Along the Austria-Germany border lies Zugspitze, the highest peak in all of Germany. The best part about this peak? There is no hiking required to get to the summit! Here is everything you should know to help plan your visit.
Towering 2,962 meters, or 9,718 feet, above sea level, Zugspitze towers over the beautiful, sleepy surrounding regions of Tyrol, Austria and Bavaria, Germany.
Getting There
There are a few different options to reach the top of Zugspitze. The easiest ways to get to the top are by taking a Cable Car that departs from Eibsee or a Cogwheel Train Ride that finishes with a shorter cable car ride to the top.
We chose to take the Cable Car as we wanted to have more time at the top, and a shorter ride. You can also choose to do the train on your way up, and the cable car down, and vice versa.
Tickets to the top via cable car aren’t cheap. At the top of my visit, they were roughly 69.00 per adult with discounts for families, children, and students.
When to Arrive
On fair weather days I recommend arriving before 9:30am. This ensures that you get a parking space, and avoid the traffic that can build up on the way to lake Eibsee (there is only one road!).
The cable car can have long lines, even though they fit roughly 100 passengers at one time. We were one of the first to board, and managed to get a spot by the windows to take in the beautiful views as we ascended.
What to Expect at the Summit
Once you get to the top, there are more things to do than you would expect, and plenty of views to take in.
The main summit area has both indoor and outdoor viewing platforms with seating scattered throughout. If you are visiting in the winter like we did, this is great because you can stay outdoors in the cold mountain air for short spurts of time, and then retreat inside out of the wind!
Inside, there is more to do than just take in the views! You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or cafes.
In the summer months, climb to the historic golden summit cross. You must have good shoes, and be prepared to scramble over the rocks.
Take a second cable car down to Zugspitzplatt, the glacier area. Here you can visit the Maria Heimsuchung Chapel (Germany’s highest church), or go tobogganing down the glacier snow!
Want a bit more physical activity? There are hiking trails around the Zugspitze in the summer months. In the winter, if you are interested in winter sports, you can ski or snowboard!
Tips for a Successful Visit
Dress for the summit! We visited Zugpsitze in early Octover and there was plenty of snow on the ground! Boots, gloves, a hat, and a good jacket will all make your visit more enjoyable. Check the weather before you visit. A stormy day won’t be worth the trip, so stay flexible.
TIP: Bring sunglasses!
If you are sensitive to changes in altitude, be sure to drink a lot of water and take it slow your first hour at the summit.
Want to remember your trip? I definitely did. We hit the souvenir shop located at the summit and grabbed some postcards to send back to our family and friends in the US. The shop sold stamps, and there was a post box right outside the store. You are able to add an additional ink stamp on as well that indicates the postcard was sent from the summit!
Conclusion
Visiting Zugspitze is such a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. This adventure is accessible to folks of all fitness levels, and the view is not exclusive to those who are physically capable of summiting the mountain. Whether you choose to toboggan, eat a delicious meal with a great view, or take pictures of the gorgeous surrounding mountain peaks, Zugspitze has something for everyone and is not to be missed.
Have you been to Zugspitze? Let me know about your experience in the comments down below!