Garmisch-Partenkirchen & the Olympic Games
Sports history within reach
When you look up from the slope, your gaze almost intuitively wanders to the summit of the impressive Zugspitze. As your heart is racing because you just beat your personal best – you notice it: that very special feeling. The feeling that anything is possible. Here. And now.
Maybe that’s the sensation that shaped the holiday resort at the base of the Zugspitze during the Olympic Games in 1936. A hint of fame and will to win that has lasted all those years. And that motivates holiday guests to this day to test their limits – and maybe even go beyond them.
28 nations, 17 competitions and 500,000 spectators: The Olympic Winter Games were truly an unforgettable experience. And even if you don’t achieve any athletic peak performances: Your next holidays in Garmisch-Partenkirchen will probably be equally as unforgettable …
For all those with high aims: the Olympic ski jump
Be there or be square – that was not only the motto for the Olympic Games in 1936 but it still is for a guided tour to the giant Olympic ski jump. After all, the impressive and easily accessible construction on the Gudiberg is worth a visit for fans of the ski jumping sport and everyone else, too!
In 1923, an artificial start tower was erected on a descent of the Gudiberg. After numerous modernisation interventions, the construction was replaced by the “free-floating giant” in 2007. With its 100-metre start tower, it floats above the terrain at 62 metres above ground. During the day, it harmoniously blends into the winter landscape, and at night, it becomes a fascinating light sculpture: High above Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The Olympic ski jump is a true landmark for the holiday resort with its characteristic silhouette.
For frosty holiday memories: the Garmisch Olympia Stadium
The Garmisch Olympia Ski Stadium is another “remnant” from 1936 and 1978. For the Olympic Winter Games, it was constructed mainly as an open-air stadium – but after multiple modernisation endeavours, it’s still one of the largest and most modern ones of its kind.
Olympic Games, Ice Hockey European Championship or Curling World Championship: On the ice of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, pros share a stage – or the same rink, in this case. The Olympia Stadium is also a popular excursion destination for holiday guests who want to enjoy winter sports off the slopes.
For daredevils: the Kandahar descent
Where athletes flung themselves down the icy descent during the Winter Games more than 50 years ago, motivated skiers can test their skills to this day – provided they are courageous enough. Because the legendary Kandahar descent not only requires skill, technique and sure instincts but also and primarily: lots of courage.
The Kandahar at a glance:
- Start: 1,690 m
- Finish: 770 m
- Difference in altitude: 920 m
- Length: 3,300 m
- Challenges: top speeds of up to 130 km/h; gradient of 92%
