Zugspitze Trek
One of the most beautiful hikes in Germany
The Zugspitz Trek is one of our favorite hikes and a classic in the Vivalpin program. The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the ascent of the 2,962 m high Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak. The exceptionally beautiful route of the Zugspitz Trek takes you on easy paths through densely wooded valleys, over sunny crossings and finally over the eternal ice of the Schneeferner to the Zugspitze. On the very first day, you will experience one of the highlights of the Zugspitze region: the ascent through the Höllentalklamm gorge and further along old mine paths to the Hupfleitenjoch viewpoint.
On the second day, the route is initially leisurely via the panoramic Bernadeinsteig to the Stuiben, later climbing gently between the rock faces of the Hochwanner and Hochblassen to the beautifully situated Reintalangerhütte. The summit day is the mountaineering highlight of the crossing and is easy to manage with a luggage depot at the Knorrhütte. The Zugspitze hike comes to a worthy end with the descent via Gatterl to Ehrwald, while Germany's highest peak once again shows its impressive side.
More information about the Zugspitz Trek and more?
On vivalpin.blog you will find many stories and tips about the Zugspitze and the mountains of the world!
You can find even more exciting tours around the Zugspitze here!
Program and schedule
- Mountain guide with the appropriate qualifications
- 3 x overnight stays in DAV huts
- Rich breakfast
- Multi-course dinner
- Participation in online training: Crossing the Alps - Preparation (1 h)
Additional costs
- Arrival
- Snacks
Day 1: From the parking lot at Kreuzeck station to Hammersbach and spectacularly through the Höllentalklamm gorge and over the Hupfleitenjoch to the Kreuzeckhaus (1,652 m).
2nd day: Panoramic hike over the Stuiben into the Reintal and on to the Reintalangerhütte (1,367 m).
Day 3: High alpine to the Zugspitzplatt and via the well-secured path to the Zugspitz summit (2,962 m), descent to the Knorrhütte (2,052 m).
Day 4: From the snow and ice of the Zugspitze to the sunny alpine pastures of Ehrwald. Wonderful hike over the Gatterl to the Ehrwalder Alm and to Ehrwald in Austria. Transfer back to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
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 need to be in good physical condition for a climb of up to 1,600 m (1,300 m if you use the summit cable car) or a 5-hour ascent. The Zugspitztrek requires surefootedness and fitness for hikes of up to 6 hours (pure walking time) with approx. 8 kg of luggage. The route is technically easy without climbing passages. The final ascent from Sonnalpin to the Zugspitz summit is marked as a difficult (black) mountain trail. Accompanied by your mountain guide, the route is also recommended for sure-footed beginners with the necessary fitness. Good preparation is half the battle for multi-day hikes: Get used to your mountain boots and to carrying your rucksack. The best way to practise this is on hikes with comparable differences in altitude. For your targeted preparation, we also recommend our intensive training for surefootedness and a head for heights.
"The Zugspitztrek is second to none. Because it leads through all climatic and vegetation stages of the Alps and at the same time over the easiest ascent to the highest peak in Germany"
Julia Pöschl
Local
Head of Department Mountain and Ski School
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