Garmisch-Partenkirchen Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days
Garmisch-Partenkirchen was one of my favorite towns I visited during my trip to Bavaria. The town itself is incredibly charming, with mountain views everywhere you look. The food is also incredible, and there are plenty of shops to explore. But the best part is that there are so many things to do in the surrounding area, from hiking in the mountains to exploring beautiful lakes and nearby attractions.
Three days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the perfect amount of time to enjoy the town and explore the surrounding area. In this Garmisch-Partenkirchen itinerary, I’ll share how I recommend spending three days in the area, including some of the best things to see, do, and eat.
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3 Days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Itinerary Overview
Three days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the perfect mix of mountain views, scenic hiking trails, charming Bavarian towns, and a fairytale castle. There’s plenty of time to explore the outdoors while also visiting some of the area’s most famous attractions.
Here’s how we spent three days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, with a mix of outdoor adventures and nearby sights that make this area of Bavaria so special.
Day 1: Partnach Gorge, Garmisch & Alpspitz
Start your day with a walk through Partnach Gorge, one of the most beautiful spots in Garmisch-Partenkirchen! Then head to AlpspiX for incredible views of the surrounding mountains before spending the evening exploring the charming town.
Explore Partnach Gorge
Start your first morning in Garmisch-Partenkirchen with a visit to Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm). This trail is one of the area’s most popular natural attractions. The gorge is known for its narrow rock walls, rushing turquoise water, and walking paths that wind through the canyon. It’s an easy addition to your first day and a great way to experience some of the area’s scenery.
To get there, drive to the parking lot at the Olympic Ski Jump (Olympiaschanze). From there, it’s about a 20–30 minute walk to the gorge entrance. Parking costs around €5, and spaces can fill up, especially during the busy summer months, so I recommend arriving early in the morning.
There are a few different hiking options depending on how much time you want to spend here:
- Walk through the gorge: The round-trip route is approximately 4.2 km (2.6 miles) and takes around 1–2 hours.
- Continue to Kaiserschmarrn-Alm: If you want to make a longer outing of it, continue to Kaiserschmarrn-Alm, a mountain restaurant where you can stop for a meal. This route is approximately 5.1 km (3.2 miles) round trip and takes around 3–4 hours, depending on how long you spend eating and enjoying the views.
You can purchase Partnach Gorge tickets online or at the entrance. The gorge can get crowded, and the paths are narrow in some places. When walking back through the gorge, be prepared to stop occasionally and let other visitors pass.
A few tips before you go: The trail can be wet and slippery, especially after heavy rain, so I recommend wearing hiking boots and bringing a rain jacket. The gorge itself can feel damp even when the weather is nice. You’ll also find a few restaurants and places to stop for food and drinks along the way, though keep in mind that some charge around €1–2 for restroom use.
If you’re following this three-day itinerary, I’d aim to visit first thing in the morning to avoid some of the crowds and leave yourself plenty of time for the rest of the day.
Take the Alpspitzbahn Cable Car
If you want to add another mountain viewpoint to your first day in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, consider taking the Alpspitzbahn cable car up to the AlpspiX observation deck. I didn’t personally visit this spot, but its a great option if you have extra time and the weather is clear.
The cable car takes about 9 minutes to reach the mountain station, where you’ll find AlpspiX, an X-shaped observation platform with steel and glass walkways extending out over the mountainside. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Alps and the Höllental valley.
If you want to spend more time in the mountains, there are also several hiking trails near the station where you can explore the area and take in more views. You can even stop at Osterfelder 2000 for a meal or a drink overlooking the Alps.
To get here, park at the Alpspitzbahn valley station. If you’re purchasing the three-day ZugspitzCard, both the Alpspitzbahn and Hochalmbahn cable cars are included. The first cable car typically departs at 8:00 a.m., with the last ascent around 5:00 p.m., but be sure to check the current operating hours before your visit.
Since you’ll already be exploring Partnach Gorge in the morning, I’d treat this as an optional afternoon activity. It’s a good way to fit in another mountain experience if you have the time, but you can also save it for another day if you’d rather take things at a slower pace.
