With the Zugspitze railway to Germany's highest peak

A unique experience: a ride on the Zugspitze railway

A ride on the Zugspitze railway is an experience that everyone should try! It is one of only four cogwheel railways in Germany that is still in operation with changing vehicles. The Zugspitz mountain railway has been reliably transporting locals and tourists from all over the world to the Zugspitze since 1930. From the Garmisch-Partenkirchen valley station, the line still runs on normal tracks to Grainau. From here, the actual cogwheel railway drives the carriages up to the Zugspitzplatt mountain station. The Zugspitzbahn covers a total of 1,838 metres in altitude - from 705 metres up to 2,588 metres - and also passes through a tunnel over four kilometres long. From the Zugspitzplatt, a cable car then takes you up to the 2,962 metre-high eastern summit of the Zugspitze - the highest point in Germany.

Spectacular views from the Zugspitze

The Zugspitze was first climbed in 1820 by Tyrolean-born Josef Naus, accompanied by a mountain guide and an assistant. Until the end of the 19th century, the Zugspitze had three summits, of which only the eastern summit remains in its original form today. Its imposing summit cross marks the highest point. The other two peaks are no longer visible due to building development. Until it was blown up in 1938, the western summit, over which the state border with Austria runs, was even higher than the eastern summit, which is the only one of the three summits to lie entirely in Bavaria. This is why there is still a small customs hut on the Zugspitze, which has not been used as a checkpoint since 1997. The legend that the Zugspitze was a gift from the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph to Bavaria, so that Bavaria would finally have a high mountain, is widespread, but remains unsubstantiated to this day.

Panoramic views and culinary delights on the Zugspitze

The view from the summit of the Zugspitze is breathtaking. The panoramic view allows you to see around 400 peaks in Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland - from the Watzmann to the Großglockner and the Feldberg in the Black Forest. The mountain station, which offers an almost complete panoramic view thanks to its glass façade, invites you to linger on the terrace on warm days. In good weather, you can even discover the state capital of Munich from the summit restaurant "Panorama 2962" while enjoying a refreshing Radler or a good cappuccino. Typical specialities from the Alpine region are served here to satisfy small or large appetites.

Convenient journey to the Zugspitzbahn

Your trip to the Zugspitzbahn starts conveniently and easily with your journey by train. The Garmisch summer combined ticket or the Garmisch ski ticket will take you from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen station on the Werdenfelsbahn railway in less than 1.5 hours and from there straight on to the Zugspitze. The Garmisch summer combined ticket is available in the summer months from May to November, while in the winter months you can book the Garmisch ski combined ticket.

Alternatively, if you are not starting from Munich, you can also travel to Garmisch-Partenkirchen with the Bayern-Ticket and even get a discount when buying a ticket for the Zugspitzbahn (valid for up to five fellow travellers). It is only a two-minute walk from the railway station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the starting point of the Zugspitze cable car. The Zugspitze ticket includes one ascent and one descent as well as unlimited rides on the glacier railway between Zugspitzplatt and the summit. In any case, it is advisable to check the weather and open lifts in advance.

Winter sports on the Zugspitze

From mid-November to the beginning of May, the Zugspitze is also home to Germany's highest ski area. The Zugspitz cable car takes winter sports fans directly to the finely groomed pistes on the Zugspitzplatt, where 20 kilometres of easy and intermediate slopes await. You can hire equipment for a day in the snow directly from the ski hire shop in the ski area at 2,600 metres. For a short break during your skiing day, we recommend a visit to the "Sonnalpin" glacier restaurant.

Garmisch-Classic: the ideal ski resort for all ability levels

Not far from the Zugspitze is another ski area that is suitable for all ability levels: the Garmisch-Classic ski area. The interconnected Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Alpspitz mountains provide a varied skiing experience over around 40 kilometres. Sporting highlight: ambitious winter sports enthusiasts have the chance to put their Olympic talent to the test on the legendary Kandahar run with a gradient of up to 92 percent.

The Zugspitze: an experience at any time of year

Whether winter or summer, a ride on the Zugspitze cable car is always worthwhile: the power with which the small cable car climbs the steep mountain impresses more than just those interested in technology. The view of the crystal-clear Eibsee lake during the journey to the highest level in Germany and the view you can enjoy from the very top are also spectacular! If you have a head for heights and are equipped with suitable footwear, you can also go for a short hike on the Zugspitze. And with the groomed natural snow slopes on Germany's only glacier, the Zugspitze is also one of the top excursion destinations in Bavaria in winter. Extra tip for your visit to the Zugspitze summit: the air is clearer in winter, as cold air contains fewer water particles and you have a better view.

A souvenir photo with the golden summit cross is of course a must before you take the cable car and cog railway back down to the valley. You can also take the new Zugspitze cable car down to the valley and then change to the cog railway back to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Once in the valley, take a stroll through romantic Garmisch-Partenkirchen and then relax on your way home by train.

Important note

The Zugspitzbahn is undergoing maintenance from 4 November to 22 November 2024. The line will not be open during this time.