Germany
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Germany
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Updated Mar 10, 2025
Overview
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a picturesque Bavarian town, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Surrounded by majestic peaks, including Germany's highest mountain, Zugspitze, it offers world-class skiing, hiking, and climbing. The town's dual personality shines through its blend of traditional Bavarian architecture and modern amenities. Wander through cobblestone streets, admire colorful frescoes on building facades, and savor hearty local cuisine in cozy mountain huts. Don't miss the Olympic ski jump, a testament to the town's sporting legacy.
Best time to visit. Winter (December-March) is ideal for skiing and winter sports. Summer (June-August) offers perfect conditions for hiking and mountain biking. For fewer crowds and mild weather, visit in late spring (May) or early fall (September) to enjoy outdoor activities and local festivals.
City stats
Population
28,000
Land area
79 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
1935 CE
Official langauge
German
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Bavaria
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
Neighborhoods
Getting around
Where to stay
Day trips
Cities within 8 hours
Active pursuits
Leisure activities
Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
Lunch and snacks
Dinner restaurants
Laptop friendly places
Where to stay for work trips
Work trip activities
Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
Hotels
Nearby
Nearby
Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37°F - 23°F | 32°F - 18°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:55 am | 4:50 pm | 12 days 2.6 in | 11 days 15.0 in | 7 mph |
| February | 41°F - 25°F | 37°F - 20°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:22 am | 5:35 pm | 10 days 2.1 in | 9 days 12.8 in | 7 mph |
| March | 50°F - 32°F | 47°F - 28°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:31 am | 6:18 pm | 12 days 2.7 in | 6 days 7.4 in | 9 mph |
| April | 57°F - 37°F | 55°F - 34°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:32 am | 7:02 pm | 13 days 3.1 in | 2 days 1.7 in | 7 mph |
| May | 66°F - 45°F | 65°F - 43°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:46 am | 7:43 pm | 15 days 4.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| June | 71°F - 51°F | 71°F - 50°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:25 am | 8:11 pm | 16 days 5.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| July | 75°F - 54°F | 76°F - 53°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:43 am | 8:05 pm | 16 days 5.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 74°F - 53°F | 75°F - 52°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:21 am | 7:27 pm | 15 days 5.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 67°F - 47°F | 66°F - 45°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:02 am | 6:32 pm | 12 days 3.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 57°F - 40°F | 55°F - 37°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:44 am | 5:35 pm | 11 days 2.8 in | 1 days 0.5 in | 7 mph |
| November | 45°F - 31°F | 41°F - 27°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:28 am | 4:47 pm | 11 days 2.9 in | 5 days 5.0 in | 7 mph |
| December | 38°F - 25°F | 34°F - 20°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:58 am | 4:31 pm | 12 days 2.7 in | 10 days 13.7 in | 7 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Germans celebrate the start of the new year with fireworks, parties, and toasts. | Avoid travel; most places closed. | ||
| Good Friday | Friday before Easter Sunday | Christian holiday commemorating Jesus' crucifixion. Many Germans attend church. | Limited services; plan accordingly. | ||
| Easter Sunday | First Sunday after first full moon of spring | Christians celebrate Jesus' resurrection. Families gather for meals and egg hunts. | Family-oriented; some closures. | ||
| Easter Monday | Day after Easter Sunday | Public holiday extending Easter celebrations. Many enjoy outdoor activities. | Extended holiday; plan for closures. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Workers' rights celebration with parades and demonstrations across Germany. | Expect closures and demonstrations. | ||
| Ascension Day | 40 days after Easter | Christian holiday marking Jesus' ascension to heaven. Often a long weekend. | Long weekend; some services limited. | ||
| Whit Monday | 50 days after Easter | Christian holiday celebrating the Holy Spirit. Many enjoy outdoor activities. | Public holiday; plan for closures. | ||
| Corpus Christi | 60 days after Easter | Catholic celebration of the Eucharist. Public holiday in some German states. | Regional holiday; check local impact. | ||
| Day of German Unity | October 3 | Commemorates German reunification in 1990. Celebrations across the country. | National holiday; expect closures. | ||
| Reformation Day | October 31 | Protestant holiday marking Martin Luther's Reformation. Regional observance. | Regional holiday; minor disruptions. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Catholic holiday honoring saints. Public holiday in some German states. | Regional holiday; check local impact. | ||
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Main Christmas celebration in Germany. Families gather for dinner and gifts. | Evening closures; festive atmosphere. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Public holiday celebrating Christmas. Quiet day for family gatherings. | Avoid travel; widespread closures. | ||
| Second Christmas Day | December 26 | Extension of Christmas celebrations. Many visit family or enjoy leisure. | Public holiday; limited services. | ||
| New Year's Eve | December 31 | Celebrations marking the end of the year. Fireworks and parties nationwide. | Festive but busy; early closures. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Ski Jump | January 1 | Traditional ski jumping competition held annually as part of the Four Hills Tournament. | Exciting event, but expect crowds. | ||
| FIS Alpine Ski World Cup | Late January | International alpine skiing competition featuring world-class athletes on the Kandahar slope. | Busy period, book accommodations early. | ||
| Fasching | February (before Lent) | Local carnival celebration with parades, costumes, and street parties before Lent begins. | Fun atmosphere, but expect some closures. | ||
| Garmisch-Partenkirchen Summer Festival | July | Cultural festival celebrating local traditions with music, dance, and food in the town center. | Great time to experience local culture. | ||
| BMW Motorrad Days | Early July | Annual gathering of BMW motorcycle enthusiasts with exhibitions, test rides, and entertainment. | Busy for bikers, still good for others. | ||
| Richard Strauss Festival | Mid-June | Classical music festival honoring composer Richard Strauss with concerts and performances. | Ideal for music lovers, minimal disruption. | ||
| Almabtrieb | Mid-September | Traditional alpine cattle drive as herds return from summer pastures, decorated for the occasion. | Unique cultural experience, minimal impact. | ||
| Garmisch-Partenkirchen Christmas Market | Late November to late December | Festive market with local crafts, food, and mulled wine in a picturesque alpine setting. | Charming winter atmosphere, good for visits. |
1 | Germans value punctuality. Arrive on time for appointments and reservations. Being late is considered rude and disrespectful. Plan ahead and allow extra time for transportation. |
2 | Learn basic German phrases like 'Bitte' (please) and 'Danke' (thank you). Locals appreciate when tourists make an effort to speak their language, even if it's just a few words. |
3 | Shops and businesses are often closed on Sundays. Plan ahead for groceries and shopping needs. Some restaurants and tourist attractions may remain open, but hours can be limited. |
4 | Recycling is taken seriously. Follow local recycling guidelines in your accommodation. Separate glass, paper, and plastic. Look for designated bins in public areas to dispose of waste properly. |
5 | Cash is king in Germany. Many small businesses and restaurants don't accept credit cards. Always carry some cash with you, especially when visiting smaller towns or rural areas. |
6 | Public transportation is efficient and widely used. Buy and validate your ticket before boarding trains or buses. Riding without a valid ticket can result in hefty fines. |
7 | Greet people formally unless invited to use first names. Use 'Herr' for men and 'Frau' for women, followed by their surname. Wait for Germans to initiate a more casual form of address. |
8 | Respect quiet hours, known as 'Ruhezeit'. Avoid loud noises in residential areas between 10 PM and 6 AM, and on Sundays and holidays. This includes loud conversations and music. |
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