Top 10 Things to Do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- garmischalpine
- 6 days ago
- 8 min read
Garmisch-Partenkirchen — the heart of the Bavarian Alps and one of the most beautiful mountain towns in Germany. Here you’ll find everything: crystal-clear lakes, peaceful forest trails, snow-covered peaks, and cozy Bavarian cafés.
Whether you want to hike, ride an e-bike, or simply enjoy nature, there’s always something amazing to discover. Here are the things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Zugspitze – The Top of Germany
The most famous and highest mountain in Germany (2,962 meters). The summit attracts visitors from all over the world in every season.
You can hike or ski until mid-May, or simply enjoy a coffee or drink at the restaurant on top. From the Zugspitze summit, you get a 360° view over four countries — Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.
A little tip: when heading back down, make sure you take the right cable car — it’s easy to mix up the one going to Germany with the one to Austria!
You can reach Zugspitze by cable car from Eibsee, by a special mountain train, or on our E-Bike Tour to Eibsee & Zugspitze — beginner-friendly, easy, and full of amazing viewpoints through forests and alpine meadows.
Eibsee – The Emerald Lake
Eibsee is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Europe, famous for its turquoise water and small islands. It’s the second most popular destination in the Garmisch area — often visited together with Zugspitze, as they’re located right next to each other.
The lake is about 6.5 km in circumference, and you can easily walk around it in 1.5–2 hours, stopping at the most photogenic spots to capture unforgettable views.
Most visitors drive there, but our guided E-Bike Tour from Garmisch to Eibsee lets you skip the traffic and enjoy a peaceful ride through forest trails, hidden viewpoints, and quiet lakeside paths.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to stay longer than planned — just to watch how the colors of the lake change with the light.
Partnachklamm – The Famous Alpine Gorge
Partnachklamm is one of the most popular attractions in Garmisch-Partenkirchen — a dramatic, narrow gorge carved by rushing water, framed by steep rock walls and waterfalls.
The gorge is about 700 meters long and in places over 80 meters deep. It was declared a natural monument in 1912, marking more than a century of protection and tourist access.
Because of its beauty and accessibility, the gorge attracts over 200,000 visitors annually. It’s easily reached from the Olympic Ski Stadium (Olympiaschanze) — perfect for a quick nature escape on any day.
Tip: Long queues often form at the ticket counter on sunny weekends. To make your visit smoother, buy your ticket online in advance and arrive early in the morning.
Höllentalklamm – The Hidden Gorge Adventure
While most tourists wait in long lines at Partnachklamm, locals know the real secret — Höllentalklamm.
It’s just as spectacular but far less crowded, making it one of the favorite hikes among locals.
The gorge was officially opened to visitors on August 15, 1905, and runs for about 700 meters (0.7 km) through narrow rock walls carved by the Hammersbach stream. In some sections, the cliffs rise up to 150 meters high, creating a dramatic canyon filled with tunnels, bridges, and roaring waterfalls.
To reach the entrance, you’ll first hike uphill from Grainau through a scenic forest trail — a moderate walk that makes the first glimpse of the gorge even more rewarding.
Because of the terrain — wet paths, tunnels, and hanging bridges — going with a guide makes the experience both safer and more enjoyable.
On our guided Höllentalklamm Tour, we take care of all logistics, show you the best viewpoints, and share local stories that bring the place to life.
The gorge is usually open from April to the end of October. It feels wild and authentic, with cool mountain air and waterfalls echoing through the rock — a truly unforgettable part of Garmisch’s alpine landscape.
5. Wank Mountain – The Balcony of Garmisch
Wank Mountain (1,780 m / 5,840 ft) is known as the “sun mountain” of Garmisch-Partenkirchen — famous for its panoramic views, sunny slopes, and easy hiking trails.
For locals, Wank is a training mountain — perfect for preparing for alpine trails or mountain marathons. Some manage to reach the summit in just 1–2 hours, while most hikers take a comfortable 3–4 hours to get to the top.
There are several paths to choose from, so you can always find one that matches your fitness level.
With our guided Wank Hiking Tour, even first-timers can enjoy the hike safely and at their own pace — we know the best scenic routes and hidden rest spots.
You can also combine this hike with an E-Bike Tour, making the ascent easier and the adventure even more exciting.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable 360° panorama over the Garmisch valley, the Zugspitze, and the Wetterstein mountains — truly one of the most “Instagrammable” viewpoints in Bavaria.
The trail starts near the parking area at Wankbahn station in Partenkirchen and winds steadily uphill through forests and open meadows. The route is about 10 km (6 mi) long, with an elevation gain of roughly 1,000 m (3,280 ft).
You can also take the Wankbahn cable car straight to the top for a relaxing ride above the valley.
Kreuzeck - Where the Famous Kandahar Slope Begins
This mountain ((1,651 m) belongs to the Garmisch Classic ski area. The red ski slopes start here in winter, while scenic hiking trails open in summer.
