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Originally two separate towns, Garmisch and Partenkirchen were merged to host the 1936 Winter Olympic Games; a merger that was not particularly popular with residents at the time. Since hosting the final pre-war winter games, the town has grown, and the area remains a world class-ski resort - the leading winter resort in Germany. Garmisch-Partenkirchen hosts one of the leading downhill events on the annual skiing world cup programme on its famously tricky Kandahar course.
Bavaria's first cable-car was built in Garmisch in 1929, and four years later the cog railway to the Zugspitz glacier was constructed. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is much more than a ski resort - it attracts visitors throughout the year, with hikers, cyclists, mountain-climbers and ramblers flocking to the town during the warmer summer months. The town has some fine Baroque churches and beautiful historic houses, decorated with traditional frescoes.
Whimsical palaces and gingerbread castles set the theme of our fairy-tale rail tour, during which we relax in the wonderful Bavarian countryside, visit the capital of Bavaria, Munich, and take a trip by train up the Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany.
… see more10 days from £2,035 pp
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Expect plenty of seasonal Bavarian traditions on our festive Alpine rail break to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, with spellbinding castles to visit, great meals to enjoy, an exciting journey on the Zugspitze Railway and a sleigh ride at Christmas.
… see more8 days from £2,095 pp
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My first experience with GRJ I really enjoyed the whole holiday, although I was disappointed in reference to the hotel accommodation in Garmisch. My room was inferior to those other single travellers although I paid the same amount for the holiday and would therefore expect the same standard of accommodation and the stay in Kolon on our return journey the hotel unfortunately was not geared up for 3 GRJ groups at the same time, there was insufficient food available at the evening dinner.
By Jack Stacey
22 December 2017
It’s the smell of Christmas more than anything. The puzzling fuzz of deep red glühwein, the sharp nostalgic crackle of a lit brazier, and the gentle waft of German incense.
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By Persephone Hallow
23 December 2015
We’re delving into the festive feasts and seasonal celebrations of Austria and Germany - from Christmas-tree praising, to Christkindl, and St Nicholas’ scary counterpart, Krampus.
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By Stewart Creasey
11 August 2014
Explore Germany's trains on a holiday from Great Rail Journeys. From narrow-gauge railways to high-speed locomotives, Germany is a rail-lover's dream.
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It was everything we expected for our money. My only criticism was: the hotel didn't provide orange marmalade at breakfast. Perhaps, when you book them, you could ask the hotel to ensure it's available. The hotel in Koln did Please note Mr Walker is completing this feefo.