Local Information about Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is located at the foot of the Zugspitze (the highest mountain in Germany). It is one of the principal climatic health spas in the Bavarian Alps as well as Germany’s premier winter sports metropolis. The city of 26,000 inhabitants offers pristine nature, secluded spots, cultural and culinary highlights, and spas.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen has a rich cultural life. Folk and popular music, concerts, cabarets, musicals and the Bauerntheater, or Farmers’ Theatre, are as much a part of the cultural scene as the annual Richard Strauss Festival and Military Music Festival. In July and August, Garmisch and Partenkirchen each celebrate Folklore Weeks (Heimatwochen) with performances by local groups and colourful processions featuring traditional costumes.
Many of the house fronts in Garmisch-Partenkirchen are decorated with mural paintings (called Lüftlmalerei) depicting biblical stories or local legendary figures. By taking a walk through the town center, you will discover some of them.
Besides the annual Four Hills Tournament (German: Vierschanzentournee), which is composed of four Ski jumping world cup events, Garmisch-Partenkirchen also hosted the 1936 Winter Olympics and the 1978 Alpine World Ski Championships. Garmisch-Partenkirchen will also be hosting the Alpine World Ski Championships again in 2011.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a great spot to try typical Bavarian cuisine in a cosy and very traditional surrounding. You shouldn’t miss this opportunity to come in closer contact with Bavarian culture. You can enjoy some typical Bavarian food, such as Schweinebraten mit Knödel (pork roast with dumplings) in the lovely traditional surroundings.