5 Nearest Day Trips from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Try

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Spending a few days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen comes with plenty of perks, including great options for day trips. In just an hour or less, you can visit any of the five nearby attractions: Linderhof Palace, Ettal Abbey, Oberammergau, Mittenwald, or even Innsbruck in Austria!

1. Linderhof Palace

The facade of Linderhof Palace, a beautiful day trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

View of the elegant gardens of Linderhof Palace, a beautiful day trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Venus Cave of Linderhof Palace, a beautiful day trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is perfect for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts. But did you know there’s an architectural gem just a short trip away? It’s Linderhof Palace, a stunning 19th-century masterpiece built during King Ludwig II of Bavaria’s reign.

Linderhof Palace, nestled in southwest Bavaria near the village of Ettal, is the smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria—and the only one he saw completed.

Its standout feature is its unique historicist garden, unlike any other in Germany. The garden blends styles from different eras and places, with baroque and renaissance influences inspired by Marly le Roi in France and La Granja in Spain.

Spanning 50 hectares (125 acres), it’s dotted with fascinating buildings like the Venus Grotto, Hunding’s Hut, Gurnemanz Hermitage, Moorish Kiosk, and Moroccan House, each showcasing a mix of cultures and designs.

The interior of the palace is definitely worth checking out too, especially the bedchamber and the Hall of Mirrors. These rooms feature stunning Rococo design that adds to the palace’s beauty. Just keep in mind that photography isn’t allowed inside.

Visiting Linderhof Palace is like stepping into history and admiring stunning architecture. Here’s how you can make the most of your visit:

Tour the Palace. Kick off your visit with a guided tour of the palace interior, which takes less than 25 minutes. You’ll get to admire the stunning Hall of Mirrors and the fascinating Venus Grotto.
Explore the Grounds. After your tour, stroll through the beautiful park and gardens surrounding the palace. They’re full of hidden gems inspired by King Ludwig II’s imagination.
Visit the Venus Grotto. Make sure to check out the Venus Grotto, a glowing artificial cave created just for King Ludwig II. It’s one of the most unique highlights of the palace grounds.

Linderhof Palace is just a quick 30-minute drive from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. If you’re taking the bus, the trip will take about 1 hour and 41 minutes. Here’s an easy way to get there:

First, hop on the line 9606 bus from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and get off at Ettal Klostergasthof.
From there, catch the line 9622 bus that will take you directly to Linderhof Schloß.

Just a quick heads-up—bus schedules can vary, especially on weekends and holidays, so it’s smart to check the latest times before your trip. For details about Linderhof Palace, like tours, ticket prices, and opening hours, visit the official Linderhof Palace website.

Ettal Abbey

The magnificent dome of Ettal Abbey, a beautiful day trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Ettal Abbey is another great destination in the Bavarian Alps, just a short drive from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The Abbey is an architectural masterpiece, with impressive religious artwork that adds a deeper layer to your experience in the Bavarian Alps.

In short, Ettal Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in the village of Ettal, famous for its stunning Baroque architecture, beautiful frescoes, and even its own brewery. The abbey has long been a hub of learning and art, with a notable library and school. Ettal Abbey also offers guided tours that dive into its rich history.

For me, the best part of the visit is the dome. It’s decorated with intricate rococo details and amazing frescoes, including a painting of heaven with the Holy Trinity as the main focus—truly breathtaking.

If you’re planning to visit Ettal Abbey from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, here’s what you should know:

Driving: Just hop in your car and follow the B23, E533 route. It’s a quick 15.7 km drive, taking about 18 minutes, though travel time can vary depending on traffic.
Taking the bus: If you’d rather take public transport, you can catch the 9606 bus, which runs hourly. It is operated by Regionalverkehr Oberbayern GmbH and the bus ride covers about 15 km and takes around 25-30 minutes.

If you want to learn more about the history and architecture of Ettal Abbey, the official website is a great resource. Just a heads-up, though—it’s in German.

Oberammergau

Facade of Pilatushaus in Oberammergau, a beautiful day trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

One of the most beautiful murals in Oberammergau, a beautiful day trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

The Bavarian Alps are home to picturesque villages surrounded by stunning mountains and decorated with vibrant murals on the houses. If you’re in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, consider a day trip to Oberammergau—it’s only a 25-minute drive or about an hour by train.

