The highest peak in Germany is the Zugspitze. With its glacier and its panoramic platforms, you will be able to admire sharp summits covered in snow. You can get to the top via a cable car with great views or the cogwheel train. Discover the journey in pictures.
INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Zugspitze
Standing at at 2,962 m (9,718 ft) above sea level, the Zugspitze is at the border of Germany and Austria. A border you can cross on the top platform! This is the most touristic place at Garmisch but I was there almost alone because I chose the option that was getting me there the ealier possible ( See the section how to get there). After my discovery of the surroundings on Wankberg it was nice to get higher and get another perspective.
It is a fantastic destination for a day trip from Munich.
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS - Zugspitze
Getting to Zugspitze
There are 3 options to reach the summit of Zugspitze:
- The cogwheel train from Garmisch to the glacier and the cable car to the top – easiest solution, but no interesting view and crowded
- The cable car from Eibsee – implies driving or taking the bus to Eibsee, incredible views on the way up, not for those with height problems
- The cable car from Austria – well, I cannot tell you about that one because I was in Germany
My goal was to arrive at the top the earliest possible to get the best light so my solution was:
- Early morning light blue bus to Eibsee
- Cable car to the top (starting at 8am)
- Enjoying the top platform
- Cable car down to the glacier
- Spending some time on the glacier
- Underground train back to Garmisch
This was a perfect solution because:
- I could arrive more than an hour before the big crowds from the train
- We were only 3 tourists on the first cable car ride and had the platform and silence just for ourselves
- Plus there were no clouds when I arrived and it was all covered when I left.
- I was back at noon and had the rest of the day to explore more in Garmisch-Partenkirschen such as the Partnach gorge
For your information, there is a card that allows you to get up and down with any combination of transportation you want – it is the roundtrip and as off August 2014 it cost 51 euros.
Visiting Zugspitze
- Both at the platform and down at the glacier, there are all necessary amenities.
- At the platform you can step foot in Austria (and even go down there via their cable car)
- Wear good shoes and warm clothes. It is high and your are going on a glacier!
ZUGSPITZE VIEWING PLATFORM
The platform is quite large and runs all around with incredible views in all directions. You can even cross to the Austrian part of it when the Tyrolean cable car arrives.
ZUGSPITZE GLACIER
After the platform I when down to the glacier and enjoyed some time in the snow
until the clouds arrived
EIBSEE TO ZUGSPITZE CABLE CAR
And just to convince this is a great solution, here are some pictures taken from the steep cable car to the top of the Zugspitze with beautiful views of Eibsee:
It is amazing how easy it is to reach the highest peak in Germany, don’t you think?
HELLO,
At what of the year did you go? I will be traveling from Colombia to Germany anext week, and on June 1 will be visiting the alps and your post has helped me a lot understand how to get there. But I am still wondering what type of cloting I have to wear to go up. Since I am traveling for several days the baggage weight is an issue.
Thank you for your guidance.
Hi
I visited in May.
It is at almost 3000m so you can have any kind of weather and temperature all year round.
It depends on the wind and the humidity.
I recommend bringing layers, as well as gloves and hat.
Have a great trip!