MOUNTAINS, GOOD FOOD AND BAVARIAN LIFE
Garmisch-Partenkirchen: a holiday for all the senses
From mountain peaks and beer gardens to royal palaces and hut trails: discover our ideas for enjoyable days in the Werdenfelser Land.
SETTLE IN AND EXPLORE
One destination, many favourite moments
Start with a coffee and mountain views, spend the day exploring historic lanes or climbing a peak, and enjoy a good meal together in the evening. Between the two town centres, green walking routes and Alpine scenery, each holiday day can find its own rhythm.
Here you will find inspiration for your stay at Alpspitzherzl, from a relaxed restaurant evening to a full day out. Choose what suits you, and leave room for spontaneous breaks.
TWO TOWN CENTRES, PLENTY OF CHARACTER
Explore Garmisch and Partenkirchen on foot
Garmisch:
the town centre
Begin with a stroll through central Garmisch. Watch local life around Mohrenplatz, then explore the traditional houses along Frühlingstraße. For a quiet break from shopping, head to the Michael-Ende-Kurpark.
Partenkirchen:
historic Ludwigstraße
Set aside time for a separate walk through Partenkirchen. Painted façades and traditional houses line Ludwigstraße. Take a leisurely pace to appreciate the details and little side lanes.
IDEAS FOR YOUR DAY
From breakfast to evening
A stroll & Bavarian food
Explore Garmisch and Frühlingstraße in the morning, pause in Michael-Ende-Kurpark, then stop for a meal around Mohrenplatz. A lovely first holiday day to settle in and get to know the town.
Partenkirchen & a mountain hut stop
Start with a stroll along Ludwigstraße, then plan a walk to the Tannenhütte. Allow time for the paths, a meal and your return. Round off the evening with Italian food at La Baita.
Culture & a relaxing evening
Set aside the day for Linderhof or Neuschwanstein. Plan your travel and visit to avoid a rushed evening. Back in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, reflect on the day over a traditional inn meal.
Golf & time on the south-facing balcony
Play a morning round at Werdenfels or Oberau, enjoy lunch at the clubhouse or in town, and leave the afternoon open. Your own place to relax awaits at Alpspitzherzl.
A summit day on the Wank
Start your hike early, add a suitable panorama walk at the top and keep an eye on the last cable car down. Afterwards, enjoy a quiet evening and good food as you look back on a rewarding mountain day.
When the clouds hang low
A town stroll with a café break or a visit to Museum Werdenfels is a good alternative to high-altitude outings. Check the museum’s current programme, then plan the next sunny day over a meal.
These are suggestions, not fixed itineraries. Adapt routes and combinations to the weather, season, opening days and your fitness.
GOOD FOOD ON HOLIDAY
Restaurant tips in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Dinner tastes even better after a hike. Choose a traditional Bavarian inn, pizza and pasta or a leisurely beer garden evening. These three places offer variety during your stay.
Discover three restaurant tips
Fischers Mohrenplatz
A Bavarian inn in central Garmisch, Fischers Mohrenplatz is a welcoming stop after exploring the town. The terrace and beer garden are especially inviting on fine days, with local life unfolding around the square.
La Baita
For an Italian evening, consider La Baita on Zugspitzstraße. The menu includes wood-fired pizza, pasta and antipasti. A lovely change after several days of mountain hut food, or when everyone wants something different.
Zum Wildschütz
Zum Wildschütz serves traditional Bavarian food in the centre of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, with a beer garden and regional suppliers. A relaxed way to finish a day out. According to its website, reservations are taken by telephone.
Our planning tip:
Check the current menu and opening days before visiting. If you have a particular evening in mind, reserve a table in advance.
Time for something delicious
More places to eat & local markets
A few ideas for Bavarian food, a special evening or regional ingredients to enjoy in the apartment.
Discover more restaurants and local markets
Cosy Bavarian dining
- Gasthof Fraundorfer ↗Ludwigstraße 24, Partenkirchen. Bavarian food and musical evenings; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays according to the operator.
- Werdenfelser Hof ↗An inn on historic Ludwigstraße. Closed Mondays according to the operator.
