Zugspitze gate
The easiest ascent to the Zugspitze.
The route over the Gatterl to the Zugspitze is the easiest and shortest route to Germany's highest peak. Thanks to the Ehrwalder Almbahn cable car, we skip the boring (forest road) part of the ascent. At the leisurely pace of your mountain guide, you hike across alpine pastures and scree to the 2,045 m high Feldernjöchl and soon afterwards reach the key point and the route's namesake, the Gatterl. The short, exposed passage is secured by a wire rope and requires surefootedness. After crossing the Gatterl, high alpine karst terrain follows with, depending on the season, snow and firn passages.
At the Knorrhütte, you meet the Reintal route, which takes you to the Sonnalpin. Here, the glacier lift offers a welcome shortcut in bad weather or when your stamina is flagging. Although the last 400 m are fantastically varied and rich in views, they also challenge the whole mountaineer. You reach the artfully carved mountain path via a steep scree field. Numerous wire rope protections support the psyche more than the body in particularly exposed passages. At 2,830 m, you reach the summit ridge, where you should take a look around and enjoy every meter of altitude step by step despite all the effort!
More info
On vivalpin.blog you will find many stories and tips about the Zugspitze and the mountains of the world!
You can find more exciting tours around the Zugspitze here
Here you will find important information on pricing and cancellation policies
Program and schedule
- Mountain guide with the appropriate qualifications
Additional costs
- Gatterl ticket (Ascent with the Ehrwalder Almbahn, descent with the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn, glacier cable car to the Zugspitz summit and bus ride from the valley station of the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn to the Ehrwalder Almbahn)
- Snacks, drinks
- Arrival, possibly parking fee
From the Ehrwalder Almbahn mountain station (1,502 m) on narrow paths and climbs to the key point, the Gatterl with wire rope insurance. From here over scree, snow and firn to the Knorrhütte (2,051 m) and on to the Sonnalpin (2,576 m). Depending on the weather and conditions, take the glacier cable car or continue on foot via steep passages secured by wire ropes to the summit terrace of the Zugspitze (2,962 m).
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 provisional tour program may be adjusted for safety-related reasons, such as bad weather, dangerous conditions, unforeseen natural events or inadequate conditions of the participants. The final program will be decided by the guide on site.
- Sure-footedness and fitness for 5 h or 1,400 m ascent
You can find information on estimating altitude meters and difficulty information here. If in doubt, please call our office or send us an email!
"If you are unsure whether you can manage the ascent of the Zugspitze, then the climb over the Gatterl is the right one for you. The altitude difference is still considerable, but the route is even with two steep steps at the Gatterl and then just before the summit. However, you can shorten this summit section with the summit cable car if you are not in good shape."
Cat Juhran
Mountain hiking guide
Member of the VIVALPIN Competence Team
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