The Zugspitze massif close to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the highest mountain in Germany. Thanks to the ski lifts, which even run in the summer, you can enjoy a breathtaking snow-capped view and descend its slopes for a regenerating bathe in the waters of the alpine Eibsee Lake on the same day.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which you can get to in just over an hour from Munich by train or car, is a must for mountain and outdoor lovers. This renowned winter ski resort is an enchanting place during the summer season. Nestled among the North Tyrol Limestone Alps, it overlooks a valley between green meadows and dense coniferous forests that embrace its mountains and thin out over the limestone masses and the majestic pinnacles of its peaks.
The frescoed houses of this graceful Alpine landscape are characteristic of Upper Bavaria, but one imposing peak is what makes it truly distinctive: the Zugspitze (2952 m.)
Hiking trails and ski lifts in summer
You can reach the Zugspitze on foot, but you need expert feet because there’s a climb of around 2000 metres and to reach the famous golden summit cross you have to traverse a final via ferrata stretch. Stick with it!
The summit of the Zugspitze can also be reached entirely by ski lift.
You can opt for various trails in the surrounding area, alternating between equipped refuges and cable cars for the most inaccessible sections, taking advantage of well-signposted paths to best enjoy hiking suitable even for the littlest ones.
Be mindful though, and remember that you need to plan any mountain excursion carefully. We recommend heading to the official tourist information point or one of the ticket offices at the foot of the complex the day before to ask for further information.
Zugspitze’s younger siblings: Alpspitze and Kreuzeck
Whatever your choice, you can rely on a network of cable cars, gondolas and trains to visit the area and reach the neighbouring peaks.
- From the Alpspitzbahn – Kreuzeckbahn resort, go up by cable car to admire the smaller Kreuzeck peak. For the brave-hearted, a cable car takes you to Alpspitze’s panoramic viewing platform, AlpspiX. This platform suspended over a void affords you a jaw-dropping panorama.
- If, however, it is the majestic Zug that interests you, you’ll need to head to Grainau, which is fewer than 10 minutes away by car, or you can hop on a small train with a slightly retro charm, crossing part of the valley and pastures to reach the foot of the great mountain.
At this point, you’ll be faced with a big dilemma: how to get to the top?
From the cogwheel train to the largest glacier in Germany
In Grainau, after a short descent, hop on the cogwheel train to head towards the glacier, at 2600metres above sea level. Before reaching its destination, the train stops in the picturesque town of Eibsee, where a cable car is also available for those who wish to reach the summit of the Zugspitze directly. It seems incredible that the train could ‘climb’ the 2600 metres of this steep mountain. The answer is hidden in a tunnel dug inside the mountain itself, a mammoth structure built between 1928 and 1930. At 4500 metres long, the tunnel overcomes a climb of 1100 metres and is a source of pride for German engineering. At the top, a comfortable refuge and restaurant, the SonnAlpin welcomes you with a breathtaking view of the largest glacier in Germany: the Schneeferner. Sledging and snowballs are guaranteed at certain times of the year.
Destinations
Eibsee Lake: an extraordinary beauty
At the foot of the Zugspitze is the alpine Eibsee Lake. We suggest dedicating an entire day to visiting this heavenly place, allowing yourself the luxury of a picnic on one of the scenic beaches along the shores of the lake. Weather permitting, diving into the crystal-clear water and visiting the islands aboard a rented pedal boat is a must-have experience.
The path running along the entire perimeter of the basin offers spectacular scenery in any season. There’s no particularly demanding ascent or descent, making it suitable for all ages, and it offers enchanting panoramic corners.
Still have doubts?
