Garmisch- Partenkirchen is actually a twin town in Bavaria district of south Germany. It shares the border with Austria and proudly hosts the highest peak in Germany- Zugspitze. These towns are popular ski-towns in winter and turn into serene beautiful nature in summer. Garmisch Partenkirchen has lots to offer for visitors and here are top three things to do with kids.

Zugspitze

One can hike or rather trek to the summit in about 8-10 hours. But we don’t have to worry. There are 2 ways to reach the peak (2,962m) from Germany side. (There is one cable car way from Austria side as well). One way is only by Zugspitze train and the other route is the combination of train and cable car. Both the journeys start with the ‘Zugspitzebahn’, just beside the Garmisch-Partenkirchen train station. With this train, we travel up to the ‘Eibsee’. Here one can change to the cable car to reach the summit or take a cogwheel-train and a small cable car to reach the peak. I suggest you take the direct cable car while going up and the train while coming down or vice versa. Kids enjoy both these stretches.

Once you reach the peak, there is a wide open gallery for panorama views over Eibsee. In a clear weather, we can see a large plateau of Bavaria region of Germany and the valleys in Austria as well. There are basic facilities like toilets and restaurant.

One can climb up to the summit cross from this panorama gallery. For kids, they have a safely guarded sledding area. To go there, take the small Gletscherbahn- the small cable car connecting the cogwheel train station and the viewing platform at the peak. One can sled here all the year and the sleds are provided for free.

I suggest going up early morning. This way, you can avoid the rush later in the day and enjoy your time on the peak and sledding down the snow till late in the afternoon. Return by the cogwheel train which is also a thrill experience.

Eibsee

Once you have visited the Zugspitze, the prime attraction of Garmisch-Partenkirchen; let’s now explore the Eibsee. We passed by this lake while going up the Zugspitze. You have already marked that one can reach here by the Zugspitzebahn or by car. There is plenty of parking space near the lake. Eibsee is surrounded by alpine peaks and offers lots of activities for all types of visitors. The crystal-clear water and the trails around with the panoramic views attract lots of hikers to this place. Kids will enjoy pleasurably walk around the lake or I would say why just stay around the lake? Rent the paddle boats and enjoy the tranquil beautiful views. The view of Zugspitze is amazing from this lake.

There are few restaurants on the banks of Eibsee which serve snacks and full meals with the views of the lake. One can opt to stay overnight in the ‘Eibsee Hotel’ alongside the lake. Isn’t it amazing to get up in the morning for the stunning views? I would suggest spending half to full day at Eibsee depending on your interests. Whatever time you spent here, is full of nature experience.

Partnachklamm

In English, Partnachklam is called as ‘Partnach Gorge’. This gorge of Partnach river is on the opposite side of the Zugspitze and Eibsee in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. There is a parking space near Olympic ski stadium. From this parking lot, we need to walk about 1.5Km to reach the start of the gorge. This walk is alongside the river and through the greenery. At the entrance of the gorge, one need to buy a ticket and then you are in the totally different world.

There are tunnels, narrow walkways, bridges and walks through waterfalls. Everything is so mesmerizing that we forget the distances and previous long walk. The gorge is about 700mt long and 80mt deep. The grown-up kids have their best times walking through this gorge.

Beyond the gorge, various hiking trails start. One can definitely take these trails for scenic views. With smaller kids, I recommend returning back from the end of the gorge. The return route is the same through this picturesque gorge.

I know you have already realized but still, to emphasize, I want today that the visit to Partnachklamm involves lots of walking. The road pretty good in condition. Carry some snacks and water with you. There are few restaurants or eateries on the wat before actual gorge. Nowadays, the gorge is becoming much popular. Therefore, I suggest you visiting there early in the morning to avoid crowds and to have an empty parking spot.

Summary

The top three things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen include one relaxing place (Eibsee), one peak point for panoramic views and sledding fun (Zugspitze) and one moderate activity (Partnachklamm). One can visit Zugspitze and Eibsee in one day and the Partnach gorge next day. This way, one can enjoy one full weekend in Garmisch-Partenkirchen with kids.

Which will be your favorite thing to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen with kids? Share it below in the comments.