For a special evening
- 4Eck Restaurant & Bar ↗Creative seasonal cooking in Garmisch. Closed Sundays; autumn break 9–22 November 2026 according to the operator.
- Schmölzer Wirt in Grainau ↗Restaurant and wine bar. Check the menu, opening days and reservations directly with the restaurant.
Shop for local produce
- Thursday: Partenkirchen weekly market ↗Mornings on Ludwigstraße.
- Friday: Garmisch weekly market ↗Mornings in the pedestrian area, from Marienplatz to Bischofseck.
- Grainau visitor information ↗Tourist information and local offers in the village below the Zugspitze.
Opening hours and weekly closing days checked on 26 October 2026. Public holidays and seasonal closures may differ. Reserve directly with the venue.
A meal with a view
Mountain huts & Alpine inns
Altitude, starting point and walking time at a glance. Difficulty refers to the approach described here in snow-free and ice-free conditions, not every route to the hut.
Open the hut directory with altitudes, walking times and difficulty
How to read these details: Easy = a straightforward walking path or a short walk from an upper cable car station. Moderate = a longer or steeper approach requiring more stamina or sure-footedness. This editorial grading is not a full route description. Times exclude breaks and cover the outward walk only; allow separately for the return and last cable car.
Kramer & Pflegersee
Almhütte · Windbeutelalm
approx. 790 m · Easy
Approach
From Garmisch tourist information via the Kramerplateauweg
One-way walking time
approx. 45 minutes
A walk close to town with an uphill section to the plateau. Alternatively, drive to Maximilianshöhe; no cable car required.
Daytime refreshments · Sun terrace and cream puffs as the house speciality.
Berggasthof Pflegersee
approx. 845 m · Easy
Approach
From the Kramerplateauweg car park to the Pflegersee
One-way walking time
approx. 30 minutes
A trail through the Kramer area. Alternatively, drive to the lake; no cable car required.
Daytime refreshments · Lakeside terrace; check current opening hours with the inn.
Stepbergalm
approx. 1,600 m · Moderate
Approach
From Almhütte car park / Maximilianshöhe via the Stepberg-Alpensteig
One-way walking time
approx. 2½ hours
A mountain trail with around 800 metres of ascent: stamina and sure-footedness required. No cable car.
Daytime refreshments · Seasonal opening. The operator’s website gives differing season-end dates: confirm opening before your visit.
Hausberg, Eckbauer & Kreuzeck
Kochelbergalm
approx. 840 m · Easy
Approach
From Hausberg cable car car park via the signposted trail
One-way walking time
approx. 15–30 minutes
A short uphill hut walk, with some climbing. No cable car required.
Daytime refreshments · Small pond and family-friendly surroundings.
Bayernhaus
approx. 1,260 m · Moderate · Stamina needed
Approach
From the Hausberg area via Kochelbergalm
One-way walking time
approx. 1½ hours
Mostly walking paths and forest roads with a sustained climb. In winter, an alternative is the Hausberg cable car followed by around 15 minutes downhill; check services.
Food & overnight stays · No public road access to the inn.
Berggasthof Eckbauer
1,236 m · Easy from upper station
Approach
From the upper Eckbauer cable car station to the inn
One-way walking time
approx. 5 minutes
A short walk after the cable car ride. Walking up from the Ski Stadium takes around 1½ hours and is considerably more demanding.
Food & holiday apartments · Closed Wednesdays according to the operator. Check adjoining paths towards the Partnach Gorge for closures.
Kreuzalm
approx. 1,600 m · Easy from upper station
Approach
From the upper Kreuzeck cable car station via the forest road
One-way walking time
approx. 15 minutes
A short hut walk using the cable car for the ascent. Walking all the way from the valley is a separate, longer mountain hike.
Food & overnight stays · Allow for Kreuzeck cable car maintenance closures and weather-related breaks.
Hammersbach & Höllental
Höllentaleingangshütte
1,045 m · Uphill walking trail
Approach
From Hammersbach along the stream to the gorge entrance
One-way walking time
approx. 1 hour
Around 300 metres of ascent to the hut, with steeper sections. Continuing through the gorge is a separate outing; no cable car.
