Bavaria at Its Most Beautiful

When you think of Bavaria, many would think about Munich’s Oktoberfest, the world’s largest Volksfest with massive, one-liter glass mugs (Maß) filled with golden Helles beer, bustling beer gardens shaded by chestnut trees, and giant, salty pretzels (Brezn). Other might associate Bavaria with modern luxury and cutting-edge industry. It is the birthplace and global headquarters of BMW (which literally stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke or Bavarian Motor Works) and Audi, as well as sports giants like Adidas.

But if there is one place that captures the very essence of the Bavarian Alps, it is Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Nestled beneath Germany’s highest mountain, the mighty Zugspitze, this charming town combines breathtaking alpine scenery with centuries of history, traditional architecture and outdoor adventure. In the winter, it’s a major skiing destination – but we think it’s worth visiting in the warmth of summer. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of those destinations that leaves a lasting impression.

The town itself has a fascinating story. Until 1935, Garmisch and Partenkirchen were two separate communities. The two towns, separated only by a railway line and a river, intensely disliked each other. They competed fiercely for business, and for generations, the locals even heavily discouraged mixed marriages between residents of the two sides.The forced marriage of the two towns happened in 1935. Germany had been selected to host both the Summer Games (Berlin) and the Winter Games of 1936. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) pointed out that neither Garmisch nor Partenkirchen individually had enough hotel rooms, infrastructure, or capacity to host an international event of that scale.

The IOC threatened to strip Germany of the Winter Games and move them elsewhere. Seeing the Olympics as a massive propaganda opportunity for the Nazi regime, Adolf Hitler took matters into his own hands. On January 1, 1935, Hitler simply signed a decree forcing the two independent municipalities to combine into a single, larger town: Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The mayors who opposed the merger were swiftly removed from office.

Walking through the streets is like stepping into a picture postcard. Colourful houses are decorated with Lüftlmalerei—beautiful painted frescoes depicting religious scenes, local legends and everyday life. Window boxes overflow with bright flowers during the warmer months, while church spires rise above red-tiled roofs against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

One of the pleasures of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is simply wandering without any particular destination. Small cafés spill onto quiet streets, family-run bakeries tempt visitors with fresh pretzels and pastries, and traditional inns serve hearty Bavarian meals accompanied by locally brewed beer. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming and unmistakably Alpine.

Towering above everything is the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain at 2,962 metres. A modern cable car carries visitors effortlessly to the summit, where panoramic views stretch across Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy on a clear day. Standing on the observation deck, surrounded by glaciers and rugged mountain peaks, is an unforgettable experience. Even in summer, patches of snow often remain, while winter transforms the mountain into one of Germany’s premier ski destinations. You can also walk into Austria, which lies on the other side of the mountain. And a walk around the Eibsee lake is a photographer’s dream.

Visible from all over the town is the giant Olympic Ski Jump (Große Olympiaschanze): While the original 1936 structural tower was demolished and entirely rebuilt into a hyper-futuristic, cantilevered “light sculpture” jump in 2007, it sits in the exact location of the 1936 events.

For walkers and hikers, the surrounding mountains offer countless opportunities. Gentle valley paths wind through flower-filled meadows, while more adventurous trails climb into the Alps, rewarding hikers with spectacular views over Bavaria and neighbouring Austria. Cable cars make many of these mountain landscapes accessible even to visitors who prefer a leisurely stroll to a strenuous climb.

Winter brings an entirely different character to the town. Snow blankets the rooftops, Christmas markets fill the streets with festive lights, and the surrounding slopes attract skiers and snowboarders from across Europe. The nearby Olympic Ski Stadium, famous for its dramatic New Year’s ski jumping competition, remains one of the world’s iconic winter sports venues.

Yet Garmisch-Partenkirchen is not only about mountains and sport. It is also a wonderful place to experience Bavarian culture. Brass bands perform during local festivals, traditional costumes are proudly worn on special occasions, and church bells echo across the valley much as they have for centuries. Visitors soon discover that hospitality here is as much a tradition as skiing or hiking.

We stayed in a B&B above the town (Zur Schönen Aussicht Hotel garni) with a fabulous view across the town towards the mountains, and were woken every morning to the charming sound of cowbells clanking in the local herd.

Whether you come for the hiking, the skiing, the history or simply to breathe the fresh mountain air, Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers an authentic taste of Bavaria at its very best. Surrounded by some of Europe’s most beautiful Alpine landscapes, it is a destination that invites you to slow down, look around, and savour every moment.