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Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a famous resort town in Germany's Alps,
very near the border with Austria. Lying at the foot of Germany's highest
point, the Zugspitze,
the town gained distinction when it hosted the 1936 Winter Olympics. Needless to say, Alpine skiing is
excellent here, but the mountains are wonderful for hiking in the summer as
well. Of course, if you'd rather stay in town, there's plenty to do among the shops,
restaurants, and in the Casino Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Decorated houses in
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
(c) Michael T. Schumacher
The town is
actually comprised of two villages, Garmisch and Partenkirchen, which had grown together. They maintain separate identities, with Garmisch
having trendy and expensive shops while Partenkirchen preserves a traditional
Alpine character. Many of the
town's houses and shop buildings display intricate
paintings on their exteriors, which are incredible works of art.
While you're
visiting, you can sip on a coffee in some of the charming cafes in
town, watching everyone else bustle in the streets. But you should know that the biggest attraction
of this area is its natural environment. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a great starting point for
heading to the hills where you can breathe in clean mountain air.
You can
certainly hike on the many trails, but you don't have
to. There are 12 cable cars waiting to take you up the
nearby mountains of the Zugspitze, the Alpspitze, the Wank, the Eckbauer, the
Hausberg, and the Kreuzeck. If you want to take to the trails, you can choose from easy walks to steep climbs. See these suggestions
for hiking trips to help you make your plans. You can also contact the tourist
information office, which can provide you with maps and advice for
appropriate trails to
take.
March in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
(c) Michael T. Schumacher
While you're
here, you'll see plenty of out-of-towners, especially Americans. Garmisch-Partenkirchen
was a key travel destination for Americans when the U.S. military was in full
force in Germany, and remains a favorite place for American visitors. My first
trip to Garmisch took place when I was 12, when an American friend of the
family treated me to a trip. While tempting German delicacies were all around, I
remember warmly my first all-you-can-eat American-style buffet at a Holiday Inn. Years later my
wife and I visited Garmisch, and the building where I ate my buffet
breakfast was still there.
As for weather,
be prepared for everything. My last visit was in May, and foot-high snow covered
the ground. Summer months can be rainy, foggy, and cold, or brilliantly
sunny.
Accommodations
The Garmisch area has a wealth of choices for places
to stay, from camping and hostels to four-star hotels. You can opt for less
expensive digs just outside of the town.
Nearby
Destinations
Not far from Garmisch-Partenkirchen are a number of other travel
destinations. They include Oberammergau,
famous for its once-a-decade Passion Play, about 23 km to the northwest. Now
that we all have to wait until 2010 for the next play, it's safe to visit the
town again, if its cloying cuteness suits your style. The town plays to
tourists, offering wood carvings and other folk crafts.
Another favorite tourist
spot is the Neuschwanstein
Castle, built by Bavaria's Crazy King Ludwig. It looks medieval although it's
only about 115 years old. You can drive to the castle, or you can take a bus
from the railroad station. The trip is about 70 km. To avoid crushing crowds,
get there by 9:00 am or after 3:00 pm. It's about a 20-minute hike from the
parking lots to the castle, so you might consider taking a shuttle bus which for
a small fee gets you closer to your destination.
Downtown
Garmisch-Partenkirchen with Alps in background
(c) Michael T. Schumacher
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