Cities & Culture
Soaring to new heights: Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Once two separate market towns, visitors to Garmisch-Partenkirchen now get a 2-for-1 deal with a charming historical town centre, scenic surroundings, a wealth of culture and plenty of good old-fashioned Bavarian hospitality. Together the former market towns have become Germany's best winter sports destination.
Half a year of perfect snow, 60 kilometres of pistes, pristine slopes and a glacial ski area – Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers the very best conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. There are slopes suitable for athletes of all abilities, which has transformed the region into a hot spot for international snow sports fans. Olympic venues, New Year's ski jumping at the world's most modern ski jump, the famous Kandahar run for Super G and downhill events: Garmisch-Partenkirchen is quite simply a mecca for winter sports. This picturesque twin town is also a first-class climatic health resort all year round.
The Partnach Gorge, a geological wonder that turns any walk into an adventure in nature, is also an experience at any time of year. At 2,962 metres, the Zugspitze Mountain is Germany's highest peak and a prime location for nature lovers, sun worshippers, walkers and skiers. The Zugspitze railway chugs its way from Lake Eibsee through the mountains and towards the summit. Once you reach the top, a breathtaking vista across the Alps of four countries unfolds before you. When you get back to the town, a walk along the historical Ludwigstrasse at the heart of Partenkirchen is highly recommended. Exclusive boutiques, traditional Alpine inns and first-class restaurants stand side by side here. And in the evenings, there is always time to experience Garmisch-Partenkirchen's vibrant nightlife.