Germany's Favourite Mountain Town. Travel Guide. What to do in Garmisch Partenkirchen, Bavaria.

Notable moments

1. 01:18 The Zugspitze Summit

   At 2,962 meters above sea level, the Zugspitze is the highest mountain peak in Germany. The summit platform offers 360-degree panoramic views across hundreds of Alpine peaks spanning Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.

   Zugspitze, Germany
2. 02:25 Riding the Zugspitze Cable Car

   The Seilbahn Zugspitze cable car holds world records for its massive unsupported cable span. Passengers travel from the base near Lake Eibsee straight up to the peak station in about ten minutes, enjoying dramatic aerial views of the snow-covered slopes below.

   Seilbahn Zugspitze, Germany
3. 03:10 Dining at Panorama 2962

   Located at the mountain top station, Panorama 2962 serves traditional Bavarian cuisine catered by Munich delicatessen Dallmayr. Visitors can enjoy hearty meals such as Kässpätzle, Schnitzel, and Kaiserschmarrn alongside regional beer while overlooking the mountain vistas.

   Zugspitze, Germany
4. 04:18 Tobogganing on Zugspitze Glacier

   A short cable car ride connects the summit to the Zugspitze Glacier plateau, where visitors can rent wooden toboggans for sledding. The glacier area also hosts winter skiing, outdoor dining at the Sonn Alpin hut, and Germany's highest church.

   Zugspitze, Germany
5. 04:45 Visiting Iglu-Dorf Ice Hotel

   Rebuilt every winter on the glacier plateau, Iglu-Dorf is a hotel and bar complex made entirely out of ice and snow. Visitors can admire intricate snow wall carvings of marine life, grab hot drinks at the outdoor bar, or book overnight stays inside insulated igloo suites.

   Zugspitze, Germany
6. 06:32 Exploring Lake Eibsee

   Situated at the foot of the Zugspitze, Lake Eibsee is widely regarded as one of Bavaria's most beautiful lakes due to its vibrant turquoise waters and small wooded islets. On clear days, the towering limestone cliffs of the Zugspitze reflect mirrored across the calm water surface.

   Eibsee, Germany
7. 07:42 E-Biking to Lake Eibsee

   Renting an e-bike in Garmisch-Partenkirchen allows travelers to ride scenic backcountry paths connecting the town directly to Lake Eibsee. The route winds through quiet meadows, past alpine farmhouses, and along mountain streams away from vehicular traffic.

   Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
8. 10:15 Hiking Through Partnachklamm Gorge

   Partnachklamm is a dramatic river gorge carved into limestone cliffs, featuring a narrow footway cut into the rock face alongside roaring white-water rapids. Visitors pay a 6 euro entrance fee to walk through damp stone tunnels and past cascading waterfalls along the river path.

   Partnach Gorge, Germany
9. 11:32 Hiking to Kaiserschmarrn-Alm

   After exiting the far end of Partnachklamm, a 15-minute uphill trail leads to Kaiserschmarrn-Alm, a traditional wooden alpine hut. Hikers can relax on the sunny patio with cold beers and fresh Kaiserschmarrn while enjoying open views of surrounding alpine pastures.

   Partnach Gorge, Germany
10. 12:05 Riding the Graseckbahn Cable Car

    The vintage Graseckbahn cable car carries passengers in compact glass cabins from the area above the gorge back down to the valley floor. The steep, suspended ride offers aerial views over the dense forest canopy and canyon ravine.

    Partnach Gorge, Germany
11. 14:38 Hiking Up Mount Wank

    Mount Wank is an accessible alpine peak offering a direct trail hike from Partenkirchen with approximately 1,000 meters of elevation gain. The summit features the Wankhaus mountain lodge and broad views overlooking the entire Garmisch-Partenkirchen valley.

    Wank, Germany
12. 18:23 Visiting Werdenfels Castle Ruins

    Perched on a forested hill near Farchant, the 13th-century Werdenfels Castle ruins feature surviving stone archways and defensive wall remnants slowly being reclaimed by nature. An easy walking trail leads up to the ruins, providing a quiet historic site for a picnic overlooking the valley.

    Werdenfels Castle, Germany