Discover the Zugspitz Region with Places of Germany

Discover the Zugspitz Region with Places of Germany

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Picturesque Alpine panoramas, idyllic old towns and spectacular natural phenomena - you can discover all this and much more in the Zugspitz region. As one of the best-known tourist destinations on the German Alpine Road, Garmisch-Partenkirchen delights with its original charm. The Olympic ski jump, the Eibsee lake and the impressive Partnachklamm gorge are among the absolute highlights in the Bavarian Alps. And of course, a trip to the Wetterstein Mountains should not be without a detour to Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze. No less impressive is the Alpspitze with the AlpspiX viewpoint, which is unique in Upper Bavaria.

Garmisch Old Town: One of the most beautiful places in Germany

Bavaria straight out of a picture book – that’s what you’ll find in the old town of Garmisch. Framed by the Mountain peak Zugspitze and Alpine peak with the Garmisch Partenkirchen ski area, the world-famous spa town with its quaint Alpine-style houses regularly attracts numerous visitors. With “Loisel’s Stamp Rally” you can playfully discover the Garmisch-Partenkirchen sights with the whole family at 10 different stations. Station No. 2, for example, takes you to the Riessersee lake and the historic bobsleigh run. You can combine this tour with a beautiful hike from the Kreuzeck cable car valley station, which leads via the Aulealm and through a forest to the Riessersee with its unique view of the Mountain peak Zugspitze. Nearby is the small museum with the historic bobsleigh run – absolutely worth a visit! If you still haven’t had enough of hiking, you can make a detour via the Kochelbergalm or stop for a break at the Auelalm. One of the beautiful excursion destinations in Upper Bavaria or Gapa is also the Werdenfels castle ruins. Here you can follow in the footsteps of former lords and counts and enjoy the beautiful view over the Loisach valley.

Towns, Villages & Squares

Partenkirchen Old Town & Activities nearby

One of the most beautiful places in Partenkirchen’s old town is certainly Historic Ludwigstraße with its colourful houses with oriels, stuccoes, brackets and the famous Lüftlmalerei. If you are looking for Garmisch-Partenkirchen activities, we at Places of Germany can recommend a visit to the Staffelsee. You can best explore the picturesque lake with its seven islands on a round trip. Extra tip: If you buy the Zugspitz Card, this tour is free. There is an insider tip in Garmisch-Partenkirchen for all those interested in culture and music history: the Richard Strauss Institute (RSI) about the world-famous composer and conductor Richard Strauss. In a multimedia permanent exhibition you can learn more about the life and musical work of the impressive artist. The famous Ettal Abbey is also always worth a visit. Especially the interior in baroque and classicist style with its frescoes and imposing dome is an absolute eye-catcher.

Towns, Villages & Squares

Garmisch-Partenkirchen Olympic Trail

Situated high above Garmisch-Partenkirchen, its impressive silhouette can be seen from afar: the Garmisch Olympic Trail. Built in 1923, the impressive structure on the Gudiberg was the venue for the ski jumping competitions at the 1936 Olympic Games. In 2007, today’s “Olympic Freejumper” was built on its site in the Olympic Stadium Garmisch – a ski jump with a 100-metre approach tower that floats 62 metres freely in the air. The Garmisch ski jump is also a real eye-catcher at night in the form of a unique light sculpture. You can visit one of the most popular sights in Upper Bavaria on a guided tour. If you like hiking, you can combine your visit to the Garmisch ski jump with a tour to the Schwarzkopf. Via the Hüttlebachklamm gorge, the Isar reservoir and a great adventure playground, you can reach the Krün lookout pavilion – the perfect place to enjoy a sunset. Extra tip for campers: At Camping Resort Zugspitze in Grainau, you’ll find a five-star campsite with a unique view of the Alps and a wide range of leisure activities. In addition to pitches, you can also rent sleeping barrels or rustic Bavarian mountain huts here.

