Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in Germany. Until 1935, in its place were two ancient settlements - Garmisch and Partenkirchen, their merger took place in the specified year and was timed to coincide with the 1936 Winter Olympics. Every year, the resort is visited by millions of tourists from all over Europe and beyond. Natural and cultural attractions, ample opportunities for an active and relaxing holiday, wonderful cuisine, good-natured residents - all this attracts travelers to a cozy and beautiful German town.
Resort Description
Few lovers of mountaineering and
skiing do not know about such a beautiful place as Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The year 1936 became a landmark for the city, because the Winter Olympic Games were held here, and earlier two old settlements were located here. Garmisch and Partenkirchen are separated by a railway track, they are connected by numerous automobile and pedestrian tunnels. The city is located near the highest peak in Germany - the Zugspitze mountain, it is surrounded on almost all sides by the
Bavarian Alps. Near the resort is Munich. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is connected with it by rail and mountain road.
What does the city live with?
The main source of income for the city is the tourism industry. In the center and in the suburbs there are a huge number of restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels of different stars. The city accepts vacationers all year round, in winter you can ski in the mountains, and in spring, summer and autumn, hiking, visiting local attractions, visiting festivals is relevant. The Germans care about the comfort of travelers, in the mountains there are special pedestrian roads, funiculars.
What attracts tourists to Garmisch-Partenkirchen?
Mountains are the main attraction of the city, and it is they that attract the largest number of vacationers. But even if you exclude peaks, mountain climbing and skiing, then there will be something to do. Tourists really like cozy Bavarian-style restaurants, inexpensive cafes and elite establishments, ready to surprise visitors every day with masterpieces of haute cuisine. Restaurants are not only delicious food, but also an interesting entertainment program that includes dance and music evenings. In Garmisch-Partenkirchen you can find dishes of almost all European cuisines. The most popular are Italian, French and German.
The mentality of local people
Very often, choosing a place to go to relax, tourists pay attention not only to the number of attractions, entertainment or local beauty, but also to the goodwill of the population. Garmisch-Partenkirchen has no problems with this, the residents here are good-natured, they treat foreigners well, although they have some oddities. For example, they speak the local dialect, so even people who know the German language will have to tight, they will not understand even half of the conversation of the townspeople.
Travelers may be surprised by the wary attitude of the population towards them, but the people here treat all strangers who do not speak their dialect. But if you show interest in their culture and learn a few words in their native language, then the townspeople will instantly be inspired by confidence. There is another rule that you need to know: Weiswurst (white Bavarian sausages for beer) needs to be eaten only with hands, this is a tribute to tradition, local residents condemn the foreigners who cut with a knife and stab their national delicacy on a fork.
Entertainment in the city
Germany has been famous for its grandiose concerts and festivals at all times. Garmisch-Partenkirchen will not let locals and travelers alike. Those who came here in early summer can attend a music festival dedicated to the memory of the great composer Richard Strauss. The genius spent in this town the last years of his life, so fans of classical music of different nationalities gather in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
In August, the favorite holiday of all men is held - the Festwochen beer festival. It would be strange if the Germans did not pay due attention to their national drink. The festival is accompanied by songs, dances, folklore performances, competitions and beer tastings. In winter, the resort prepares for the feast of celebration and extravaganza, because in January there is an incredible beauty carnival. Pyrotechnic shows, parades, street performances, musical and dance performances - all this causes delight, charges with a positive and gives an indescribable impression.
Attractions worth visiting
Garmisch-Partenkirchen resort is famous for a wide variety of architectural, historical and natural monuments. Everyone who wants to get acquainted with the culture and history of the city is advised to visit the Werdenfelder Museum. Some of its exhibits are more than 1.5 thousand years old, they will tell visitors about the most important historical events of these places. Tourists who are interested in religious monuments in Germany should look at the New Parish Church, built in the Baroque style, and a valuable Gothic fresco has been preserved here.
You can have fun at the Olympic Ice Stadium. Not far from here is the home of
Richard Strauss, it was here that he spent his old age. For half a century, the situation in the villa has remained unchanged, the composer's works, documents and personal belongings are stored here, everyone can sign up for an excursion and see it with their own eyes. Another architectural attraction is the Hunting Castle. Its facade is decorated with magnificent stained glass windows, carved arches, and it is also built on the hunting grounds of Ludwig II. Despite the venerable age, the building practically did not change its original appearance, perfectly preserved to this day.
Leisure
Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski resort is an excellent place for outdoor activities. It has excellent mountain trails and plains for skiing for both professionals and beginners. Snowboarders will also like it here, a ski area is specially equipped for them. At the Olympic Ice Stadium you can play curling or hockey, ice skating. Those who want to learn how to ski have the opportunity to enroll in one of the upscale ski schools.
It should be noted that Garmisch-Partenkirchen is attractive not only in the cold season, in summer mountaineering lovers come here. The resort has several tennis courts, 19 golf courses, you can also go hiking or cycling in the mountains, learn archery or horseback riding. Shopping should also be considered an active holiday; the resort has more than 400 shopping pavilions where you can buy whatever you want. Every week, fairs are held in the city.
Overview of Natural Monuments
To get acquainted with the nature of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you should climb the mountains or visit the Michael-Ende park. In the nature reserve there is a special zone for vacationers, here you can go in for sports, play various games, have a picnic. The park often hosts various festivals and concerts, so it’s never boring here. Another wonderful place to relax is the artificial cave Venus Grotto, it is decorated with a waterfall and a crystal clear lake, the stone walls are decorated with paintings. To carefully examine this place, you can use the services of a huge pleasure boat, made in the shape of a swan, it runs on the lake, allowing you to carefully see the surrounding nature of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Resort reviews
This place makes a positive impression on foreign tourists. Someone comes here specially to enjoy skiing, mountain climbing or just hiking in the mountains, someone comes for business on Munich, and comes here to relax in body and soul. Travelers note that this is an ideal resort for people looking for both comfort and tranquility. For those who want adventure and drive, it is better to go to Austria, and this German town for overly active tourists may seem boring.
The weather is mainly good here both in winter and in summer, of course, there are snowy days in the cold season, when in addition to heavy snowfall a thick fog falls, but there are very few of them. Travelers note the high quality and comfort of the lifts, excellently equipped tracks. Depending on personal preferences, you can choose accommodation in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Hotels have different stars, with mountain views, with pools. Prices are here, as elsewhere in Europe: not higher, but not lower.
Travel Tips
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is suitable for skiing from December to May, it is at this time that all pistes and areas are open. The town will gladly welcome both athletes and amateurs. For guests with different levels of training gently sloping and steep slopes are equipped, there are ski schools, including for children. Those who want to save money on vacation should not eat in expensive restaurants, but in pubs. The food in them is no worse, and the prices are much more attractive, in addition, a huge selection of drinks is offered.
Foreign travelers paying resort tax have the right to use a tourist card, which gives a discount on the fare on buses and on visits to entertainment venues. Vacationers are offered several types of ski-pass, some of which involve free movement not only in the city, but also in the Tyrolean region of Austria. Rest in Garmisch-Partenkirchen leaves only positive impressions, having been here once, I want to come more than once.