With all that's on offer in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, it's no
surprise that the town is actually two. Garmisch and Partenkirchen were
once two separate market towns and both offer charming historical
centres, a wealth of culture and plenty of good old-fashioned Bavarian
hospitality amid scenic surroundings. Together they form the number one
winter sports venue in Germany.
When people in Germany think of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the
first thing that springs to mind is winter sports: seven months of snow,
60 kilometres of pistes, pristine slopes and Germany's only glacial ski
area – the resort offers the very best conditions for winter sports
enthusiasts. There are slopes suitable for skiers of all abilities, and
the region has become a hot spot for international snowboarders and
freeriders. Olympic venues, the famous Kandahar run for Super G and
downhill events, and New Year ski jumping at the world's most modern ski
jump: Garmisch-Partenkirchen is quite simply a mecca for winter sports.
But don't forget that this picturesque town is also a first-class
climatic health resort throughout the year, the perfect place to unwind,
pamper yourself and enjoy life's little pleasures. Also an experience
at any time of year is the Partnachklamm gorge, a geological wonder that
turns any walk into an adventure. On top of the world: Mount Zugspitze
At 2,962 metres, the Zugspitze is Germany's highest peak and a fabulous
destination for nature lovers, sun worshippers, walkers and skiers. You
don't even need to be an expert mountaineer to reach the summit:
starting at Lake Eibsee, the Zugspitzbahn cog railway chugs its way
through the mountains for twelve kilometres, negotiating a staggering 25
per cent gradient in places. When you reach the top, a breathtaking
vista across the Alps unfolds before you. Mount Zugspitze even has
something for art lovers. Since 1995 there has been a spacious,
light-flooded gallery covering 450 square metres of the mountain and
offering magnificent panoramic views – a fantastic stage for works by
important modern artists. Great art at an altitude of almost 3,000
metres: the world has never seen anything like it.
Strolling, shopping and sampling the nightlife
Once
back in the town, a walk along historical Ludwigstrasse at the heart of
Partenkirchen makes for a pleasant interlude. This chic, elegant
boulevard is ideal for shopping, strolling or just sauntering along.
Exclusive stores for an exclusive clientele rub shoulders with
traditional Alpine inns and first-class restaurants. After a day's
shopping, why not sample Garmisch-Partenkirchen's vibrant nightlife? The
friendly bars, clubs and discos are often buzzing until the early
hours, or in the casino you could try your luck at roulette, blackjack
and poker.
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