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Things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Our most recommended things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Eagle's Nest and Berchtesgaden Tour from Salzburg

1. Eagle's Nest and Berchtesgaden Tour from Salzburg

Enjoy unique mountain landscapes on this round tour of the enchanting Bavarian Alps. Traveling along the Königssee river, you will be able to discover the imposing crags and romantically positioned farmsteads of the road towards Obersalzberg. In specially-equipped and comfortable buses, you will be able to relax in luxury, while your driver conquers the dramatic heights and sheer cliffs. 20 minutes travel on well-constructed roads will bring you to the Eagle's Nest, where Adolf Hitler always spent his summer holidays. From the Eagle's Nest, you will be able to enjoy an extraordinary view of the "Hoher Göll" and other majestic, snow-covered mountain summits of the Bavarian Alps.

From Munich: Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Trip

2. From Munich: Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Trip

Discover one of Bavaria's most scenic landscapes on this tour from Munich by train and van. Marvel at the stature and delicate architecture of Neuschwanstein Castle standing proud atop a hill and surrounded by forested mountains. See the sprawling valley from the foot of the castle walls and learn about its history from your guide along a walking tour of the grounds. Located 2 hours from Munich, the enchanting old-world town of Füssen lies in the foothills of the Alps, framed by one of the most breathtaking natural settings in the world. Towering far above the village, seemingly sculpted out of the very mountains that rise magnificently to the heavens, is a sight made from the stuff of dreams: the fabulous and ethereal Neuschwanstein Castle. This glorious folly was built in the 19th-Century by the famed "mad" King Ludwig II, a man intoxicated by mythology and who himself became a legend. The shimmering white towers of the castle among the clouds are instantly recognizable to many who haven’t ever heard the name Neuschwanstein. It is the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle and is famous the world over as the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang castle. To visit it is to step inside a fairy tale. On this full-day tour from Munich, your guide will take you by train or bus and accompany you uphill to the castle’s lofty perch, where it sits gleaming above a spectacular panorama of mountains, lakes, and valleys. It’s not just about the castle – it’s also about its wonderful location. You will go to the best vantage points and explore the lake. If time and weather permits, you can even enjoy a swim. Get postcard-perfect views of the equally beautiful Hohenschwangau Castle, the waterfall gorge, and the stunning Marienbrücke Bridge, suspended high above it all. While you are marveling at the beauty, your guide will tell you the engaging story of King Ludwig’s renowned and tragic reign, his turbulent times, and of the obsession that drove him to build his fantasy castle in the mountains that ultimately destroyed him. If you choose to purchase a ticket on the day, skip the long lines for the separate internal tour of the king’s private chambers by a specialist castle guide. The tour is the most practical way to admire this amazing fantasy world.

Guided hiking tour to the Zugspitze (2962m) via Reintal

3. Guided hiking tour to the Zugspitze (2962m) via Reintal

Take on the same path as the first people who climbed the Zugspitze in 1820. Enjoy a technically simple route, which is the longest for Zugspitze, with a typical ascent between four and six hours in moderate conditions.  Day One: Meet at the traditional Olympic ski resort. After a short equipment check, journey through the impressive Partnachklamm gorge. Following the Reintal westward, reach the beautifully located Bock hut after about three hours. Have a coffee and cake to refresh. Hike the beautiful path along the Partnach towards Reintalangerhütte, which is the final destination for today. Cool your tired feet in front of the hut in the river and rest in the peaceful and fresh mountain atmosphere.  Day Two:  Rise early and march through the meadows to the steep upswing on the Zugspitzplatt. Climb at a moderate pace to reach the first stopover, which is the strikingly located Knorr hut. Take a short rest and admire the ridge ahead. Continue on the Zugspitzplatt, which becomes steep at times. Arrive at the Sonnalpin and prepare for the most difficult part of the tour. The last 400 vertical meters on the rope-insured south wall of the Zugspitze. Concentrated and slow, master this hurdle and be welcomed by the crowds of the Zugspitz summit. Either by cable car or the rack railway, drive into the valley and be again at the train station in Garmisch. 