Visiting Oberammergau is special because of its world-famous Passion Play, which is created and performed by nearly the entire village. Amazingly, it has been a tradition since the 1600s. While the play isn’t performed every year, you can still visit the venue and explore artifacts and exhibits from this one-of-a-kind event.

Besides enjoying the Passion Play and strolling through the village’s charming streets, you can browse the shops for some incredible woodcrafts.

For a little more excitement, try riding the world’s longest weatherproof toboggan, powered by a magnet system. Imagine sliding down the mountain with breathtaking views of the village and the surrounding peaks—sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

Check out my Oberammergau discovery guide for more information.

Mittenwald

The work of art spire of the church in Mittenwald, a beautiful day trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

View of Mittenwald from Karwendel mountains, a beautiful day trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Mittenwald is a picturesque village in the Bavarian Alps, and it’s an easy day trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. In fact, it’s even closer than Oberammergau, taking only 20 minutes by car or train.

Like Oberammergau, Mittenwald is known for its houses decorated with stunning murals. Strolling through the village, especially along the main street, feels like stepping into a beautifully colored storybook. The murals showcase the residents’ crafts, daily lives, and favorite saints, making it a fun way to learn about the village’s heritage as you explore.

What makes Mittenwald special? Its rich tradition of violin making. This Bavarian village was once a major supplier of violins to Italy after the medieval period, earning it the nickname “the village of a thousand violins.

Another must-see in Mittenwald is the Karwendel cable car, which takes you straight from the village to the top of the Karwendel Mountains. If you’re up for it, you can hike the Passamani Panoramaweg—a scenic trail with stunning views of the Bavarian Alps. The hike takes less than an hour to complete.

For skiers looking for a challenge, the Karwendel cable car is your ticket to the Dammkar Ski Route, Germany’s longest ski run. This incredible route stretches about seven kilometers, and if you ski all the way from the top down to Mittenwald, you’ll tackle an elevation drop of around 1,300 meters. Imagine the fun?

There’s plenty more to explore, like the Buckelwiesen Alpine Meadow—a bumpy, otherworldly landscape that looks magical during golden hour. You can also check out cultural events like the “Bringing in of the Sheep, Goats, and Cattle,” where you’ll see a lively parade of pasture animals right through the village.

If you’re planning to visit Mittenwald, check out my guide for things to do and tips for making the most of your time in this beautiful village.

Innsbruck

The colorful houses of Innsbruck, a beautiful day trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Another side of the Spanish Hall in Innsbruck, a beautiful day trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

One side of Spanish Hall in Innsbruck, a beautiful day trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

If the weather isn’t great for enjoying the alpine scenery in Garmisch-Partenkirchen or nearby villages, consider heading to Innsbruck instead. This Austrian city is just an hour’s drive south of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, or about an hour and a half by train.

In a nutshell, Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, has plenty to offer—from stunning sights to unique experiences like exploring castles, treasure-filled churches, and other beautiful landmarks. So, if bad weather ruins your plans in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck is sure to brighten your day.

You can step into Innsbruck Cathedral or the Court Church and be amazed instantly! The stunning architecture and unique treasures inside are unforgettable.

Plus, exploring the city gives you a glimpse of what it was like when Innsbruck was the center of the Holy Roman Empire. The city’s main landmark, the Golden Roof, is perfect for that—it’s located at the end of Innsbruck’s busiest street.

If you’re up for it, head to the outskirts of the city to dive deeper into Innsbruck’s unique heritage. Visit Ambras Castle to discover a love story that adds a romantic touch to your trip.

For history buffs, the Tirol Panorama Museum is a must-see, with its massive panorama painting that takes you back to the time when locals bravely fought against Napoleonic forces.

If you have plenty of time in the region, I recommend spending two days in the city to really take in everything it has to offer, including the stunning views from Nordkette. But if you only have a day, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your day trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Before heading out on a day trip to these destinations, make sure you’ve explored the top attractions in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, especially its natural spots. The town also has some hidden gems and lesser-known places that are worth checking out.

For more planning, take a look at my discovery guide or practical tips for visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Enjoy your trip!

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