Zugspitze through the Höllental valley
The absolute classic to the Zugspitze
The ascent through the Höllental valley to Germany's highest peak, the 2,962 m high Zugspitze, combines numerous superlatives. First of all, there is the huge difference in altitude of over 2,200 m from Hammersbach to the summit.
Then the Hell Valley itself. The path through the narrow, steep gorge is so daring that you can only marvel at it amidst the thundering masses of water. After two eventful hours, you reach the Höllen-talangerhütte at 1,387 m above sea level. This is a great place to spend the night for all those who find the 2,200 m in one go too much. But hut guests should also be aware that on the second day there are still 1,600 m of altitude to conquer in some challenging terrain.
A first key passage is already waiting after one (more) hour. The exposed traverse on iron pins over the unstable slabs of the board is a first foretaste of the upper part of the ascent to the summit. After this "nerve-racking passage", the onward route initially demands more stamina than technique, because the moraine terrain below the Höllentalferner stretches steeply to below the rocks of the Riffel ridge.
However, before you can lay your hands on the rock again, you have to overcome the bare glacier remnant of the Höllentalferner and its spectacular edge crevasse. Here the altimeter already shows 2,560 m and from here a magnificent via ferrata leads to the summit cross as a grand finale. On all these passages, you will be roped up by a qualified mountain guide who knows the area.
With an overnight stay the day before at the new Höllentalangerhütte, the tour is possible as a two-day tour! This shortens the ascent by 600 m or 2 hours.
Want to find out more about the Höllental?
You can find more information about the route, the difficulties, the via ferrata, the Randkluft and much more in our blog. Also about the historical path through the Höllental, which a VIVALPIN team walked on the occasion of the anniversary of the first ascent.
You can find more exciting tours around the Zugspitze here!
You can't find a suitable date? Please contact us for an individually organized Höllental tour ().
Program and schedule
- Mountain guide with the appropriate qualifications
- Edelrid via ferrata equipment (climbing harness, via ferrata set and helmet on loan)
- Snowspikes or crampons
Additional costs
- Descent with the Zugspitzbahn
- Snacks
- Arrival
- ev.parking fee
As a day tour:
Meeting point with the mountain guide, issue of rental equipment and ascent of the Zugspitze (2,962 m) through the Höllental valley, descent with the Zugspitzbahn and return to the starting point in Hammersbach.
As a two-day tour:
On the day before, pick up the required rental equipment at the Vivalpin office, ascent to the Höllentalangerhütte on your own. On the day of the tour, meeting point with the mountain guide at the Höllentalangerhütte and briefing on the rental equipment. Ascent of the Zugspitze (2,962 m) through the Höllental, descent with the Zugspitzbahn back to the starting point in Hammersbach. You can find more information and suggestions in the vivalpin.blog!
Note on program changes:
All courses and guided tours are conscientiously organized and carried out in accordance with the safety standards of the Vivalpin Mountain and Ski School with qualified specialists (e.g. mountain and ski guides, mountain hiking guides, etc.). The preliminary tour program may be adjusted for safety-related reasons, such as bad weather, dangerous conditions, unforeseen natural events or inadequate conditions of the participants. Your guide will decide on the final program on site.
A challenging mountain tour with an ascent of 2,200 m (as a day tour) or 1,600 m (with an overnight stay at the Höllentalangerhütte) awaits you. Descent with the Zugspitzbahn. The ascent requires surefootedness and fitness for up to 6-8 hours ascent (pure walking time) with approx. 5 kg of luggage. The route offers plenty of variety, from easy hiking trails to moderately difficult via ferrata passages (C) and short glacier passages. Accompanied by our mountain guides, the route is suitable for sure-footed mountaineers with a head for heights and the appropriate level of fitness. You can find more information and suggestions in the blog!
The ascent through the Höllental is not for beginners - you should definitely be in very good physical condition and have mountain experience.
If in doubt, please call our office or send us an email!
"The ascent through the Höllental is our most booked route.
Our mountain guides are well prepared for this. They know the conditions, go at the right pace and take you to the rope on the glacier and on difficult passages or when you get tired.
Nevertheless, you need to be in very good physical condition for the Höllental route. We are also happy to organize a private mountain guide for you and your friends. Then you are more independent and flexible."
Simon pound
Head of Department Mountain School and Local
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