It's not Garmisch alone, it's the area.
I first visited Garmisch in 1969.. it has changed since then, as you would expect. Yes, more commercialized. The 'new' is intermingling with the old and for me that was somewhat off-putting. But I don't mean to sound too harsh... it is still incredible... they, (the citizens), are, thru no fault of their own, caught between capitalizing on Garmisch's popularity and yet trying to maintain it's original quaintness because, after all, that's why people visit. However....
the 'area', I believe, still maintains the charm it held back in 1969. Many small towns are nearby and most have changed little. We drove to Fussen to visit Neuschwanstein, (the most famous castle), but we explored all along the route... and we found some truly amazing places little touched by the modern era. The larger cities near Garmisch are following suit, that is, trying to cash in on the area's popularity.... but many, (most in fact), of the smaller towns were either unable to do so or, I'd like to think, refused to adapt.
There are places, many of them in fact, where you can lose sight of the 'modern' entirely and immerse yourself into the 'romantic' Bavaria.
What I'm saying here is: yes, absolutely, walk the streets of Garmisch... but also - get off the beaten path and explore. - JamesJM
