Zugspitze Mountain Guide | Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria

Summit Germany's highest peak with spectacular views

Visit a unique igloo hotel and Germany's highest church

Experience both German and Austrian viewing terraces

Enjoy year-round activities from skiing to tobogganing

Easy difficulty
Full Day duration
High cost
Train transport
2962m elevation
Year-round best season

❀️ Why We Love This Trip

πŸŒ† Cities πŸŒ… Day Trips πŸ₯Ύ Hiking 🌲 Nature 🏘 Towns πŸ‘¨ Family Fun πŸ—» Viewpoints ❄️ Winter 🚑 Cable Cars
Zugspitze offers an unparalleled Alpine experience as Germany's highest peak, accessible to both adventurers and casual visitors alike. The journey combines historic cogwheel trains and modern cable cars to reach stunning viewpoints where you can literally stand in two countries at once. Unlike typical mountain experiences, Zugspitze features unique attractions including Germany's highest church, an impressive igloo hotel with ice sculptures, and Germany's only glacial skiing area. The mountain caters to all seasons, offering skiing in winter, hiking in summer, and spectacular views year-round. The dual personality of the base town Garmisch-Partenkirchen adds cultural depth to your visit, with its blend of traditional Bavarian architecture and modern amenities. Perfect for both adrenaline seekers and those simply wanting to enjoy a coffee at Germany's highest point, Zugspitze represents the pinnacle of accessible Alpine tourism.

Your Day Trip Timeline

1

Depart Munich Central Station

Early morning train (7:00-7:30) to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

2

Arrive Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Transfer to Zugspitzbahn station for cogwheel train

3

Take cogwheel train from Garmisch

Departs every :15 past the hour, 45-minute journey

4

Arrive at Zugspitzplatt Glacier

Germany's only glacial skiing area

5

Explore Zugspitzplatt Glacier

Visit Germany's highest church (Maria Heimsuchung) and igloo hotel

6

Activities at Glacier Level

Try tobogganing, visit igloo hotel bar, warm up at restaurant

7

Take short gondola to summit

Experience both German and Austrian viewing terraces

8

Summit activities

Visit Bavarian cafe (Dallmayr) and Austrian terrace cafes

9

Return journey options

Either cogwheel train or Eibsee cable car (last departure 16:45)

10

Explore Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Visit Ludwig Strasse in Partenkirchen for traditional buildings and murals

11

Evening in town

Different vibes in modern Garmisch vs traditional Partenkirchen areas

πŸ—ΊοΈ Interactive Map

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