The history of Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen (708 m) is situated at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze (2,963 m), in the “Werdenfelser Land” region. With its approximately 26,000 inhabitants, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the largest cities in the area. The formerly separate towns Garmisch and Partenkirchen joined to form Garmisch-Partenkirchen shortly before they hosted the 1936 Olympic Winter Games.
Garmisch (formerly Germareskauue) and Partenkirchen (formerly Barthinchichen) were first mentioned around 800 AD as a stop for the Romans on the Via Claudia trade route over the Alps. During the High Middle Ages the traffic from north to south was a source of prosperity, especially the rafting of timber on the Loisach. As with many areas, this changed with the Thirty Years’ War and the region became poorer. The tourism that came along with the construction of railway network in the late 19th century, especially the connection to Munich, provided a base for the region’s current economic situation.
Garmisch (formerly Germareskauue) and Partenkirchen (formerly Barthinchichen) were first mentioned around 800 AD as a stop for the Romans on the Via Claudia trade route over the Alps. During the High Middle Ages the traffic from north to south was a source of prosperity, especially the rafting of timber on the Loisach. As with many areas, this changed with the Thirty Years’ War and the region became poorer. The tourism that came along with the construction of railway network in the late 19th century, especially the connection to Munich, provided a base for the region’s current economic situation.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen around 1900 Source: Wikipedia
A proud part of Garmisch-Partenkichen’s past is the performance in winter sports events; the SC Riessersee Hockey Club is rich in tradition and has won the German Championships 10 times and the gold medal winners in the 2 and 4-person bobsleds at the 1952 Olympics in Oslo also came from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, just to name a few.
The only German host city of a Winter Olympic Games is still a perfect vacation and training region for all kinds of sports. In the winter, for example, the mountains provide ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding. Since 1921 Garmisch-Partenkirchen has been the host of the traditional New Years Ski Jumping, which is now a part of the Four Hills Tournament. The beautiful summer landscape also offers plenty of opportunities such as hiking, climbing, or bike trips.
A walk through the older parts of the town or a trip to the museum of local history can give you a glimpse into the past and tradtion of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. A visit to the lively traditional evenings and costume parades are also definitely worth while.
Check out the upcoming events in the area und our "Leisure and Recreation" section.
The only German host city of a Winter Olympic Games is still a perfect vacation and training region for all kinds of sports. In the winter, for example, the mountains provide ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding. Since 1921 Garmisch-Partenkirchen has been the host of the traditional New Years Ski Jumping, which is now a part of the Four Hills Tournament. The beautiful summer landscape also offers plenty of opportunities such as hiking, climbing, or bike trips.
A walk through the older parts of the town or a trip to the museum of local history can give you a glimpse into the past and tradtion of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. A visit to the lively traditional evenings and costume parades are also definitely worth while.
Check out the upcoming events in the area und our "Leisure and Recreation" section.
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Garmisch in the 30's ....