From Garmisch to the Zugspitze:
to Germany's highest peak
At 2,962 metres, the Zugspitze is not only the highest mountain in Germany, but also a symbol of alpine freedom. It rises majestically above Garmisch-Partenkirchen and is a paradise for all those who love nature and want to get up high. Whether by cable car, cog railway or on foot: there are many ways to get from Garmisch to the Zugspitze and enjoy the mountain feeling to the full.
The Zugspitze round trip:
Three railways, one experience
The Zugspitze round trip is a real highlight for anyone who wants to experience the full programme.
- It starts at the Zugspitze railway station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: The cog railway takes you comfortably via Grainau and the Eibsee lake to the Zugspitzplatt. Highlights such as the Glacier Adventure Trail and the small Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary - the highest church in Germany - await you there.
- Afterwards, take the glacier railway to the summit, where a 360-degree panorama awaits you: over 400 peaks in four countries - a sight you won't soon forget.
- For the return journey, take the Zugspitze cable car back to Eibsee - and from there, take the train or bus back to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Allow around 3 to 4 hours for this round trip. It's best to start early in the day so you have enough time to relax and enjoy the stops. The tour is an unforgettable experience in both summer and winter.
Zugspitze: Activities & Experiences
Zugspitze & Eibsee: two nature highlights in one day
Anyone travelling from Garmisch to the Zugspitze should make time for the Eibsee. Located right at the foot of the mountain, it is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Bavaria. The emerald-green water, the small islands and the panorama of the Zugspitze in the background - it could hardly be more idyllic in the Alps. An ideal day trip looks like this:
Take the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn cable car from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and travel to Lake Eibsee in around 30 minutes. Before you take the cable car up to the Zugspitze, it's worth taking a walk around the lake. The Eibsee circular trail is easy to walk and offers new views at every turn - perfect for photos or a short picnic by the water.
More about the Eibsee
Take the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn cable car from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and travel to Lake Eibsee in around 30 minutes. Before you take the cable car up to the Zugspitze, it's worth taking a walk around the lake. The Eibsee circular trail is easy to walk and offers new views at every turn - perfect for photos or a short picnic by the water.
For early risers: the Zugspitze at sunrise
The sunrise trip to the Zugspitze is a special experience - a moment that is difficult to put into words.
On the German side, the trips only take place in winter, from the beginning of January to the beginning of February, on Saturdays at 07:00 and 07:10. The price includes the ascent and descent, a hearty breakfast in the Panorama 2962 restaurant and use of the ski lifts on the Zugspitzplatt. It's worth booking early - places are limited and in high demand. On the Austrian side, this experience is also possible in autumn: the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn offers sunrise rides from the beginning of September to the end of October - perfect for starting the day above the clouds.
On the German side, the trips only take place in winter, from the beginning of January to the beginning of February, on Saturdays at 07:00 and 07:10. The price includes the ascent and descent, a hearty breakfast in the Panorama 2962 restaurant and use of the ski lifts on the Zugspitzplatt. It's worth booking early - places are limited and in high demand. On the Austrian side, this experience is also possible in autumn: the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn offers sunrise rides from the beginning of September to the end of October - perfect for starting the day above the clouds.
Zugspitze in summer and winter
The Zugspitze has its charm all year round.In summer, it is a paradise for hikers, walkers and climbers. On the glacier adventure trail, you can learn exciting facts about nature and climate change. The viewing platforms offer panoramic views across the Alps, and on a clear day you can see as far as Italy.When the first snow falls, the mountain is transformed into Germany's highest ski resort. Skiers and snowboarders will find perfectly groomed pistes, guaranteed snow until spring and cosy huts to stop off at. There's never a dull moment away from the slopes either: toboggan runs, winter hiking trails and ski tours provide plenty of variety.A special highlight in winter is the igloo village on the Zugspitzplatt. Here you can spend the night in artistically designed snow houses, enjoy fondue under the twinkling stars and experience the silence of the mountains. An unforgettable adventure!
FAQ: Find answers to
frequently asked questions about the Zugspitze
How do I get from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the Zugspitze?
There are several ways to get from Garmisch to the Zugspitze. The most comfortable way is to take the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn railway, which runs via Grainau and Eibsee to the Zugspitzplatt. From there, the glacier railway will take you to the summit. Alternatively, you can take the Zugspitze cable car directly from Eibsee. For experienced hikers, there are also several mountain trails that lead to the summit.
How long does the journey to the Zugspitze take?
The journey on the cog railway from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the Zugspitzplatt takes around 75 minutes.
