Zugspitze Trek
One of the most beautiful hikes in Germany
Schedule overview:
23.-26.07.26, 13.-16.08.26, 27.-30.08.26, 10.-13.09.26
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!
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:in with the appropriate qualifications
- 3 x overnight stay in DAV huts
- Rich breakfast
- Dinner with several courses
- Free participation in online training: Crossing the Alps - Preparation (1 h)
- 10% discount code for your purchases at bergfreunde.de
Additional costs
- Arrival
- Snacks & drinks
- Possible parking fees
- Entrance Höllentalklamm
- Transfer from Ehrwald back to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Possibly mountain railroads
- Leki trekking poles on loan if required
- Travel cancellation insurance of the alliance if required
Our guides are also always happy to receive a small tip if you enjoyed the tour/course.
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 Knorr hut (2.052 m).
Day 4: From the snow and ice of the Zugspitze to the sunny alpine pastures to Ehrwald. Wonderful hike over the Gatterl to the Ehrwalder Alm and to the Austrian Ehrwald. 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 newcomers 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 in surefootedness and head for heights.
You can find information on estimating altitude meters and difficulty information here. If in doubt, please call our office or send us an e-mail!
„The Zugspitz Trek 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
Similar tours
Zugspitze Trail Run - Single Push
For trail runners and fit mountaineers ★ Day tour through the Reintal valley ★ 2,200 m elevation gain, 22 km ★ € 99.00
Crossing the Alps from Lake Achensee to South Tyrol
Perfect for newcomers: the Achensee - Sterzing Alpine crossing is the shortest route across the Alps and the ideal introduction to the world of long-distance hiking. Technically easy trails and comfortable rest points make the tour a feasible adventure for everyone.
Alpine Crossing East: From the Watzmann to the Three Peaks
The eastern Alpine crossing Watzmann - Drei Zinnen with a mountain guide is a classic in the VIVALPIN program alongside the E5. The circumnavigation of Austria's highest mountain, the 3,798m high Großglockner, is particularly impressive. The daily stages on partly narrow paths and climbs are up to 1300m in ascent.
Alta Via no. 1 Dolomites High Trail
Enjoy the unique landscape on one of the most beautiful, technically easy alpine traverses on the Alta Via No. 1 Dolomites High Trail. Wonderful resting places, deep blue lakes and cozy huts with the best Italian cuisine make the Alta Via No. 1 a truly unique tour.
Dolomites Via Bellissima, South Tyrol
If you want to undertake a special Dolomite crossing, you will be spoiled for choice from a huge range of tours and hikes. We asked someone who knows the South Tyrolean mountains like the back of his hand: Florian Harrasser. Born in Brunico, he is a passionate mountain hiking guide and long-time rope partner of alpine pro Simon Gietl.
Karwendel High Altitude Trail
Karwendel - that is the epitome of untouched nature and rugged peaks, of austere beauty and wild solitude. However, the Karwendel Höhenweg cleverly finds the weak points between the inaccessible mountain ranges and is good and enjoyable for sure-footed and experienced hikers accompanied by a mountain guide.
Intensive training in surefootedness and head for heights
Surefootedness is one of the elementary skills for all mountaineers, hikers and climbers. Let a mountain professional show you important tips, tricks and exercises so that you can be more experienced and effective in the mountains in the future.
Glacier and climate excursion
Discover the supposedly eternal ice of one of Germany's last glaciers. You will learn a lot of new things and find things from times long past.
Book a mountain guide
Are you planning a special summit experience? Whether for yourself, your friends, your family or as an exclusive company event - we can provide you with the best qualified guide for your project.
Alpine crossing Merano - Lake Garda
The Alpine crossing from Merano to Lake Garda is more than an extension of the classic E5. With VIVALPIN you hike in small groups of 6-8 participants, up to 7 hours per day on technically easy paths and climbs. You will enjoy a perfect organization with the best bases and all necessary transfers.