During the first week of October 2023, my daughter Patricia and I spent five beautiful days in Oberammergau, nestled in the heart of the Bavarian Alps. The air was crisp, the leaves just beginning to turn, and the mountains wrapped us in their timeless embrace. On one particularly warm Saturday, with skies so blue they looked painted, I decided to try once more to reach the summit of the Zugspitze—the tallest mountain in Germany.
I had attempted this journey before, only to be turned back by fog, wind, or rain. But this time, the weather was perfect. It was the kind of day that invites adventure.
From Garmisch to the Eibsee: The Journey Begins
We began our trip at the Bahnhof in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we parked the car and purchased our tickets. With excitement in our hearts, we boarded the Zugspitzbahn, the cogwheel railway that winds its way through the valley toward the Eibsee. The ride itself was a scenic delight—rolling past alpine meadows, charming villages, and the shimmering lake that mirrors the mountains above.
Another option is to take the Cogwheel Railway. To do this, you get on at the Zugspitze station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The train comfortably ascends to the Eibsee, then travels through the 4.5 km tunnel to reach the Zugspitzplatt
The Zugspitze, rising to 2,962 meters (nearly 10,000 feet), is not only Germany’s highest peak but also a natural border between Germany and Austria. From its summit, you can see across four countries—Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland—on a clear day. And this day was as clear as they come.
We decided to take the cable car (Gondel), which comfortably accommodates about 100 passengers at a time, allowing us to enjoy stunning views during our ascent.
Ascending the Zugspitze: A Modern Marvel
At the Eibsee, we transferred to the modern Zugspitze cable car (Gondel), which has been in operation since December 2017. This engineering marvel climbs an astonishing 1,945 meters in a single stretch—setting a world record—and spans 3,213 meters from its support column to the mountain station. It’s a breathtaking ride, both literally and figuratively.
The gondola comfortably holds about 100 passengers, and as we ascended, the views opened up in every direction. Forests gave way to rocky cliffs, and the lake below became a glimmering jewel. Patricia and I stood by the window, speechless, watching the world fall away beneath us.
The Zugspitze is the tallest and most famous mountain in southern Germany, situated in the Wetterstein Mountains to the southwest of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The border between Germany and Austria crosses directly over the Zugspitze, with its northern slopes located in Tyrol, Austria. From its summit, visitors can take in breathtaking views spanning four countries: Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. On clear days, a 360° panoramic vista reveals sights extending up to 250 kilometers away.
At the Summit: Views That Steal Your Breath
Once we arrived at the summit station, we took a leisurely break at the restaurant perched high above the clouds. Then we climbed the steps to the viewing platform, where the panorama stretched endlessly in every direction. We could see 400 peaks across four countries, and the air was so clear we felt like we could reach out and touch the Alps.
Even in early October, patches of snow clung to the glacier below. On the Zugspitzplatt, visitors can enjoy “Rodeln” (sledding) year-round. We marveled at the Münchner Haus, the highest Alpine club hut in Germany, perched at 2,959 meters and run by the same family for three generations.
Rising to an altitude of 2,962 meters (approximately 10,000 feet), the Zugspitze stands as the tallest mountain in Germany. From this impressive height, visitors are treated to stunning panoramic views!
The summit of the Zugspitze was first successfully climbed on 27 August 1820. According to historical reports, Josef Naus, a surveyor, along with his companions, stood triumphantly on the highest point of the Zugspitze. At that moment in time, they were the only a few individuals at that remarkable altitude.
The viewing platform offers a breathtaking sight of 400 different peaks. Even during summer months, snowfall is possible at these elevations.
Perched dramatically at 2959 meters on the west summit of Germany’s highest mountain is the Münchner Haus, the highest Alpine club hut in the country. built between 1894 and 1897, the hut has been run by the same family for three generations.
The new Zugspitze Cable Car:
One popular way to reach the Zugspitze is via the new modern Zugspitze cable car that has been in operation since 21 December 2017. On clear days, approximately 750 hikers embark on their journey to climb the Zugspitze, while around 6,000 people opt for the train.
After six years of planning of the Zugspitze cable car, as well as complex construction work executed under extremely challenging conditions. This impressive cable car has become an absolute highlight of the entire region. The track conquers a remarkable difference in altitude of 1,945 meters in just one section, which sets a world record. It showcases modern engineering at its finest.
The Zugspitze cable car boasts the longest span of 3,213 meters from its supporting steel construction column to the mountain station. In doing so, this impressive cable car has effectively taken over the role of the Eibsee cable car that was built in 1963, transporting visitors to the viewing platform in just a matter of minutes.
For mountain climbers it is best to hike to the Zugspitze between the end of June and September (this time the beginning of October was warmer as usual). During these months, less snow and temperatures above 32 F are to be expected. July and August are, on average, the warmest months on the Zugspitze.
A Ride to Remember
After soaking in the views and snapping countless photos, we took the last cable car down at 4:45 p.m. to the Eibsee. From there, we boarded the train back to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, our hearts full and our spirits lifted.
There are some experiences that stay with you forever. This day—shared with my daughter, surrounded by the majesty of the Alps—was one of them. The Zugspitze isn’t just a mountain; it’s a memory, a marvel, and a must-see for anyone who finds themselves in Bavaria.
My daughter Patricia and I really enjoyed the breathtaking views from the Zugspitze to the Bavarian Alps
