Why Visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen: 10 Reasons For Visiting

Many are asking, is Garmisch Partenkirchen Worth Visiting?

Yes, Garmisch Partenkirchen is worth visiting for its numerous attractions and outdoor activities. It also has town centers with houses with beautiful murals you’d love to see. Most importantly, you can quickly visit Germany’s best natural attractions like Zugspitze and Eibsee from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. 

In this blog post, you’ll discover many beautiful attractions/fun things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which are the reasons why I think you should visit. What do you think? Let’s get started!

As a person who loves the mountains, places like Garmisch-Partenkirchen will always fascinate me. In this article, I’ll show you the lovely side of Garmisch-Partenkirchen—helping you discover attractions and places where you can have beautiful, unforgettable memories.

But before anything, let me introduce Garmisch-Partenkirchen to you. This practical information should help you visit or decide to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen if you’re still thinking of adding Garmisch-Partenkirchen to your itinerary.

How Can You Visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen?

When you look on a map, you can find Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria in the southmost part of Germany. It is one of Germany’s ski-resort towns that border Austria to the south.

Here’s the map so you can visualize it:

Let’s say you’re abroad or in any region in Europe where land travel to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is impractical; you can fly to Munich or Innsbruck first. From these two cities closest to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you can ride a train which would not last more than 2 hours.

Although Innsbruck is much closer to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you can arrive at Garmisch-Partenkirchen from Munich much faster and more conveniently. You can get to Garmisch-Partenkirchen from Munich in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes with only a single train ride. 

However, driving from these two cities to Garmisch-Partenkirchen would take almost the same duration (1 hour).

By the way, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is in one of the valleys of the Bavarian Alps. It is surrounded by mountains, and definitely, you’ll love the surrounding view even if you’re still on the train nearing Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

As some of the attractions you can visit from Garmisch-Partenkirchen are elevated thousands of meters, you must expect lower temperatures when you visit them. You might want to bring warm clothes, even during the summer.

Discover a convenient way and other means of going to Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

What’s notable about Garmisch-Partenkirchen?

You might want to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen because it’s pretty historic regarding sports. It was Germany’s grand venue for the Winter Olympic Games of 1936.

However, Garmisch-Partenkirchen wasn’t a single town yet back in the day. It was two separate market towns: Garmisch and Partenkirchen. Garmisch in the west and Partenkirchen in the east.

Ever since these two towns were established, they have been discrete, and each has its own identity. However, they have been both well-known ski resorts since the 1920s.

In 1935, with the advent of the 1936 Winter Olympic Games, Hitler combined Garmisch and Partenkirchen for a single grand venue for the sporting event. Though Garmisch and Partenkichen are already unified for decades, visitors can still observe the slight difference between the two old towns:

• The modern vibe feels in Garmisch; and
• Quaint and historic ambiance of Partenkirchen

That event sparked Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s popularity as a ski resort and a famous tourist destination in Bavarian Alps. Today, most people call Garmisch-Partenkirchen “GaPa” — as a shortcut to the town’s long name.

So, if you heard people saying “GaPa,” it means Garmisch-Partenkirchen. No confusion! LOL.

Countless visitors come here every year. During weekends, Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s approximately 25-thousand population is almost doubled due to the influx of tourists and travelers.

Reasons to Visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen

One of the reasons I travel is that I want to feel awe. It’s one of the best feelings we could ever have. I think it’s also what you should look for when you travel.

Awe is beneficial.

Having it, we feel happier. It also transforms us into better individuals: more satisfied with our life, decreased desire for materialism, and more humble.

It’s a magical thing! Nature, mainly the mountains—they are a good source of awe. In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you’ll be filled with awe, undoubtedly! You’ll feel awe in most of the attractions in Garmisch-Partenkirchen—the reason why you should visit!

Here is the summary of the 10 reasons to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen

1. Breathtaking Peaks
2. Picturesque Lakes
3. Partnachklamm (a beautiful gorge)
4. A Gorgeous Palace
5. A Grand Monastery
6. The Charming town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen
7. Scenic and Rustic Places near Garmisch-Partenkirchen
8. Olympics
9. Outdoor Activities
10. Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s strategic location

1. The Breathtaking Bavarian Alps In Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Bavarian Alps, awe emanates even from the sound of its name. For me, it is the first and foremost reason to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Almost everywhere we look in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, we can see mountains gracefully beautifying the horizon. Even inside the town, the mountain peaks peek up above the roofs of the houses and buildings.

