Attractions and Places To See around Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen are found within the Bavarian Alps, offering a blend of natural landscapes and cultural sites. The region is characterized by its high mountains, dramatic gorges, and clear lakes. Visitors can explore charming historical towns adorned with traditional art and experience diverse outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- The most popular attractions is Partnach Gorge, a gorge carved by the Partnach river, featuring impressive waterfalls and illuminated passages. It is a natural monument popular for adventurous hikes.
- Another must-see spot is View of Lake Eibsee, a viewpoint offering views of a crystal-clear mountain lake at the foot of the Zugspitze. Visitors can expect scenic beauty and opportunities for boating and hiking around its perimeter.
- Visitors also love Large Olympic Ski Jump Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a man-made monument that gained international fame during the 1936 Winter Olympics. It hosts weekly tours and is the venue for the annual New Year's jumping event.
- Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen is known for its natural gorges, mountain lakes, and historical landmarks. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from challenging mountain routes to cultural sites.
- The attractions around Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 8300 upvotes and over 9000 photos shared across more than 1800 highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
View of Lake Eibsee
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Partnach Gorge
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View of the Zugspitze from the Eibsee
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View of the Eibsee and Zugspitze from the north shore
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Large Olympic Ski Jump Garmisch-Partenkirchen
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Höllental Gorge
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In the snow-free period, around mid-May to the end of October, the gorge is open 24 hours a day. Please don't forget to bring appropriate clothing, as it is quite humid in the gorge and even in summer the temperatures are sometimes cool. The Höllentalangerhütte at an altitude of 1,387 meters invites you to stop off afterwards. You can also stay overnight here. There are drying rooms for clothes if it gets too wet. From the Höllentalangerhütte, further climbs are possible, for example to the Alpspitze, the Matheisenkar or even to the Zugspitze. Information at: grainau.de/hoellentalklamm.
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Höllentalanger Hut
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In total there are 106 beds available. The hut of the DAV is the ideal starting point to climb the Zugspitze from its challenging side via the famous Höllentalroute.
The original Höllentalanger hut had to be demolished in 2013, as it no longer met today's requirements for fire protection, workplace guidelines or the hygienic requirements of food law. In their place, the new Höllentalangerhütte was built in 2014-15.
For more information, please visit: davplus.de/hoellentalangerhuette
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Klammweg
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Entrance to the Partnach Gorge
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Western Shore of Lautersee
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Other adventures around Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Tips from the Community
From 1910 to 1912, the Partnach Gorge, which is up to 80 meters deep, was opened up for tourism under the most difficult conditions and at great financial expense.
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The sign above the entrance to the gorge, a popular photo motif, shows the time it was opened up in the years 1910-1920.
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Lower entrance to the gorge. here you can buy the tickets
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Simply a fantastic view from the Eibsee to the Zugspitze 😍
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The Partnach Gorge is a 700-meter-long gorge in the Reintal near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, cut by the Partnach torrent to a depth of more than 80 meters in places. The valley floor is at about 800 m above sea level in the middle of the gorge. In 1912, the Partnach Gorge was declared a natural monument. The path always runs on the right side of the stream. In the Middle Triassic, around 240 million years ago, dark gray, relatively hard layers of alpine shell limestone, known as Wurstel limestone or Knollenkalk, were deposited on the bottom of a shallow sea in the area of today's Partnach Gorge. On the bulging layers of this rock, you can still often see traces of burrowing and feeding by the sea creatures of that time. Around five million years later, significantly softer marls were deposited in the same sea basin, which are now known as the Partnach layers. During the later Alpine folding, the so-called Wamberger Saddle was formed from these rock layers. The erosion power of the Partnach, fed by the Schneeferner on the Zugspitzplatt, was great enough to quickly erode the softer layers, keep pace with the ongoing uplift of the terrain and thus also cut into the hard alpine Muschelkalk. Today, the river forms the typical narrow valley shape of a gorge in the Muschelkalk area, while to the north and south of it, in the areas of the softer Partnach layers, wider valley shapes predominate. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partnachklamm
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June - September: 08:00 - 20:00 October - May: 08:00 - 18:00 The Partnachklamm is open all year round, but may be closed for safety reasons. If this is the case, there are two other ways to avoid the gorge.
