HIGH ABOVE THE CLOUDS
Zugspitze
The Zugspitze near Garmisch-Partenkirchen
ADVENTURES AT THE HIGHEST POINT OF GERMANY
At the highest point in Germany at almost 3,000 meters. High above the clouds and where freedom seems endless. If you take the Zugspitze cable car or the cog railroad to the Zugspitze, you can expect a breathtaking 360-degree panorama with around 400 peaks all around.
The round trip includes a stay on the Zugspitzplatt and an impressive ride on the glacier cable car. Germany's only glacier ski area is located on the Zugspitzplatt in winter. In summer, you can enjoy the glacier circular trail past the Maria Heimsuchung chapel to the so-called "Windloch" with its breathtaking view into the depths. At the top of the summit, modern gastronomy, changing exhibitions and a view of the via ferrata await.
Take some time to take a deep breath. Far away from everyday life, your gaze wanders into the distance. Intoxicated by the fresh mountain air, enjoy the moment and realize that you won't forget this moment up here any time soon.
A MOUNTAIN FOR SUMMITEERS
The Zugspitze is a true Eldorado for mountain enthusiasts, adventure-seekers and connoisseurs. German and Austrian mountains join hands here in the Northern Limestone Alps. The impressive glaciers "Südlicher Schneeferner", "Nördlicher Schneeferner" and "Höllentalferner" are in the immediate surrounding area.
According to history books, the Zugspitze was first climbed on August 27, 1820. Lieutenant Josef Naus, his measuring assistant Maier and mountain guide Johann Georg Tauschl ventured to the summit on behalf of the "Königlich Bairischen Topographischen Bureaus". The famous golden summit cross was erected in 1851 on the initiative of priest Christoph Ott and has been enthroned high above the Wetterstein mountains ever since.
Would you have known? Germany's highest mountain got its name from the "trajectories" of the snow avalanches that regularly fell down the steep north faces and from the summit.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE ZUGSPITZE
- Germany's only glacier ski area
- Germany's highest church, in the immediate surrounding of the glacier at almost 3,000 meters above sea level, consecrated in 1981 by J. Cardinal Ratzinger
- Panoramic views of around 400 peaks in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy
- Three cable cars lead to the summit.
- The third cable car opened in 2017. A total of three technical world records were set.
CLIMBING THE ZUGSPITZE
Would you like to climb the highest mountain in Germany? Stand next to the summit cross and feel the incredible feeling of having made it? Rewarded by unforgettable views? No matter whether you are an experienced mountaineer with climbing experience or a solid hiker - many paths lead to the Zugspitze.
Whether it's the easier option through the Reintal valley or the challenging tour via the Höllental valley - find your individual Zugspitze route in the GaPa tour planner.
By the way: The best time to climb the Zugspitze is from mid-June to mid-September. The risk of avalanches is lowest at this time.
TO THE TOP WITH THE ZUGSPITZBAHN
You don't have to be a hiking enthusiast to reach the Zugspitze. The comfortable journey to lofty heights begins at the Zugspitze station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Who would have thought it: on the ride with the Zugspitze cable car, you pass the world's highest steel construction support at 127 meters and at the same time cover the world's greatest total height difference of 1,945 meters.
You can find all the information about tickets, prices and travel times here.
STAY OVERNIGHT ON GERMANY'S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN
The sky above you, the mountains all around. In the morning, let your gaze wander into the distance. Breathe in the fresh mountain air after spending the night just a few meters from the summit cross. Does that sound like something you really want to experience? Then the Münchner Haus - Germany's highest mountain hut - is the right place for you!
Have you always dreamed of spending the night in an ice hotel? Then you should definitely visit the Igloo Village Zugspitze during the winter season!
SAY "YES" AT AN ALTITUDE OF 2,962 METERS
Vow eternal love and go through life as a couple from now on. A marriage vow requires an unforgettable setting. The Zugspitze is a very special place to say "I will". At an altitude of 3,000 meters, with a breathtaking mountain panorama in the background. Let the staff at the registry office in Garmisch-Patenkirchen advise you - for an unforgettable start to your married life.