Daytime refreshments · Seasonal hut at the Höllental Gorge entrance. Check both hut and gorge opening.
Wank area & Ester mountains
Tannenhütte
approx. 960 m · Easy to moderate
Approach
From the end of Hasentalstraße via the forest road option
One-way walking time
approx. 30–40 minutes
More about this stop
At around 960 metres, the Tannenhütte overlooks the town and Wetterstein range towards the Zugspitze. Regional food, Kaiserschmarrn and a playground make it an appealing family outing. The operator describes an approach from the Wank cable car car park via St Anton and the Faukenschlucht. The forest road from Hasentalstraße is the suggested pushchair route. Public car access is not available.
According to the operator, the forest road is suitable for pushchairs. Other approaches use paths or the suspension bridge.
Daytime refreshments · Large playground; no cable car.
Gschwandtnerbauer
approx. 1,020 m · Moderate from Partenkirchen
Approach
From Hasental / Schöne Aussicht via Pfeifferalm
One-way walking time
approx. 2 hours
More about this stop
The Gschwandtnerbauer is another inviting stop in the countryside above Partenkirchen. Make it the focus of a walk rather than rushing between activities. This family-run mountain inn serves changing self-service lunch dishes. Note the cash-only payment and regular closing days. Choose your approach using a current walking map and your fitness as a guide.
A longer walk along the Wank slopes. A shorter approach is possible from Schlattan; times depend on your exact starting point.
Daytime refreshments · Mountain farm with playground. Closed Mondays and Fridays according to the current operator website.
Esterbergalm
approx. 1,265 m · Moderate
Approach
From the lower Wank cable car station via the climbing forest and Daxkapelle
One-way walking time
approx. 2 hours
A longer climb requiring reasonable stamina. Alternatively, take the Wank cable car up and descend on foot; plan your return too.
Daytime refreshments · Mountain farm and playground; confirm opening days with the operator.
More Alpine Club huts and nearby destinations
Wetterstein & Zugspitze
- Reintalangerhütte ↗Food and overnight accommodation on the long Reintal route. Last overnight stay in 2026: 7 October. This is not a short hut stroll.
- Kreuzeckhaus, Höllentalangerhütte & Knorrhütte ↗Alpine Club bases with different approaches. Kreuzeck has a cable car option; Höllental and Zugspitze ascents require appropriate mountain experience. Check seasons and accommodation in the hut directory.
- Berggaststätte am Schachen ↗Food and accommodation beside King Ludwig’s mountain lodge. Winter closure since October 2026; a long mountain approach.
Ammergauer Alpen
- Kolbensattelhütte ↗A daytime stop above Oberammergau, also accessible by chairlift. Summer operation planned until 8 November 2026; closed Mondays and Tuesdays according to the operator.
- Hörnlehütte ↗Alpine Club hut above Bad Kohlgrub, with the Hörnle cable car as an ascent option. Food and dormitory accommodation; separate summer and winter seasons.
- August-Schuster-Haus & Brunnenkopfhütte ↗Former royal hunting lodges on the Pürschling and above Linderhof. Mountain hikes with seasonal food and overnight accommodation; see current details in the regional hut directory.
Karwendel near Mittenwald
- Mittenwalder Hütte ↗Food and overnight accommodation · Around 1½–2 hours uphill from the lower Karwendel cable car station. Seasonal closure 20 October 2026–7 May 2027 according to tourist information.
- Brunnsteinhütte ↗Alpine Club hut with overnight accommodation · Around two hours uphill. Confirm summer opening and any special openings directly with the hut.
- Oberes Soiernhaus ↗Food and overnight stays by reservation above the Soiern lakes. A longer mountain outing from Krün; closed since 11 October 2026.
Sources, altitudes & route planning
Some altitudes are rounded; operator and map figures may differ by a few metres. The straightforward approaches listed here are distinct from more demanding onward or summit routes.
Information dated 26 October 2026 · Snow and ice considerably change the demands of a route. Check opening, path closures and avalanche conditions before a mountain hike.
In the footsteps of Ludwig II
Royal palaces & Ludwig’s retreats
Linderhof, Schachen, Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau: royal retreats and castles linked to Ludwig’s life.
