A picturesque Alpine ski resort in Bavaria, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the ideal place for a family skiing holiday. With access to some of the best slopes in Germany, the resort nestles in the shadow of three mountains, all offering a variety of slopes for different levels of experience. Our pick of the best places to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen are all smart properties where the owners like to strike a balance between offering all of the outdoor activites, but also a spoiling spa for pampering and relaxation.

Founded in 1936, Garmisch-Partenkirchen was borne out of a marriage between two distinct towns. The town centre itself is old and quite beautiful, especially when compared to some of the livelier, more modern resorts: the old wooden homes bare paintings on their exteriors, and flowers bloom from window boxes hanging from their picturesque balconies.

There is much to do, both in winter and summer. With access to over 40km of slopes, from the more family-friendly runs on the Hausberg to the world-famous black pistes of Kandahar, visitors are spoiled for choice. There is a thrilling toboggan run too, not to mention some great cross-country trails. During the summer, hiking is exceedingly popular in these parts: paths leading up and around the Partnachklamm and Hollentalklamm gorges offer gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, while the old cogwheel train that leads to the top of the Zugspitze Mountain offers breathtaking vistas.

A picture-perfect Alpine town teeming with fun things-to-do, to start planning your trip, browse through our collection of the best places to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

The best places to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

For families

• Hotel am Badersee: a modern hotel boasting bright and contemporary rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, a pampering spa and a sumptuous restaurant. Relax with a drink by the roaring fire or drink in the views from your room. Absolutely divine. The large suites are ideal for families.

Alpine chic

• Hotel Waxenstein: a stunning contemporary hotel offering spacious and comfortable rooms adorned with warm wooden furnishings. Pet-friendly, offering a gourmet restaurant and a spoiling spa. Ideal for couples looking for intimacy and respite.
• Hotel Staudacherhof: offering high-quality and elegant mountain-facing rooms with private balconies, this chic and sleek hotel boasts an extensive spa and an excellent gourmet restaurant serving up the regional specialities.

For an apartment or chalet

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of chalets and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• The best time to go is between December and March when the temperature averages at around freezing point. During the summer, there is a lot of rain so bear that in mind for any hiking expedition.
• Fly to Innsbruck, in Austria, 60km away, from where you can get a train or taxi to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
• If you want to rent a car we recommend contacting our partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Bavaria,
• or Germany,
• or contact one of our Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Garmisch-Partenkirchen