Walk Around Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Finally, spend the rest of the day exploring Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The town has a charming downtown area with local shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great place to wander around without a set plan. Parts of the pedestrian area are closed to regular car traffic, so you can browse the shops and explore at your own pace without worrying about cars.
When you’re ready for a break, find a restaurant with outdoor seating or grab a drink on one of the patios and enjoy the atmosphere. After a morning of exploring, this is a nice way to slow down, enjoy the town, and get a feel for local life before heading back to your hotel for the evening.
Day 2: Visit Zugspitze
A trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen isn’t complete without visiting Zugspitze, the tallest mountain in Germany! The views from the top were incredible and definitely made this one of my favorite days of the trip.
Buying Tickets
Because Zugspitze is so popular, I recommend buying your tickets online a few days in advance. I wouldn’t recommend buying them too far in advance, though, since tickets are nonrefundable. It’s worth waiting until closer to your visit so you can check the forecast and choose a day with better visibility.
If you’re only visiting Zugspitze, you can purchase the Zugspitze Roundtrip/Ascent and Descent ticket. If you plan on visiting multiple peaks during your trip, it’s worth looking into the Two Peak Pass or one of the multi-day passes to see if you can save some money. We personally bought the Zugspitze Roundtrip/Ascent and Descent and paid 78 euros per person.
Getting to Zugspitze
Your gondola ticket includes a round-trip ride on the cogwheel train. The train picks you up right in town at the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn Bergbahn and takes you all the way to the Zugspitze Plateau. From there, you’ll take a short gondola ride up to the summit. You can view the current train schedule on the Zugspitze website.
Another option is to get off at Lake Eibsee and take the large gondola directly to the summit. The gondola runs every 30 minutes and the ride to the top takes around 10 minutes. We chose this option because it took less time than taking the train all the way to the plateau.
If you prefer, you can also drive to Lake Eibsee and park in one of the paid parking lots. From there, you can take the gondola directly to the summit.
Exploring the Zugspitze Summit
Once you reach the summit, head upstairs and walk out onto the large viewing platform to take in the views! The platform wraps around the building, giving you views in almost every direction. Take your time walking around the loop because the scenery looks different from every angle. You can even get incredible views of Lake Eibsee from above.
I honestly could have spent all day up here. The views were absolutely breathtaking!
If you’re an experienced hiker and up for a challenge, you can also hike out to the Golden Summit Cross. This is a more difficult route and includes exposed sections, so I would only recommend attempting it if you are an experienced mountain hiker and have the proper equipment. You can also get a great view of the Golden Summit Cross from the viewing platform without doing the hike, which is what we chose to do.
Visit the Zugspitze Glacier
Once you’ve finished exploring the summit, take the Gletscherbahn (Glacier Cable Car) down to the Zugspitze Glacier. The ride is included with your round-trip Zugspitze ticket, so there’s no extra cost to visit this area.
The glacier area feels a little different from the summit. Instead of a large viewing platform, you’ll have trails and open areas where you can walk around, take in the mountain views, and explore at your own pace. There is also a restaurant here if you want to grab a bite to eat or something to drink while enjoying the scenery.
One of my favorite stops in this area was the AlpspiX-style viewing area, a small platform that gives you another perspective of the surrounding mountains. I also recommend stopping inside the small Maria Heimsuchung Chapel, which is built right into the rocks. It’s such a unique little spot to see while you’re up here, and you can leave a donation in exchange for a postcard if you’d like.
Depending on when you visit, you may also find snow at the glacier during the summer. When conditions allow, visitors can walk through the snow and even slide down some of the snowy areas. We visited in early September, and unfortunately, most of the snow had already melted. Even without the snow, though, we still really enjoyed walking around the glacier area and taking in the views!
Once you’re finished exploring, you can take the Gletscherbahn back up to the summit and then make your way back down the mountain.
Grab a Bite at the Restaurant
Back at the top, grab something to eat at Panorama 2962. This restaurant is cafeteria-style, so you’ll go through the line and choose whatever you’d like. They also have several hot dishes where you tell the server what you’d like, and they’ll plate it for you.
We had the beef goulash, curry bratwurst with potato salad, and an apple dessert, and everything was delicious! Once you have your food, you can sit anywhere there is an available table.