Explore four royal destinations
Linderhof · Ettal
- Linderhof Palace ↗Linderhof Palace and its gardens lie in the Graswang valley near Ettal. Combine a guided palace visit with a park walk. The Venus Grotto is also part of the estate. Palace and grotto visits are guided; check seasonal opening and restrictions affecting individual garden buildings. Winter palace hours: 10:00–16:30; the grotto and other park buildings close seasonally.
Schachen · Wetterstein
- King’s House on the Schachen ↗The Schachen combines culture with a demanding mountain day. At 1,866 metres, this wooden royal lodge stands against the Wetterstein mountains. Its Alpine exterior contrasts with the richly decorated Turkish Hall inside. This outing requires careful route planning, good fitness and suitable weather. Check seasonal access and guided tours. Winter closure since 28 September 2026; reopening expected in early June 2027.
Neuschwanstein · Schwangau
- Neuschwanstein Castle ↗Set aside a full day for Neuschwanstein near Schwangau. Allow time for travel, the uphill approach and the surroundings. Interior visits are by guided tour only, at a fixed time. Book your visiting slot first and plan the rest of your day with a generous time margin.
Hohenschwangau · Schwangau
- Hohenschwangau Castle ↗Ludwig II spent much of his childhood here. His father, Maximilian II, had the castle rebuilt. The castle gardens and interior guided tour are separate visits.
Sources checked on 26 October 2026 · Check snow and trail conditions separately for the Schachen.
The illustrations are artistic comic-style interpretations of these destinations.
Winter days with mountain views
Skiing & ski slopes
A varied day on the pistes or a carefully planned trip to the high-altitude Zugspitze ski area? Both are within your holiday region, offering different experiences.
Which suits your day? Our suggestion: Garmisch-Classic for a choice of practice areas and challenging runs; the Zugspitze for a planned high-mountain ski outing. Your ability and the pistes actually open on the day remain decisive.
Explore the two ski areas
Garmisch-Classic: variety for your ski day
40 km of pistes · Hausberg, Kreuzeck & Alpspitze
Plan a day for different ability levels: some can practise their first turns while experienced skiers seek longer, more demanding descents. Ixis Kinderland has a dedicated children’s practice area. The famous Kandahar suits fit, confident skiers.
Our view: A good choice if you enjoy variety. Select runs according to your ability and the current piste map. Drehmöser 9 and Garmischer Haus are possible refreshment stops near the Hausberg.
Zugspitze: a high-Alpine ski day
20 km of pistes · Zugspitzplatt ski area
On the Zugspitze, skiing takes place in a distinctive high-Alpine winter landscape. The pistes lie on the Zugspitzplatt between Schneefernerkopf, Wetterwandeck and Zugspitze. At 2,962 metres, the summit is higher than the actual ski area: summit and piste altitude are different.
Our view: Allow a full outing with time for the ascent and descent. Sonnalpin and Gletscher 2600 offer places to stop. Before travelling, pay particular attention to wind, visibility and the extent of open pistes.
Planning your ski day: Choose suitable runs first, then plan travel and your lift pass. An operating cable car does not necessarily mean the ski area is open. Piste map & current daily report ↗ · Lift passes & prices ↗
FIND YOUR RHYTHM
Cross-country skiing & trails
Find your rhythm on a gentle valley circuit, a challenging climb or a longer route through winter scenery. Here is some guidance for choosing your cross-country ski day.
A gentle start or a sporting challenge? Easier valley routes are found around the Hausberg. Kaltenbrunn offers more demanding climbs and descents. Choose a suitable route, then check which sections are groomed for your preferred technique.
Compare easy circuits and more demanding trails
Hausberg: start with a valley circuit
For a gentle introduction
If you are getting used to narrow skis again, begin with an easier route in the valley around the Hausberg. A manageable circuit gives you time to find your rhythm and take breaks.
Our tip: Start with the shorter open option. Check whether a classic track or skating area has been groomed. Consult the trail map for distance and route; snow conditions affect what is available.