The scenery of the Bavarian Alps in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is so good and refreshing to see.

Suppose you are a person who has never been outside the concrete jungle since birth. In that case, visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Bavarian Alps could be the life-changing trip you might be looking for.

Once you have breathed the freshest air, experienced the ever-peaceful town/countryside, or even just seen the awe-inspiring mountains, all will be changed. It will make you think twice about where you want to live for the rest of your life!

Anyhow, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is surrounded by the highest and most scenic peaks in Germany:

• Alpspitze
• Zugspitze
• Wank
• Kreuzeck

You can visit them either by hiking or by cable car. If you have plenty of time and are still capable, I suggest you go hiking instead! Hiking has benefits that improve the mind, body, and soul.

Besides, Bavarian Alps’ hiking trails are just breathtaking. Just look at the image of meandering hikes below:

Imagine having nothing but nature and time with yourself or your family if you are here. All worries and problems seem not to exist here. It’s a place to enjoy life!

Heavenly scenery awaits you along the hiking trails from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, like the countryside meadows you’ll pass by. Here is a sample of the view you’ll see:

You can try many hiking trails in Garmisch-Partenkichen, each leading to different vantage points or mountain peaks. Perhaps Zugspitze is the ultimate hike to have in all of Germany.

Zugspitze

Zugspitze is the highest peak in Germany and has the country’s most elevated beer garden. At the top lies the spot where you can observe multiple countries at once: Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and as far as Italy.

Zugspitze reaches an elevation of 2,962 meters (9,718 ft) above sea level.

With an almost 3000-meter height, going to the peak of Zugspitze means you’ll be standing at an altitude higher than the level at which overcast clouds stay.

There, you can witness a sea of clouds – a magnificent phenomenon in which the mountain peaks become islands in which the clouds are the ones acting as the sea.

The sea of clouds phenomena happens mostly during sunrise after a light drizzle at night or a day before. The view should feel very rewarding after a hike.

Can you imagine yourself at the summit of Zugspitze, and this scene welcomed you there? It shall feel like heaven. Absolutely… The first time I experienced this? I almost cried a little. The view is just indescribable in person.

As mentioned a while ago, Zugspitze also has Germany’s most elevated beer garden. After the hike or a cable car ride, you buy meals partnered with bavarian beer to replenish your energy.

Three cable cars service the Zugspitze. If you ride on a Zugspitzbanh cable car, you accomplish two bucket list items:

• Traverse the world’s highest steelwork pylon (127 meters)
• Ride the world’s cable car with the greatest overall height difference (1945 meters)

Here are the other bucket list items you can accomplish when you visit Zugspitze:

• Go to Germany’s oldest ski resort
• Visit Germany’s most elevated church

Alpspitze and Alpspix

Aside from Zugspitze, Alpspitze is another peak to visit in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Alpspitze is a triangular peak closer to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, reaching 2628 meters (8622 ft) above sea level. It is famous for its shape and for its composition.

Alpspitze is predominantly made up of Wetterstein limestone. This gives the mountain a distinct look, easily recognizable from all angles.

Near Alpspitze is an observation deck called AlpspiX. It is an X shape, curved, 13-meter walkway that protrudes off the cliff. Here, visitors get a direct bird’s eye view of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and surrounding landscapes.

Look at how AlpspiX forms the X-shape from the sky:

Here is the close-up view of AlpspiX from below. Can you imagine yourself being at the tip of the X platform?

When you are at the top of the AlpspiX platform, here’s what you will see:

swipe the 360° image below to see more views

Visiting AlpspiX is really convenient as cable cars are servicing the platform too. Getting such a panoramic view would be quick and effortless.

Are you now convinced to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen? We are still getting started. The following reason to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen will absolutely compel you to come here.

2. Picturesque Lakes You Can See From Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Mountain lakes are the dreamiest, most enchanting, most idyllic places on earth. In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, there are many that you can visit!

They’re the ultimate shutter presser! Just look at the image of Lake Eib (Eibsee) below:

Imagine yourself being here now. You will be, like, facing a portal to another realm!