The best part about Panorama 2962, though, is the views. The restaurant has huge floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains, so if it’s not too busy, I definitely recommend grabbing a seat by the window. There’s nothing quite like enjoying lunch with those views!
If you’re not super hungry and are just looking for a snack or something to drink, there’s also a café right past the Panorama 2962 dining area. They have coffee drinks, cakes, and a variety of pastries. We stopped here for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, and the Black Forest cake was delicious!
Visit Lake Eibsee
After making your way back down from Zugspitze, spend some time at Lake Eibsee. The lake is right at the base of the mountain, and the turquoise water and mountain views are so beautiful!
If you’re visiting in the summer, you can go for a swim, although the water will probably be pretty chilly. You can also rent paddle boats or paddleboards if you’d like to get out on the water. If you’d rather stay on land, there’s a walking trail that goes all the way around the lake. You don’t have to walk the entire loop, though, so you can explore a little and stop wherever you’d like.
We grabbed some gelato from the shop near the lake and ate it while sitting by the water. It was a nice way to relax and enjoy the views after spending the morning up on Zugspitze.
I’d definitely recommend leaving some time to explore Lake Eibsee during your visit. It’s a beautiful spot, and you won’t want to rush through it!
Day 3: Neuschwanstein Castle
Spend day three exploring the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and the surrounding area!
Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is just over an hour’s drive from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, making it an easy day trip if you’re staying in the area. I recommend leaving early and planning to arrive around 9:00 AM to beat some of the crowds, especially during the busy summer months.
There are four paid parking lots in the village of Hohenschwangau. I recommend parking in P4, which is conveniently located near the route to Neuschwanstein Castle and offers access to the shuttle bus for Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge). If P4 is full, don’t worry! There are other parking lots in the village, so you can still find a place to park and make your way up to the castle.
Visit Mary’s Bridge
To reach Mary’s Bridge, you can either walk about 45 minutes uphill or take the shuttle. The shuttle costs around €5 round trip and is definitely worth it if you ask me! The shuttles run based on demand rather than a strict schedule, but we didn’t have to wait long for ours.
From the shuttle drop-off point, it’s another 10 to 15-minute walk uphill to reach the bridge. Since Mary’s Bridge offers an amazing view of Neuschwanstein Castle, it can get pretty crowded, especially near the entrance. If you can, make your way toward the far end of the bridge, where it’s typically a little less crowded.
If you want a higher vantage point with fewer people, continue through the gate at the far end of the bridge and follow the trail uphill for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll be rewarded with another beautiful, quieter view of the castle!
Keep in mind that this trail is steep in places and has lots of exposed roots, so it’s not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
When you’re ready to head back, simply follow the path to where the shuttle dropped you off. We skipped this next part, but if you’d like to see the castle up close, you can follow the path to the left of the trail to Mary’s Bridge, which leads down toward the base of Neuschwanstein Castle. This gives you a closer look at the castle’s exterior!
Just keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase tickets in advance if you want to tour the inside of the castle. You can’t enter the castle without a ticket.
Tour Hohenschwangau Castle
While you can tour the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle, we chose to tour Hohenschwangau Castle instead. Interestingly, the interior of Neuschwanstein was never fully completed because King Ludwig II died before construction was finished.
Based on reviews we read, many visitors found Hohenschwangau more interesting to tour. Unlike Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau was actually lived in and furnished, giving visitors a better look at how the royal family lived.
You can purchase tickets for the tour online or in person at the ticket office. We bought our tickets in person and had no trouble getting a spot, even though there weren’t many tour times available online for the same day.
The tour lasts around 45 minutes. Although it doesn’t take you through the entire castle, we found it interesting to see the rooms and learn about the history of the people who lived there.
If you don’t purchase tickets for a tour, you can still walk around the castle grounds and admire the architecture up close.
Relax at Lake Plansee
About 30 minutes from Neuschwanstein Castle, Lake Plansee is a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by mountains. You can swim, rent kayaks or pedal boats, explore nearby trails, or simply relax by the water.
Personally, I recommend taking the boat trip that loops around both Lake Plansee and Lake Heiterwang. The ride takes around two hours, and the views of the surrounding mountains are stunning. It’s also a nice, peaceful way to enjoy the scenery without having to hike.
