A long-time favourite Alpine destination for families, the resort town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers access to some of the best ski slopes in Germany. Set in the shadow of three white-capped mountains, Garmisch-Partenkirchen was founded in 1936 as the fusion of two historic Bavarian towns. Travellers will find a whole host of welcoming accommodation options, perfect for affordable family escapes as well as indulgent mountain holidays. Our Gurus list of the best places to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen highlights the very top spots in the area.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s town centre is charming, with old wooden residences featuring hand-painted façades, and flowers blooming in window boxes set beneath pretty, mountain-facing balconies. Stroll around to discover independent boutiques, cosy cafés and family-owned restaurants for delicious après-ski drinks and dinners.

The resort promises more than 40m of slopes, ranging from the beginner-friendly runs on the Hausberg to the world-famous black pistes of Kandahar. There are also great cross-country trails, along with a fantastic toboggan run. Those visiting in the summer can expect excellent hiking trails around the Partnachklamm and Hollentalklamm Gorges. Don’t miss riding the old cogwheel train to the top of the Zugspitze Mountain for breath-taking views — this is a hugely popular family activity! The best places to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen tend to fill up fast during the school holidays — particularly with visitors from Munich — so it’s worth booking your trip well in advance.

The Best Places to Stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

For Families

• Hotel am Badersee is a modern, lakeside hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows and earthy tones in contemporary guest rooms and suites - the largest of which offer space for families. Sip drinks by the fire in the evening before dining in the open-plan restaurant. Families will adore the access to skiing, hiking trails and cycling routes, as well as the friendly, welcoming feel.

For Timeless Alpine chic

• Hotel Waxenstein is a stunning alpine hotel with spacious, classic-contemporary guest rooms featuring exposed wood, soft pastel shades and impressive mountain views. The gourmet restaurant and spoiling spa will deligth romantic couples. There are a plethora of activities right on your doorstep, and the hotel is also pet friendly.
• Hotel Staudacherhof also has an elegant alpine feel, with mountain-facing balconies in rooms with big beds and warm patterned curtains. The spa with sauna and swimming pool is a restful sanctuary after days of skiing or hiking, and there's a great regional restaurant for spoiling evenings in.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to Munich International Airport and catch a train or taxi to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, or fly to Innsbruck - just 60km away in neighbourng Austria - and travel overland from there.
• There's lots to see in the region! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Visit between December and March for great snow, and plenty of winter sports opportunities. Keen hikers and cyclists, by contrast, should travel between May and September. You'll find fewer crowds and great hotel deals outside the school holidays.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Füssen.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Bavaria.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Garmisch-Partenkirchen