Garmisch-Partenkirchen Lakes

Eibsee and the other lakes in the Bavarian Alps are our second reason to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen. There are eleven lakes in Garmisch-Partenkirchen we can easily find on the maps. Almost all offer mystic and tranquil scenery.

These lakes are clustered in three areas: Lakes in the Wetterstein Mountain Range, Lakes within the Eibsee Area or north of Zugspitze, and Lakes splattered near the towns.

Wetterstein Mountain Range:

• Stuibensee
• Schachensee

Eibsee Area:

• Frillensee 
• Eibsee
• Braxensee
• Steingringpriel
• Untersee

Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Grainau Area:

• Badersee
• Rosensee
• Riessersee
• Pfleger-See

Among the lakes in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the most notable are Lake Eib (Eibsee) and Lake Riesser (Riessersee).

Eibsee

Eibsee is the largest lake we can find in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Like most lakes in the alps, you can find the clearest waters in your life in Eibsee! Come during the early, calm morning, and you will witness a mirror-like Eibsee.

You can enjoy the idyllic scenery in Eibsee by hiking around the lake or kayaking drift the crystal clear waters.

When you kayak, try to visit the small islands of the lake. They are picturesque features of the lake that you would want to see if you visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen. See a sample shot below:

Eibsee in Garmisch-Partenkirchen has eight small islands. Here are the names of each island from east to west:

1. Steinbühl
2. Sasseninsel
3. Braxeninsel
4. Schönbichl
5. Maximiliansinsel
6. Scheibeninsel
7. Ludwigsinsel
8. Almbichl

It’s best to come to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and see lake Eib during autumn when the fall foliage is at its peak. You’d see a lake full of vibrant colors.

Riessersee

If Eibsee is the largest, Riessersee is the most historic among these lakes. It has stories that date back to the medieval ages when it was created in a forest clearing. It was recently assigned as the venue of several competitions, obviously the 1936 Olympic Games.

Today, it is considered one of the highlights of visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Lake Eibsee, Riessersee, shows visitors breathtaking scenery.

Viewing the Riessersee from its northern shore on a calm sunny day, you would see the lake glitter and reflect the towering Mount Waxenstein and Mount Kramer nearby. 

The lake could be crowded sometimes, so it’s best to visit it during the off-peak hours to commune with nature and get the best experience.

3. Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s Partnachklamm (A Scenic Gorge)

Incredible scenery never runs out in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Fill yourself with wonder: from the mountains down to the lakes and even beneath the earth’s surface!

Here you can find a gorge – this is the third reason why you should visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Partnachklamm, or the Partnach Gorge, is a 700-meter-long, 80-meter-deep canyon in Reintal Valley just south of the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Visitors see the unfinished yet incredible artwork that nature started millions of years ago.

Inside we can find the spectacular show of nature’s creativity, which stimulates our senses of sight and hearing. Rock formations are everywhere, and the cascading waterfalls and water rapids echo all around.

Before, I had no interest in visiting a canyon/gorge. I thought gorges were just rocks, simple waterfalls. But I was wrong! A different kind of wonder lies in the ravines, found nowhere else above the surface.

The most beautiful moment inside the gorge is when the sunlight enters the openings on top, making picturesque, dramatic lighting everywhere. You are fortunate when it happens to you.

The view inside Partnachklamm changes per season. Come around February and see not only rock formations but also icicles of different shapes.

4. Gorgeous Palace near Garmisch-Partenkirchen

It is not hard to understand why Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a fantastic destination for adventurers and nature lovers. But do you know there is an architectural gem you can visit from Garmisch-Partenkirchen?

That is Linderhof Palace, built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century.

Linderhof Palace is one of the grandest royal lounges you can ever find. It has one of the most impressive historicist garden designs in Germany.

You will be struck by immense Rococo grandeur inside the palace, especially in the palace’s bed chamber and Hall of Mirrors. Bummer, photography isn’t allowed inside the place for me to show you here.

The garden of Linderhof Palace is truly one of a kind. Its garden has a design that embodies architectural techniques that originated from different eras and places – see elements of baroque and renaissance architecture, similar to Marly le Roi in France or La Granja in Spain.

