The Zugspitze
On first blush, one might assume the Zugspitze’s mountain peak exists exclusively as a haven for climbers, hikers, skiers, and all-around outdoor enthusiasts. Although not a poor assumption, Germany’s highest peak is our go-to recommendation to Bavarian newcomers. In fact, ranking higher in my books than Neuschwanstein (Read that review here). With the Zugspitze’s ease of accessibility and dizzying Alpine vistas, The Top of Germany will make even the least experienced traveler feel like an Alpine conqueror. Still not sold? Check out my YouTube video below showcasing the very best this daytrip has to offer. Then, when you’re ready to put pencil to paper, keep reading after the break for in depth details.
This day trip from Munich involves multiple steps, in what initially appears to be a complicated public transport laden excursion. However fear not, despite the initial anxiety, even the greenest of travelers eventually marvel at this trip’s simplicity. To begin, as with most Munich daytrips, we take an early start from the Munich Hauptbahnhof. With trains departing for or via Garmisch-Partenkirchen every half hour (Though always consult an up to date timetable. I personally use google maps) you’ll easily be able to pick a train that suits your schedule. Now since getting to the peak itself is quite time consuming I myself would recommend the 7:24 or 8:36 train to Mittenwald, via Garmisch-Partenkirchen as to not feel rushed at the peak. Though any train towards Ruette, Mittenwald, or Garmisch-Partnekirchen will do the trick. The earlier the better. With a departure time chosen, prepare yourself. For reasons that will become abundantly clear, you’ll need to arrive an hour earlier to the Munich Hauptbahnhof to take part in some major cost savings.
“Make sure to arrive early if you want to partake in the cost savings!”
My early departure recommendation accounts for mostly ticket purchasing, as DeutscheBahn offers an unusually generous Zugspitze combo ticket, more than justifying the early start. So, rather than purchasing a train ticket to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (26 euro Bayern ticket) then a Zugspitzbahn ticket (80 euros), sacrifice some extra sleep in the annoyingly slow, but fiscally responsible DeutschBahn Reisezentrum (Ticket Office) line for a 60 euros per person round trip.
Ticket in hand, head to your train’s platform. Unless you’ve also purchased a reservation, open seating rules generally apply in all the non-first class cabins. Board the train as early as you can to claim (if you need it) the coveted 4 person booth with table, and relax for the next hour as the Bavarian Countryside gingerly rolls on by.
Once at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen station, follow signs down the platform stairs, through a tunnel, and to the Zugspitzbahn station. Which is a cute yellow building just outside the tunnel. If you end up at the normal train station/platform 1 then you went the wrong way in the tunnel and will need to turn around. Follow the crowd leftwards from the tunnel exit towards the outdoor ticket booth and prepare for another train ride! Not just any old train though, now you get the pleasure of riding a cogwheel train. I’ll save you the trouble of reading me wax on about the glory of cogwheel trains, but it might be worth your while to give it a wikipedia walk. Exchange your voucher at the booth for your ticket, board the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn, and get ready for the 45 minute cogwheel ride up through the Alps. Don’t get too comfy and fall asleep straight away though, as about half an hour into the cogwheel train journey, you’ll face the Eibsee dilemma.
“My favorite time to visit is during winter, but you could easily enjoy a summer jaunt on the mountain.”
Eibsee Station offers you two travel options:
Option 1: Leave the train, walk across the parking lot to the giant Seilbahn gondola with a direct and harrowing connection to the Zugspitze peak. This option proves helpful for those short on time and patience, as it skips the glacier valley with a lightning-fast ascent. Once at the peak, take your time enjoying a shockingly good meal at the café, incomparable views, an overly large beer on the deck, and a sneaky EU border crossing. Fun Fact: The Zugspitze peak facility occupies both Germany and Austria, and unlike the before times of the long long ago, tourists may cross the border as many times as they wish without the headache of customs and border control. Afterward, you can take the smaller Gletscherbahn (cable car) to the glacier valley below. This area offers plenty of activities and is the final stop for the cogwheel train.
Option 2: Remain on the cogwheel train, ascending slowly and surely towards the Zugspitze glacier valley, where passengers can explore Germany’s highest church, the igloo hotel, sledding, and of course…more beer. This option works well for those daunted by the enormity of the Seilbahn cable car from Eibsee to the Zugspitze peak. It’s also great if you need more time acclimating to lower air pressure as some people do. After exploring the glacier, you may choose to take the Gletscherbahn small cable car the rest of the way to the peak. If heights frighten you, this smaller, quicker gondola might prove a more manageable option.
For the very brave among you!
Only available during favorable summer weather; from the cafe, you can quickly nip outside and have a climb to the peak.
Passengers descend with option 1 or 2 reversed. The chosen method of ascent has no bearing on your descent, so feel free to mix and match. The first time I went I used the cogwheel train to go up, and the massive cable car to get back down. Bear in mind, you can travel between the peak and glacier an unlimited amount of times but you may only ascend and descend the mountain once per ticket. For those who left Munich sufficiently early, my recommendation is to explore the village of Garmisch-Partenkirchen before coming back to Munich, perhaps even stay the night as it’s a well-loved destination in and of itself. The village center is about a 15-minute walk from the main train station, offering a beautiful high street with some cute shops and restaurants. Perhaps consider having a hearty meal, and another beer, to celebrate your mountain conquest.
“The best part about winter trips? The sun sets soon enough to be seen from the top!”
Well, that’s about it for the Zugpitze. If you’ve found this guide, or my video, helpful then please consider subscribing to our YouTube channel or checking out more of our guides, as we have plenty more Munich day trips to show you!
