Edelweiss Lodge Trip Report

So you’ve decided to go to Edelweiss Lodge in Garmisch to get some fresh air and mountain views? I went for the first time and this was my experience at Armed Forces Recreation Center’s premier winter lodge in Garmisch Germany. Learn a few cool spots to visit and what to expect from this family-fun spot!

Helpful Edelweiss Links

• Edelweiss Lodge Official Website
• Edelweiss Lodge Car Gate
• Edelweiss Pedestrian Gate
• Dinner Spot
• AAFES Gas Station

The Lodge

Edelweiss Lodge is in a unique spot on the edge of Garmisch Germany near the mountains. Its claim to fame is its winter access to skiing, boarding, cross-country skiing, and hiking. You can also experience the Dachau Concentration Camp tour and Partnach Gorge tour all from the lodge and planned for you. This could be a great option for busy individuals who just need it planned and then pay. Just make sure to check which day the tours go because Sunday was a common day for many of these tours.

Food Options at Edelweiss

There are two main food options at the lodge. The first is Pullman’s and the second is Zuggy’s. Pullman’s is the main restaurant area for breakfast, lunch, and dinner options on the main floor of the lodge. We got our breakfast buffet here and were able to get a cafeteria-line-style lunch here on Sunday.

Zuggy’s is in the lower lobby area and is more of a bar area than a restaurant. It is family-friendly but it is dimly lit, louder, and has a bar area with TVs. It’s also right across from the pool area and is a sitting area for lots of adults as their kids go to and from the pool area. They have pretty standard bar food like chicken wings and beer so be sure to have a seat and enjoy the TV and a drink!

Lodge Activities

The main draw is obviously the alpine environment of Garmisch. It’s been the home of the German Alpine experience for many years. The skiing, history, hiking, and outdoor adventures are the main draw to the area. The lodge does have plenty of opportunities to join in these activities and there’s even a ski lift just a few minutes away! Check with the front desk to see what they offer.

The second draw is the swimming pool and hot tub. The outdoor hot tub is actually hot too! It’s a large hot tub, almost like a swimming pool but with bubbles and a waterfall. It’s great for relaxing and becomes adult only later in the evening. The swimming pool is more of a traditional swimming pool inside. It does have a kid-wading area too. There is a small snack shop right next to it and you can buy food, drinks, and alcohol if you want to enjoy while you’re in the swimming area. Finally, the changing rooms include a small steam room and sauna.

There are also spa options available if you want to get those relaxation services in! There are massages and couples options for many different things. Please check in to make sure they have availability.

The Town

The town of Garmisch is really picturesque and traditionally Bavarian as it gets! There’s a central shopping and walking area that has tons of wonderful shops and small restaurants. There are even a few restaurants along the main road to the west of the central districts which you may also find if you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle.

Logistics

Here are a few logistical items you may want to take note of.

Gas can be purchased at the Artillerie Kaserne across the street from Edelweiss. This is also an army base with part-time military services like the gas station. There is only E-10 and regular 90-octane gas. There is no diesel or premium gas but there is an Esso station in the town if you are unable to use the base option. Plan accordingly.

There is an AAFES PX and a Commissary if you want to buy American-style food for your time in Garmisch. Please check store hours to ensure they are open as the base has limited services.

There is a parking garage under the lodge so your vehicle can be in covered parking. It is a smaller garage but if you have a taller vehicle you can also park outside if needed.

Finally, there is a pedestrian entrance on the northwestern side of the base that is open from 0600-2200 daily. Use the backdoor of the lodge and walk towards the wall and you’ll find it.