Thing to do in
Garmisch Germany
A List of our Favorite Restaurants, Activities,
Areas to Explore, Walks, Hikes and Excursions
Restaurants
Garmisch has some really neat little restaurants - almost all of them individually owned and operated. This is not a town where you will find any chain restaurants.
You will find small Bavarian "Kneipen", beautiful and authentic cafes & restaurants, in the most gorgeous setting. The link below is by no means conclusive, just great little places we enjoy!
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Activities
Skiing & Wintersports:
Well, you found the best town for skiing in all of Germany - This is it!
We love guaranteed snow on the Zugspitze, the excitement of the challenging slopes such as Kandahar, at the Hausberg, as well as the slopes that are a bit off the beaten track at the Wank Mountain.
The Great Outdoors in the Summer:
Summer is a spectacular time in Garmisch (and when we say summer, it is really from early April to October) and the possibilities are endless. Hiking, Climbing, Mountain Biking, Golf, Para-gliding, White-Water Rafting, Summer Sledding ...it is all at your disposal.
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Exploring the Area
Our favorite little city is really in the heart of it all, it is a great base for day trips to everywhere (did you know that Venice, Italy is only 4 hours away by car?).
We love the fabulous castles from King Ludwig. Enjoy a day exploring Munich and the charm of Innsbruck just over the border in Austria.
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Walks, Hikes and Excursions
Garmisch is a phenomenal place to go hiking and you can start directly behind Lena. Two beautiful lakes are just up the hill from the house and within minutes, you are in the middle of nowhere most of the time far away from other tourists.
Click here for a great list of hikes. Bring some good shoes, a backpack and indulge in beautiful air and great nature.
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Restaurants in Garmisch
Bavarian
Braeustueberl
A short walk from Lena, a fabulous little place that features great local food and even outside dining.
Braeustueberl WebsitePizza & Italian
La Baita
Home-style Italian cuisine, rather authentic and always enjoyable - we especially love the al fresco dining in the summer
LaBaita WebsiteCafe
Mukkefuck
Nice little Bistro and Cafe with a small garden, right in the middle of downtown. The name actually refers to Malt-based coffee substitute after WW2 (nothing dodgy here)
Mukkefuck WebsiteSophisticated
Zum Wildschutz
Most likely the best restaurant in town, great combination of charm and quality. Less than 10 minute walk in the middle of town
Zum Wildschutz WebsiteBavarian
Restaurant Fraundorfer
The epitome of an authentic local place, right in the heart of Partenkirchen. Don't miss it
Fraundorfer WebsiteLakeside
Bergasthof Pflegersee
In the heart of the shopping area, a great place to enjoy a bite and watch the world go by
Bergasthof Pflegersee Website
Exploring the Area
Castle Neuschwanstein
About 60 kilometers, or a romantic hour drive, this is the very castle that inspired Disney's magic castle creation.
Ettal Abbey
Next to Linderhof Palace is Ettal Abbey, one of Germany's most famous Abbeys; though we're not sure if it's because of the architecture of the fabulous homebrewed beer and schnaps!
Munich
Arguably Germany's most beautiful big city, it is about an hour drive and well worth it for museums, shopping and cultrual events.
Murnau
Murnau, which is only 25 kilometers form Garmisch-Partenkirchen, is elevated like a terrace above the "Murnauer Moos" nature reserve - a magical place which has felt its mark on history, both in literature and paintings.
Linderhof Palace
Our personal favorite, the most charming and romantic little castle, a short 30 minute drive away.
Schloss Elmau
Home of the G7 Summit in 2015 and now a luxury hotel, this is a great starting point for hikes and afternoon tea.
Walks, Hikes & Excursions
Partnach-Gorge
A national monument since 1912, this is one of our favorite hikes (you can take the cable car to the top and walk down).
A 10 minute drive to Partenkirchen.
Riesersee Lake
We enjoy going to the Riesersee in the summer, they offer swimming in the lake with a nice little kiosk to get a snack (and being Germany, a beer); it also makes a nice 30 minute walk around the lake before having lunch, or dinner, at the lakeside restaurant.
This was the home of the 1936 Olympics and the end of the historic Sled Run.
About a 10 minute drive from Lena, just to the north of town.
Castle Werdenfels
The remains of the Werdenfels Castle from 1219
Straight up the hill from Lena - no need for a car (roundtrip will take about 2 hours).
The Eibsee Lake
A great 2 hour walk around the lake is a must - just gorgeous (and not too strenuous)
About 8km from Lena, say 15 - 20 minutes.
Additional Links
New York Times Hiking Article: Hiking The Bavarian Way"
Our Favorite German Language Hiking Site: Werdenfelser Land