From Munich: Zugspitze Mountain Van Tour

4. From Munich: Zugspitze Mountain Van Tour

Enjoy a day in the German Alps on a full-day excursion from Munich to the Zugspitze. You’ll travel to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where you’ll take a cable car up the 2962 meters to the summit of Germany’s tallest peak. The Zugspitze marks the international border between Germany and Austria. In fact there are lifts from both countries that meet at the top of the mountain. In addition restaurants and shops at the summit, there are also telescopes available. From the top you’ll have breathtaking views of the Alps which seem to stretch on forever. You’ll take a break for lunch at a small mountain hut, where you’ll also have lovely views over the peaks of the Alps and even into the Munich area. After lunch you’ll jump from Germany into Austria (no passport necessary). You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a beer in Germany’s highest beer garden! The final highlight of the tour is a round-trip ride through the mountains on a cog-wheel train.

From Munich: Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Trip by Van

5. From Munich: Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Trip by Van

Spend a day in picturesque Bavaria with this van tour from Munich. Spend the day enjoying a drive on the Romantic Road in the Bavarian Alps. On the way to the castle of Neuschwanstein, you’ll pass through old, quaint Bavarian villages and scenic countryside. When you reach Neuschwanstein you’ll be taken on a guided tour of the castle, which was built in the 19th century in the Romanesque Revival style. The palace sits on a craggy hill commanding views of the village of Hohenschwangau below. From the Marienbridge you’ll have breathtaking views of the castle. The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a royal retreat and in honor of Richard Wagner, the composer. After the death of Ludwig II, the palace was opened to the public in 1886, and now hosts more than 1.3 million visitors each year. Neuschwanstein has appeared in numerous movies and was also used as a model for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland. You’ll walk through a lovely gorge featuring cascades and waterfalls. On the way back you’ll stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Church of Wieskirch built in the 17th century. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit a Bavarian cheese farm, where you can purchase an optional cheese and sausage platter with freshly baked bread. Enjoy the spectacular, 360-degree mountain views from the farm.

From Munich: Guided Group Tour to Eagle’s Nest

6. From Munich: Guided Group Tour to Eagle’s Nest

Take a full-day tour from Munich to Hitler’s mountain retreat, located in the mountains above Berchtesgaden. Presented to him in 1939 as a 50th birthday present, the mountain chalet took 13 months to complete and includes an elevator bored through a tunnel in the rocks to reach the entrance. You will depart from Munich and drive along some of the most scenic roads in the German Alps. On arrival, a special bus will take you up to the Eagle´s Nest entrance area, where you will ride the elevator to the mountain peak, and into Eagle´s Nest itself. Look at beautiful views over the Alps, with free time on your own to explore. The lower rooms can be visited with an English-speaking guide, and offer views of the building's past through plate-glass windows. Graffiti left by Allied troops is clearly visible in the surrounding woodwork. A large fireplace in the restaurant shows severe damage along its lower edges, where soldiers have smashed off small shards of marble as souvenirs. Hitler's small study is now used as a store room for the cafeteria. After the tour, you will get more free time to go to the NS-Documentation-Center in Berchtesgaden, before the drive back to Munich.

Bavarian Salt Mine Tour and Berchtesgaden

7. Bavarian Salt Mine Tour and Berchtesgaden

Learn what it's like to live in the Bavarian Alps. Travel along the Königseeache River passing the Obersalzberg, where the leaders of the Third Reich once had their residence. The highlight of this tour is a visit to a 500-year-old salt mine, where you'll first slip into original protective gear before entering. Once inside, you'll learn about exciting, informative, and legendary facts to do with this enchanting, underground world. Use the slides that miners once used to delve deeper into the mine and see what secrets it still hides. A raft trip along the mystical underground salt lake and a trip on the mine railway cap off the informative trip. Before returning to Salzburg, you'll have plenty of time to discover the Berchtesgaden area.

