Where to Stay In Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Zugspitze) in 2024

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If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen or near the Zugspitze, you’re in the right place! In this guide we show you the best places to stay in this beautiful part of the German Alps.

Quick Answer: Top Hotels in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Zugspitze)

1. Across from Garmisch-Partenkirchen Train Station: aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen
2. Walk to Partnach Gorge: Hyperion Hotel Garmisch-Partenkirchen
3. Large Family Rooms: Hotel Zugspitze
4. On Lake Riesser: Riessersee Hotel
5. Closest to Zugspitze (on the Eibsee Lake) : Eibsee Hotel

Where to Stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Our Recommendation & Tips

• We recommend staying in or near Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s Old Towns (Garmisich and Partenkirchen each have an Old Town and you can walk from one to the other in about 15 minutes).
  
  You’ll find everything you need in this area: restaurants, cafes, hotels, and shops all with a traditional and charming Alpine atmosphere. It’s a relatively small zone so it’s highly walkable. You’ll be within walking distance to key sites like the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Train Station, Zugspitzbahnhof, (the train that takes you to the Zugspitze gondola and Eibsee lake), the Partnach gorge, Garmisch Olympia Ice Sport Stadium (Olympia-Eissport-Zentrum), and more.
  
• If you’re traveling to Garmisch-Partenkirchen by train and plan to day trip to other sights in the area like Zugsptize, Eibsee, Linderhof Palace, Oberammergau, Mittenwald, Innsbruck, Austria or Neuschwanstein Castle, we highly recommend staying close to the train and bus station.
  
  We stayed close to the train station on a recent trips and not only was it convenient for catching trains and busses to area sights, it was easy to walk to both Garmisch and Partenkirchen, as well as Partnachklamm (Partnach gorge). Bonus – we didn’t have to walk very far with our luggage when we arrived and departed Garmisch-Partenkirchen!

• If staying in the town center isn’t a priority for you or if you plan to drive to area sights, then we definitely recommend considering Lake Riesser or the Grainau area. Lake Riesser is just outside Garmisch and Grainau is located further south, directly at the foot of the Zugspitze mountain. Staying in either location offers a peaceful and scenic retreat that is still within easy access to beautiful small towns and outdoor activities in nature.

Where Can I Find The Above Map?

It’s part of our Germany Travel Planner, and it’s your Germany travel planning BFF! Using our custom interactive planning map you’ll be able to quickly see the best sights, castles, hotels, day trips, and more – along with our photos and up-to-date insider tips. Seeing where these things are in relation to each other makes it much easier to plan your overall itinerary, as well as each day of your trip. If you don’t yet have it, click here to get access.

Where to Stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Comparison Guide

Best Hotels in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

1. Across from Garmisch-Partenkirchen Train Station: aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen

LOCATION: This hotel is conveniently located across from the Garmisch-Partenkirchen main train station, in-between Garmisch and Partenkirchen.

PERFECT FOR: Those who will be arriving by train or frequenting the train station for day trips around the area

GUESTS SAY: “The room was very beautiful and very comfortable and clean. The views were beautiful. It’s also located right behind the train station, not far away from the town centre and extremely close to the station to catch a train or bus to the Zugspitze mountain.”

SUMMARY: aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen has a great central location since it’s a short walk from both Garmisch and Partenkirchen Old Towns, the train station, and the Zugspitzbahn (departure point for Zugspitze Mountain peak).  It features a fitness center, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. The property also has a restaurant, a bar, as well as a sauna and a spa area. 

→ Click here to check availability at aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen

2. Walk to Partnach Gorge: Hyperion Hotel Garmisch-Partenkirchen

LOCATION: This hotel is a short walk to Garmisch Old Town, the train station, and the famous Olympia Stadium (Olympia-Eissport-Zentrum) where the 1936 Winter Olympics were held.

PERFECT FOR: Those visiting Garmisch who are interested in seeing anything related to the winter Olympic games or simply seek a comfortable, centrally located hotel that’s close to everything

GUESTS SAY: “The location was perfect! Easy walk to the town center and restaurants, and less than 5 minutes from ski resort (Garmisch Classic). The staff was very accommodating and helpful, and personable.”

SUMMARY: The Hyperion Hotel has a great location. It’s near the Olympia stadium, the train station and also very close to Garmisch’s Old Town. It features balconies or terraces with panoramic views. The hotel also has a variety of spa facilities on site like a Finnish sauna and Roman steam room, as well as massages and beauty treatments. There’s also an indoor pool that’s open year round.

→ Click here to check availability at Hyperion Hotel Garmisch-Partenkirchen

3. Large Family Rooms: Hotel Zugspitze (in Garmisch)

LOCATION: Hotel Zugspitze has a central location near Richard Strauss Platz, a town square with cafes, shops, and occasional markets or events.

PERFECT FOR: Those traveling in a large group or family and looking for a spacious and comfortable hotel that can accommodate more than 4 people

GUESTS SAY: “We had family suite, very clean with amazing view over the mountains. Friendly atmosphere, professional stuff. Underground garage. Super location. Nice, clean swimming pool and hot tub, separate sauna area with 2 saunas and steam room. Very good breakfast.”