Kaltenbrunn–Klais: a challenging Aschermoos circuit
Difficult · official route grading
9.3 km · 139 m ascent · altitude 857–963 m
This route involves more than steady gliding on flat terrain. From Kaltenbrunn car park, it follows the railway towards the biathlon area, climbs into the Aschermoos and descends towards Gerold. The circuit returns via Klais.
Our view: Suitable for skiers confident on climbs and descents. For first attempts, choose an easier valley route. The 9.3 km figure describes this specific GaPa route, not every variation in the trail network.
Choose according to snow conditions
For other outings, consider trails at Hammersbach and Grainau, around Mittenwald, Krün and Wallgau, or in the Ettal and Oberammergau area. Choose between a local circuit and a longer trip.
Making your choice: Check current conditions first, then compare route, technique and difficulty. A floodlit evening trail is an option only when operation and lighting times are confirmed.
Grainau cross-country trails ↗ · Karwendel trail report ↗ · Ammergau trail report ↗
Before setting off: GaPa & Kaltenbrunn trail report ↗ should be checked. GaPa Tourismus links to this report. An old or missing report does not confirm a usable trail.
Editorial information dated 26 October 2026 · Based on operator information and the GaPa route planner.
Explore on two wheels
Cycling & e-biking
Build your cycling day around enjoyable stops: a playground in Farchant, a break at the Pflegersee or a longer ride to an Alpine inn. Three routes with different demands help you choose.
Our choices at a glance: Farchant for a leisurely day with play stops; Pflegersee and Reschbergwiesen for a shorter circuit with a noticeable climb; Enningalm for a demanding mountain-bike day. When using an e-bike, assess riding skills and surfaces just as carefully as on a regular bicycle.
Explore three cycle routes with directions
Farchant: ride, play and take a break
Easy · official route grading
13.5 km · 38 m ascent
This circuit combines cycling with small adventures along the way. From Richard-Strauss-Platz, ride via Burgrain and meadows to Farchant. Pause for a playground visit or an ice cream. If you fancy a walk, add a detour to the Kuhflucht waterfalls.
Return via Burgrain and Längerwang to the Kurpark, with another play stop possible along the way.
Our view: With little climbing, this is the most natural choice of the three for a leisurely family day. Allow more than riding time alone; any walks are additional.
Pflegersee: a circuit with a lakeside stop
Graded easy · short steep climb
12.9 km · 240 m ascent
From the railway station, leave town, pass Schmölzer See and climb towards Pflegersee. The lakeside inn is an inviting place for a longer break. Continue along forest roads to the Reschbergwiesen and return via Burgrain.
Our view: For riders wanting some climbing and an enjoyable destination. Although officially graded easy, this route is not flat throughout: a short steep section follows the Pflegersee. With children, consider whether a push-along break suits your plans.
Enningalm: a demanding hut ride
Difficult · official route grading
30.4 km · 976 m ascent
This longer route also starts at the station, passing Pflegersee and Reschbergwiesen before climbing into the Ammergau mountains. Beyond the meadows, the forest road becomes much steeper. Viewpoints offer welcome breaks between climbs.
The final stretch to Enningalm is steep, with steps through the forest; the official description recommends pushing your bike here. Return by the same route.
Our view: A full, demanding day for experienced mountain bikers. Around 1,000 metres of ascent and the steep descent require stamina and riding skills. Check whether the inn is open and carry food and drink.
Which route suits an e-bike?
For a relaxed day, start with the Farchant circuit. To try some climbing with a refreshment stop, consider Pflegersee. Enningalm remains a demanding mountain-bike ride even with a motor: uphill assistance does not replace confident downhill handling.
Choose a bike suitable for the surface, keep battery capacity in reserve for the return, and ask the hire shop about brakes and assistance settings. Push-along sections, local closures and trail permissions also apply to e-bikes.
Distances, ascent and difficulty are taken from the linked GaPa route profiles. Our comments help you choose; always include weather and current trail conditions in your planning.
Editorial information dated 26 October 2026 · Based on operator information and the GaPa route planner.
Time by the water
Lakes around Garmisch
Organised by area: lakeside walks, summer swimming spots and mountain lakes reached on foot. Swim only at permitted access points and observe conservation rules and local notices.
