I came to know about Zugspitze from the Netflix series Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father. Therefore, it quickly got into my bucket list since I started living in Germany. It is in fact, equally charming as a place to stay for a couple of days or a short day-trip from Munich.
Zugspitze is the highest peak of the Wetterstein Mountains and also the highest peak in Germany. However, it is often underrated and ignored due to the many summit points in Switzerland and Austria. But it is equally, if not more beautiful and a truly place of wonder. The summit is meticulously planned and very easy to commute to, thanks to the Germans’ love for order and organization.
Best time to visit
Fun fact: We were discouraged by everyone to go Zugspitze because it was peak Autumn. In addition, the weather app was showing cloudy weather the whole day. However, we did not have any backup plan. Therefore, we decided to take a chance. Eventually, when we reached the top, there were clouds everywhere. We certainly thought we had wasted our money. Surprisingly, in 10 minutes, the clouds cleared up and showed us the clearest of views with the clearest of skies. It was enthralling to see such a transformation within a span of minutes.
Getting there
If you are traveling from Munich, you need to buy a ticket from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen Hbh. After that, you can take the historic Cogwheel train to Eibsee which is the base for the cable car. Finally, this cable car ascends to the peak.
Tip: The best and cheapest way to plan your trip is to buy a combo ticket from the Deutsche Bahn Ticket office in Munich.
Tickets for the Cable Car or the Seilbahn can be bought at Eibsee with a little wait time. You can visit this official site to check ticket prices according to your requirements.
Our story
We started our day early to get our fill of the mountains because there is a lot to see and very little time. The Cable Car ascends from Eibsee to the summit in just 10 minutes. During the cable car ride, we stood by the glass windows to enjoy a mesmerizing view of the Eibsee Lake.
The Cable Car has a stop at the Zugspitze Glacier. However, we decided to stop there on our way back and went straight for the summit.
zugspitze summit
The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking. You can see an array of the Alps in Switzerland and Austria. You can see snow clad mountains for as long as your eyes can wander.
The weather changed drastically from the base to the summit. There was a cloak of white compared to the green below and after a while, everything just seemed perfect. Pictures follow:
Tip: Do wear warm clothes and scarves to avoid getting a cold. The weather can be unpredictable and very windy.
Tip: Keep your tickets in a safe place. Mine got flown away in the wind and getting a new one was quite a hassle.
We strolled around the summit for a long time, sinking in the views and taking pictures. The wind was chilly but with views like that nothing could break our spirit.
Tip: You could also just take a short walk across a tunnel to cross the Austrian border and take a peek.
Tip: There is a Camera at the summit where you can take your pictures for free. Take huge group photos or single shots, the background will always be perfect. Later, you can download your photos from here from the official website.
zugspitze glacier
After much satisfaction, we took the Cable Car back down. Next, we stopped at the Zugspitze Glacier. This place is totally breathtaking. To elaborate, it is like your own bed of snow with the mountains protecting and looking over you from all sides. This seemed like the perfect place to relax and just enjoy nature at it’s best.
We had some coffee and snacks from the Restaurant and warmed ourselves up. This was followed by a long stretch of photoshoots and posing. Every picture seemed better than the last. Here are some shots…
At around 4 pm we decided to call it a day, took the cable car, and back the same route. Before leaving, we bought ourselves some Fridge Magnets from the Zugspitze official Giftshop. Thus, it ended a perfect day at the top of Germany.
What to eat
There is a single restaurant at the Zugspitze glacier where you can catch some coffee and snacks. The food is mediocre and a bit on the expensive side. We carried some sandwiches and water with us for the trip.
Where to stay
There are a lot of BnBs and Hotels in the adjoining Garmisch-Partenkircehn area but some of them could be difficult to reach with public transport. I would suggest you make this a day-trip or book a stay which is in walking distance to a station.
Activities and Budget
Must Do
- Ride the historic Seilbahn at least one way for a unique experience.
- Take a photo at the summit.
- Cross the Austrian Border for some thrill.
Unique Experience
- Take panoramic pictures of the peaks from Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany in one frame.
- Visit the tiny church at the Glacier.
- Stand on the glacier and experience the clean mountain air.
Budget
Zugspitze can be visited with a minimum budget of 100 Euros without souvenirs and subject to prior booking.
