Things To Do
Hike: Coburger Hutte - Ehrwald
Emily's favorite hike in the world. Fantastic hike to two alpine lakes just across the border in Austria. We recommend starting in the morning and taking the Gondola up to start your hike if you plan on going all the way to the Hut. Grab a cold Weissbier at the Coburger Hutte and enjoy the incredible backdrop overlooking two alpine lakes. This can be done as a full day hike or an overnight hike. We have seen E-bikers ride to the first lake (Seebensee) and then many people lock up the bikes and hike the rest of the way to the second lake (Drachensee) and Coburger Hut for lunch. https://www.alltrails.com/ar/trail/austria/tyrol/vom-der-tiroler-haus-zur-coburger-hutte-und-dem-drachensee
Hike: Berggaststätte Sankt Martin - Garmisch
Short switchback hike located right in Garmisch. Great views overlooking Garmisch-Partenkirchen and fantastic spot for lunch and a beer. Can be done in just a couple of hours. https://www.alltrails.com/ar/trail/germany/bavaria/zur-st-martinshutte
Hike: Burgruine Werdenfels - Garmisch
Short hike to small castle ruins You can start from the Pflegersee for a shorter hike https://www.alltrails.com/ar/trail/germany/bavaria/von-der-almhutte-zur-burgruine-werdenfels
Hike/MTB/E-Bike: Könighaus am Schachen
Trailhead: Elmau, a very very tiny town that is just a short drive from Garmisch. This is a long day hike. It is much faster on an E-Bike which would be our recommended method of travel to get there! High alpine beauty.
Sightseeing: Historic Ludwigstraße - Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Charming street in old town Partenkirchen. Great for photo ops and classic Bavarian architecture.
Sightseeing: Historic Olympic Ski Jump - Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Sightseeing: Zugspitze - Garmisch
Tallest mountain in Germany! Amazing views on a clear day and well worth the tram ride to the peak for photos.
Sightseeing: Alpspix Viewing Platform - Garmisch
Ride up the Alpsptize Bahn (tram) to the AlpspiX viewing platform overlooking Garmisch. The heights will get your heart pumping, but the views are spectacular!
Sightseeing: Riessersee (Lake)
Stunning lake for photos. You can walk around the lake or just enjoy the view from the cafe.
Sightseeing: Ettal Abbey
Sightseeing: Linderhof Palace
Coffee or Drink w/ a view: Riessersee Cafe
Sit on the patio of the Seehaus Cafe Riessersee and overlook the gorgeous lake while sipping on a coffee, glass of wine, or local beer.
Activity: Zugspitzbad Grainau
Swimming and Sauna If the weather is nice and warm, the outside area will likely be open. The grass lawn is great for a picnic and sunbathing between swimming. If the weather is cool or rainy, there is an indoor salt hot pool, a lap pool, and sauna!
Activity: Alpine Coaster - Oberammergau
So. Much. Fun.
Oktoberfest - Munich
One of the biggest and most iconic fests in the world. Pro Tips: - Go early. Tent tables fill up quickly so getting there in the morning will increase your chances of snagging a table in one of the incredible beer tents. - Wear appropriate attire. Trachten (Dirndl and Lederhosen) are the traditional fest outfits! Better to buy these in Germany at a Trachten shop or secondhand store. Avoid Amazon and certain online stores as these are often cheap Halloween costumes and won't be appreciated by the locals. A gingham or plaid checkered shirt is always a classic and a great way to blend in without spending the money on a Dirndl or pair of Lederhosen. - Mentally prepare for crowds - Beer is served in a 1-liter stein. A Radler is a great way to enjoy the fest with half the alcohol. A radler is half beer, half sparkling lemonade! - Have a plan to get back to your accommodation before you get to the fest.
Sightseeing: Innsbruck, Austria
45 minutes from Garmisch is the amazing mountain city of Innsbruck. An outdoor lover's hub with epic mountain biking, hiking, rafting, climbing, and adventuring just outside the city. Innsbruck has an adorable old town to walk around. As snowboarders, we always love to check out the Burton Flagship Store, it's the European Headquarters!
Sightseeing: Neuschwanstein Castle - Schwangau, Germany
The real deal castle that inspired the Disney castle. Pro Tip: The outside is the most impressive part, for the best view and photo opportunity take the small hike to the Marienbrucke, a bridge with the most stunning view of the castle!
Shopping: Daller Tracht Oberau
Just 10 minutes outside of Garmisch with good pricing for traditional Dirndl, Lederhosen, and accessories.
Shopping: Loisachtaler Second Hand
Secondhand Dirndl and Lederhosen located in Garmisch. This place is a gem!
Shopping: Trachten- & Modehaus Grasegger
Authentic Dirndl and Lederhosen shop right in downtown Garmisch. Higher quality and pricepoint.
Food: Mukkefuck Bistro
Our absolute favorite spot for lunch! We Recommend: Kaesespaetzle as the main with the side salad. The house dressing is to die for!
Food: Gasthaus zur Schranne
Great dinner spot for German food and environment
Food: Werdenfelser Hof
Authentic German food on charming Ludwigstrasse in Partenkirchen
Food: Döner Kebab
A must have while in Germany! You'll find Döner spots in most towns. Makes for a delicious and cheap lunch.
Food: Spaghetti Eis (Gelato)
The most fun ice cream you'll ever have. German classic. Vanilla gelato, strawberry sauce, shaved white chocolate, and whipped cream made to look like a bowl of spaghetti. Random? Yes. Delicious? YES. Gelato spots we love: Eis Olivier & Eiscafe Magia Fredda
Food: Hobis Backstube (Bakery)
A bakery so good we named our dog after it. We recommend: Schoko Croissant (chocolate), Haselnuss Schnecken (hazelnut), Schinkenkase Croissant (ham&cheese) and any and all bread and pretzels of course!
Brewery: Brauhaus Garmisch
Local brew pub!
Nightlife: The Irish Pub
Best bar in town. Great environment, drinks, and people. Fun fact: Emily used to work here!
Nightlife: The Local Cure Bar
Local watering hole walking distance from Em's parent's house. Great burgers and drinks!
Nightlife: Bungalow 7
Drinks and casual eats. Cute spot for afternoon drinks on the patio.
Coffee: Wildkaffee Café
Coffee: DER LADEN
Coffee & Cake: Krönner Konditorei und Cafe
Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) is a German afternoon tradition. Great spot to sit for an afternoon pick me up.