Free Things To Do Near Garmisch, Germany
There are a ton of free things to do near Garmisch, Germany, this summer. (With no price tag! Plus, so much fun I promise!) In this blog post, I’m spilling the beans on some of my favorite free activities from a local perspective! I promise there’s something everyone in the family will enjoy!
Splash and Play in Farchant's Playground
This playground is my favorite playground I’ve ever been to! (That’s saying a lot) My children, ages 4-11, have enjoyed this playground equally. There’s something at this playground for every age group. Trust me, pack a picnic, roll up your pants, and spend a day playing in the creek alongside happy locals—it’s like stepping into a page of a storybook (with cows!) If you’re lucky enough, you might have a chance to see the cows around the park in the spring and fall. The playground even has a place for the cows to come close to the playground and get water, giving the children playing an up-close look at the cows.To learn more about this playgrounds and other visit this blog post!
Hiking Adventures: Family Fun Hikes
Family fun hikes are hikes that are specifically designed for families. Most of these hikes are stroller-friendly, too! These hikes are great for families because the entire trail is designed with children in mind. You’ll have ball runs, water stations, bowling, and many fun things! These hikes are free and the entire family will have fun (I promise) Make sure to pack water and snacks! You can read my entire blog on Family Fun Hikes Near Garmisch HERE.
Creekside Fun
Unwind and unplug as you dip your toes in one of the many serene creeks. Locals love this summer pastime—it’s a delightful way to cool off and indulge in simple joys. Watch your little ones’ eyes widen with wonder as they spot fish darting through the water or construct miniature boats to sail on this natural playground.
Walk Through Downtown Garmisch
Take a casual walk through downtown Garmisch. It’s free, and the rewards are rich. Explore shops, admire traditional German architecture, and, yes, feel free to look at the mountains that frame Garmisch.
Paraglider Spotting by the Kreuzeck
Look up, and you’ll likely see the skies dotted with the colorful canopies of paragliders—it’s a regular sight here. We’ve discovered a sweet spot near Kreuzeck where these paragliders land off the mountain. This spot is free and very walkable with little children. If you want to see the paragliders jump off the mountain, you must take a BAHN ride to the top. (Which is not free) This is so much fun for children and adults to watch. The landings can get a little tricky, and the parachutes are huge! (I didn’t realize this until I watched them land!)
Walk Around or Swim In Eibsee Lake
Finally, weave your way around Eibsee—a lake so clear and calm, it could mirror the sky. In the summertime, join other families for a refreshing swim or simply have a laid-back picnic. The alpine backdrop makes this the perfect scene to unwind and connect with nature—and each other.
Visit The Friday Farmer's Market
Every Friday all year long, you can explore the streets of downtown Garmisch. About 20 farmer’s stands with fruits, vegetables, flowers, and local items are sold here weekly. This is a great culture experience and a chance to purchase local food.
Go Find The Cows!
I’m going to be honest for a second! You know Spring is back when Garmisch starts smelling like cow poo! In the winter, the cows stay nice and warm in their barns. You won’t see a cow all winter; honestly, I’m not sure where the barns that hide all the cows are (Garmisch mystery). When it gets warmer in the spring, you’ll see the cows in the valley. Once summer comes, the cows are taken to the top of the mountains, and the only way to see the cows is if you hike to the top of the mountain or take the bahn up. (Which you’ll have to pay for) Hiking, of course, is free but a lot of work! My suggestion is that if you want to find the cows, the best time to do that is in April in the valley or in September when the cows come down from the mountain to prepare for winter.
There you have it, friends—a local guide to experiencing Garmisch without spending a euro. If you’re looking for more local advice, check out.
Eat Like A Local Garmisch, Germany, in this blog, I spill the beans on all the places locals love to eat at. Shhh, don’t tell anyone I told you!