facts and figures: State: Region: Altitude: Population: Bavaria Upper Bavaria 708 (2323 ft) 25.995

The Perfect Alpine Holiday

Discover Unique Alpine Nature

Stimulating, exciting or calming — in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen region, you experience the rough beauty of breathtaking mountain scenery. You are surrounded by more than 400 mountain peaks. Mountains, almost 3000 metres high, are fissured by deep canyons with meadows up high in the mountains, and mountain peaks such as the Alpspitze or the Zugspitze, towering above everything. Highlights that are hardly measurable and unlimited possibilities allow you to find your very own way and rediscover yourself. Adventure, inspiration or relaxation — Garmisch-Partenkirchen inspires everyone with its sheer energy. Everyday life is left far behind; your mind becomes as fresh as the clear air up high in the mountains. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is very proud of the „Heilklimatischer Kurort“ seal of quality, which certifies the healing climate of the health resort.

Outdoor Paradise All Year Round

The variety of alpine nature around Garmisch-Partenkirchen can hardly be surpassed. Active holiday-makers make the most of this unique outdoor centre: No matter which season, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is always an attraction: Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing or ice hockey in winter, canoeing, paragliding, mountain biking or hiking in summer. Garmisch-Partenkirchen stands for activity and sports – "both in and with nature".

The network of hiking trails, popular far beyond regional borders, spans over 300 km around the town, uphill and downhill. The trails range from easy walks to tours of several days with overnight stays in cosy mountain shelters — every wish can come true here. Special highlights for everybody who wants to go to the extreme: challenging tours like crossing the Höllental Canyon or the more demanding trails to the summit of the Alpspitze — the landmark of Germany’s best-known outdoor paradise.

Unique experiences for the whole family: a hike through the breathtaking and geologically interesting Partnach Gorge: next to roaring waterfalls and cataracts, this expedition is one of the most impressive wonders of the Alps, in summer as in winter. A number of trails through the surrounding area start at the Partnach Gorge. Trails along pathways steeped in history lead to the King's House on the Schachen, which used to be King Ludwig II's mountain refuge.

Beyond the ordinary: the right balance of courage, skill and creativity — this is what you need in the climbing park and on the rock climbing walls, no matter with level of difficulty you prefer. For mountain bikers, the well-marked and far-reaching tracks offer a combination of sportive activity and self-awareness. Freedom on two wheels — just a pedal away. The untamed floods of the river Loisach are a challenge for water sports enthusiasts, who look for intense contact to the water with their kayak or canoe. Pure contrast: the crystal-clear mountain lakes invite their visitors to take a plunge and just let everything go for a while.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is also Germany's first choice for winter sports: for holiday-makers — and for top athletes. As an internationally renowned winter sports resort with world-class events, the town has a fixed place on the yearly winter sports agenda, having established an excellent reputation around the world. The very best alpine skiing athletes compete in the ski world cup races every year. The world's elite of ski jumping fly to new lenghts during the famous New Year's Ski Jumping from the new jump — the futuristic landmark of modern Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Crowning these major traditional and spectacular events, something big is in store: in 2011 the Alpine World Ski Championships will be held in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. They are the most important step on the way to the event that makes every winter sports resort immortal: Together with the Bavarian capital Munich and the town of Schönau, the National Olympic Comitee has accepted Garmisch-Partenkirchen as a candidate for the Winter Olympic Games in 2018. Preparations are in full swing: representing German winter sports, Garmisch-Partenkirchen will offer top-class sports on a world-class level. Ultra-modern ski lifts already take athletes up to the slopes. One of them, the newly designed famous Kandahar slope, is a huge challenge for the athletes. New snow cannons guarantee five different snowy routes for skiing right down to the valley.

Proverbial Naturalness and Openness

A stroll through streets like Frühlingsstraße in Garmisch or the historical Ludwigstraße in Partenkirchen makes tradition come alive. The so-called Lüftlmalereien, magnificent facade paintings, tell you stories about the houses’ inhabitants, the region and its customs, that even non-German speaking visitors understand without a guide. The local people themselves greet the visitor with openness, lust for life and their Bavarian charm. One part of their unmistakeable way of life is reflected by the excellent cuisine. From delicacies like the famous Bavarian Schmankerl to modern, wholesome and regionally produced organic food up to exquisite meals in classy gourmet restaurants, every taste is catered for. The same is true for the choice of accomodation, ranging from rural inns to cosy apartments or first-class luxury hotels.

Outstanding Cultural Events

A variety of cultural experiences complete your holidays in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: The musical highlight in summer is the Richard Strauss Festival, remembering the famous composer who chose to live in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. When he wrote his well-known “Alpine Symphony”, he was inspired by the magnificent mountain scenery. During the KULTurSOMMER (CULTureSummer) festival, Garmisch-Partenkirchen presents a colourful range of theatre, music, visual arts and cabaret. Moreover, visitors can experience the local people's close connection to their traditions during the folklore weeks in midsummer.

Contact:

Tourist Information Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Richard-Strauss-Platz 2
82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Phone: +49 8821 180 700
Fax: +49 8821 180 755
E-Mail: tourist-info@gapa.de
Website: www.gapa.de