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Prettiest train route from Zurich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

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Hey, All,

My wife and I are visiting Bavaria in late August, this year. When looking at routes to Garmisch, I realized one could go a more northerly route, through Bavaria, or a more southerly route to Innsbruck, Austria, and then north across the border.

In my brain, the route to Innsbruck seems to go directly through the Alps, which sounds amazing. I don't know if that's true, having never been before, and in any case, I'm sure the route north of the Alps is gorgeous, as well.

Anyone have any thoughts about that?

Thanks!
Shawn

Posted by
20016 posts

By train, you can take a direct Railjet train from Zurich to Innsbruck, then connect to the train over the mountains to Garmisch. That is actually the fastest way by train and there is only 1 train change. There is the long Arlberg Tunnel to pass through. The route up to the entrance is quite scenic.

Posted by
8340 posts

I did the route in reverse from Garmisch to Zurich a few years ago. We went on the route through Innsbruck. The ride from Garmisch to Innsbruck is particularly scenic. In addition, we had one of those special moments you sometimes get traveling. Two older couples were seated nearby and began to sing together some German folk songs. They were friends enjoying the view and inspired to sing about it. It was lovely.

Posted by
15 posts

Thanks, everybody!

We won't be driving, since this is our first European trip and that sounds a little intimidating.

And since we're not driving, the route through Innsbruck sounds nicest.

Are there many busses/trains from Garmisch for exploring the area?

Posted by
84 posts

Hey,

Public transit is very good around Garmisch, you don't need a car.

Here is all you need to know about taking the train from Zürich to Innsbruck:

https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/zurich-to-innsbruck-via-the-arlberg-railway.htm

The best train to take is the Transalpin EC(=Eurocity) departing Zürich at 8:40(perfect time, not too early, not too late) and splurge for the 1st class observation car.

https://www.oebb.at/en/regionale-angebote/steiermark/alpenüberquerung-panoramawagen.html

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