The Best Day Trips From Garmisch-Patenkirchen Germany

Garmisch-Patenkirchen is a year-round destination, welcoming skiers and snowboarders in winter, as well as hiking enthusiasts in the warmer months. It’s also a great base for exploring further afield – here’s our pick of the best day trips around, from the natural wonders of Bavaria through to the cultural hubs of Munich and Innsbruck.

Munich

In just over an hour from Garmisch-Patenkirchen you can reach the state capital of Munich, home of the original Oktoberfest and cultural hub of Bavaria. While a day is not enough to see it all, it certainly suffices to cover the essentials: pass along Marienplatz and the grand town hall, follow the trails through the English Garden and watch surfers take on the artificial Eisbach wave, wow at the collection of 19th-century fine art at the Neue Pinakothek gallery and have a beer at the Hofbräuhaus.

Mittenwald

Take a road trip

Southern Bavaria is studded with dreamy castles, imposing palaces and lavishly-decorated churches, some of which are in close proximity to Garmisch-Patenkirchen and can be visited on a single road trip full of magical sights, including Neuschwanstein, probably the most famous castle of all. Head to the Wieskirche near Steingaden first – a Rococo masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site – followed by Hohenschwangau Palace and finally, Neuschwanstein Castle which looks like something straight out of a Disney film.

Innsbruck

Since you’re right at the border with Austria, why not pop across and see what Innsbruck has to offer? The drive down takes around an hour, depending on traffic, and is rewarded with a full day of sightseeing. Stroll around the old town and visit the Imperial Palace and the Court Church, marvel at the facade of Helbling Haus and see the city’s most significant landmark: the Golden Roof, known as Goldenes Dachl to the locals.

Partnachklamm

High up on the list of natural wonders of the region is the Partnachklamm gorge, which is just 15 minutes south from Garmisch-Patenkirchen. Here, 85-metre (279-foot) tall, rugged walls of shell limestone, which were deposited 240 million years ago when the area was still covered by an ocean, dominate over the beautiful canyon. In the warmer months, glacier water trickles down the walls and runs through the gorge, while in winter everything becomes frozen solid, creating a magical winter wonderland.

Starnberg Lake

Halfway between Garmisch-Patenkirchen and Munich, you find one of Germany’s most beautiful lakes. Set against the Alpine peaks in the background, the stunning lake is not only a mecca for windsurfers, but also offers boat rental and cruises, vast grassy meadows, walking trails and beer gardens along the way.

Ettal

A dream of building opulent and dreamy castles earned King Ludwig II his nickname ‘Fairy Tale King’. One of those built is situated about half an hour away – the rooms of Linderhof Palace are ornate with murals, paintings, tapestries and beaten gold, though the most famous element is the ‘wishing table’ in the dining hall. Like in the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale, the table could be lowered into the kitchen and up again set with a three-course meal at any time. The trip is best combined with a detour via the Benedictine Ettal monastery, where monks still run the hotel, on-site brewery and publishing house – don’t miss out on a visit to the abbey church. Thanks to a Baroque makeover, the church shines in a lavish splendour of colourful frescoes, stucco ornaments and filigree gold decor.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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