Activities
The Zugspitz region is the ideal place for active vacationers with a rich offer all year round:
Spring/ summer/ autumn
- Hiking routes for every level - e.g. hike through the Höllental gorge
- Climbing tours and via ferratas for beginners and advanced climbers - e.g. Via ferrata on the Alpspitze
- Mountain bike and e-mountain bike tours e.g. Circumnavigation of the Wetterstein Mountains
- Water sports - e.g. on the Eibsee or the Riessersee
- White water rafting on the river Loisach
- Tennis - on outdoor courts and indoors
- Golfing surrounded by mountains e.g. on the 18 hole course in Garmisch
- Summer tobogganing and climbing forest in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
... and so much more
Winter
- Skiing and snowboarding with the best snow reliability in Germany - e.g. Zugspitze, Garmisch Classic in the immediate vicinity. Ehrwald, Lermoos and Biberwier ski areas can be reached in just 20 minutes
- Snow shoe hikes - partly organized by the community of Grainau
- Cross-country skiing - 3 trails for skating and classic
- Ski tours - e.g. to the Stuibenhütte
- Tobogganing - e.g. night tobogganing in Ehrwald
- Horse-drawn sleigh ride to the Partnach Gorge
- Bavarian curling
... and so much more
January
New year ski jumping
The 2nd jumping of the Four Hills Tournament in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Traditionally, the New Year's competition in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the 2nd competition of the International Four Hills Tournament. The tour is one of the absolute highlights of the ski jumping season. The New Year's jump in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a unique and exciting experience - especially if you can experience it live on site. Every January 1, around 20,000 viewers follow the ski jumping final live in the stadium and million more viewers watch the broadcast on television. Great atmosphere is guaranteed. If you want to take part in this top-class competition in front of an impressive backdrop, you will find further information under the following link: www.neujahrsskispringen.de
Horn sled race Partenkirchen
The horn sled race has been held in Partenkirchen every year on the Three Kings Day since 1970, when teams race down a steep hill on simple wooden sleds. Traditional customs, speed and fun rolled into one. Further information at: www.hornschlitten.de
Three ski mountains for unique winter fun
The Garmisch-Classic ski area promises alpine skiing fun for every requirement First class in so many facets A varied ski area with 40 kilometers of slopes and four snow-covered valley runs stretches across the well-known winter sports resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen between the three ski mountains Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Alpspitze. Beginners and families, pleasure carvers and professionals will find the right challenge here. (Season start depending on snow conditions in early / mid December) www.zugspitze.de
And a lot more winter sports are possible in the region: cross-country skiing, winter hiking, snowshoeing, tobogganing and ice skating - there is something for young and old and for every taste.
The natural ice rink under the Zugspitze
The Grainau natural ice rink is located in the center of the village, directly at the spa gardens. Ice skating is a fun experience for all ages. There are even "penguins" for our little guests - the ideal ice skating aids. Ice skates can be borrowed.
Ski mountaineering at night
The region offers the unique opportunity to go ski mountaineering to an open ski hut on one of various slopes in the evening. There is nothing better than walking up the mountain in a relaxed atmosphere, having a leisurely stop and then descending on skis in the light of the moon and the headlamp. On certain days of the week, different slopes are released for this and the huts at the destination are open to ski mountaineers.
https://www.nachtskitouren.de/touren.php
Torchlight hike through the Partnach Gorge
Various organizers offer torch-lit hikes through the Partnach Gorge. This experience is particularly impressive when the glow of the fire is reflected thousands of times in many thick icicles. An unforgettable experience.
February
Carnival in Grainau - the fifth season
The "Fosenacht" has been celebrated in the Werdenfelser Land for centuries in a lively and traditional way.
Each of the so-called "Maschkera" wears an artistically carved “Larve”. The Maschkera Music and a large number of Maschkera can be experienced on Nonsensical Thursday and Shrove Tuesday in Grainau.
FIS Alpine Ski World Cup
Experience the world elite of skiing, spectacular races and the excellent atmosphere on the Kandahar!
More information about the event at: http://www.skiweltcup-garmisch.com/rennen
King Ludwig Run in Oberammergau
- the second largest popular cross-country ski run in Europe: Over 4,000 participants from all over the world, four cross-country skiing races on two days and different routes over 50, 21 and 10 kilometers - the cross-country skiing event in Oberammergau is a very special kind of sports competition, because hobby cross-country skiers measure alongside the pros on the slopes. More at www.koenig-ludwig-lauf.com
March
Zugspitze ski area
Germany's highest ski area at around 2600 m has 20 kilometers of slopes with guaranteed snow and a variety of ski huts for refreshment stops. The season lasts from mid-November to early May.
April
Zugspitze ski area
Germany's highest ski area at around 2600 m has 20 kilometers of slopes with guaranteed snow and a variety of ski huts for refreshment stops. The season lasts from mid-November to early May.