SUMMARY: This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of the Old Town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen near a lot of cafes and restaurants. The hotel offers different types of spacious rooms with alpine-style furnishings and comfortable beds. Suites can accommodate up to 5 people, which is perfect for families. Guests have access to excellent amenities like an indoor swimming pool, various saunas, a hot tub, plunge pools and a fitness room.

→ Click here to check availability at Hotel Zugspitze

4. By Lake Riesser: Riessersee Hotel

LOCATION: Riessersee Hotel offers a breathtaking location beside Lake Riessersee, a lake in southwest Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

PERFECT FOR: Those who want to stay in a scenic and peaceful mountain hideaway beside a lake but still close to Garmisch

GUESTS SAY: “The hotel is in a quiet location just above Garmisch-Partenkirschen, making it an excellent starting point for extensive hikes, even or especially in winter. Not very far to Alpspitz Berg or Zugspitze, accessible by train. Rooms are very nicely furnished, you can find everything you want. Cozy bar for late evenings. Staff very friendly and accommodating, even with special requests.”

SUMMARY: Riessersee Hotel is a beautiful lakeside hotel surrounded by picturesque mountains and forests. It has a traditional alpine charm complete with a restaurants on site serving an evening buffet and Bavarian delicacies. Rooms are spacious and modernly furnished. The spa retreat has two indoor pools, two saunas, a steam bath, infrared cabins and a beauty lounge.

→ Click here to check availability at Riessersee Hotel

5. On the Eibsee Lake in Grainau: Eibsee Hotel

LOCATION: This stunning hotel sits near the picturesque Eibsee Lake at the foot of the Zugspitze mountain. It’s a short 5 minute walk to the cable car station Seilbahn Zugspitze.

PERFECT FOR: Those looking for a beautiful stay by a lake with a stunning view of the Alps

GUESTS SAY: “Very kind staff, super clean rooms and all other hotel area, good breakfast and dinner. Beautiful view on the lake and mountains! The price per night is quite costly for us, but we can understand why – it is one unique hotel with their own beach area on the one of the beautiful lakes in Germany. We will return in future for sure.”

SUMMARY: This hotel’s location on the Eibsee lake and at the foot of the Zugspitze is unbeatable. Aside from the picturesque scenery, it’s also near the cable car that will whisk you to the top of the Zugspitze mountain. The hotel has been recently renovated and they feature modern furnishings and top amenities like saunas, an indoor swimming pool, fitness room, and outdoor bar and Bavarian restaurant with panoramic views.

→ Click here to check availability at Eibsee Hotel!

Garmisch FAQ

Is Garmisch-Partenkirchen worth a visit?

Yes, absolutely! Garmisch-Partenkirchen is worth a visit for its stunning alpine scenery, outdoor winter sports, charming Bavarian atmosphere, and access to landmarks like the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. It’s worth visiting year-round.

How many days should I spend in Garmisch-Partenkirchen?

We recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This gives you enough time to not only see Garmisch and Partenkirchen, but also visit sights like the Partnach Gorge, Zugspitze, Linderhof Palace or Neuschwanstein Castle (to name a few!), while also exploring the scenery and nature.

Is Garmisch-Partenkirchen walkable? 

Yes, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is walkable, most especially in the central Old Town areas where many shops, restaurants, and the train station are located. We’ve walked from Garmisch to Partenkirchen a few times, as well as from Garmisch train station to Partnach gorge. Very easy and enjoyable!

How far is Garmisch-Partenkirchen from Neuschwanstein Castle?

Neuschwanstein Castle is around 1 hour away (37 miles) from Garmisch-Partenkirchen via car. You can easily stay in Garmisch and day trip to Neuschwanstein castle.

Where to stay near Zugspitze?

If you want to be super close to the Zugspitze, check out the Eibsee Hotel. It’s right on the Eibsee lake and at the foot the Zugspitze across from the gondola. Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Grainau are other great places to stay near Zugspitze.

Why is Garmisch-Partenkirchen famous?

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is famous for its stunning Alpine scenery, including the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, and the Partnach gorge. It’s also a popular ski area and winter sports destination, as well as other outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking. It gained international recognition for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1936.

What is the best time of year to visit Garmisch?

It depends on what you’re looking for! The summer months are perfect for hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities, while in the winter you can ski and sled and enjoy other winter sports. Fall and spring are also beautiful but weather can vary. We’ve enjoyed this area at various times of year and it’s always been wonderful.

How far is it from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen?

Munich is around 56 miles / 90 km from Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

How to get to Garmisch-Partenkirchen from Munich?

You can take the train from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (around 1.45 hours) or drive via the A95 motorway (about 1 hour).

What to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen?

• Partnach Gorge: Walk to the nearby Partnach Gorge for beautiful nature and hiking
• Zugspitze: Take a cable car to the summit of Germany’s highest mountain
• Eibsee Lake: Enjoy swimming, renting a paddle boat, hiking around the lake or relaxing in the beer garden
• Old Town: Explore the charming streets, shops, restaurants, and historic buildings in both Garmisch and Partenkirchen’s historic centers
• Winter sports: Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a haven for winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and sledding