The town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the Bavarian Alps should definitely be on your to-do list when you visit Germany. Try out this relaxed route to discover this idyllic neighborhood and feel the spirit of Bavarian tradition and history. 

Lake Walchensee is only 30 kilometres away from Grainau and the Hotel am Badersee. The lake offers tremendous leisure opportunities in any season: swimming or paddling on the turquoise blue water, sunbathing on the lake shore, or trekking around the Walchensee with a magnificent view of the lake topped with a panorama of the famous Herzogstand. And, of course, you can make a cozy stop at the 'Waldschänke Niedernach' or at a pub in the village of Walchensee.

Snow and frost turn the local landscape in the Zugspitze area into a true winter paradise!

The lockdown back in 2020/21 has led to a new boom in skimo mountaineering. Ski lifts and cablecars were closed, so many skiers switched to ski mountaineering and discovered this trendy winter sport. The Garmisch Classic ski area in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a perfect entry point for those who want to try ski tours in a safe and uncomplicated way. Even if the ski area is a bit crowded.

Along its 25 kilometers the third Section of the Spitzenwanderweg long-distance trail in the Zugspitze Region offers multiple highlights and fantastic views. Starting at the foot of the famous Olympic ski jumping hill in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, across the nature theatre in the Partnachklamm Gorge to the amazing panoramic views of the Wetterstein and the Karwendel chains, this is a way of nature wonders and discovery.

The Second Section takes the hiker from Eschenlohe to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The 16 km long section goes through the meadows and moor landscapes, past the famous 'Seven Springs'. If you are in the mood for more, you can make a detour to the Kuhflucht Waterfalls, one of the highest waterfalls in Germany. And the fantastic panorama of the Alps lies before your eyes all the time. Here we go!

The so-called Philosophers' Trail ('Philosophenweg') connects Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Farchant. On this easy, cosy hike you can enjoy the picturesque surroundings and great views all year round.

What makes a perfect holiday? Taking into account the impressive choice of outdoor activities in our holiday region Grainau, it is sometimes not that easy to make a choice. In the first turn it is important who you are traveling with. This time my mother is there - 72 years old, an enthusiastic hiker as long as the trail is not so steep. It should be a trail that we can start directly from the hotel and preferably classified as 'easy'. After a brief search we decide to spend our day tomorrow on the Kramer Plateau Trail (in German 'Kramerplateauweg').

Mountaineering is not for everyone. Only the toughest have the endurance to walk uphill for hours. However, hiking should bring joy and make you happy, instead of being a prolongued torture making you unable to enjoy the day out in the nature. The Bavarian Alps in our area offer lots of opportunities to experience the mountains along light routes, enjoying great views and fascinating encounters with nature. Try out hiking with joy.