Mountain spring in the Karwendel Alps
From the end of April, thousands of gentians bloom on the meadows between Zugspitze and Karwendel. This spectacle of nature inspired the Karwendel Alpine world to Mountain Spring under the motto "Customs - Nature - Home". Numerous events take place in Mittenwald, Krün and Wallgau from the end of April to the beginning of June. The guided gentian tours through the splendor of the alpine flowers are particularly popular.
May
Mountain spring in the Karwendel Alps
From the end of April, thousands of gentians bloom on the meadows between Zugspitze and Karwendel. This spectacle of nature inspired the Karwendel Alpine world to Mountain Spring under the motto "Customs - Nature - Home". Numerous events take place in Mittenwald, Krün and Wallgau from the end of April to the beginning of June. The guided gentian tours through the splendor of the alpine flowers are particularly popular.
www.alpenweltkarwendel.de/bergfruehling-urlaub-bayern
Raising the maypole
Raising the maypole is one of the most popular traditions throughout Bavaria. Every year on May 1st, a decorated wooden pole, often decorated with decorative signs, is erected in central places in towns and communities - the maypole. The pole is raised to the accompaniment of a festival taking place. You can get together here with brass music, food and drink. Guests and the local population are cordially invited to cheer on the stand. In many places, traditional ribbon and folk dances around the tree or the choice of a May Queen ensure fun.
Passion Play Oberammergau
Every 10 years May to October
The Passion Play Oberammergau is a world-famous cultural event in Bavaria. Usually in the last year of a decade the story of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is performed in the Passion Play. An unforgettable experience.
Tickets at: www.passionsspiele-oberammergau.de
Murnau culture week
Ten days with around 20 events turn Murnau into a cultural stronghold in May. A colorful mix of music, theater, painting, literature and lectures is offered in the artist's village on the Staffelsee.
https://www.zugspitz-region.de/erlebnisreich/hoehepunkte-im-sommer/murnauer-kulturwoche.html
June
Corpus Christi processions throughout Upper Bavaria
Everywhere in Upper Bavaria it is custom to honor Corpus Christi with a procession, a tradition that goes back to 1207. A priest carries the sacred host through the village and the believers follow him with prayers and singing. The procession on the Staffelsee, where it takes place on boats, is particularly beautiful.
Richard Strauss Festival in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The imposing Baroque Abbey Ettal and the highest peak in Germany will be the spectacular backdrop for the performances at the Richard Strauss Festival. The motto of the festival is "Top Music at Top Locations".
www.richard-strauss-festival.de
Saitenstrassen - the music festival
The "Saitenstrassen" is an international music festival with folk and classical music and also offers a colorful supporting program for the whole family.
In all three festival centers, hut markets will be set up, which will have a different theme in each location.
Zugspitz Ultratrail: Trail run around the highest mountain in Bavaria
There are numerous ways to explore the Zugspitze. The most ambitious is the run around the Zugspitze on the Zugspitz Ultratrail.
https://zugspitz-ultratrail.com
Johannifeuer on the Zugspitze
Mountain fire in Werdenfelser Land
Every year on June 23rd, on the eve of St. John's Day, the traditional mountain bonfires take place at nightfall. The St. John's fires in Grainau are particularly impressive because when it gets dark the entire Waxenstein ridge resembles a unique chain of lights. The spectacle can be wonderfully observed from our Chalet Zugspitze. Relax in the whirlpool and marvel at the impressive illumination of the mountains. www.grainau.de/johannifeuer
Midsummer bonfire
On the day of the solstice, June 21st, the shortest night and the longest day of the year coincide. On or around this day, midsummer bonfires are very common in customs. The traditional fires are lit and festivals are celebrated everywhere.
Tölzer Rose Days
The Tölzer Rose Days on the Pentecost weekend are the oldest garden festival in the Oberland.
Everything your heart desires is available around the topic of gardens. The garden pleasure is complemented by culinary delights and a continuous music program.
July
Partenkirchen Festival Weeks
Pageants, folklore evenings, Bavarian cuisine and colorful hustle and bustle of the festive beer tent. Our folklore weeks in July and August have been one of the highlights of the year for over half a century. You can marvel at pageants, groups in traditional costume, Schuhplattler, Goaßlschnalzer and stone lifter. It is celebrated and danced. The traditional gun salutes herald the start of the festival weeks. In the wonderfully decorated festival tents you can experience real Bavarian customs in their purest form.https://www.gapa.de/en/GaPa-on-site/Garmisch-Partenkirchen/Event-highlights/Festwochen
Farchant Forest Festival - July and August
The great forest festivals in the "Kuhflucht" are known throughout the region. The Farchanter Trachtenverein ensures an unforgettable atmosphere with brass music, dance and traditional costumes.