Towers & Viewpoints

Natural spectacle with wow effect: the Partnachklamm gorge

The Partnachklamm Gorge Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the most popular Alpine sights. From the car park at the Olympic ski stadium you can walk to the entrance of the gorge in about 20 minutes. If you like it really Bavarian, you can also cover the short distance in a horse-drawn carriage. The power of water is everywhere in the gorge. Surrounded by high rock walls, a path under which the water rushes leads through Bavaria’s most famous gorge. Informative panels tell you how the Partnachklamm gorge was formed thousands of years ago. You can get a completely different perspective on the fascinating natural spectacle from the Iron Bridge, which runs above the gorge. But beware: for safety reasons, the Partnach Gorge can be closed at short notice! If you want to add another excursion after visiting the gorge, you can venture up to the Wank. Here you have a unique panoramic view of the Mountain peak Zugspitze and Garmisch-Partenkirchen. In good weather you can even see Lake Starnberg and Munich. The Kaiserschmarrn-Alm up here is just perfect for a rest.

Caves, Gorges & Waterfalls

AlpspiX: viewing platform with thrill guarantee

Among the excursion destinations in Upper Bavaria, the AlpspiX viewing platform has long ceased to be an insider tip. Tourists in particular often ask: “Which mountain is the AlpspiX on? The answer is clear: on the Osterfelderkopf. However, to enjoy the spectacular view from the transparent footbridge into the Höllental valley, which lies at a depth of around 1,000 metres, you should be free from vertigo. But how do you get to the AlpspiX viewing platform? After a ride on the Alpspitz cable car, you will find the fascinating structure right next to the mountain station. From here you can walk along the Genuss-Erlebnisweg trail. The three-kilometre route passes 18 stations, making this hike a great experience for children as well. Another great destination for families is the summer toboggan run right next to the Olympic Stadium. Here you can whiz down exactly 41 metres over a length of 850 metres, a mega gyro and many curves. Great fun for young and old!

Rocks & Mountains

Excursion destinations Upper Bavaria Insider Tip – Alpspitze

Everyone knows the Mountain peak Zugspitze and the places nearby. But have you ever been to the Alpspitze? The 2,628-metre-high mountain is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the northern Alps and is the “local mountain” of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Experienced mountain hikers can reach the summit of the pyramid-shaped mountain on one of the many via ferratas. Those who are not so good on foot can take the Alspitz cable car up to 2,033 metres. From the restaurant terrace at the top station you have a stunning view of the Wetterstein mountains. Nearby is also the Roman road – a very special hiking trail that served as a trade route in the Roman Empire. If you are looking for more excursion tips in the vicinity, you can also take a detour to Elmauer Tal or to Sonnehügel near Klais.

Rocks & Mountains

Picturesque Eibsee Lake on the Zugspitze

Lake Eibsee has become famous for its unique green-tinted water. No wonder it is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Bavaria and one of the most charming destinations in Germany. You can explore the Eibsee in Bavaria either on the 7.5 km long circular path or with the excursion boat “Reserl”. You can also rent a boat at the Eibsee boat rental and discover the lake on your own. The Eibsee circuit of approx. 32.5 km can be completed by bike in about two hours and 15 minutes. It’s not boring here in winter either. One of the most popular Eibsee activities in the cold season is a snowshoe hike through the snow-covered forests. If you are travelling around Lake Eibsee with children, you should also plan a stop at the Höllentalklamm gorge – one of the most exciting places on and around the Zugspitze. Beautiful waterfalls, gorges up to 150 metres deep and mysterious paths make the gorge a great nature experience. Please note: Unfortunately, bicycles, prams and wheelchairs are not allowed in the Höllentalklamm.

Rivers, Bridges & Lakes

Zugspitze: Germany’s highest mountain

A trip to the Mountain peak Zugspitze is of course a must during a trip to the region. The Alpspitz cable car takes you to the 2,962-metre summit. You can choose between the modern cable car, the nostalgic rack railway and the glacier railway. Extra tip: With the Zugspitzcard, you have free choice and can also take advantage of other offers in Zugspitze Land. Would you rather hike up to the Zugspitze? There are numerous routes up Germany’s highest mountain – from an easy tour through the Reintal valley to a challenging route via the Höllental valley for experienced climbers. Once at the top, you can enjoy the 360° panorama with over 400 Alpine peaks in Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. The sights on the Zugspitze also include Germany’s highest chapel, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the glacier and was consecrated in 1981.

Rocks & Mountains
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