Zugspitze – Top of Germany

I saw them again, on the bus to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the jagged white peaks of the Alps.

Then again, on Zugspitzbahn, the highest railway in Germany.

The cogwheel train took an hour and delivered us to Zugspitzplatt

Wherefrom a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains and two of the largest glaciers in Germany: North and South Schneeferner, lay in front of us.

The Schneeferner glacier, like many other Alpine glaciers, is shrinking. Although certain measures, such as covering the glacier with tarpaulins during the summer months, have been taken. The effectiveness of which is not optimistic. According to a study in 2007, the ice obtained only compensates for about 1% of the loss that is expected in the unprotected areas of the glacier.

The North Schneeferner is a winter recreation area.

In the summer, guided glacier walks are offered twice a day, departing from the terrace of the Sonnalpin.

From Zugspitzplatt, it’s a quick 5 minute cable car ascend to the summit – At 2,962 meters above sea level, this is the Top of Germany.

On a clear day, the 360 degree view extends to nearly 400 peaks in Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland.

A bridge connects the Free State of Bavaria, Germany and Tirol, Austria.

But the food is on the German side.

Here I had, currywurst with chips.

Accompanied by a view of the Eibsee, whereto a cable-car swooped me down shortly after, for a walk along its lakeshore trail.

Coming up next: Eibsee, Germany

25 thoughts on “Zugspitze – Top of Germany”

  1. Wow! There is a cable car to reach the highest peak of Germany at almost 3000 m? 😮 Never knew! The highest peak of Slovenia, Mt. Triglav, is at 2864 m and if someone suggested building a cable car to reach it, Slovenians would murder that person. 😀 It’s a national symbol and the story is that you are not a Slovenian if you don’t climb it. I did it, once. 😉 Impressive views, that’s for sure. Free State of Bavaria? 😮 Germany hasn’t let it go yet, right?

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      1. Haha, no no, it’s not possible. You drove to Triglav National Park. It’s a big area surrounding the mountain. Unless they took you to the top in a helicopter. 😉 The highest you can come with the car (or bus) is Blato at 1147 m. Or you did hike, just not to the very top? Possibly you reached Kredarica, just under the top? Do you remember any name?

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  2. Pingback: Oberammergau, Germany – Travel-Gourmand.com

  6. Wow! This place is definitely not for those with a fear of heights! I’ve actually never heard of Zugspitze, although I’ve heard of Tyrol in Austria. Must have been so sublime standing on top of the world to capture not one, but four different countries from above! And to be able to literally cross from Germany to Austria (and back) would be my dream, as I love finding crossable borders! I would not be surprised if this was the highlight of your trip in Germany!

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