Day 1 - Explore the Old Parts

There is so much history tied in with the villages of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, that sometimes it ceases to stand out to natives of the area. But for a visitor, it's all that much more appealing and interesting. The old streets tell many of the stories that the locals can’t. There are little details in the doors, wood workings, shutters and fences of the neighborhoods that date back to the styling of the Bavarians. It's on these parts of houses and buildings that you will find traditional paintings called luftlmalerei. The old fountains and watering wells are a beautiful sight as well. These things are beautiful and historical, and can only be found on the old streets of the villages.

Day 2 - Museums

There are many museums in the area, each holding a different part to the village’s past. The Garmisch Kurpark is located in Richard Strauss Platz, next to the Congress Center. It's a public area with beautiful paths for walking, spots for playing garden chess, areas for concerts and dancing and great food at the museum restaurant.  Admission during the summer is cheap at 1 Euro, and it's free in the winter. In the summer, bands play every so often and the museum hosts concerts and fests in the open area. The Werdenfels Museum offers a vast range of information regarding the area’s history with the Bavarians, as well as the building’s own history (it was a small food market for quite some time).

Day 3 - The Zugspitze

The highest peak in all of Germany sits right in the quaint villages of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. There are multiple ways of getting to the top of the mountain, including a nice, winding drive that takes about 75 minutes, or a cable car ride that takes about 10 minutes. You can find the cable car pick up spot at the base of the mountain at Lake Eibsee. Taking the cable car to the top can be a little expensive, but simply hiking the mountain up a little ways and enjoying the scenery is a great enough joy.

Day 4 - Partnach Gorge

You can spend all day hiking to and lounging by this spot of pure paradise. You simply need to find the path near the Partnach River and head toward the old Olympic Ski Jumping Stadium. Walk for another 20 minutes and you’ll reach the gorge, ready for you to lay and relax by all day.

Day 5 - St. Martin’s Church

This church is impossible to miss if you visit the village, and is a wonderfully interesting work of art. Build around the year 1720, the church was created in a Baroque Roccoco style. The interior is covered in paintings of golden angels and saints. Beyond its physical beauty, the church’s story is something you will want to discover as well.

Day 6 - Hike

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is known by hikers for its wonderfully hilly landscape and beautiful sites. It has clearly marked trails, plenty of variety and is one of the easiest ways to see all of the beauty that lies in the mountains and hillsides. Definite picture-taking opportunity you don’t want to miss.

Day 7 - Ski!

What trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen would be complete without hitting the slopes at least once? Obviously, if you are visiting during the summer, you miss out on this awesome opportunity, but if you do happen to be there when the snow is plentiful, a day pass to the ski lift will make your time completely worth while.