This is the question that pops up in everyone's mind who is planning a trip to either of these places. Since these are fairly easily accessible places from Munich, it comes down to picking one of the two and comparing them to make sure our time is spent on the better of the two options. In my opinion, the answer to this question is very simple but also complex at the same time which is "It depends on what you are looking for!"
I had this same question when I was travelling from Munich to Mittenwald, I was thinking about whether it's better to go to Mittenwald since people say it's closer to nature and wilderness or Garmisch since it has more options for shopping and accessibility.
Since I wondered the same question and now I know what's the best option for me, I would like to help other wanderers and travellers with this question and guide them on which option they should pick for their next Bavarian trip.
So, to begin with, let's talk about their accessibility from Munich. There is a direct train from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen which takes around 1 hour to reach Garmisch.
Sample itinerary:-
https://goo.gl/maps/NojFCDwX2LhxyGw98 (Munich - Garmisch)
From Garmisch, you can take a direct bus to Mittenwald which will take around 30 mins to reach Mittenwald. All this you can do with your 49 Euro Deutschland ticket if you live in Germany.
Sample itinerary
https://goo.gl/maps/U5ceb7XKuo8z5goN6 (Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Mittenwald)
Next, let's discuss the backdrop of both places, how's the view? Both these places are close to the Alps and Zugspitze (the highest mountain in Germany 🇩🇪 )
So both of them have beautiful backdrops of snow-covered mountains in every frame.
Next is the market, Both places have their own main market square where you have different options to eat and shop. Garmisch-Partenkirchen definitely wins this one, you can find a variety of options here for both eating and shopping as well. Unlike Mittenwald where the options are limited and I don't think you have a lot of shopping options for let's say electronics, clothes, etc. Mittenwald is more serene, and peaceful and you can even cross Germany and enter the Austrian Countryside just a few km ahead with a bike that you can rent from the town itself. There are beautiful paintings across houses in Mittenwald that you can adore for hours! Mittenwald is like a gallery of house paintings that you just stroll around and after you get tired you can sit in a nice open cafe and have your Pretzel with coffee and soak in the sun. Garmisch on the other hand is more city-like and has a wider variety of options for leisure activities. You cannot go everywhere on foot and have to plan your travels here. Garmisch offers a lot more options for eating as well. Personally, I will prefer Mittenwald over Garmisch every time. What will you choose? 😉
You can check out my videos filmed in Both places and find out for yourself which one is for you!
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