AFS 2026: Garmisch-Partenkirchen
About Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, tucked into the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, is one of Germany’s most iconic mountain destinations. Known for its beautiful alpine scenery, it lies beneath the towering Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, which offers sweeping views and year-round adventure. The town blends Bavarian charm with breathtaking nature, lush valleys, sparkling streams, and rugged cliffs invite visitors to hike, ski, and explore in every season.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen itself retains a warm and traditional feel, with painted timber houses, vibrant local culture, and cozy alpine cafés lining its streets. Whether you crave high-altitude thrills or a peaceful escape amid majestic mountains, this alpine gem brings together natural splendor and authentic Bavarian character.
Getting to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Compared to other alpine regions, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is easy to reach.
By air:
Munich Airport (MUC): Located about 120km north of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, this major international hub offers direct connections to destinations across Europe, North America, and Asia. Innsbruck Airport (INN) in Austria is another option, just 60km away, with seasonal flights from several European cities.
By train:
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is well-connected by regional and long-distance trains. There are frequent direct services from Munich, taking roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes. International travelers can easily reach Munich by ICE (German fast train) and onward to Garmisch-Partenkirchen without difficulty.
By car:
Access by car is straightforward via the A95 motorway from Munich, which leads almost directly into the town (travel time around 1 hour and 10 minutes from Munich). Innsbruck can be reached in about 1 hour (or in about 1h hour 30 min via the scenic Fern Pass), and northern Italy is within a 2.5-hour drive via the Brenner highway.
Conference Venue and Hotel
The AFS will take place at the Kongresshaus Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Richard-Strauss-Platz 1, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany), a modern congress and event venue located in the heart of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, from Sunday, August 23 – Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Accommodation for all conference participants is reserved at the Hotel Garmischer Hof (Chamonixstraße 10, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany) from Saturday, August 22 to Wednesday, August 26 for a reduced rate of 169 EUR per night. All participants are expected to attend for the entire duration of the conference.
Hotel Garmischer Hof is a centrally located, family-run hotel in the pedestrian zone of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, just a short walk (about 600 m) from the train station. It blends traditional Bavarian charm with modern comfort and a strong focus on sustainability.
