The Zugspitze near Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Summit bliss in Bavaria
Up on 3,000 meters above sea level, on Germany’s highest mountain. High above the clouds, surrounded by infinite freedom. Up on the Zugspitze, you’re greeted by a breathtaking 360-degree-view of more than 400 summits.
Take your time and breathe deeply. Far away from the everyday hustle and bustle, look off into the distance. Drunk on fresh mountain air, you savour the moment and realize: This impression will stay with you for a very long time.
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The pinnacle of mountain enthusiasm
The Zugspitze is a paradise for passionate hikers, action lovers and pleasure-seekers. The Northern Limestone Alps are where Germany’s and Austria’s mountains join hands, with the impressive “Southern Schneeferner”, “Northern Schneeferner” and “Höllentalferner” glaciers all within reach.
The first recorded ascent of Zugspitze was on August 27, 1820, when officer Josef Naus, his survey assistant Maier and mountain guide Johann Georg Tauschl set out to conquer the summit by order of the Royal Bavarian Topographic Bureau. The famous golden summit cross towering above the Wetterstein mountains was put up on initiative of local priest Christoph Ott in 1851.
Did you know? Germany’s highest mountain was named after the “Zugbahnen” or avalanche paths down the mountain’s notoriously steep north face and summit.

Interesting facts about the Zugspitze
- Germany’s only glacier ski resort
- Germany’s highest church near the glacier at 3,000 meters above sea level, inaugurated by J. Cardinal Ratzinger
- panoramic views of around 400 summits in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy
- three cable cars going up to the summit
- The third cable car was opened in 2017, breaking three technical world records.
Hiking up the Zugspitze
You would like to conquer Germany’s highest mountain on foot? Feel like standing right beside the summit cross, bursting with pride that you have made it up there, rewarded with unforgettable views? Whether you’re an experienced mountain athlete with climbing skills or a sure-footed hiker – many paths lead to the summit of the Zugspitze.
The easy route through the Rein valley or a more challenging tour through Hell Valley – check out the GaPa tour planner for your individual route up the Zugspitze.
By the way: The best month to hike up the Zugspitze is August, as it is the month with the lowest avalanche risk.

To the top with the Zugspitzbahn cable car
You don’t have to be an avid hiker to get to the top of the Zugspitze. Just hop on the Zugspitzbahn cable car and take a leisurely ride from the Zugspitzbahnhof in Garmisch-Partenkirchen up to the summit!
Did you know? During a ride with the Zugspitzbahn cable car, you will traverse the world’s highest steelwork pylon at 127 metres and cover the world’s greatest overall height difference of 1,945 metres!
Spending the night on Germany’s highest mountain
The starry sky above you and the mountains all around you. In the morning, you look far off into the distance, breathing in the clean mountain air after spending the night only a few metres from the summit cross. Does this sound like something you would like to experience? Then the Münchner Haus, Germany’s highest mountain hut, is just the place for you!
Tying the knot at 2,962 metres above sea level
You’re about to tie the knot and spend the rest of your lives together? You’re looking for an unforgettable location for your big day? Without a doubt, the Zugspitze is one of the world’s most extraordinary places to get married – at 3,000 metres above sea level and surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. The staff of Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s registry office are happy to tell you all about this special opportunity and help you send your marriage off to an exceptional start.
Die Gletscher Der ZUgspitze
In diesem Kurzfilm erfährst du Wissenswertes über die Beschaffenheit des ewigen Eises sowie zu der Pflanzen- und der Tierwelt auf dem höchsten Berg Deutschlands. Tolle Bilder und Grafiken verschaffen dir einen wunderbaren Eindruck für dein Zugspitzerlebnis.
Ein herzliches Dankeschön an die Schüler des Werdefelser Gymnasiums in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, die diesen Film ihm Rahmen ihres P-Seminars produziert haben.

Around the Zugspitze
Garmisch-Partenkirchen and its surrounding region are jam-packed with activities: Discover fascinating natural spectacles, typically Bavarian traditions and a truly inviting atmosphere and meet open-hearted hosts!