Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a market town in Bavaria (population in 1983 c.28,114), in the extreme south-west of Germany, at the junction of the deep Loisach and Partnach valleys. It is 2300 feet above sea level in the Bavarian Alps, at the foot of the Eckenburg, as well as the Zugspitze (9,721 feet or 2,963 metres high), the highest mountain in Germany. Originally two ancient villages of Garmisch and Partenkirchen which became united, the union was finally chartered in 1935. The area retains much of its rural character. It is a health and winter sports resort, with rack and cable railways, and summer mountain-climbing facilities.[1]
Having ski facilities, it was the scene of the 1936 Winter Olympics, which left the town with greatly improved winter sports facilities and an Olympic skating rink. The Games here were covered in book format.[2]
The famous composer Richard Strauss had his home in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and died there on September 8, 1949, following surgery in Switzerland the previous May. His house is kept exactly as he left it and is open to the public.[3]
References
- ↑ Encyclopaedia Britannica, 15th edition, Micropaedia, vol.5, Chicago, 1990, p.127.
- ↑ Die Olympischen Spiele 1936, Band 1 (volume 1), Germany, 1936.
- ↑ http://www.chambermusicians.org.uk/villa_strauss.htm