Open the lake directory
Close by
- Eibsee ↗Grainau · A lake outing and circular walk with Zugspitze views; summer swimming at suitable lakeside spots.
- Badersee ↗Grainau · A small emerald-green lake for a peaceful stroll.
- Riessersee ↗Garmisch · Lakeside walk and historic bobsleigh track; lido in summer.
- Pflegersee ↗Garmisch · A wooded lake below the Kramer, with an inn and summer swimming facilities.
Krün, Wallgau & Mittenwald
- Barmsee & Geroldsee ↗Krün · Lakes with mountain views. At Geroldsee, stay on paths and protect sensitive meadows.
- Grubsee ↗Krün · Summer swimming facilities with a slide and children’s pool.
- Lautersee & Ferchensee ↗Mittenwald · Two lakes for walks, hikes and summer swimming breaks.
- Walchensee ↗An outing from Wallgau · A large Alpine lake; follow access rules and local conservation notices.
Murnau & the Blue Land
- Staffelsee ↗Murnau, Seehausen and Uffing · Lidos, lakeside paths and seasonal boat services.
- Riegsee & Froschhauser See ↗Near Murnau · Rural lake scenery and designated swimming spots. Respect protected shore areas.
Through Tyrol towards Füssen
- Plansee & Heiterwanger See ↗Tyrol · Two large connected lakes, with lakeside outings and seasonal boat services.
- Frauensee & Urisee ↗Near Reutte · More lakes to explore; see Reutte tourist information for access details.
Near the royal castles
- Alpsee, Schwansee & Bannwaldsee ↗Schwangau · Lakes near the royal castles. Schwansee: swimming area by the kiosk. Bannwaldsee: marked swimming area only; paddleboarding and windsurfing are not allowed.
- Forggensee, Hopfensee & Weißensee ↗Füssen · Lakeside promenades, swimming spots and waterside outings; seasonal boat services on Forggensee.
- Alatsee, Mittersee & Obersee ↗Füssen / Faulenbach valley · Smaller lakes for strolls and summer swimming outings.
Mountain lakes · Hiking destinations
- Soiernseen ↗Karwendel near Krün · A mountain hike rather than a short lake outing. Plan access, weather and hut opening; this is not classed as an easy swimming trip.
A regional selection of lakes for outings, not a complete inventory. Swimming permissions and water quality are not guaranteed here.
Big discoveries for little guests
Playgrounds for your family holiday
All seven playgrounds in the official GaPa Tourismus overview, presented individually, plus family destinations in Grainau and playgrounds at mountain huts.
View all playgrounds, locations and access
In town · Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Loisachbad
Location & access
Garmisch · Archstraße bus stop, then around 5 minutes on foot.
Large grounds with a separate toddler area, tunnel slide, trampoline, ball games and table tennis.
Kiosk, toilets and step-free access according to GaPa Tourismus.
Burgi
Location & access
Burgrain · Beside the Loisach, around 5 minutes on foot from Burgrain bus stop.
Water play, climbing features, basket swing and a football goal, with seating for a picnic.
Public toilets · For children up to 14; no dogs.
Wettersteinstraße
Location & access
Partenkirchen · Around 3 minutes on foot from Rathaus bus stop.
A central playground with a slide, climbing and balance equipment and water play. Especially appealing for younger children.
Toilets and step-free access according to tourist information · Up to age 14; no dogs.
St.-Anton-Anlagen
Location & access
Partenkirchen · Around 3 minutes from Dr.-Gazert-Straße or 8 minutes from Historische Ludwigstraße bus stops on foot.
A long hillside slide, swings, sandpit and playhouse in peaceful, tree-lined surroundings.
Small stream on site · Up to age 14; no dogs.
Sanladerer
Location & access
Burgrain · At the forest edge, around 10 minutes on foot from Burgrain bus stop.
Tunnel slide, climbing and sandpit, plus football, basketball and hockey areas.
Toilets and shaded seating · Up to age 14; no dogs.
Winter notice: GaPa Tourismus lists weather-related winter closures for these five town playgrounds. Please follow local notices. Water-play equipment may be switched off seasonally.
