Want to know what to do, where to stay and eat in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen area during the offseason?
The Garmisch-Partenkirchen area is most known for its ski slopes in the winter months, but if you are anything like me, you enjoy an area with fewer tourists, less traffic, and more opportunities to have the place all to yourself.
You will learn about why Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a dream destination during those off-season months.
This post is all about the Bavarian gem that is the Garmisch-Partenkirchen area.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen Travel Guide
Must See Spots: Where to go
This is a great area to “plan loosely.” My husband and I would normally just open the Alltrails app at breakfast and pick a morning hike in the area, then mosey into town for some afternoon exploring. I recommend renting a car. We picked ours up in Switzerland as it was cheaper, and we had never had fondue, but there is some, although limited, public transportation in the area.
1. The Zugspitze
Zugspitze is the highest peak of the Wetterstein Mountains; additionally, it is the highest mountain in Germany. We rode the gondolas to the top to venture out into the alpine zone (respect the Alpine zone) and washed a slice of the most beautiful raspberry cake down with a beer stein as big as my torso. I recommend grabbing a postcard at the shop and mailing it from the post office or the box at the top of the mountain(NOT THE ONE AT THE BOTTOM). It will arrive with a stamp that can only be used in that specific post office.
2. Eibsee Lake
Walk the loop! Just do it! Get there early, before the crowds, to enjoy the stillness of the crystal blue waters and the silence of the fern and moss-lined trails. We packed a thermos of coffee, a Bretzal, and some local carrots for a trail snack. Remember to pack a jacket. The expansive shadow of Zugspitze is quite chilly. ( Looking to add miles? We started at the trailhead in Grainau, 10/10, would recommend.)
3.The Garmisch-Partenkirchen Farmer’s Market
You will not want to miss the Sunday market in the city center. Bring cash and an empty stomach. This was the first place I got to see local families and clubs gathering in traditional Bavarian attire. Lots of laughter, lots of beer, and glimpses of Edelweiss pined neatly to coat pockets. This market will also impact street parking in the area. Plan accordingly.
4. Leutasch Gorge // The Spirit Gorge
This truly unique hike is just a quick hop over the Austrian border. It is very well maintained and serves as a beautiful mixture of folklore and science. The path, a series of bridges on the gorge’s edge, features signs that share the local tale of the echo and the mountain, along with hands-on experiments that demonstrate how sound travels through the gorge. It also features one of the most photogenic bridges in the area.
5. Burgruine Werdenfels
There is so much scope for your imagination at these ancient castle ruins. The trail leading to these ruins was just as spectacular as the ruins themselves. It has a very neighborhood feel, and while you won’t find many tourists, you will find locals out for an afternoon stroll. (Do not miss the hill line behind the ruins for a photo op.)
Airbnb or Hotels: Where To Stay In Garmisch
This can be a tough decision when traveling to any destination, but it really depends on what you are trying to do in the area. My husband and I chose to stay in an Airbnb because we like having our own kitchen to make breakfast each morning. This allows us to save money but also provides the opportunity to experience the neighborhood grocery shops. In Garmish, you will really enjoy the variety of bakeries, fresh meats, and local produce available.
German Airbnbs, at least the ones we encountered, are a little different than traditional Airbnbs back stateside. While the location itself is managed by the individual that owns the property, the bookings and communication are managed through a third party. They also require you to pay the local taxes in person and not through Airbnb. At first, this seemed very sketchy, but we looked into it, and it’s just how they do business. We also were provided with the supporting documentation upon request.
Our Top Picks For Garmisch Airbnbs
Ferienwohnung Zugspitze- We personally stayed here and enjoyed it immensely. The family lives in the apartment next door, and they were so kind and helpful at check-in. This little gem is nestled into the foothills of Zugspitze, and it was a trip highlight to have coffee staring up at the highest peak in Germany every morning.
Due to a change in our travel plans, we switched to this Airbnb mid-stay. We would have stayed in the original, but it was not available for our adjusted dates. This one was just as lovely and more suited to a larger party. The weather began to drop towards the end of our trip, and the location’s wood-burning stove paired with the local wine our host gifted us made for a very charming night in.
Both of these locations are technically in Grainau, but it’s a very short drive or bike ride from the Garmisch city center. Our intention in going to this area was for the trails and to be tucked away in the mountains, not to stay city center. London? Paris? Yes, the city center is the place to be, but we loved that many of the Alltrail hikes began at the edge of Grainau. We were even able to walk to several from both locations.
Restaurants: Where To Eat In Garmisch
Food is my primary love language. Consequently, eating is such a huge part of my travel experience. I will spend hours pouring over reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor reviews to ensure that I am going to hit the right places. Garmisch did not disappoint! The offseason is, however, a little tricky because many places have limited hours, and what is open fills up quickly. Here are the top three restaurants in the Garmisch area that you cannot miss.
1.Gaststätte zum Dorfbrunnen– They are open until 10, which made them a great option if we were getting in late. Menu Items you must try: The Viennese style Schnitzel ( Schnitzel Wiener Art Mit Pommes oder Bratkartoffel), the venison steak with truffle mashed potatoes ( Hirschrukensteak mit truffle-Kartoffelpuree), or if you are feeling adventurous and VERY hungry the entire knuckle of pork(Schweinshaxe mit Sauerkraut). We ate here at least 4 times!
2.Zum Wildschütz– Do yourself a favor and get reservations. This place fills up! You will not want to miss this one. The ambiance is 10/10. The food is 11/10. The potato soup made me a better person and set in motion a lifelong endeavor of trying to recreate it in my own kitchen. Menu items to try: Everything, but start with the potato soup, obviously. They may ask you to share your table with another group if there is room. Do it. Allowing one more person to experience this restaurant is some of the best karma you can get.
This post was all about what To Do in The Garmisch-Partenkirchen Area. Have fun, make safe choices, and respect the Alpine Zone.