Full Day Tour to Germany's Highest Peak: Zugspitze

8. Full Day Tour to Germany's Highest Peak: Zugspitze

Hop on a tour bus and dare to see the world from above at Germany's highest peak. This day tour brings you directly into the Alpine upland and its green valleys. Passing the picturesque houses of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, continue the bus journey up the mountain and reach the valley station of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak at 2,963 meters. Riding the new cablecar, you will reach the top in just a few minutes. Breathe in the clear air and enjoy the truly staggering view of more than 400 peaks of the Bavarian, Austrian, Swiss and Italian Alps.  Dine at one of the peak's restaurants (vegetarian and Halal dishes are available) and have some fun bobsledding or take a walk on the perpetual glacial ice.  After descending back down the mountain by historic cogwheel train, your comfortable bus will bring you back to Munich.

From Munich: Salzburg, St. Wolfgang, and the Salzkammergut

9. From Munich: Salzburg, St. Wolfgang, and the Salzkammergut

Travel through the picturesque foothills of the Bavarian Alps on this day trip from Munich to Salzburg. Admire alpine wonders along the way and have free time to explore Salzburg at your own pace.  Hop aboard a comfortable and climate controlled bus at a centrally-located meeting point in Munich. Relax on the drive and spy the enchanting Chiemsee, also called the "Bavarian Sea," as it is the largest lake in Bavaria. Arrive in Salzburg, the city of Mozart and have around 2.5 hours to see the city's impressive buildings, take in the vistas, and wander through the Baroque Old Town. Have time to take in sights like the Hohensalzburg fortress and the birthplace of Mozart.  Spend your free time checking out the cathedral, Hellbrunn Palace, and the fountains. Take a stroll through the Old Town to uncover boutique shops and eateries offering culinary delicacies. Get back on the bus and, in the summer (from April until November), travel thorughthe Salzkammergut to the Wolfgangsee. Purchase a boat ride to St. Wolfgang, the Hotel zum Weißen Rössl, and see the pilgrimage church.  Stop at the Mondsee, a location for the film "The Trapp Family." In the winter (from November to April), instead of the visit to St. Wolfgang you'll get to enjoy more time in Salzburg. During December enjoy the colors and aromas of Christkindlmarket Christmas market. Return to your meeting point in Munich by bus at the end of your tour.

From Salzburg: Half-Day Tour of Berchtesgaden

10. From Salzburg: Half-Day Tour of Berchtesgaden

Experience the beauty of the Bavarian Alps on this captivating and unforgettable tour. Start your journey from Mirabellplatz in Salzburg and enjoy the stunning scenery, dramatic heights, and idyllic valleys. Get ready to be amazed and enchanted by this magical tour. Take in the stunning views of the Königsee as you pass through the enchanting landscape of the Bavarian Alps and the historic Obersalzberg. Get a glimpse of the infamous Kehlsteinhaus, or 'Hitler's Eagle's Nest', and marvel at the incredible beauty of this region. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lake Königssee. Marvel at the azure lake surrounded by steep, rugged cliffs, and take your time to truly appreciate the stunning scenery. After this, you'll be led back to Berchtesgaden, where you can enjoy a delicious range of local delicacies before making your return to Salzburg.

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What people are saying about Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 2,430 reviews

Our Tour Guide Thomas is excellent, our train is late but he’s trying to do everything he can so we can leave as early as we want.. i think its better if you also have a bus .. at least there’s alternative in case the train is late or if there’s a problem.. but overall still excellent Thomas did it all.. i would recommend your company to my Flight Attendant Friends who likes to go on tour.. Thank you so much until my next tour.. - Joanne

It was an excellent experience. Jose, our guide was kindly. He explained a lot of interesting information about Ludwig, the castle and Ludwig family. He waited us, helped everybody and answered to our question. At the end a train had an accident but he arranged a change trip with anorher train so we arrived almost in time , only half an hour later. We are satisfacted.

I went on the tour to Neuschwanstein castle and really enjoyed it! Steven was our tour guide and he made the trip very enjoyable. He was friendly, informative and always kept an eye out for the people on the tour. Thank you to Steven and Radius Tours for the great trip!

We had an excellent guide. The views from the top are amazing. So much history here!

Migliorare l’ingresoo

Great stories from the guide made the 2-hour train rides fly by.