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The path is easy to walk and has great views! The last part leads steeply through a beautiful forest, past very old trees (sycamore and spruce). A great way!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural wonders can I explore in Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen?
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the dramatic Partnach Gorge, known for its impressive waterfalls and illuminated passages. Another stunning natural monument is the Höllental Gorge, offering an unforgettable spectacle with numerous waterfalls and tunnels. Don't miss the crystal-clear Lake Eibsee at the foot of the Zugspitze, perfect for scenic strolls and boating.
Are there opportunities for hiking near these attractions?
Yes, the region offers numerous hiking opportunities. For example, you can enjoy an easy circular tour around the Eibsee. There are also several waterfall hikes, such as the Laintal-Lautersee circuit near Mittenwald. For more options, explore the easy hikes around Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen or waterfall hikes in the area.
Can I visit the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, from this region?
Absolutely. The Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain at 2,962 meters, is a premier attraction accessible from the region. You can ascend via cog railway and cable car to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Wetterstein and Ammergau mountain ranges, and even parts of Austria, Switzerland, and Italy on clear days.
What historical or cultural sites can I visit in Garmisch-Partenkirchen?
The region boasts several cultural and historical sites. The Large Olympic Ski Jump Garmisch-Partenkirchen, famous from the 1936 Winter Olympics, offers weekly tours. You can also explore the historic Ludwigstraße in Partenkirchen, known for its traditional Bavarian architecture and 'Lüftlmalerei' murals. The Werdenfels Museum and Aschenbrenner Museum provide insights into local history and art.
Are there family-friendly attractions suitable for children?
Many attractions in the region are family-friendly. The Partnach Gorge is well-developed and can be explored with children, though it's not suitable for prams. The View of Lake Eibsee and its surrounding trails are also great for families. The Aschenbrenner Museum features interactive elements for younger visitors, and the Olympic Ski Jump offers engaging tours.
What should I expect when visiting the Partnach Gorge?
The Partnach Gorge is an impressive natural spectacle. It's well-developed and generally easy to navigate, even with children, but note that it's not suitable for prams. It can get very busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Be prepared for cool temperatures and humidity inside the gorge, even in summer. The gorge features stunning waterfalls and illuminated passages, making it a unique experience.
Where can I see traditional Bavarian art and architecture?
For traditional Bavarian art and architecture, a stroll along Ludwigstraße in Partenkirchen is highly recommended. This historic street is famous for its ornate pastel buildings adorned with 'Lüftlmalerei' – traditional fresco paintings depicting religious scenes, local history, or folk tales. These murals add immense charm and historical depth to the town.
What are some picturesque lakes to visit in the area besides Eibsee?
Beyond the stunning Eibsee, you can also visit Lautersee, which offers wonderful panoramic views over the lake and towards the Karwendel peaks. Other picturesque options include Geroldsee and Barmsee, all providing serene settings for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
What is the best time to visit Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen?
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. The natural gorges like Höllental Gorge are typically open from mid-May to the end of October. Lakes like Eibsee are beautiful year-round, but can be crowded in summer. Autumn offers particularly beautiful scenery with vibrant colors. Winter transforms the region into a snowy wonderland, with attractions like the Partnach Gorge offering special torch-lit tours.
Are there any mountain huts or restaurants near the natural attractions?
Yes, several mountain huts and restaurants are available. For instance, the Höllentalanger Hut is located at 1,387 meters at the end of the Höllental Gorge, offering a fantastic stopping point and even overnight stays. Near Lautersee, you'll find gastronomy options and a beer garden right on the water, perfect for a break with a view.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen?
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking natural beauty, especially the crystal-clear lakes and dramatic gorges. Many highlight the scenic trails around places like the Eibsee, noting its beauty in all seasons, particularly autumn. The impressive natural spectacles of the gorges, with their waterfalls and unique passages, are also highly appreciated. The blend of challenging mountain routes and cultural sites ensures there's something for everyone.
Most popular routes around Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Most popular attractions around Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen
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