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Munich-Garmisch-Partenkirchen train day trip for town/hike (or Berchtesgaden)

We are thinking of a Garmisch-Partenkirchen train day trip from Munich to enjoy the town and do some easy hiking in early August. Is there a way to get to easy (scenic) hiking places in Garmisch-Partenkirchen by public transit, or do we need to take a taxi? Can we get to the hiking without taking a gondola (funicular is ok). We are recreational walker/hikers (2-3 hours medium).
Or would anyone recommend Berchtesgaden instead with same questions? Thanks, Elaine

Posted by
958 posts

In 2017 we easily made a day trip of Bertesgaden by taking the train from Munich. But we went to take a tour not hike, so I can’t speak to the ease of accessing hiking trails or if you need to take the bus up to the top to start.

Posted by
5464 posts

Probably the best known hiking trail in GP would be the Partnachklamm Gorge. Without a car, you can take a bus from the train station to the trail head at the Olympic Stadium. Lots of info on hiking options online.

Posted by
395 posts

Thank you. I assume GP would have easy hikes with mountain/small village scenery.

Posted by
1679 posts

More practical to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

When leaving Partnach Gorge, close to the ski stadium is a path by the railway line veering left. This will eventually lead you to the Hammersbacher Weg, another easy, scenic hike which takes you to the Hammersbach area of Grainau. Good food at the attractive Hammersbach Hotel.

Take some time later to walk around the two centres of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Posted by
8282 posts

I lovE GARMISCH, For Hiking, twice, I did the two day hike up to the top (very near) of the Zugspitze. I had a guide both times and we stayed in a hutte overnight, sleeping in our clothes. It was great.

When I did it I worked for the US Army and used AFRC, which is only for military. Not sure where to find the guide and tour today.

Posted by
30 posts

One suggestion is that if you carry on to Mittenwald (just a train transfer and a few more stops from GP) the train station, trails, and town are all very central where in GP you have to travel from the train station to the trailheads. Mittenwald is super cute and there is also a gorge hike, and two alpine lakes with trails leaving from the center of town.