Light spectacle in Garmisch-Partenkirchen - a new attempt
Created: 12/22/2022, 2:00 p.m
By: Andreas Seiler
It starts on December 25th: Illuminated figures are supposed to create a Christmas atmosphere in the Michael-Ende-Kurpark.
© GaPa Tourism
After the "Funkelland" trouble in 2019 and the subsequent compulsory Corona break, GaPa Tourism is planning another light show in the Michael-Ende-Kurpark this year - albeit in a slimmed-down version.
The name: "Winter in the Park".
Admission is free this time.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen – The idea has charm and should certainly be well received in the tourist resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen: light installations are intended to conjure up an atmospheric atmosphere in the Michael-Ende Kurpark from Christmas Day to January 15th and invite people to linger and stroll.
"Winter in the Park" is the name of the campaign that GaPa Tourism, the tourism division of the market town, is putting on its feet this year.
15 figures and shapes
The figures and shapes, which can be up to four meters tall – there are 15 in all – are already in place.
The constructions, which GaPa Tourismus has rented from a specialist company, consist of LED light chains, which are switched on daily from 4.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the period in question and let a winter world shine.
"We arranged them so that they tell little stories," reports Christina Langer, who was in charge of organizing the whole thing at GaPa Tourismus.
Local animals were selected, such as a family of deer, a squirrel hiding from a fox, or an ibex on a rock.
But also typical Christmas symbols such as a star stretched across the path are part of it.
There is also a gastro area at the Kurpark-Muschel - a "mixture of Christmas market and street food festival", as Langer notes.
There is a wide range, from burgers to Kaiserschmarrn.
"We appeal to all age groups," says Langer.
"Winter in the Park" is aimed at locals as well as holidaymakers and day visitors who, for example, want to end a day of skiing in a relaxed atmosphere.
Music by bands and a disc jockey can also be heard on three evenings – December 29th and January 5th and 11th.
free entry
No information was given about the costs of the Kurpark event.
Only so much: Part of it is to be financed with the income from the stand fees.
Remarkable: Admission is free this time.
This point caused quite a stir in winter 2019/20 (we reported).
At that time, GaPa Tourismus created a park of lights together with a company specializing in such projects - but on a much larger scale.
"Funkelland" was the name of the presentation planned for several weeks with illuminated animal figures and shapes on the themes of Michael Ende and fantasy.
However, attending the spectacle, which was marketed as a winter highlight in the region, had its price: adults should pay 14 euros, children 8 euros - too much, according to the criticism,
which became loud at a town meeting and on social media.
And finally there was also trouble about the naming rights.
The results were mixed: around 10,000 visitors were counted over 42 days (November 23 to January 6) – fewer than hoped for.
Now GaPa Tourism dares to restart - with a slimmed down concept.
Langer is confident: Such light parks would be very well received in many cities.
