Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Dick Darcy from UNITED STATES writes:

I have been going to GAP off and on over the past 23 years, beginning with my final tour in Europe (I am retired military). This is a fairyland nestled in the shadow of the Bavarian Alps, featuring the highest peak in Germany (Zugspitze). Even if the skiing weather is bad, there are lots of things to tour, such as a cheese factory at Ettal and a Basillica built in the 14th Century. Don't limit yourself to the Edelweisse Resort Hotel if accommodations are not available. There are plenty of hotels downtown (near the bahnhof) that are excellent--and they include a hearty breakfast in the daily price. Moreover a no-charge ski bus leaves the bahnhof for the U.S. Military Hausberg Lodge and German sponsored bahn (lift) every twenty minutes beginning at 8:40am. If you are not military related, there are ample German rental shops and ski schools at the base of the lift. Last bus in the evening is 16:50 hours. If you miss the bus, take the Bavarian cog train that comes by at 17:45 or simply walk back to you hotel (if authorized, leave your boots at the Hausberg Lodge for a mominal charge $US). And don't forget the Irish pub in Partenkirchen--fellowship, beer and sports on TV. Try the Italian restaurant next door for food. Go up to Ludwig Strasse in old Partenkirchen and be charmed by the medieval atmosphere and the fine restaurants. There are souvenir shops there as well. Only those with hearts of feldspar could resist the charms of this site of the 1936 Winter Olympic Games. So jump on a flight to Munchen, take the S-bahn to the Hauptbahnhof, and trek to track 29 or 30 for an approximately 90 minute train ride to beer, wurst and gleuwein. You will never forget this place.

2008-03-21