5 Natural Attractions You’ll Love in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
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The Bavarian Alps – even the name sounds amazing, right?
That’s the biggest reason why I think Garmisch-Partenkirchen is worth visiting. Everywhere you look, these incredible mountains are all around. They even tower over the town! The scenery is just breathtaking. If you’ve always lived in the city, visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen could be a life-changing experience.
There are five awesome natural spots to check out in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Zugspitze, Alpspitze, Eibsee, Riessersee, and Partnach Gorge. Let me tell you more about them.
Mountains
Did you know that Garmisch-Partenkirchen is surrounded by Germany’s tallest and most stunning peaks, the Alpspitze and Zugspitze?
You can get to them by hiking or taking a cable car. If you’ve got the time and energy, hiking is the way to go—it’s a chance to soak in breathtaking views along the trails. Picture yourself walking through picturesque meadows and peaceful countryside.
There are plenty of trails to choose from, each offering unique viewpoints or leading to different mountain peaks.
Of the two mountains, Zugspitze stands out as the most famous. At 2,962 meters (9,718 feet), it’s Germany’s highest peak. But it’s not just about the height—Zugspitze also has the country’s highest beer garden, where you can sip a cold drink with an incredible view.
From the top, you’ll be treated to a stunning panorama that stretches across Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and even Italy. It’s a sight you won’t forget!
To get to Zugspitze from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, hop on the Zahnradbahn. Start at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen train station, and enjoy a scenic ride through Grainau and Eibsee. Then, switch to the cogwheel train, which takes you through a tunnel and up to the Zugspitze Glacier Plateau, also called Zugspitzplatt.
From there, the Glacier Cable Car will carry you straight to the peak. The whole trip takes about an hour from Garmisch or around 35 minutes from Eibsee.
Another must-visit peak in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is Alpspitze, standing 2,628 meters (8,622 feet) tall. Its distinctive triangular shape makes it instantly recognizable.
Nearby, you’ll find the AlpspiX observation deck, which juts out 13 meters from the cliff in an X shape. From there, you can soak in breathtaking views of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the surrounding landscapes—another sight you won’t forget!
From the top of the AlpspiX platform, here’s what you’ll see:
Getting to Alpspitze is easy. Just take bus number 2 from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and get off at the Alpspitzbahn stop. From there, hop on a cable car, and it’ll take you straight to Alpspitze.
For the latest info on getting to Alpspitze and Zugspitze, check out the official websites I just linked. They’ve got everything you need, including updated opening hours.
Lakes
Alpine lakes are totally dreamy! They’re some of the most amazing and peaceful places you could ever go.
If you’re in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you’re in luck because there are tons of these lakes to explore. They’re a photographer’s paradise, with endless chances to get that perfect picture.
Take Lake Eibsee (or Riessersee), for example. One look at it and you’ll know why it’s so special.
Eibsee is the biggest lake near Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It’s famous for its super clear water, like most alpine lakes.
If you go to Eibsee early in the morning when the water’s still, you’ll see something amazing. The lake becomes like a mirror, showing you the beautiful mountains all around.
You can do lots of fun things at Eibsee to enjoy the scenery. You can hike around the lake and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
Or, you can get more adventurous and kayak across the crystal-clear water. While you’re kayaking, make sure to check out the little islands on the lake. They make Eibsee even more special (like you can see in the pictures).
Eibsee has eight of these little islands. Let’s explore them, starting from the east side and moving towards the west.
- Steinbühl
- Sasseninsel
- Braxeninsel
- Schönbichl
- Maximiliansinsel
- Scheibeninsel
- Ludwigsinsel
- Almbichl
Here’s how you can get to Eibsee from Garmisch-Partenkirchen:
- Take a train to Grainau.
- From Grainau, hop on a bus to Lake Eibsee.
For your trip to Eibsee, the official Grainau website is a great resource. It provides all the necessary information, including parking fees. This is important to know before you go.
If you’re visiting with kids, the website also offers a range of activities to keep them entertained.
Of all the lakes near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Eibsee is the biggest. But Riessersee is really special because it has a super interesting past.
It was actually created way back in the Middle Ages when people cleared a spot in the forest. Riessersee also has been part of a ton of important events in history, like hosting the 1936 Olympics.
Now, it’s a major draw for anyone visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Plus, it’s an amazing place to see some truly relaxing scenery.
On a beautiful sunny day, standing on the northern shore of Riessersee, you’ll be blown away by the view. The lake sparkles, reflecting the amazing mountains of Waxenstein and Kramer that rise up nearby.
Riessersee is super easy to get to, just a 20-30 minute walk from the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Because it’s so easy to reach, it can get pretty crowded. To really soak in the beauty, try going when it’s less busy.
Early mornings or an hour before the sun sets are the most peaceful. During these quieter times, you can truly connect with nature.
If you want to spend more time at the lake, staying at the Riessersee hotel is a great idea. It’s right next to the lake, so you can relax all day with that amazing view whenever you want.
Gorges
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a place where nature is absolutely stunning. From huge mountains to peaceful lakes, there’s always something amazing to see.
But that’s not all! Garmisch-Partenkirchen also has a gorge, and this hidden gem is another reason why you should definitely visit.
Partnachklamm, or the Partnach Gorge, is a huge canyon that’s 700 meters long and 80 meters deep. It’s located in the Reintal Valley, right near the cute town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
When you step inside, you’re blown away by how amazing nature is – it’s like a masterpiece that took millions of years to create!
The gorge is a feast for your senses. You can see incredible rock formations that show how powerful nature really is. You can also hear the awesome sounds of waterfalls and rushing water.
Walking through the gorge is an adventure in itself. The path can be slippery because of the water spray, which actually makes it more exciting! Also, the tunnels and walkways aren’t very tall. If you’re taller than 1.75 meters, you might have to duck down a bit in some spots.
The coolest thing about the gorge is when sunlight streams in from the top. It creates this amazing, dramatic light everywhere. You’re lucky if you see it!
The view inside Partnachklamm changes with the seasons. If you go in February, though, you’ll see not only the rocks but also some crazy-looking icicles!
Before, I wasn’t really interested in visiting a canyon or gorge. I thought they were just rocks and waterfalls. But I was wrong! Gorges have a special kind of wonder that you can’t find anywhere else.
For more details about Partnachklamm, such as opening hours and access information, you can visit the official website of Partnachklamm.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is surrounded by stunning nature, but there’s way more to it than meets the eye! You should definitely check out its unique attractions, hidden gems, and lesser-known spots. These will make your trip even more special.
Plus, if you’re using Garmisch-Partenkirchen as your base for exploring the Bavarian Alps, you’re in luck! There are tons of amazing day trip options nearby that will add to your overall adventure.
Go explore! Check out my discovery guide for an overview and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
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