Good to know
Good to Know
- Originally, Garmisch (in the west) and Partenkirchen (in the east) were two separate towns and even after unification in 1935 they still maintained quite separate identities. Garmisch has a modern feel while Partenkirchen is generally known for its historic appearance with fresco-filled and cobblestoned streets.
- Partnach Gorge entrance fee is €10 per adult (as of 2025), which some visitors feel is steep for what is essentially a short, 700-meter walk through the gorge.
- While the Werdenfels Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, most information is in German. Consider a translation app or guide if you're not fluent.
- Opening hours are subject to good weather. The last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. This particularly applies to natural attractions like Partnach Gorge.
Must See Sites
Werdenfels Museum
- Hours
- Varies by season; check website for current hours
- Location
- Ludwigstraße 47, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Admission
- €7.00
- Description
- Founded in 1895 from a private collection, it is one of the most important museums of its kind in Bavaria. On an exhibition area of 1000 square meters, visitors can learn about the eventful history and culture of the Werdenfels region. The museum includes an original 150-kilogram Zugspitze summit cross in its Zugspitze room.
Richard Strauss Institute
- Location
- Kurpark Partenkirchen
- Admission
- Price not confirmed; contact venue
- Description
- Composer Richard Strauss, a person with many facets, can be explored at the Richard Strauss Institute in the Kurpark Partenkirchen. The international Strauss Center houses a permanent public exhibition, a concert hall, a specialist library and an archive. Symphony and chamber music concerts as well as the annual Richard Strauss Festival are highlights in the Zugspitz region.
Museum Aschenbrenner
- Location
- Loisachstraße 44, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Admission
- Price not confirmed; contact venue
- Description
- Opened in 2006, the Aschenbrenner features porcelain and dolls alongside nativity scenes on 300 square meters, housed in a modern new building. The Aschenbrenner Museum is barrier-free.
Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm)
- Location
- South of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, ~15 minutes by car
- Admission
- €7.50
- Note
- Guest card holders receive a €1 discount.
- Description
- A beautiful natural wonder located in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Southern Bavaria, it is a 700 meter long gorge featuring tunnels and caves carved directly into the rock. The gorge is open from 8 am to 8 pm from June to September and 8 am to 6 pm from October to May.
Werdenfels Castle Ruins
- Location
- Between Garmisch and Farchant, ~80 meters above Loisach valley
- Admission
- Free
- Description
- The castle went up around 1219 and was a protective fortress. The name most likely means 'Defend the Rock'. The ruins offer a scenic hike and a tangible connection to the powerful Prince-Bishops who once ruled the land.
Olympic Ski Jump Stadium
- Location
- Olympic Stadium, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Admission
- €11
- Description
- The stadium is open to the public and can be visited free of charge. The current building dates back to construction measures in 1940. Today's large ski jump (tower height: 60 metres, total height: 149 metres) was built in 2007. An adult ticket generally costs around €10-€12, with discounts for children and groups.
Ludwigstraße (Historic Street)
- Location
- Central Partenkirchen
- Admission
- Free (street walking)
- Description
- Partenkirchen's Ludwigstraße reveals countless examples of Lüftlmalerei and charming historic architecture, including the Parish Church of St. Anton. Lüftlmalerei, the famous painted facades of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and other Southern German towns, is everywhere on this street.
Church of St. Martin
- Location
- Garmisch town center
- Admission
- Free
- Description
- With intricate designs and beautiful stained glass windows, this historic church dates back to the 14th century and has been a focal point of the community ever since. Garmisch's patron saint Martin has two churches: the beautiful Baroque parish church of St. Martin and the old Gothic parish church with exposed frescoes.
Passes And Practical Tips
Garmisch-Partenkirchen Card (Kurkarte)
- Description
- If accommodation provides the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Card, discounts are available on several local attractions, often including reduced entry fees for the Partnach Gorge, local museums like the Werdenfels Museum, and sometimes even free local bus travel.
ClassicCard and ZugspitzCard
- Description
- Guests who stay in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen region for several days can take advantage of numerous attractive offers free of charge or at reduced rates with the ClassicCard and ZugspitzCard.
Online Booking
- Description
- For major attractions like the Zugspitze, purchasing tickets online can often save time by letting visitors bypass ticket lines. While prices are usually similar to on-site purchases, some operators may offer small online discounts.
Historical Context
- Olympics
- The 1936 Winter Olympics were transformative. They forced the merger of the two distinct towns, Garmisch and Partenkirchen, into a single municipality. The games also spurred significant infrastructure development, including roads, hotels, and sports facilities like the Olympic Ski Jump.
- Overview
- The region that is now Garmisch-Partenkirchen has a complex history. From the 13th to the early 19th century, it was the independent County of Werdenfels, an ecclesiastical territory ruled by the Prince-Bishops of Freising within the Holy Roman Empire. It only became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria during the secularization process in 1803.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this history, museums & sightseeing research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Garmisch-Partenkirchen
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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.