Mountain playgrounds
Wank · Upper cable car station
Location & access
Directly beside the upper Wank cable car station.
Climbing, hanging and balancing with wide mountain views. Reach it by cable car or as part of a hike.
Observe cable car hours and the last descent; this is not a town playground with direct car access.
Eckbauer · Bini’s adventure mountain
Location & access
At the upper Eckbauer cable car station; the lower station is at the Olympic Ski Stadium.
A ball track, climbing tower, zip line, swings and further activity stations featuring Bini and Luggi.
An explorer pack with a wooden ball is available at the lower station; check current offers and operating hours with the operator.
More nearby play stops
Grainau
- Adventure playground at Zugspitzbad ↗Swings, slide and climbing. Closed during winter according to local information.
- Ball games & the story-filled mountain forest ↗More ideas for exercise and nature discoveries in Grainau.
Playgrounds at mountain huts
- Tannenhütte ↗Large play area with slides, swings and other equipment. Requires a walk to the hut.
- Gschwandtnerbauer ↗Playground at the mountain farm; plan around opening days and the approach.
- Bayernhaus ↗Play equipment for older and younger children beside the mountain inn.
Plan your outing
- Official playground overview ↗Seven listings with maps and current notices.
- View our hut approaches →Altitudes, walking times and difficulty of the described routes.
- Travel by bus & train ↗Check current timetables before travelling.
Compared with GaPa Tourismus on 26 October 2026: all seven listed playgrounds included. Grainau and hut playgrounds are additional suggestions. Walking times are estimates; local rules and notices apply.
Swimming in the local area
Swimming pools & lidos
Indoor pool, outdoor pool or lakeside lido? The type of facility matters, especially on rainy days and outside summer.
Explore pools & lidos
Indoor swimming in Grainau
- Zugspitzbad ↗Parkweg 8, Grainau · Indoor pool and seasonal outdoor pool. From 14 September 2026: Mon–Fri 10:00–21:00, weekends/public holidays 10:00–19:00. Closed for maintenance 9–29 November 2026.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Alpspitz-Wellenbad ↗Klammstraße 47 · Refurbishment: from calendar week 43/2026, an initial partial reopening for school sport and swimming lessons is planned. Confirm regular visitor access with the operator before visiting.
- Kainzenbad ↗Kainzenbadstraße 2 · Natural outdoor pool with play and sunbathing lawns. The 2026 swimming season has ended.
Farchant & Oberau
- Panoramabad Farchant ↗Esterbergstraße 50 · Summer outdoor pool with swimming lanes, slides and children’s area; outside the regular season in October.
- Alpenschwimmbad Oberau ↗Am Mühlberg 3 · Heated outdoor pool with mountain views. Regular season: mid-May to mid-September, weather permitting.
Oberammergau & Ohlstadt
- WellenBerg Oberammergau ↗Himmelreich 52 · Outdoor-only facility since 2023; indoor area closed. 2026 season: 23 May–13 September.
- Solarfreibad Ohlstadt ↗Am Schwimmbad 1 · Swimming and learner pools, paddling pool and playground. The 2026 season has ended; check the next season with the operator.
Krün & Großweil
- Grubsee lido ↗Krün · Summer lakeside swimming with a water slide and children’s pool.
- Großweil natural outdoor pool ↗Am Bad, Großweil · Natural swimming pool and lawn. The municipality states there is no lifeguard supervision; check seasonal access beforehand.
Lakeside lidos
- Staffelsee: Murnau, Seehausen & Uffing ↗Overview of Strandbad Murnau, Strandbad Seehausen, Gemeindebad Uffing and Strandbad Alpenblick.
- Riessersee lido ↗Garmisch · Summer swimming by the lake. Check opening and access before visiting.
Checked on 26 October 2026 using municipality and operator information. Outdoor pools are summer facilities; inclusion does not mean they are currently open.
Local connections in the Werdenfelser Land
Culture, museums & community
Municipalities, museums, churches and clubs: direct links to the people organising activities locally.
Open culture, museums and more local contacts
Culture & museums
- Museum Werdenfels ↗Exhibitions, guided visits and talks; closure announced for 9–22 November 2026.
