Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is an alpine ski resort town in southern Bavaria, housing around 27,000 residents near the Austrian border. Formed by the forced merger of two distinct towns for the 1936 Winter Olympics, the municipality lies at the foot of Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze (2,962 metres). Traditional Bavarian houses adorned with Lüftlmalerei frescoes line the historic streets of Partenkirchen's Ludwigstraße. Natural landmarks include the dramatic Partnach Gorge, Lake Eibsee, and the Olympic Ski Jumping Hill. Hikers and mountain sports enthusiasts utilize cable cars and cogwheel trains to reach high alpine trails and panoramic summits.