Car Rental Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Skiers, skaters and hikers will feel instantly at home in the picturesque resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Tucked away in the German Alps, on the cusp of the Austrian border and within sight of the country's highest mountain, the town is a peaceful retreat.

Because of its modest size, it's not a difficult place to drive in and traffic is much quieter than in the larger German cities. Parking is also plentiful, with a high number of dedicated parking lots dotted around the town.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is serviced by two autobahn routes, which pass through the town. The A23 is to the east of the town, running parallel to the Loisach River, while the A2 takes a north-westerly direction, past the tranquil nature reserve of Murnauer Moos and towards the heart of Bavaria.

Bavaria's capital is Munich, and this absorbing city is just over an hour away from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, driving northwards on the A95 autobahn. Munich is a must-see when in the region, blending traditional Bavarian style with modern art and culture amid a wealth of attractions that tell the tale of the country’s turbulent past.

If your spirit for adventure is boundless, take a trip over the border and cross into Austria. Head out on the B2, past the sleepy Alpine town of Mittenwald, and continue on the B177 until the A12, and Innsbruck. With its cobbled streets and awe-inspiring mountain views, this is a charming town to park up and explore. Be sure to stop off for coffee and cake.

Driving in Germany, like most of the rest of Europe, is on the right-hand side of the road. For the most part, the speed limit on autobahn – the German equivalent of freeways – is 80mph, although there are a few stretches with no upper limit. The speed limit in cities and urban areas is 30mph.

A classic resort nestled in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is an idyllic destination. A quaint and friendly town, it also has a rich winter sports heritage, even serving as the host city of the Winter Olympics in 1936. As such, it attracts skiers drawn to the slopes of the surrounding mountains, and hikers destined to follow the stunning snow-capped trails. With car rental, you can easily get around the town, southern Germany, and even nip into Austria if you want to embark on a European road trip.

Hit the mountain slopes

For skiers of all abilities, Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers fantastic opportunities and facilities. Traversing the three mountains of Alpspitze, Kreuzeck and Hausberg, there are over 30 miles of slopes and pistes, and four different downhill runs. For complete beginners and children, Hausberg is an excellent place to start learning and mastering the basics. The Kinderland center is especially family friendly, with a magic carpet conveyor belt sunk beneath the snow.

Experienced and highly skilled skiers may be tempted to take on the Kandahar Run, a challenging and ambitious downhill slope that's strictly for the ambitious. Exhilarating and thrilling, it features a vertical drop of 900 meters.

Ascend the Zugspitze

Of course, not everyone wants to ski, but that's no obstacle to enjoying the stunning scenery of the Alps. Take a cable car ride at the Zugspitze, the imposing and majestic mountain that rises higher than any other in Germany - it's 2,962 meters above sea level - to see unspoilt views of the mountains of Bavaria. A cogwheel train runs from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the sedate and restful Lake Eibsee, before a cable car ascends Zugspitze. Soar through the clouds and towards the peak, and bask in the serenity as the rest of the world simply melts away. At the very top, the views are beyond spectacular, presenting a jaw-dropping panoramic vista of Bavaria. On a clear day, it’s possible to see four different countries at once from this vantage point, a truly unique opportunity.

Go hiking at Partnach Gorge

For a change of scenery, Partnach Gorge provides a surprising and pleasant contrast to Zugspitze and the mountain ranges. Just a short drive from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, park up at Olympic Skiing Stadium and walk to Partnach Gorge, before embarking on one of the plentiful and stimulating hiking routes. In spring and summer, you'll be struck by the lush greenness of the area and the plunging waterfalls. Trek over the iron bridge, listening to the thunderous sounds of the roaring waters around you to appreciate the raw power of nature.

Spend a day in stylish Munich

A day trip to Munich will give your visit to Garmisch-Partenkirchen an extra dimension. Leave the snow-capped summits behind and head to the third-largest city in Germany. As the capital of the region, Munich wears its Bavarian heart on its sleeve. But while you'll see all the beer halls and lederhosen you can handle, Munich is also modern, multi-cultural and effortlessly stylish.

Devote a few hours to browsing the excellent museums and art galleries, and laze away the afternoon in any of the expansive urban parks around the city. Englischer Garten is the largest in Munich, featuring a lake, restaurant, bars, and acres and acres of beautiful green landscape. Stroll freely among the gardens, or just take some time out to sit down and relax, basking in the peaceful buzz.

Car rental in Garmisch-Partenkirchen gives you the freedom to explore the captivating Bavarian region, a truly handsome part of Germany that is sure to charm you.