- Museum Aschenbrenner ↗Dolls, porcelain and nativity scenes, plus changing exhibitions.
- Richard-Strauss-Institut / GaPa Klassik ↗Concerts and activities connected with Richard Strauss.
- Kulturbeutel & Bühne U1 ↗Concerts, cabaret and comedy.
- jazzGAP ↗Concerts at the Katharinenhof.
- Kleines Theater ↗Comedies and theatre evenings in town.
Churches & community
- Protestant parish ↗Services, church music and community events in GaPa, Grainau and neighbouring towns.
- Pfarrverband Zugspitze ↗Catholic services and news for Garmisch and Grainau; check the bulletin’s validity dates.
- Partenkirchen, Farchant & Oberau ↗Service times and special church events.
- Catholic adult education centre ↗Talks, culture, family activities and mountain spirituality.
- Protestant adult education ↗Literature discussions, open meetings and talks.
Learn, read & take part
- Adult education centre ↗Courses, talks and workshops. Individual sessions are particularly worth considering during a holiday.
- Garmisch library ↗Reading material and activities for readers of all ages.
- Hindenburgstraße library ↗Media and events for visitors too.
- DAV Garmisch-Partenkirchen ↗Talks, tours and events; please check registration requirements and participation conditions.
- Grainau clubs and associations ↗Discover local clubs and societies.
TEE OFF WITH AN ALPINE PANORAMA
Golf courses around Garmisch-Partenkirchen
A day on the golf course has a rhythm of its own. Enjoy the mountain backdrop, pause between shots, and keep the rest of the day open. Five courses in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Oberau, Wallgau and Seefeld in Tyrol offer ideas for your stay.
Explore five golf courses
Land- und Golf-Club Werdenfels
Below the ruins of Werdenfels Castle in Garmisch-Partenkirchen lies the club’s nine-hole course, with a short course and driving range. A convenient option for a local round or practice. Ask the club about tee times, guest rules and playing requirements.
Golfclub Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Oberau
The 18-hole course at Gut Buchwies near Oberau combines varied fairways with Alpine views. Facilities include practice areas and a clubhouse restaurant with a panorama terrace. Plan your travel and tee time in advance; check current green fees, course status and playing requirements with the club.
Golf- & Landclub Karwendel in Wallgau
In the Isar valley near Wallgau, this nine-hole course has 18 tees. Fairways follow natural river terraces with the Karwendel, Wetterstein and Ester mountains as a backdrop. Combine a round with an outing to the upper Isar valley. See the club for green fees, course information and visitor requirements.
Golfclub Seefeld-Wildmoos · Austria
For a golf outing to Tyrol, Seefeld-Wildmoos offers an 18-hole course in an Alpine landscape. Varied holes make it a rewarding holiday experience, followed by a break at the clubhouse restaurant and sunny terrace. Arrange travel and tee times in advance, and check fees, course status and playing requirements with the club.
Golfclub Seefeld Reith · Austria
This nine-hole course is close to central Seefeld, surrounded by Tyrolean mountains. It has a two-sided driving range with covered bays and short-game practice areas. Combine a round with training and a stroll through town. Check tee times, green fees and playing conditions directly with the club.
PLAN A RELAXED STAY
A few practical tips for your holiday week
Check first to avoid closed doors
Mountain inns have closing days, cable cars have maintenance breaks, and castles use fixed guided-tour slots. The linked operator websites provide current information. Reserve the visits that matter most to you first, then keep the rest flexible.
Balance active days with gentler outings
After a longer hike, enjoy a less demanding day. A town stroll, golf, a lake or a palace visit adds variety and helps keep your holiday relaxing even when your wish list is long.
For planning your day, see the current information from GaPa Tourismus →.
YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAY
Your holiday apartment in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
After a day of mountain air, culture and good food, Alpspitzherzl awaits. Our holiday apartment in Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers 62 m² of space for up to four guests – with two bedrooms, a spacious south-facing balcony and mountain views.
ARRIVE. UNWIND. ENJOY.
A glimpse of Alpspitzherzl
