Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of Germany's premier alpine resorts, sitting at the foot of the Bavarian Alps and serving as the gateway to the Zugspitze (2,962 m), the country's highest peak. The two villages of Garmisch and Partenkirchen were merged in 1935 to host the 1936 Winter Olympics, and the town remains a hub for winter skiing and summer hiking. As of summer 2026 the cogwheel railway and cable cars are running normally (with a few maintenance closures such as 13 July), and the Partnachklamm gorge and historic old-town lanes are open, making it an ideal base for travelers who want alpine scenery paired with a traditional Bavarian town.
Zugspitze summit: ride the Bavarian Zugspitze cogwheel train and glacier cable car from town to Germany's highest peak for a sweeping cross-border alpine panorama
Eibsee: an emerald lake beneath the Zugspitze, perfect for a shoreline stroll and mirror-reflection photos before or after the cable car
Partnachklamm: a dramatic gorge trail winding between sheer rock walls, with waterfalls and rushing water just an arm's length away
Ludwigstraße in Partenkirchen: an old-town lane lined with traditional Bavarian houses decorated in Lüftlmalerei (painted facade frescoes)
Olympic heritage and viewpoints: the Great Olympic Ski Jump, the 1936 Olympic stadium, and the AlpspiX viewing platform on the Alpspitze
Good to know
SeasonThe Zugspitze summit stays cold with lingering snow even in midsummer. Pack a windproof and warm layer even in July, and always check the summit webcam and weather before ascending, since there is no view on cloudy days.
RulesFares and operating hours for the summit round trip and the gorge change with the season and maintenance, so always confirm the latest details on the official sites. On clear-weather weekends in peak summer 2026, queues form at the Eibsee ticket counter before 9 a.m., so buying online in advance is recommended.
SafetyGorge and mountain paths can be wet, slippery, and steep, so wear grippy hiking shoes. Mountain weather changes fast, so avoid overambitious plans, and note that the Partnachklamm stops admitting visitors 30 minutes before closing.
MannersIn restaurants and cafes it is customary to round up and tip roughly 5-10% when paying. Most shops and supermarkets close on Sundays and public holidays, so stock up in advance, and stay on marked trails in nature-protection areas.
CautionThis is a small, safe town, but watch for pickpockets in crowded spots such as the Eibsee, the summit terrace, and regional trains from Munich. Buy tickets only at official counters or official apps and avoid unofficial resellers.
RulesIt is about 1 hour 20 minutes from Munich by regional train (RB); a Bayern-Ticket or Deutschlandticket makes the trip cheaper. Some mountain huts and small shops may not take cards, so carry some cash for small purchases.
Practical info
It is roughly 1 hour 20 minutes from Munich Hauptbahnhof by regional train, terminating at Garmisch-Partenkirchen station. From the town the Bavarian Zugspitze cogwheel train and the Eibsee cable car connect up to the Zugspitze summit; opening times, schedules, and fares vary by season and maintenance, so check the latest information on the official sites before visiting.
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