Linderhof Garden isn’t only about plants arranged wonderfully. It is 50 hectares (125 acres) of land that has buildings that were inspired by different places and cultures:

• Venus Grotto
• Hunding’s Hut
• Gurnemanz Hermitage
• Moorish Kiosk
• Moroccan House

Ultimately, the palace is situated in the middle of the Bavarian Alps. Here, you can see the garden’s lovely scenery that comes with the awe-filling mountains from afar. Can you imagine how beautiful it could be?

5. Grand Monastery in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Ettal Abbey is another architectural marvel that will attract you to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen (aside from the Linderhof Palace). It is a 14th-century Benedictine monastery and a baroque church with an impressive dome.

The monastery’s dome is a phenomenal work of art. It is filled with rococo embellishments and ultra-detailed frescos; anyone will absolutely be captivated! The painting illustrates the image of heaven, being the Holy Trinity, as the central theme.

You’d be surprised about the Ettal Abbey when you discover that it functions as more than just a church and a religious school. The monastery also operates a hotel, brewery, and show dairy.

6. The Historic Town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Actually, You do not have to move away from the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen to see cute architectural buildings. Artistic buildings can be found in the historic town, and they are another reason to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen!

You can visit two famous streets in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Ludwigstrasse and Fruhlingstrasse. These parts of modern-day Garmisch-Partenkirchen are the ones you’ll find so Instagrammable and ultimately culturally rich.

Later I’ll further explain each, but for now, here are the images of the Historic Garmisch-Partenkirchen to make you want to visit this town:

Ludwigstrasse (Ludwig Street)

Learning about the lives of the ancestors of Garmisch-Partenkirchen comes with a stroll in Ludwigstrasse. Here, you will see the facades of the houses, shops, and inns painted with beautiful murals that express the old Bavarian character.

Lüftlmalerei, or the artistic facades of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and other towns in Southern Germany, can be seen almost everywhere. The murals mostly depict the profession of the house owner or their patron saint.

What’s more interesting? In Ludwigstrasse, most buildings are constructed plain and flat, but they don’t look like that! Some murals apply trompe-l’œil, a visual illusion that tricks the eyes into perceiving the images as 3D objects.

Ludwigstrasse is a fascinating street, and for art enthusiast travelers, this is why you would visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Fruhlingstrasse (Fruhling street)

Fruhlingstrasse is a part of Garmisch-Partenkirchen that you might also want to visit. This portion of Garmisch-Partenkirchen was once a rural alpine settlement home to buildings with fascinating Lüftlmalerei mural paintings on the facades and wooden chalets similar to the ones from Switzerland.

Stroll along the Fruhlingstrasse and see 18th-century houses with balconies embellished by colorful flowers. It’s a street full of charm, indeed!

7. More Discoveries in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Aside from natural wonders and architectural marvels, you can also find attractions in Garmisch-Partenkirchen that embody “interesting” stories. These fascinating attractions are another reason to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

• Kirchdorf Wamberg
• King’s House on Schachen
• The Werdenfels castle ruins
• Kriegergedächtniskapelle

Kirchdorf Wamberg

Kirchdorf Wamberg is one of the most idyllic church villages that await you in Bavaria. It is a place straight out of an indie movie that tells a profound message or a story. It’s a perfect destination for old souls, I guess.

Wamberg is situated a kilometer above sea level in the Wetterstein mountain range. It is pretty far and isolated from Garmisch-Partenkirchen town, yet the visit is said to be a rewarding one.

Coming here, you’ll see the epitome of the beauty of the German countryside in the mountains.

Wamberg has villagers of about 30 in number, living peacefully in their traditional and rustic homes. Visit in summer, and you’ll see these charming houses stand against the verdant meadows – an absolutely delightful scenery to witness.

Enter the center of the village, and you’ll find the Church of Saint Anne with an impressive high altar. The church’s altar is a work of art created by the sculptor Andreas Onich.

Ultimately, Wamberg offers picture-perfect views of Alpspitze and Zugspitze. This, together with all mentioned, shall give you a tranquil and peaceful experience in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

King’s House on Schachen (Könighaus am Schachen)

The King’s House is another gem we can visit in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It is located just below Dreitorspitze at an elevation of 1,866 meters above sea level, an excellent vantage point for the Wetterstein mountain range.

This mountain lounge entails the story of a king (King Ludwig II) who dreamed of dwelling in an absolutely fairytale-like location in the mountains.

