Olympic Heritage: What Makes Garmisch-Partenkirchen Unique

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Garmisch-Partenkirchen stands out in the Bavarian Alps because of its unique heritage. Almost a century ago, the town was in the global spotlight during the 1936 Winter Olympics, which left a lasting mark on the area.

Today, the Olympic Ski Jump, or Große Olympiaschanze, keeps the memory of those games alive. This landmark reminds visitors of the town’s rich history and its time in the global limelight.

Olympic Ski Jump in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany — Olympic Ski Jump

View of the Olympic Ski Jump (winter and summer) Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany — View of the Olympic Ski Jump (winter and summer)

Garmisch-Partenkirchen wasn’t always one town. It started as two separate market towns: Garmisch in the west and Partenkirchen in the east. Each town had its own identity from the beginning, but both became popular ski resorts in the 1920s.

In 1935, to prepare for the 1936 Winter Olympic Games, Hitler merged Garmisch and Partenkirchen into one big venue for the event. This boosted the town’s popularity as a ski resort and a top tourist spot in the Bavarian Alps. Nowadays, most people call it “GaPa” — a shorthand for the long name. So, if you hear “GaPa,” they’re talking about Garmisch-Partenkirchen. No confusion there!

Every year, tons of visitors come to this town. On weekends, Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s population of about 25,000 almost doubles with tourists and travelers. Interestingly, though, while Garmisch and Partenkirchen have been united for years, you can still notice a slight difference between the two. Garmisch has a more modern vibe, while Partenkirchen keeps a charming, historic feel.

Over the years, the ski jump has hosted several major events, including the ski jumping competition and the ski jumping part of the Nordic combined event at the 1936 Winter Olympics. Today, it’s best known for hosting the New Year’s Ski Jumping event, which is part of the international Four Hills Tournament.

What makes the ski jump so appealing to travelers is not just its rich history and importance in the world of ski sports, but also the stunning panoramic view it offers of the Garmisch-Partenkirchen valley.

Visitors can explore the Olympic Ski Jump Stadium and the surrounding area for free anytime, except during events. This means you can take your time checking out the stadium.

Getting to the Olympic Ski Jump is easy. Just hop on bus number 2 at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Train Station and get off at the Skistadion, Garmisch-Partenkirchen stop.

If you want to catch a live event at the stadium, consider planning your visit for the New Year’s Ski Jumping event. It’s part of the Four Hills Tournament, and you can buy tickets online.

For more visiting information, please refer to the official website of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. There, you can find the schedules for tours during summer and winter. Keep in mind that guided tours might not always be available, though.

Lastly, there’s plenty more to explore in Garmisch-Partenkirchen if you’re planning a visit. Check out my practical tips or discovery guide for the town, or learn about the nature spots and hidden gems. If you’re staying for a few days, you might also want to explore some nearby day trip destinations.

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Olympic Heritage: What Makes Garmisch-Partenkirchen Unique

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