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Garmisch-Partenkirchen & the Zugspitze
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Garmisch-Partenkirchen & the Zugspitze

Germany's Highest Peak and an Alpine Resort Town

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2 daysIdeal stay₹9,590From / night₹3,090Food / day₹8,310Entry

An Alpine market town of painted houses under the Wetterstein mountains, 1 hour 20 from Munich by train. The Zugspitze (2,962 m), Germany's highest mountain, is reached by cogwheel railway and glacier cable car, or by the cable car from the Eibsee; one ticket covers the round trip (about €66-78 for an adult). Snow on top most of the year, and skiing from about December to April. Also the Partnach Gorge, the Eibsee lake, the AlpspiX platform, and Oberammergau and Linderhof a short drive away. Weather on the summit changes fast: check the webcams.

Highlights

  • Zugspitze by cogwheel train and cable car
  • Eibsee lake walk
  • Partnach Gorge
  • AlpspiX viewing platform
  • Painted houses of Partenkirchen
  • Oberammergau and Linderhof

Things to do

  • Zugspitze round trip: cogwheel railway up, Eibsee cable car downMorning · 5h
  • Partnach Gorge walkAfternoon · 2h 30m
  • Eibsee lake circuitAfternoon · 2h 30m
  • Alpspitze cable car, AlpspiX and a summit trailMorning · 5h
  • Oberammergau painted villageAfternoon · 2h 30m

Tours & tickets

When to go

Best time: June – September, December – March (skiing)

Heads up

Afternoon Thunderstorms in the Alps

Summer afternoons in the mountains often bring thunderstorms: go up the Zugspitze early, when the view is clearest, and start hikes in the morning. Even in August it can be near freezing on the summit: carry a warm layer.

Heads up

Snow and Storms on the Zugspitze

The Zugspitze is open in winter for skiing and sightseeing, but storms close the summit lifts some days and the view is often in cloud. Check the webcams and the lift status on the morning you go; roads to Garmisch need winter tyres.