Waldfestbühne at the Kuhfluchtwald, Saturdays at 7:00 p.m.
http://veranstaltungen.farchant.de/farchant/
August
Partenkirchen Festival Weeks
Pageants, folklore evenings, Bavarian cuisine and colorful hustle and bustle of the festive beer tent. Our folklore weeks in July and August have been one of the highlights of the year for over half a century. You can marvel at pageants, groups in traditional costume, Schuhplattler, Goaßlschnalzer and stone lifter. It is celebrated and danced. The traditional gun salutes herald the start of the festival weeks. In the wonderfully decorated festival tents you can experience real Bavarian customs in their purest form.
https://www.gapa.de/en/GaPa-on-site/Garmisch-Partenkirchen/Event-highlights/Festwochen
Assumption of Mary "Herbal Consecration"
The herb consecration for the Assumption of Mary on August 15th has been a popular custom of the Catholic Church since the 9th century. In many places in the Zugspitze region, this day is celebrated with light processions, pilgrimages, festive church services and the traditional herb consecration. A cluster of herbs is tinkered with seven or nine herbs and then consecrated. Each herb has a special magical meaning.
The AlpenTestival
Test, experience, enjoy - that is the AlpenTestival in Garmisch-Partenkirchen!
On the first weekend in August, outdoor and nature lovers can discover the entire range of sports that Garmisch-Partenkirchen has to offer in summer.
Farchant Forest Festival - July and August
The great forest festivals in the "Kuhflucht" are known throughout the region. The Farchanter Trachtenverein ensures an unforgettable atmosphere with brass music, dance and traditional costumes.
Waldfestbühne at the Kuhfluchtwald, Saturdays at 7:00 p.m.
http://veranstaltungen.farchant.de/farchant/
"Festivity on the mountain"
Every year, the hut hosts on Brauneck, Lenggries' local mountain, come up with a colorful family program with games and fun, culinary delicacies and lots of music. The mountain mass on the Stie-Alm is traditionally part of it. Anyone who has visited all the huts during the round and got a stamp can win attractive prizes.
Bolzano market
Travel back in time to the late Middle Ages in the Karwendel Alps
The historic center of Mittenwald is transformed every 5 years into a trading town of the 15th century. Disputes between Venice and Bolzano gave him a 200-year heyday. This will again be celebrated extensively by the Mittenwalders with the Bolzano Market Week in 2022.
More information: www.bozner-markt.de
ON THE BIRTHDAY OF KING LUDWIG II on 23./24. August
The King Ludwig Fire is a Bavarian tradition and takes place annually on the eve of King Ludwig II's birthday in the Ammergau Alps. After dark, around 9 p.m., the wind instruments from Oberammergau open the festival with the chorale ‘The heavens boast’. Then the Ludwig fire is lit on the peaks around Oberammergau. The center of the event is the local mountain Kofel, on which a burning royal crown is being erected. In the center of Oberammergau, visitors can best admire the King Ludwig fire.
On the following day, the birthday of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, special tours, musical performances, themed tours and readings are offered to visitors in Linderhof Palace and the park. If you want to follow in the footsteps of the Bavarian nobility, you shouldn't miss the nearby Schachenhaus. Ludwig II, King of Bavaria wanted to have a castle on the Schachenalpe and celebrate his birthdays and name days on August 25th there and enjoy the high mountains.
On a plateau just above the tree line, surrounded by jagged mountain peaks, the royal mountain hut still sits enthroned today and offers a very special Ludwigfeuer experience.
Almabtrieb - Customs in Bavaria up close
Extensive and varied possibilities make the Alpenwelt Karwendel the perfect travel destination in every season. The Karwendel Alps have a lot to offer, especially in autumn, during the cattle drive and during the Farmer's Weeks. The mountain summer in Bavaria ends with the cattle drive. After around 100 days on the mountain pasture, the animals return to the valley in September, where they then spend the winter. The goats, horses, mountain sheep and cows that live on the alpine pastures during the summer months are colorfully decorated and ceremoniously led into the valley. The cattle drive is framed by the traditional farmers' weeks in the Karwendel Alps.
Ox race in Münsing
Everyone can ride horses - but riding oxen, as in the Wild West as a custom in Upper Bavaria, is a real attraction! The famous ox race in Münsing, however, only takes place every four years.
September
Farmer weeks in late summer
From September to the beginning of October it is farmer's week in the Karwendel Alps. Farmers' markets, cattle drives and celebratory processions mean that every traveler's heart beats faster.
