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Whether you are looking for the classics of what to do in Garmisch, going skiing in Germany, planning some gorgeous hikes to the tallest mountain in Deutschland or are planning a side trip to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, some say that Garmisch is one of the most beautiful places in all of Germany.
Many (US Military) people just assume that the Edelweiss Resort and Lodge is the way to go. While it is a beautiful respite from our every day lives, things like all the restaurants, breakfast and spa services are still extra charges. I personally like to shop around for lodging wherever I go that gives me value for money, a great atmosphere and/or unique experiences. Therefore, it wasn’t surprising when I found all sorts of great alternatives to Edelweiss Resort!
Heading to Garmisch? Don’t forget to Pin!
1. Army Lodging On Post
I’ve already talked about the super frugal way to travel to Garmisch if you are affiliated with the military and want to get the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort experience without the price tag. If you are US Military, this is one of my favorite budget alternatives to Edelweiss Resort. You seriously get the best of both worlds: a cheap hotel in an expensive area AND all the amenities of the luxurious resort! Win-Win!
Stunning Sunset over the Alps
2. Hotel Rheinischer Hof
I get that one of the main reasons why Americans stay at Edelweiss is because they long for an American feel, but many others either can’t use Edelweiss or simply just want a more true German Guesthouse experience and Hotel Rheinischer Hof is just that! One a recent trip to Garmisch, we stayed here and for comparable prices (if not cheaper depending on what rooms you choose), you get a true German feel, warm hospitality, beautiful views of the Zugspitze and mountains, included saunas and a pool!!!
A headboard in the shapes of mountains!? Too cute!
And then there is the restaurant. (Even if you stay at Edelweiss, you still have to pay extra for the food) Now, I’m not new to German food. But our meals were some of the best I’ve had! It also didn’t hurt to be looking out into the German Alps as I sipped German Riesling during our 4 course meal! (Only 24 Euro!)
Lil B decided he didn’t want to sit all through a 4 course meal, but no biggie- we enjoyed our dessert on our balcony with a view!
Economical Excursionists Exclusive Deal:
Now, you should know by now that I ONLY recommend things that I have personally used and love! After staying at Hotel Rheinischer Hof, they generously offered an amazing deal for my readers. No, I don’t get a kickback…I just love knowing you get the best bang for your buck while traveling! (that’s why you’re at my site at all, right!?)
How to Get 5% Off: Go to this link and makre sure you use the promo code “EconExcursion” and voila! You’re done!
Note: promo does not work on sites such as booking or expedia
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Planning an Escape to Edelweiss?
Research and book affordable activities on TripAdvisor and Hotels at Booking.com
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3. Ferienwohnungs
A Ferienwohnung is a “Holiday Apartment.” (Think somewhere along the lines of “Condo Rental.”) You pretty much can’t drive anywhere in Garmisch-Partenkirschen without seeing a sign for a Ferienwohnung every few blocks. You an either take your chance and just shop around when you get there or use a trusted site, like Booking.com to find one that fits your particular needs. These are great alternatives to hotels if you want something more private, typically with a kitchen for use, and potentially severally bedrooms. These are great options if going skiing with a group and you want a place to kick back together after a long day on the slopes.
4. Camping
There are camping options in and near Garmisch. Now, if you are new to camping in Germany (and most of Europe), there are a few things you need to note that are different from the US
It is not cheap!
You do not pay $10 for a plot and call it good to pitch your tent.
You will pay per included service
For example, you’ll first pay for the spot for your tent. You then pay per person, per car, per pet, etc. This can start to add up, but depending on how many people you have, it may still be cheaper than some of the local hotels
No bonfires
To me, nothing says camping out like a good bonfire! You won’t find bonfires in Germany, though, due to strict foresting laws. We take a mini camping grill, like this one,
You can stay at the “Camping Resort Zugspitze“, Alpencamp am Wank, or Camping Erlebnis Zugspitze
Whether you are going to Garmisch-Partenkirschen in the winter for some powder, the fall or spring to stand on the tallest mountain in Germany, the Zugspitze, heading to the Alps for some pristine hiking or just wanting a relaxing weekend away in nature, there are great options for lodging and alternatives to Edelweiss Resort. You can find anything from cheap to expensive or simple to luxurious.
Where to Stay in Garmisch
Read reviews to find the perfect place to stay in Garmisch here.
Compare to find the current cheapest accommodation in Garmisch.
Stay at your own personal apartment or home while in Garmisch.
Have you been to Garmisch? This is one of the most talked about themes locally and everyone is always looking for great places to stay. Can you contribute and suggest a great hotel, lodge or apartment for others to get the most out of their stay?
LeAnna Brown
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I’m a bit of a cheapskate and am often skeptical of the ‘must do’ resort that everyone else does. So you are offering some nice advice on less expensive alternatives
Haha I am SO right there with you (hence the post!) Usually those “must do” resorts are the priciest options and you can get just as good of an experience (and often MORE of a local one) if you stay elsewhere
Ferienwohnungs sound like a fun option to me! Would love to check on out sometime. We always love camping as well, but I agree, always sad when you can’t have bonfires! Looks like a great area to check out sometime!
I loved the headboard on the bed at Hotel Rheinischer Hof! Thanks for all the detailed options and great descriptions! What a great place to visit…
Wasn’t it so cool!? I loved the small details like that all throughout the hotel!
I love the S’more advice for making friends. I remember a wilderness survival teacher of mine first describing camping in Europe sans campfires… it’s just not the same!
I know…what is a good camping night without a bonfire?! Oh well, we make do with what we have 🙂
Hotel Rheinischer Hof looks like a great option and the restaurant prices are very good. I haven’t been to this part of Germany but I would love to thanks for the tips.
Oh, you just HAVE to make it to the German Alps! So much cheaper than the Swiss counterparts and oh-so-gorgeous!
I always found it really strange how campings could be really expensive at some places. Sometimes it is more expensive to pitch your tent rather than to rent a cabin at the same camp.
Garmisch looks like a really nice place to explore 🙂
I know, right!? Especially coming from the US where it’s like $10 to grab a plot to tent camp! But I will say, European campsites are often VERY clean, have great amenities, etc so I guess you get what you pay for.
I always stayed on post when I could while traveling through Europe. They offer some really great lodging options.Great post and very helpful for people traveling on a budget!
We’ve stayed at the Army Lodging several times instead of Edelweiss to save some $, but there is also just something about staying a local guesthouse that feels so much more authentic!
I don’t know much about Garmisch or the Edelweiss Resort, but it looks like there are some great budget alternatives. I love doing home rentals, so that would probably be my pick!
Like most places, there is a whole range of price accommodations, but I agree…I’m all about the budget options!
These all sound fabulous! Great post and photos, thanks for sharing. Happy travels 🙂
Love that you mentioned alternatives! I like looking at several options before I book accomodations. I’m surprised that camping in Europe isnt cheap! Good to know.
We’ve never been to Edelweiss and have exactly zero desire to go. When you’re stationed overseas, we go on vacation to get the hell away from all things military. I just think that people don’t realize there are alternatives or that they think any other option just isn’t affordable.
I think so many military members want a “taste of home” (especially those that didn’t choose to get stationed overseas originally) so it’s nice that they have those options. For us, though, we are taking our time over here as a full excuse to travel and see as much of the world as we can WHILE we can!
I agree, I might end up going to the popular choice, it’s often popular for a reason, but I do always like to know what the other options are before I book. The self contained holiday apartment options are a favourite with us, I love to explore the best of local produce and being able to prepare at least some of our meals means we generally eat healthier and more economically.