Werdenfels Castle Ruins
Burgruine Werdenfels
The ruins of a 13th-century castle standing on a rocky outcrop in the forest north of the town. A walk up the hill offers views over the Loisach valley and the Wetterstein peaks.
Werdenfels Castle was begun around 1180 to 1230. It was once the administrative centre of the County of Werdenfels, a territory of the Prince-Bishopric of Freising, and the region took its name, 'Werdenfelser Land', from it. It was abandoned after the 18th century, and today its walls and tower foundations survive. Entry is free. From the car parks at Schmölzersee or Pflegersee on the north side of Garmisch, a forest trail takes about 30 to 45 minutes to climb. The castle terrace has wide views, and you can see Zugspitze in the distance. It can be combined with the small Pflegersee lake for a light half-day hike.
Opening hours
Open all day; free admission
Nearby sights
- Old Church of St. Martin
- Michael Ende Kurpark
- Pilgrimage Church of St. Anton
- Ludwigstraße Partenkirchen
- Werdenfels Museum
- Garmisch-Classic Ski Area
- Riessersee
- Olympic Ski Stadium & Große Olympiaschanze