Garmisch (Summer)

Traditional Bavarian architecture lines the streets of this resort town at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain, Zugspitze. This and other alpine peaks frame the town and the entire length of the Loisachtal Valley. Since Roman times, Garmisch-Partenkirchen has been on the main route north through the Alps, and that original route is today the main shopping street, Ludwigstrasse. The Olympic Stadium built for the 1936 Olympics has been enhanced since then, becoming a major sports center, but all around are opportunities for outdoor sports of hiking, climbing and kayaking. The pilgrimage church of St. Anton and its gardens, the ruins of the ...

Traditional Bavarian architecture lines the streets of this resort town at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain, Zugspitze. This and other alpine peaks frame the town and the entire length of the Loisachtal Valley. Since Roman times, Garmisch-Partenkirchen has been on the main route north through the Alps, and that original route is today the main shopping street, Ludwigstrasse. The Olympic Stadium built for the 1936 Olympics has been enhanced since then, becoming a major sports center, but all around are opportunities for outdoor sports of hiking, climbing and kayaking. The pilgrimage church of St. Anton and its gardens, the ruins of the Romanesque-Gothic Werdenfels castle, and several museums can keep visitors busy as well. Garmisch makes a good base for exploring the surrounding Bavarian towns and attractions, including Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberammergau and Partnachklamm Gorge. A trip to the summit of 10,000-foot Zugspitz and its glacier by rack railway and cable car brings views of four countries and dozens of Alpine peaks.

About the Expert

Stillman Rogers has written more than two dozen guidebooks, including Adventure Guide to Canada's Atlantic Provinces, Guide to Eastern Canada, and Adventure Guide to the Chesapeake.