A rest house in the mountains… It is something that most of us dream of, too, don’t you agree?

King Ludwig II’s house on Schachen looks plain and ordinary outside; it seems not even made for a royal! But don’t get fooled; all its grandeur is kept inside.

The Werdenfels Castle Ruins

Wamberg and King’s House are two of the hiker’s destinations near Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The third one is the Werdenfels Castle ruins located between Garmisch and Ferchant.

Back in history, before the mid-17th century, Wenderfels Castle used to be a mighty fortress that guarded Loisach valley 80 meters above on a cliff. It was here that the counts of Wenderfels stayed to rule their land.

The center of power was moved somewhere else, letting the castle fall into disrepair after that.

*You can move the 360-degree image above to see the surroundings

Today, wanderers will be thrilled to visit Werenfels Castle ruins. Not only that, the Werdenfels Castle ruins give a mysterious feel to anyone who visits; the dramatic panorama from the ruins is just wanderlust satisfying to see.

Kriegergedächtniskapelle

Warrior Remembrance Chapel (Kriegergedächtniskapelle) is another historic place in Garmisch-Partenkirchen you can discover. We can find the chapel on top of a plateau located northwest of the town.

Like the three attractions mentioned above, Kriegergedächtniskapelle is also where you see panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps and the Garmisch-Partenkirchen town.

It’s a spot to get some peace and quiet too!

The story behind Kriegergedächtniskapelle is about the soldiers who died during the Second World War. It memorializes these brave men who sacrificed their lives for their nation’s interest.

You can come here for a hike, but please don’t forget to commemorate the lost lives. This chapel should be able to remind us how lucky we are today to walk freely without the peril of war.

Implicitly, Kriegergedächtniskapelle is a place in Garmisch-Partenkirchen that helps us develop our character: to improve our overall sense of gratitude. See the essence of traveling here?

8. The Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

On Reason #7, you learned about the “interesting” places you can discover in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. In this section, we talk about what made Garmisch-Partenkirchen well-known to the world.

The 1936 Winter Olympics.

Impressively, even after decades, the Olympic spirit never left the town… and it is a reason why visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

There are two notable attractions in Garmisch-Partenkirchen that relives the 1936 Winter Olympics every day:

1. Olympic Ski Jump
2. Olympic Bobsleigh Run

Olympic Ski Jump

Technically speaking, Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s Olympic Ski Jump is a K-125 (K point) and HS140 (Hill Size) ski jumping hill located in Gudiberg, south of the district of Partenkirchen.

But regardless of what these numbers mean, this structure can thrill you even by glancing at it. The Olympic Ski Jump will surely pump the adrenaline out of your blood when you try, especially if it is your first time!

You can access the Olympic Ski Jump Ski Stadium for free. Just sign-up at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen tourism office when you arrive in the town or call (ph.: +49 (0) 8821/180700).

Olympic Bobsleigh Run

Olympic Bobsleigh Run is a protected historic landmark that used to be the site where hundreds of bob sports athletes had run down its curvy path. When you visit Olympic Bobsleigh Run, you see the world’s most dangerous run.

And back in the past, athletes have raced down the tracks with speeds that topped at 120kph. Can you imagine how crazy fast it is!?

Reason #9: Endless Activities in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

What’s really compelling about visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen is that the things to do here for a single visit are endless! I think visitors would need more than a week or two to get them all done.

What’s more? There is fun for everyone in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

It is for adventurous travelers, wanderers, family vacationers, architecture and art lovers, etc.! Aside from the mentioned above, below is the list/category of things you can else do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Here are some of the relaxing and interesting activities awaiting in Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

Summer Activities in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

During the summer season, there are activities that you can have for fun:

• Hiking
• Hiking on prescription
• Mountaineering & Climbing
• Cycling and mountain biking
• Trail running
• Water sports
• Paragliding
• Golf

You can check this summer activities list link on the official website of Garmisch-Partenkirchen to learn more about each item listed above.

Winter Activities in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

When the winter season comes, Garmisch-Partenkirchen turns even more fantastic! You can try the following activities:

• Skiing
• Cross-country skiing & biathlon
• Winter hiking
• Snowshoeing
• Ski touring
• Off the slopes
• Olympic Games

Here is the link to the Winter Activities page of the Official website of Garmisch-Partenkirchen to learn more about each item written above.

