Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Beautifully Bavarian, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

As soon as I stepped out of my hotel I was enchanted, there is no other word for it. Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria is surrounded by the Ester Mountains also known as the Bavarian Alps, a spur of the Alps. These mountains form a dramatic backdrop for this popular year-round resort – or more correctly two resorts inextricably linked after they combined resources during the Winter Olympics of 1936.

Across the road was the old Apothke, around the corner was the pretty eighteenth century church of St Martin and across the square some the shady umbrellas of a beer garden. Where to start? The church was the closest so I popped in there. It was stunning. Built by famous master builder and stucco-artist from Wessobrunn, Josef Schmutzer and decorated by beautiful frescoes by Matthäus Günther. I was captivated and it was a while before I could drag myself outside again. The next stop was the nearest beer garden where I could become re-acquainted with a famous Bavarian dish – white sausages with sweet mustard. I even remembered how to peel the skin off before savouring this delicacy. Rested and refreshed I was ready to explore further and thoroughly enjoyed wandering through the streets browsing the boutiques and admiring the murals on the buildings. The Bavarians have traditionally decorated the exteriors of their buildings with with both religious and historic paintings. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).