You can check the boat schedule on the official website before your visit. Tickets are purchased on board and cost around €22 for a round trip. Be sure to bring cash, as that’s the payment method accepted.
This stop is optional since it takes you across the border into Austria. Check your rental car agreement for any restrictions or additional fees before driving there. If you aren’t already paying this fee, you may not want to pay extra just to visit the lake. However, if your trip already includes Austria or you don’t mind the additional cost, I definitely recommend stopping at Lake Plansee!
Where to Stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
I recommend staying close to the town center so you can easily walk to restaurants and shops during your stay. I personally stayed at Ferienwohnung Haus Bader and absolutely loved this rental! It was in a great location, within walking distance of plenty of restaurants and shops. The apartment has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen if you prefer to cook some of your own meals.
My favorite part, though, was the large balcony with incredible mountain views. I spent every evening sitting out here after a day of exploring, and it was the perfect way to wind down. If you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay with plenty of space and beautiful views, I’d definitely recommend checking this one out!
Hotel Garni Brunnthaler is another great option if you’re looking for a cozy hotel within walking distance of Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s town center. It offers comfortable rooms and mountain views, making it a good choice for a relaxing stay.
Hotel Zugspitze is a great choice if you’re looking for something a little more upscale. This hotel features a spa and indoor pool, along with an on-site restaurant, so you can relax after a day of hiking and exploring the Bavarian Alps. Breakfast is also included, which is always a nice bonus.
How to Get Around Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Getting around Garmisch-Partenkirchen is fairly easy. If you’re staying in town, you can walk to many restaurants, shops, and attractions. I recommend leaving your car at your accommodation whenever possible. Parking can be limited in busy areas, especially during peak travel seasons.
We rented a car for our trip, which made it easier to explore places outside town and visit the surrounding mountains. However, you don’t necessarily need a car to enjoy Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Local buses connect different parts of town, and trains are another option for reaching nearby destinations. Just check the schedules ahead of time to make sure they work with your itinerary.
When to Visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen
This Garmisch-Partenkirchen itinerary is designed for a summer visit, when you can enjoy the mountain views, hiking trails, and outdoor attractions. Keep in mind that some activities and attractions may have limited hours or close during the winter months. If you do visit during the winter months, be sure to check opening times before your trip.
Summer is a popular time to visit, especially in July and August when many people come to explore the Bavarian Alps. We visited in early September and found there were still plenty of people around, but it never felt overwhelmingly crowded. It was a great time to explore the area and enjoy the mountain scenery without feeling like we were constantly surrounded by crowds.
If you’re spending a few nights in Munich before heading to the mountains, check out my guide for tips on choosing the best area for your trip.
Tips for Your Garmisch-Partenkirchen Trip
- Book accommodations early. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a popular destination, especially during summer. Booking ahead gives you more options for places to stay.
- Start your days early. Popular attractions like Partnach Gorge and Zugspitze can get busy. Arriving early also gives you more time to explore.
- Check the weather before heading into the mountains. Mountain weather can change quickly, and clouds can affect visibility. Check the forecast before booking mountain excursions.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes. You’ll spend plenty of time walking, whether you’re exploring town or hiking through the mountains.
- Carry some cash. While cards are widely accepted, it’s helpful to have cash for smaller purchases or certain parking areas.
- Don’t overpack your itinerary. There is plenty to see around Garmisch-Partenkirchen, but give yourself time to enjoy the scenery. Some activities may take longer than expected, especially when traveling into the mountains.
Final Thoughts on 3 Days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen was one of my favorite stops on our trip to Bavaria. Between the mountain views, beautiful lakes, and charming town, there is so much to see and do here. Three days gives you enough time to experience some of the area’s highlights without feeling too rushed.
If you love spending time outdoors, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is well worth adding to your Germany itinerary. Whether you’re riding the cable car to Zugspitze, exploring Partnach Gorge, or visiting nearby Neuschwanstein Castle, there is something special about this part of Bavaria. I would happily return to explore even more of the surrounding mountains!
Have more time to explore Bavaria? Spend a couple of days in Munich before or after your visit to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Check out my 2 Day Munich Itinerary for more ideas on what to see and do in the city.
