block the view.
Access from Eibsee or Austria
From Garmisch, drive to the Eibsee lake parking lot. The cable car station is right there. For the Austrian route, set your GPS to the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn.
Take the Austrian cable car to save money and skip the queue.
Partnachklamm
A narrow gorge with waterfalls and rock walls, just a short walk from the Olympic Ski Stadium.
- 30-minute walk through the gorge
- Cascading waterfalls and frosted landscapes in winter
- Entry fee €10 in 2026
- Combine with Kaiserschmarrn Alm
The Partnachklamm is one of Bavaria's most beautiful canyons. You hike through a narrow passage with water rushing below and waterfalls falling off the cliffs. In cold winters the waterfalls partly freeze, making the gorge look even more dramatic. The walk takes about 30 minutes one way. After you exit the gorge, continue to the Kaiserschmarrn Alm for a hearty Bavarian meal. The entry costs €10 in 2026. It can get crowded, so arriving early helps. The trail starts right behind the Olympic Ski Stadium, a remnant of the 1936 Winter Games.
€10 entry in 2026
The admission is cash only? Check before you go. The gorge is open year-round, but hours vary by season.
30-minute walk from Olympic Stadium
From the Olympic Ski Stadium in Garmisch, follow signs to the gorge entrance. It's a flat, easy walk. Parking is available at the stadium.
Combine with Kaiserschmarrn Alm
After the gorge, walk a bit further to the mountain hut Kaiserschmarrn Alm. They serve traditional Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) with apple sauce.
Come before 9 a.m. to have the gorge almost to yourself.
Neuschwanstein Castle
The fairytale castle built by King Ludwig II, about an hour west of Garmisch.
- One-hour drive from Garmisch
- Mary's Bridge for the iconic photo
- Tours inside the castle
- Book online in advance
Neuschwanstein Castle looks like it came out of a storybook. It was built in the late 1800s by King Ludwig II, and Walt Disney used it as inspiration for Cinderella's castle. You can tour the inside - the throne room and woodwork are impressive. But you need to book tickets online beforehand. They sell out fast, especially in summer. Park at P3 and either take the shuttle bus or hike up to the castle. Mary's Bridge gives you the classic postcard view. If you want to escape the crowd, hike up the trail above the castle for a less crowded, higher view. Entry costs €23.50 in 2026.
€23.50 online booking
In 2026 a standard ticket costs €23.50. Booking online is required if you want to tour the interior. Skip-the-line tickets are also available.
Tours sell out quickly
Neuschwanstein is one of Germany's most visited sites. Tours fill up by midday. Arrive early or book ahead.
One-hour drive west
From Garmisch, take the B23 towards Füssen. Park at P3, then walk or take the shuttle bus to the castle. It's about 1.5 hours by bus from Garmisch if you don't have a car.
Book your tickets online a few days ahead - day-of tickets often sell out.
Eibsee
A crystal-clear lake at the foot of the Zugspitze with a 7 km loop trail.
- 7 km loop hike around the lake
- Takes about 2 hours
- Stunning views of Zugspitze
- Free access
The Eibsee is the postcard-perfect alpine lake. The water is clear green, and the Zugspitze looms behind it. A well-maintained trail circles the entire lake. It's mostly flat and takes about two hours. You can stop for photos at countless spots. If you want to combine it with the Zugspitze, the cable car station is right at the lake. Otherwise, just enjoy the hike and maybe a swim in summer. Parking can fill up by 10 a.m., so get there early. There's no entry fee for the lake itself.
Free access to the lake
Walking the Eibsee loop is free. You only pay if you take the cable car. Parking at the lot costs a few euros.
Go early for calm water
The lake gets windy in the afternoon. Morning gives you mirror-like reflections of the Zugspitze. Plus the parking lot fills up fast.
At the base of Zugspitze
Drive south from Garmisch for about 15 minutes. The Eibsee parking lot is well signposted. Buses also run from Garmisch station.
The loop trail is easy and flat - perfect for a relaxed morning walk.
Garmisch and Partenkirchen
Two towns in one - Garmisch is modern, Partenkirchen is traditional with painted houses.
- Ludwigstrasse with Lüftelmalerei paintings
- Local bakeries like Josef Kratz
- Craft shops and antique stores
- Evening restaurants and bars
Garmisch and Partenkirchen were separate towns until 1935. They still feel different. Partenkirchen is the older, quieter part. Its main street, Ludwigstrasse, is lined with buildings painted with Lüftelmalerei - traditional Bavarian air paintings. Stop at Josef Kratz bakery for a pastry. Browse the pottery at Toepferei Uschi Winsi and the handmade baskets at Korbwaren. Garmisch is more modern with a lively center. For dinner, try Fraundorfer Hof for hearty food and a schuhplattler folk dance. Afterward, head to Zirbelstube for a drink - it's a favorite local spot with great Aperol Spritzes. Spend at least one evening in each part.
Two very different vibes
Don't expect a single town. Garmisch has chain stores and nightlife. Partenkirchen feels like a historic village. Walk between them - it takes about 20 minutes.
Start at Ludwigstrasse
The painted facades are best in the morning light. After seeing them, duck into the side alleys for hidden courtyards and small shops.
Walking is free
You don't need to pay for any attraction in the towns. Just wander, window-shop, and enjoy the architecture.
Do a bar crawl: start in Partenkirchen, finish in Garmisch.
Wank Hike
A moderate 7 km loop with panoramic views of the Zugspitze range.
- 7 km loop trail
- About 2.5 hours
- Views of Zugspitze from Tannenhütte
- Free activity
If you want great views without a cable car, the Wank hike is the answer. Start at the Wankbahn valley station. Follow the trail via St. Anton to Tannenhütte. The hut sits on a ridge with a direct view of the Zugspitze. From there, continue 15 minutes to Eckenhütte (also called Eckbauen). Then make a loop back to the Wankstation. The entire hike is about 7 km and takes 2.5 hours. You can also start from Partenkirchen town and walk up to St. Anton to join the loop. It's a free activity - no entry fees. The trail is well marked and suitable for most fitness levels.
2.5 hours, 7 km loop
The trail is moderate. You gain about 300 meters elevation. No special gear needed - just sturdy shoes.
Free access to the trail
No ticket required. The trail is open year-round, but may be icy in winter. Check conditions before heading out.
Start at Wankbahn station
Drive or walk to the Wankbahn valley station in Garmisch. There is parking available. You can also start from the Partenkirchen side.
Bring a packed lunch and eat at Tannenhütte with the Zugspitze in front of you.
What is the best time of year for things to do in Garmisch?
Summer is best for hiking, swimming in the Eibsee, and outdoor activities. Winter is for skiing and snowboarding. Spring and autumn have fewer crowds and still pleasant weather.
How many days do you need for the top things to do in Garmisch?
Three full days is enough to cover the main sights and a day trip. One day for the Zugspitze and Eibsee, one for Partnachklamm and the Wank hike, and one for Neuschwanstein Castle.
Do I need a car to visit the attractions around Garmisch?
You can reach Partnachklamm, the Wank hike, and the town centers by foot or bus. Eibsee and Zugspitze are doable by bus. For Neuschwanstein and Geroldsee, a car makes things much easier.
How much does the Zugspitze cable car cost?
A return ticket from the Eibsee side costs €78 for adults in 2026. The cable car from Austria is cheaper and less crowded.
Can I visit Neuschwanstein Castle without a booked tour?
You can see the exterior and walk to Mary's Bridge for the view. To enter the castle interior, you need a timed ticket booked in advance. They often sell out on the day.