How to visit Zugspitze?

In today's world, more and more people can afford to travel. Everyone wants to see something unusual, breathtaking. Many of the most famous tourist attractions can capture the attention of any traveler. But what place on the "must-see" list to choose if you are traveling in Germany?

If you are crazy about mountain ranges and beautiful nature, clean mountain air, and blue skies, then you need to visit the highest mountain in Germany, Zugspitze.

What is Zugspitze?

Germany can be proud of its magnificent alpine peaks; you even have no idea how many mountains are in Germany. Of course, one of them, the highest and steepest, attracts crowds of tourists from all over the world every year. We are talking about Mount Zugspitze, which reaches a height of 2,962 m. It is rightfully considered Germany's highest mountain, but when we talk about the Alps as a whole, everyone knows that some mountain ranges are located in Austria.

So, among all the mountains in the Alps, the highest peaks are in Austria, reaching 3798 m. However, today we are talking about Germany and its mountain massif, including the famous peak. Zugspitze is renowned both as a ski resort and simply as an Alpine attraction, so it is interesting for all tourists at any time of year.

Location of Zugspitze in Germany

Bavaria is the southern part of the German lands and has a long and eventful history. And what a beautiful nature it has! Moving from Munich - the capital of Bavaria - to the south, you move higher and higher, and finally, you find yourself at the top of the German - Zugspitze.

The western part of the mountain belongs to Austria, so you can also visit from Salzburg, for example. You can see four countries from the top - Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. The mountain was named Zugspitze in 1590. And before that, the name Scharte was used. Some people assume that the name Zugspitze originated from the German "Zugbahnen" - the trace of an avalanche, and "Spitze," that in translation means the peak.

The Zugspitze massif currently has three glaciers - Höllentalferner, Sneeferner, and Nördlicher Sneeferner. There was a hotel at the foot of the Sneeferner glacier until 1996. But then there was built an observatory, where now scientists work. More than 300 caves have been discovered near the Zugspitze plateau, and some of them are even open for visitors. Höllentalferner is a glacier located in a rocky bowl between Riefelvandspitzen and Zugspitze. It is well protected from direct sunlight and covers the upper part of the Göllental valley. Nördlicher Sneeferner in the Bavarian Alps is Germany's tallest and largest glacier. It is located on the Zugspitzplatt.

Zugspitze has an unusual shape. From the east, the mountain abruptly breaks off in the direction of the valley. This is not a natural feature but the result of human activity. In 1930, the central part of the mountain collapsed when the authorities wanted to lay a new lifts line along with it. And in 1938, the western slope was blown up to create an airfield for the armed forces. However, it was never built.

The history of ascents on Zugspitze begins in the 19th century. Today Zugspitze is very popular among fans of winter sports, climbers, delta-gliders, and lovers of summer hiking. There are numerous trails of varying duration and difficulty.

Climbing Zugspitze

If you plan on visiting the Zugspitze, then you should consider several options for getting there. Tourists can mainly be divided into two main groups. The first group prefers comfortable and fast movement, and the second group consists of very active people. They'd like to conquer the mountain peak on their own, climbing slowly upwards one meter after another. Now you will learn about the different options for ascending the mountain, which will suit all types of visitors.

Zugspitze Train

German engineers have invented and built a unique railway so that you don't have to climb up on foot or deal with mountaineering equipment. Now anyone can quickly go high in the mountains and see the magnificent scenery.

All you have to do is take the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen at Munich Railway Station and start your Zugspitze tour.
Then, upon arrival at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you should buy a special ticket, which costs about 48 euros this year, at the Zugspitze tickets office and get in the car of the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn cogged railway.
Half hour trip in a small wagon through a snow-covered valley in the mountains that rise steeply upwards is a great pleasure. Almost every train stop is near the cable car stations.
The final stop of this train is the Eibsee station. Here everyone transfers to another train, which can ride up the steep mountains. At first, the train goes up through the forest, and then, after the Riffelriss stop, it enters a tunnel.
After several minutes in darkness, you'll arrive at the Platt station (plateau). If you want to see what sits atop the German's highest peak Zugspitze, then upon arrival at this station, you can take the Gletscherbahn funicular that will take you to the very top of Zugspitze. You will see a large mountain station, all sorts of facilities for installing communication antennas and all kinds of meteorological equipment. The observation deck at the top of Zugspitze has binoculars, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and a small museum with information about the Zugspitze mountain range, funicular construction, nature, and climate.

Zugspitze Cable Car

Zugspitze cable cars are a second way to quickly and efficiently get to the top, which costs the same as the train. If you are not afraid of heights, then you will really enjoy this type of transportation. The cable carriages (unlike the train) arrive at the very peak of the mountain. If you like a thrill, you will definitely feel it when you get to the top because the wagon will be so close to the rock that it will seem as if you can touch it.

Zugspitze by car

You can easily reach Garmisch-Partenkirchen or Lake Eibsee in two hours from Munich by car. From there, you can take a train or a funicular. If you used a flight to reach the region, the option of car rental at Munich airport is always available.

There is paid parking near Lake Eibsee, which costs €4 per day. For convenience, the funicular entrance is located very close to it.

Zugspitze hike

If you are a hiking enthusiast, you have an opportunity to climb to the top of a mountain by choosing one of the five possible routes. These routes take on average from 8 to 10 hours of your time. It is worth saying that you will only be able to afford such a pleasure in one of the summer months when there is not much snow on the peaks. Of course, you have to be realistic about your physical state and understand whether you will be able to get to the top. We also advise you to take the necessary equipment with you and choose a suitable route for you.

Where to stay when visiting Zugspitze

If you plan to spend a few days in the mountains to better look at everything, you should book a hotel and know the prices. One of the most popular hotels is the Eibsee Hotel.

It is very conveniently located and has spa facilities, swimming pools, restaurants with delicious food, and view rooms. On average, the price of a family room starts at $250 and increases during the winter holidays.

When is the best time to visit Zugspitze?

Naturally, everyone is concerned about when it is best to plan your Zugspitze visit. If you go to Zugspitze in December, for example, or any other winter month, you need to understand that it will be freezing and windy there. However, this time is ideal for skiing enthusiasts. We certainly recommend that you stock up on thermal clothes, gloves, jumpers, and warm jackets. If you like warmer weather and hiking, it is definitely worth visiting Zugspitze mountain in summer. It will not be so cold and windy so that you can enjoy the beautiful views.

What else is there to see near Zugspitze?

At the foot of Zugspitze lies an incredibly beautiful mountain lake called Eibsee. You must visit this lake with unusually clear water and a fantastic view of Zugspitze! For your convenience, there are also cafes and restaurants on the shore. A 7-kilometer-long pedestrian route around the lake is open at any time of year. Also, to visit all the resort sights, check out the Zugspitze map, where you can find all museums and attractions.

Some Amazing Zugspitze facts

- The lowest temperature ever measured at the top: minus 35.6°C (95°F).

- The 1st successful ascent was on the 27th of August 1820.

- 500,000 tourists visit resorts per year.

Is It Worth Traveling There?

There is no doubt that everyone should visit the top of Zugspitze and enjoy these breathtaking views. The beauty of the Alpine mountains is open to everyone! So, don't hesitate to check out the Zugspitze information with current prices on their website and go towards new impressions.

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