Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen sits in southern Germany, right at the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain. This beautiful Bavarian town actually used to be two separate villages until they were forced to merge for the 1936 Winter Olympics.

The town combines traditional Bavarian charm with stunning Alpine scenery. Walking through the historic streets reveals colorful buildings with detailed murals (called Lüftlmalerei) that tell stories about local life and history. The old part of Partenkirchen has maintained much of its medieval character with narrow streets and historic architecture.

In winter, Garmisch-Partenkirchen transforms into a winter sports paradise with excellent skiing and snowboarding. The area hosted the 1936 Winter Olympics and still maintains that Olympic legacy. During summer, the region offers incredible hiking, mountain biking, and climbing opportunities.

The local culture is distinctly Bavarian – expect to see people in traditional dirndls and lederhosen, especially during festivals. The food scene features hearty Bavarian specialties like schnitzel, pretzels, and of course, excellent beer.

Interestingly, the famous composer Richard Strauss lived here for over 40 years and wrote many of his famous works while overlooking the mountains. The town honors him with an annual music festival that attracts classical music lovers from around the world.