CityBuddy
Burg Werdenfels
Best time to visit
Late afternoon for golden light over the Alps and fewer hikers on the trail. Spring and autumn offer the clearest views without summer haze.
Budget tips
Entry to the castle ruins is completely free with no ticket or reservation needed. Parking in Burgrain costs a few euros, or you can save by hiking up directly from the Garmisch-Partenkirchen town center.
Recommended for
History enthusiasts, Hikers, Photography lovers, Budget travelers
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: Perched on a rocky outcrop 230 meters above Garmisch-Partenkirchen, this 13th-century fortress once controlled the trade route into Italy. Its thick walls survived sieges and wars, only to be partially dismantled in the 18th century for building materials.
Highlights: The castle's former prison tower still bears the faded graffiti of inmates who scratched their names into the stone centuries ago. On a clear day, the panorama from the keep stretches across 30 Alpine peaks, including the jagged Zugspitze massif.
Insider tips
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes, the final stretch to the keep involves uneven stone steps that get slippery after rain.
- Bring a flashlight to explore the dark corners of the cellar vaults and the bottom of the prison tower.
- Pack a picnic, there are no facilities at the top, but the grassy courtyard makes a perfect lunch spot.
- Arrive early on weekends to have the ruins mostly to yourself before the family crowds arrive around 11 AM.
Where to Stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in Garmisch-PartenkirchenPowered by agoda
More attractions in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
All attractions in Garmisch-Partenkirchen →
Most popular itineraries!
Browse trip plans created by other travelers
5-Dňové Letné Dobrodružstvo v Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Objavte majestátne vrcholy Bavorských Álp, krištáľovo čisté jazerá a tradičné bavorské dedinky počas piatich nezabudnuteľných letných dní v srdci Nemecka.
5-päevane Garmisch-Partenkircheni aktiivpuhkus mägedes
Sukeldu Alpide südamesse, kus sind ootavad hingematvad matkarajad, kristallselged järved ja põnevad mäetipud - see on unustamatu seiklus igale loodus- ja aktiivsõbrale.
3-päevane suvereis Garmisch-Partenkirchenisse: Mägede ja looduse paradiis
Sukeldu Baieri Alpide südamesse, kus sind ootavad hingematvad vaated Zugspitze tipust, sinakasroheline Eibsee järv ja ajaloolised mägiteed, mis viivad läbi Partnachklammi kuristikest kuni mäekülgedel liuglevate ronimisradadeni.