Wildlife in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

If you want to see mystical creatures like those shown in elven fantasy movies, you don’t have to go anywhere else; Garmisch-Partenkirchen has something to show you!

You can visit Kramerplateau, and there you can get a wildlife feeding experience with does and stags. You will be accompanied by a ranger who will teach you all the fascinating things about these animals.

Food in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

And yes, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is for food travelers too! Here you can try the bests and classics of Bavarian Cuisine:

Fleischpflanzerl

Schweinshaxe mit Knödel

Obazda

Knieküchle

Zwetschgendatschi

Reason #10: Garmisch-Partenkirchen is Near Other Beautiful Places

Lastly, what’s really great about visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen is its location. Aside from being in the Bavarian Alps, where endless beautiful scenery and activities are, Garmisch-Partenkirchen neighbors other attractions that are also a must-visit destination in Southern Germany.

You’ll learn about them in the next section of this article.

When you are done visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen and want to see more tourist attractions, time and transportation fees won’t be your problem, absolutely!

Some even make Garmisch-Partenkirchen their home base for visiting other attractions. By that, they avoid the hassle of transferring from one hotel to another every single time or wasting time on a long commute/drive when they want to see a new spectacle, etc.

Where to Stay In Garmisch-Partenkirchen?

As you may have discovered from our discussion, there are many things to see and do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It’s also a strategic home base for exploring Bavarian Alps.

With that, you might need to stay for 2 days or more to fully enjoy Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

If you need a place to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you can find the best hotel deals here.

Where To Go Next After Garmisch-Partenkirchen?

As you may have seen from the photos of the destinations in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Bavarian Alps are indeed beautiful. Actually, I must say: Southern Germany is really beautiful.

See all the beautiful places in Southern Germany in this post: Southern Germany: The 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit.

Here’s an itinerary of the breathtaking places in Bavarian Alps: Bavarian Alps Itinerary: Best Places to Visit in German Alps

In my opinion, southern Germany is the most “fairytale” part of the world! Neuschwanstein Castle, the Black Forest, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber as the best examples of southern Germany’s fairytale destinations.

And indeed, Southern Germany has more scenic destinations like Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The nearest you can visit from Garmisch-Partenkirchen is Mittenwald (a 20-minute train ride), where the Dammkar ski route (the longest in Germany) is found.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is also close to Oberammergau (a 30-minute drive), which is the town famous for its Passion Play—the largest and most impressive in the whole world!

Do you really like visiting natural attractions? Because I do, and if there’s an ultimate nature destination in southern Germany I strongly recommend, it’s Berchtesgaden. Beautiful mountains, picturesque lakes, historical sites—Berchtesgaden has them all!

Learn more about Berchtesgaden here: 12 Reasons Why Berchtesgaden Is Worth Visiting

If you’re undecided about where to start in traveling to south Germany, you can try:

1. Munich — it is a beautiful city with fantastic culture! Start here if you wish to go to the destinations in the Bavarian Alps. See how beautiful Munich is: 10 Beautiful Places in Munich to See
2. Nuremberg — a city with picturesque timber-framed houses in its center. Start here to visit the towns in Franconia (Bamberg, Wurzburg, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber). Discover Nuremberg: 15 Reasons To Visit Nuremberg
3. Stuttgart — the city home of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. Start here if you want to visit the Black Forest and Lichtenstein Castle (a clifftop castle). Learn more: 10 Reasons Why Visit Stuttgart

For mountain lovers like me, I suggest you also discover the most remarkable natural wonders in the Alps from Switzerland, France, and Italy:

1. Chamonix (France) — come here to enter the second-largest glacier in the alps and see a panorama of the highest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc. 
2. Zermatt & Lauterbrunnen (Switzerland) — Come here to ride the highest cable car in Europe to see the most iconic Swiss Toblerone mountain, Matterhorn. Or visit the heaven on earth valley, Lauterbrunnen. Here’s how you can visit Switzerland: Switzerland Itineraries: 3, 7, 10, 14 Days in the Swiss Alps
3. Cortina d’Ampezzo (Italy) — it’s the town in the center of the most spectacular Dolomite mountains. Absolutely breathtaking!

Photos to Inspire You to Visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen

If you aren’t still convinced to go and visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen, let this stream of images make you want to come.

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