Garmisch area of Germany: Any tips for unique or interesting things to do in this area?
 

We have been to Garmisch many times and will now return in December for 4 days. I was just looking for any unique tidbits for things to do or see that I may have missed. Any favorites or tips from posters would be appreciated.

Be sure and do the Zugspitz, weather permitting and the Gorge hike. Both are great.

The Salt Mine is way cool!

Bob, <BR>Not sure if you've been to King Ludwigs castle - takes a good half day (and more) but well worth it. Rumour has it that Hitler's summer house was in that area too but I'm afraid I'm not sure of the exact details on that one.

Have you been to Partnachklamm? It's a gorge up near the old Olympic ski jump. I haven't been in the winter but it's supposed to be beautiful then. The views from atop the Wank (that's the name of a mountain, I swear) are really nice. You can take the Wankbahn up there (snicker snicker). There's another little gorge called Leutaschklamm right outside of Mittenwald that's also nice. In Mittenwald, the views from atop the Kranzberg are excellent.

Bob, If you haven't done so, take the cable car ride to the top of the Zugspitze. It is incedible. Forego the cog wheel train as most of the trip is inside the mountain and you can't see anything. <BR> <BR>Watching the cows go out and return from pasture right down the main street in Garmisch is pretty cool. <BR> <BR>Nearby at Ettal is a beautiful basilica that isn't well known, but is worth the stop. Of course, there is also Linderhof castle, Oberammergau, the Weiskirche at Steingaden, among others. We also like the Partenkirchen side of town, which is lovely with all kinds of murals on the houses, much like Oberammergau. Don't forget, Innsbruck is only about 65 km from Garmisch. <BR> <BR>Can't get bored around there!

How do I get to the Wankbahn? I'm staying in Garmisch and the station seems to be at the far end of Partenkirchen. Are there public buses?

There are buses, but I'm not sure where and when they stop. Or you could take a taxi. It's about a 20 minute walk from the train station. I don't have a map with me but you walk directly out of the station and go straight until the last big intersection and hang a left. It's a ways and you'll see signs. We took the Wankbahn up and then hiked down the backside and around. It's a really nice hike and took us about 3 hours.

Be sure and do the Zugspitz and the Ettal Abbey.

Any more creative ideas out there?

Bob, <BR>I'm sending you and Email with an attachment. I won't post it here due to its length. The attachment contains four driving itineraries for Upper Bavaria. The itineraries may not be meaningful to you if you're not driving (and in December I assume you're not), however, they do list an awful lot of sights to see in Bavaria that may be of interest to you.