The famous Kandahar slope, one of the most challenging runs where international ski competitions take place every year, is located on Kreuzeck.
If you manage to ski down Kandahar, you’re almost a professional!
Kreuzeck is also a favorite destination among locals for hiking and mountain biking.
From here, you can walk to the Alpspitze area with us as part of a guided hiking tour.
Reachable by the Kreuzeckbahn cable car or a 2.5–3-hour hike from Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Alpspitze – The Iconic Peak of Garmisch
The Alpspitze (2,628 m) is one of the most recognizable mountains in the Bavarian Alps. Its sharp pyramid shape dominates the skyline of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and offers breathtaking views over Garmisch, Zugspitze (2,962 m), and even across the border into Austria.
Most visitors first hike or take the cable car up to Osterfelderkopf (2,057 m), and from there, experienced hikers can climb to the summit of Alpspitze. It’s a thrilling route with stunning scenery all along the way.
While regular hikers usually need 5–6 hours for the climb from Osterfelderkopf and back, local mountaineers often manage the full ascent from the valley in about 6 hours.
In winter, the area transforms into a popular ski destination, famous for its red slopes and alpine views. However, snowboarders may find some sections narrow or flat in places.
In spring, summer, and autumn, you can reach Osterfelderkopf by a scenic hike through the Höllentalklamm Gorge (about 5–6 hours) or simply by cable car from the foot of the mountain.
For beginners, we recommend our Kreuzeck–Alpspitze Tour, which starts with a cable car ride to Kreuzeck. From there, we hike to Osterfelderkopf and return comfortably by cable car again — a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the Alps without a demanding climb.
8. Kramer Mountain – The Quiet Western Wall of Garmisch
The Kramer (1,985 m) is the third major mountain surrounding the valley of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.Located on the western side of the town, it forms a natural wall that gives Garmisch its dramatic alpine backdrop.
Hiking to the summit of Kramer is a challenge even for fit hikers — the ascent takes around 4–5 hours one way.However, those who make it to the top are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views over the entire valley, the town, and the surrounding peaks.
The mountain is large enough to offer many other activities besides the summit hike.You can stop halfway and enjoy coffee or lunch at a cozy mountain hut with a beautiful view of Garmisch, ride a bike along scenic forest trails, or visit a hidden alpine lake by e-bike or car.
For travelers who want to experience the local side of Garmisch without a strenuous climb, we offer customized hiking and e-biking tours around Kramer — perfect for beginners or those with a lower fitness level.
Old Town & Pedestrian Zone – The Heart of Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The Ludwigstraße in Partenkirchen is the oldest and most picturesque street in town — a must-see for anyone visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen.Walking along this historic street feels like stepping back in time: beautifully painted 16th–18th century houses with traditional Lüftlmalerei (Bavarian frescoes) line both sides, depicting alpine life, saints, and old legends.
At the heart of the district stands the Parish Church of St. Sebastian, surrounded by cobblestone lanes, charming courtyards, and wooden balconies overflowing with flowers in summer.
Here you can also find local craft shops, boutiques, and family-run cafés serving traditional Bavarian cakes and coffee.Many of the buildings on Ludwigstraße are still privately owned by families who have lived there for generations, preserving the authentic atmosphere of Old Bavaria.
It’s the perfect place for a peaceful walk, to take photos, or simply enjoy the timeless alpine charm of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Another 'must visit' place in the town is the pedestrian zone in Garmisch, centered around Marienplatz and Zugspitzstraße, is the lively heart of the town.Here you can stroll among traditional Bavarian houses decorated with flowers, enjoy open-air cafés, and browse small shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, and alpine fashion.
Street musicians often play here in summer, and during the Christmas season the whole area turns into a charming Christmas market with lights, music, and the smell of mulled wine.
It’s the perfect place to feel the local atmosphere, relax after hiking, or simply people-watch with a cup of coffee and a slice of homemade cake.Don’t miss the view of the mountains rising at the end of the street — it’s one of those postcard-perfect moments that make Garmisch unforgettable.
Garmisch Classic – The Winter Sports Paradise
In winter, Garmisch-Partenkirchen turns into a skier’s dream.The Garmisch Classic ski area connects Hausberg, Kreuzeck, and Alpspitze, offering over 40 km of slopes for all levels — from beginners to professionals.
Here you’ll find the world-famous Kandahar Run, where international ski races take place each year, as well as family-friendly blue slopes, cozy mountain huts, and breathtaking alpine panoramas.
Even if you don’t ski, a ride on the cable car to Kreuzeck or Hausberg is worth it for the views alone — snowy peaks, sun terraces, and that unmistakable Bavarian winter charm.
You’ve just discovered the most beautiful places in Garmisch-Partenkirchen — now it’s time to experience them in real life!Whether you want to hike, ride an e-bike, or simply enjoy the views, we’ll plan the perfect tour for you. Let us show you the best of Garmisch — without stress, crowds, or planning hassle.
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