Zugspitze
Germany's highest peak at 2,962 m, reached by rack railway or cable car, with views across the Alpine ranges of Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland.
The Zugspitze is Germany's highest mountain, located southwest of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The classic route is to take the Zugspitze rack railway from Garmisch to the glacier plateau (Zugspitzplatt), then change to the glacier cable car to the summit. Alternatively, take the Zugspitze cable car (Seilbahn Zugspitze), which opened in 2017, from Eibsee directly to the top in about 10 minutes. A common option is a loop with one ride up and another down. The summit has observation platforms, a golden cross and Germany's highest beer hall. On clear days you can see about 400 peaks across four countries. In winter, the glacier plateau offers skiing and sledding. An adult round-trip combined ticket costs about €70 and includes access across the German–Austrian border at the summit. Choose a clear day and take an early-morning ride. The summit is about 15°C colder than the valley, so dress warmly and watch for altitude discomfort.
Opening hours
Cable car approx. 08:15–16:45 (seasonal changes)
Nearby sights
- Eibsee
- Höllentalklamm
- Badersee
- AlpspiX Viewing Platform
- Riessersee
- Garmisch-Classic Ski Area
- King's House on Schachen
- Old Church of St. Martin