Experience the typical Bavarian attitude towards life in late summer. In the Karwendel Alps, in the middle of the beautiful Zugspitz region, you are guaranteed to enjoy unforgettable holidays in late summer.
https://www.alpenwelt-karwendel.de/almabtriebe
Oktoberfest munich
On the first Saturday of the festival weeks, the Oktoberfest begins with the arrival of the Oktoberfest hosts. The festival hosts and their waitresses move into the Theresienwiese on solemnly decorated carriages. The costume and rifle parade follows on the first Sunday. With around 9,000 participants, it is the largest in the world. Another highlight is the large stand concert of the Wiesn chapels, which takes place on the second Oktoberfest Sunday at the foot of the Bavaria statue. Finally, on the last Sunday, the gun shooting takes place in front of the “Bavaria”.
October
Historic mountain race Grainau - Eibsee
Oldtimers determine the street scene, and their drivers take part in the historic Grainau-Eibsee mountain race.
Even at the presentation in the Garmisch pedestrian zone on the day before the race, onlookers can admire the historic motorcycles and cars. Following the tradition of the first Eibsee mountain race in 1928, it is not about speed records but about a regularity test. Those who want to watch the route should use the stops of the Bavarian Zugspitzbahn, as recommended by the organizer.
Parish fair on the 3rd Sunday in October
Kirchweih-goose, lard noodles and of course going to church are a must on this day. Until the middle of the 19th century, each parish celebrated its own parish festival. The festivities became so prevalent that the so-called all-world church consecration was finally introduced on the 3rd Sunday in October. Nevertheless, the small towns still celebrate the “little” church day, i.e. the actual day of the consecration of their church.
In the Garmisch district, the parish fair is also celebrated on November 11th (parish church St. Martin), Partenkirchen on so-called women's day, August 15 (parish church Maria Himmelfahrt) and of course on Antoni day, June 13th (pilgrimage church St. Anton).
Hiking in autumn - tips from the DAV
For many mountain enthusiasts, the autumn weeks are the perfect time for hiking. After all, autumn stands for clear air, good views and beautiful moods. When planning a tour, however, there are a few things to consider:
November
Leonhardi rides around November 6th
The Leonhard ride is a procession on horseback in honor of St. Leonhard, the patron saint of horses and cattle. It has been a tradition in Bavaria and Austria since the 15th century. The largest Leonhardiritt takes place in Bad Tölz. Even in the early hours of the morning you can see numerous magnificently decorated teams on the streets. At 9 o'clock the festival in Tölz begins with the people of the church bells of the Mühlfeldkirche. Leonhardiritt also takes place every year in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Zugspitze ski area
Germany's highest ski area at around 2600 m has 20 kilometers of slopes with guaranteed snow and a variety of refreshment stops. The season lasts from mid-November to early May.
December
Three ski mountains for unique winter fun
The Garmisch-Classic ski area promises alpine skiing fun for every requirement First class in so many facets A varied ski area with 40 kilometers of slopes and four snow-covered valley runs stretches across the well-known winter sports resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen between the three ski mountains Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Alpspitze. Beginners and families, pleasure carvers and professionals will find the right challenge here. (Season start depending on snow conditions in early / mid December) www.zugspitze.de
And a lot more winter sports are possible in the region: cross-country skiing, winter hiking, snowshoeing, tobogganing and ice skating - there is something for young and old and for every taste.
The natural ice rink under the Zugspitze
The Grainau natural ice rink is located in the center of the village, directly at the spa gardens. Ice skating is a fun experience for all ages. There are even "penguins" for our little guests - the ideal ice skating aids. Ice skates can be borrowed.
Ski mountaineering at night
The region offers the unique opportunity to go ski mountaineering to an open ski hut on one of various slopes in the evening. There is nothing better than walking up the mountain in a relaxed atmosphere, having a leisurely stop and then descending on skis in the light of the moon and the headlamp. On certain days of the week, different slopes are released for this and the huts at the destination are open to ski mountaineers.
https://www.nachtskitouren.de/touren.php
Advent in the Zugspitz region
Atmospheric Christmas markets in Bavaria
Old Bavarian Advent singing, traditional brass music and storytelling for young and old. Alpine Christmas markets in the Zugspitz region get their guests in the mood for Christmas. In the Zugspitz region, guests can experience many traditional Christmas markets with regional delicacies, real art and typical Bavarian handicrafts. The program includes festive Advent concerts in Bavarian churches, living Christmas cribs and romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides. On the first weekend in Advent, the Glentleiten open-air museum in Großweil becomes a Christmas market itself. And the Grainau Christmas market is particularly atmospheric and known far beyond its borders.
https://www.zugspitz-region.de/erlebnisreich/hoehepunkte-im-winter/weihnachtsmaerkte.html
Krampus and Perchten runs in Upper Bavaria
Wild bells, shaggy skins and terrifying masks with horns: when St. Nicholas' creepy companions roam the streets, it's not just the children who are scared. A Krampus run or Perchten run is an old custom that is lived between December 5th and the Rauhnächten in Upper Bavaria.