Zugspitze stopper puller
The least known climb to the top of the Zugspitze
The ascent over the Stop puller and the Wiener Neustädter Hütte is considered the absolute insider tip among the classic Zugspitze routes. As the „golden mean“, this route combines the best of both worlds: It is more challenging than the long march through the Reintal, but technically less exposed than the spectacular Höllental route. Nevertheless, this tour should not be underestimated and requires surefootedness and fitness.
Route: From Ehrwald to the Wiener Neustädter Hütte
The tour starts directly behind the Valley station of the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn in Ehrwald. First, the trail follows the so-called Ski lane, until you reach the striking beginning of the „Gravel journey“ reached. After crossing the wide gravel field, a path leads up to the Meadow ridge.
Past the imposing support 2 of the cable car, the route continues on an exposed climb, partly secured with wire ropes, to the Wiener Neustädter Hütte. The refuge is tucked away in the extensive Austrian snow cirque on 2.213m and offers the perfect opportunity for a last rest before the summit assault.
The key section: the Stopselzieher via ferrata
From the Wiener Neustädter Hütte, there is only a two-and-a-half-hour climb to the Zugspitze summit - but this section is a tough one:
- The tamper puller: The route's eponymous key section awaits you right at the start, a steep, chimney-like rocky passage with wire ropes and iron clamps
- Ascent to the summit ridge: This is followed by further climbing passages secured by wire ropes (difficulty A/B).
- The finale: At around 2,830 m you reach the summit ridge, where the route joins the „normal route“ from the Zugspitzplatt. Soon after, you will reach the summit platform of the Zugspitze (2,962 m).
Tips for your planning
Valley location: Ehrwald, Austria (The access from Eibsee is closed until further notice (as of 2025)
Requirement: Demanding mountain tour / easy via ferrata (A/B). Helmet and via ferrata set are strongly recommended.
Best time: July to September (depending on snow conditions in the snow cirque).
Would you like to continue reading or listening?
You can find a tour description on vivalpin.blogand also a Podcast with the former mountain school director Wolfgang Pohl.
You can find more exciting tours around the Zugspitze here!
Are you missing equipment?
You can hire many items of equipment from us, for everything else you will receive a discount of 10% at bergfreunde.de
Here you will find important information on pricing and cancellation policies
If you are traveling with your camper, we may offer you the Pitch at the Wank in a wonderful panoramic location (€ 26,- per night).
For customers of our partner Hornung there are also free parking spaces.
Program and schedule
- Mountain guide with the appropriate qualifications
- Necessary alpine equipment (Edelrid rope combination, via ferrata set and helmet on loan)
- 10% discount code for your purchases at bergfreunde.de
Additional costs
- Descent with the Zugspitze cable car
- Snacks, drinks
- Arrival, possibly parking fee
Meeting point at the valley station of the Ehrwalder Zugspitzbahn, hire equipment handed out. Joint ascent via the Wiener Neustädter Hütte to the Zugspitze. Afterwards descent with the Zugspitzbahn.
The Bayernsteig, which leads from the Eibsee to the Stopselzieher via ferrata on the Zugspitze, is closed by the authorities for safety reasons due to its poor condition! Our tour therefore starts in Ehrwald.
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.
You can expect a challenging mountain tour with 2000 Hm in the ascent. The descent is with the Zugspitzbahn. Prerequisites for the ascent are Sure-footedness and fitness for up to 6 - 8 h ascent (pure walking time) with approx. 5 kg luggage. The route offers from easy hiking trail to moderately difficult via ferrata passages (C) and easy climbing. Accompanied by a mountain guide, the route is suitable for sure-footed mountaineers with a head for heights and the appropriate level of fitness.
You can find information on estimating altitude meters and difficulty information here. If in doubt, please call our office or send us an email!
"I particularly like the Stopselzieher because the climb is full of surprises and ultimately leads to the summit more easily than expected.
In addition, there is usually much less "traffic" here than on the main routes.
The via ferrata passages are not too technically difficult, but you already have a good 1,400 meters of altitude in your legs.
I usually take my guests on a short rope, which saves them energy and we then reach the summit ridge at 2,800 m quickly and without any problems."
Christof Schellhammer
State-certified mountain and ski guide
Mountain School Director
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