The Zugspitze cable car is much quicker: you can reach the summit in just 10 minutes from the valley station at Eibsee. If you are doing the Zugspitze round trip, you should plan a total of 3 to 4 hours to enjoy all the stages at your leisure.
How much does the journey from Garmisch to the Zugspitze cost?
The Zugspitze ticket costs €66* per person and includes use of all three lifts: Cog railway, glacier railway and Zugspitze cable car. This allows you to experience the complete Zugspitze round trip, with different perspectives of Germany's highest mountain. Children, groups and holders of the guest card receive reduced prices.
Where does the Zugspitzbahn start in Garmisch-Partenkirchen?
The railway station of the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn is located in the centre of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, right next to the main railway station. From there, the cog railway departs several times a day in the direction of the Zugspitze. The valley station of the Zugspitze cable car is located at Lake Eibsee and can be reached by car, bus or also by cog railway.
When is the best time to visit the Zugspitze?
The Zugspitze is an experience all year round.
In summer, you can hike, climb or simply enjoy the panorama.
In winter, the mountain is transformed into Germany's highest ski resort with perfect piste conditions. The sunrise ride is particularly popular in winter - an unforgettable moment above the clouds.
Is it possible to climb the Zugspitze on foot?
Yes, but only with experience. There are several challenging routes that lead from Garmisch or Ehrwald to the summit - including the Reintalweg (over 20 km, around 2,200 metres in altitude). This tour requires surefootedness, fitness and alpine equipment. The ascent takes between 8 and 10 hours and is only recommended in good weather.
What can you do on the Zugspitze?
A 360-degree panorama with a view of over 400 Alpine peaks awaits you at the top. You can eat in the Panorama 2962 restaurant, walk along the glacier adventure trail, buy souvenirs or simply enjoy the view. In winter, you can also go skiing, snowboarding or visit the igloo village - including an overnight stay in the snow.
Is it worth visiting Lake Eibsee on the way to the Zugspitze?
Absolutely! The Eibsee is located directly below the Zugspitze and is considered one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Bavaria. You can easily reach it by taking the cog railway from Garmisch. The Eibsee circular trail is around seven kilometres long and leads through forests and over small bridges - perfect for a walk before or after the ascent.
Are there car parks at the Zugspitzbahn?
Yes, there are plenty of parking spaces available both at the cog railway station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and at the valley station of the cable car at Eibsee. However, it can get crowded in the high season, so it's worth travelling early.
Can I take my dog with me to the Zugspitze?
Yes, dogs are allowed on both the cog railway and the Zugspitze cable car. Dogs must be kept on a lead and sometimes muzzled. The ticket for dogs costs €6*. On the summit itself, dogs can join you on the viewing platforms, making it perfect for a shared summit experience.
How far is the aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen from the Zugspitze cable car?
The aja Hotel Garmisch-Partenkirchen is located right next to the railway station and you can reach the cog railway to the Zugspitze in just a few minutes on foot. So it's ideal for anyone who wants a relaxed start to the day and doesn't want to look for a parking space.
Does the aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen have any tips for the Zugspitze excursion?
Yes, the reception team will be happy to help you with up-to-date information on tickets, weather and journey times. You can get advice on site about which route or combination (cable car / cog railway) best suits your schedule.
Is the aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen a good starting point for further excursions?
Yes, the hotel is ideally located for many activities in the region: hiking, cycling, Eibsee, Partnachklamm gorge and much more - all within easy reach. This makes the aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen the perfect starting point for your mountain holiday around the Zugspitze.
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Please note that prices and opening hours are subject to change.
aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen:
Your hotel for the Zugspitze excursion
From the aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen you are just a few minutes away from the cog railway and therefore perfectly connected for your excursion from Garmisch to the Zugspitze. After a day at lofty heights, you can relax in the hotel: in the heated outdoor pool with a view of the mountains, in the sauna or with a drink on the terrace.
Ideal location close to the railway station - directly on the Zugspitzbahn
Room with mountain view & modern design
Heated outdoor pool with panoramic views
Fitness area & aja SPA with NIVEA shop
E-mountain bike hire
Bar & terrace with a view of the Alps
GreenSign certified (Level 4)
More experiences & activities
in and around Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Partnach Gorge Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Partnach Gorge Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Hiking in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Hiking in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Eibsee: Your day at the picturesque mountain lake
Eibsee: Your day at the picturesque mountain lake
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle
AlpspiX viewing platform - Alpine seats
AlpspiX viewing platform - Alpine seats
Garmisch cycle paths
Garmisch cycle paths
Water sports & rafting Garmisch
Water sports & rafting Garmisch
Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski resort
Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski resort
Garmisch-Partenkirchen holidays with your dog
Garmisch-Partenkirchen holidays with your dog
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