Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen [6] is in Bavaria. ContentsUnderstandGarmisch-Partenkirchen was founded by uniting the two towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen by a decree of Adolf Hitler to bring the 1936 Winter Olympics to Germany. The International Olympic Committee was going to pass over Germany as the host, because there were not enough hotel rooms in the host town, so Hitler forced the unification of Garmisch and Partenkirchen to create a larger town, which would be more appealing to the IOC. Get inGarmisch is less than an hour by car from Munich, and the ride is a beautiful stretch of Autobahn, unfortunately not the whole way. Expect to drive up to three hours on weekends and public holidays. Also, trains leave to and from Munich every hour, and the (beautiful) ride lasts roughly 80-90 minutes on the local and 60 minutes on the express. It is also a great end to a Romantic Road day trip beginning in Rothenburg, driving down the Romantic Road stopping at the various recommended heritage towns and ending in Garmisch for an overnight stay; or better still, a few days as it is a great base to drive out and back to Fussen [King Ludwig's castles] and Innsbruck along some of the most spectacular mountain drives you will ever see. Get aroundPublic buses in Garmisch-Partenkirchen area very efficient. Lines #1 and #2 run every 20 minutes (30 minutes on weekends) and head from the Klinikum(hospital) via Bahnhof(trainstation) to Kreuzeck(ski area) or Breitenau(US-facilities). Lines #3, #4 and #5 run in opposite circles from the neighbouring villages of Farchant and Burgrain via Bahnhof and Marienplatz back to their origins. Fares are 1,50€ per trip or you can buy a weekly or monthly pass. Those who stay in hotels in town receive passes for free bus usage during their stay. The blue line (Eibseebus) connects Garmisch every hour with Grainau and the Eibsee. This bus is helpful for hikers starting or ending trips along the valley trails and lifts. Beside the train station is the terminus of the cogwheel train (Zugspitzbahn). The cogwheel train takes you up to the Zugspitze mountain. The ride takes 1hr 20min. Main stops for all lines are Rathaus(townhall), Bahnhof(trainstation) and Marienplatz(center of town) There is also a busstop of the RVO(orange buses) at the trainstation. Those buses connect Garmisch with Oberammergau/Füssen, Mittenwald and Krün/Kochel Taxi ranks can be found outside the Trainstation(ph:08821-1616) and at the Marienplatz(ph:08821-2408) right in front of McDonalds SeePartnachklammThe river Partnach flows through this gorge. Though it is very touristy and often crowded it is well worth a visit. After 700m the path chiselled in the rock end and you can continue your walk to one of the surrounding huts. If you arrive by car follow the signs to the Skistation or Olympic Stadium. (fee for parking depending on how long you stay). The entrance fee to the Klamm is 3 € per person, however the gorge should be opened all times, before or after opening hours it is free (at your own risk). Torch is useful. It takes about 30 minutes walking to get from the parking to the gorge entry, and some 15 minutes to get through (each way). Go early to avoid crowds. HomesJust walking around the town is a real treat. Take the time to walk down any street and you will be amazed at the paintings on the outside of the homes. The Bavarians have a long history of decorating the exteriors of their houses and businesses with both religious and historic paintings. The structure of the homes are also amazing. Go at the right time of the year and you can enjoy the beautiful flowers trellising down off the picturesque balconies. Hiking and mountain viewsDuring the winter the slopes surrounding the town are amazing for skiers and sightseers alike. During the summer months hours can be spent hiking the many trails and enjoying the panoramic views. There is a cogwheel train trip up to the top of the Zugspitze mountain which is an event in itself and a cable car descent with amazing views. AußerfernbahnIt is a romantic train ride between Garmisch and Kempten (via Reutte in Austria) through picturesque Alpine valleys and cute towns. The Neuschwanstein Castle, at Füssen, is also along this stretch. Bayern Ticket covers this route. Lindau, at Lake Constance (Bodensee), is around 1:15 hours from Kempten by regional trains. DoAlpine SportsGarmisch-Partenkirchen boasts some of the best skiing in Germany. Located at the base of the country's tallest mountain, year round glacial snow is guaranteed. The "Happy Ski Pass" can be purchased for use of four ski areas in that area in both Austria and Germany: Seefeld, Mittenwald, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the region "Tiroler Zugspitz Arena". The pass starts at 88 € and offers 3 to 21 days of skiing, 4 of 6 days and 5 of 10. More information can be found on their website: [7] Eat
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SleepGarmisch-Partenkirchen has big variety of lodging. If you want to camp, stay at the Youth hostel, a bed and breakfast or a 4 star hotel, you can find it all. The tourist information Am Kurpark is open 7 days a week and can help you find a room.
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