The border between Germany and Austria runs right through the middle of the Zugspitzhaus mountain hut at the summit – you can eat in two countries at the same time! (It’s interesting to know that before the Schengen Agreement, there was a border police checkpoint right at the peak). During the summer months, there is a free guided tour at the summit, and in the winter, the area serves as a popular and active ski resort.
If you are in the area on June 21st, don’t be surprised if you see many bonfires burning on the mountain peaks. This is an ancient local custom that takes place on the longest day of the year. You can see about 300 bonfires burning throughout the region. A truly interesting and unique experience.
Zugspitze Mountain – Additional General Information
The Wetterstein mountain range is located in the north of Tyrol and in southern Germany. The highest peak in this range is the Zugspitze, rising to 2,962 meters above sea level. The mountain is south of the German city of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and northwest of the Austrian town of Ehrwald. The southern part of the mountain is characterized by a massive, exposed limestone rock face with several caves. Between the mountain peaks, there are three glaciers. Two of these glaciers are the largest in Germany.
There are several trails leading to the mountain’s summit. These are technical and difficult routes that require excellent physical fitness and a lot of patience. The climb up the mountain takes one to two days, depending on weather conditions and physical fitness. At the peaks, there are hikers’ huts for those climbing the mountain.
Whether you plan to go up on foot or by cable car, these are the mountain views you won’t want to miss:
4 Attractions at the Zugspitze Peak
- The Mountain Museum: At the summit, there is a history museum that describes 4 topics related to the mountain. The museum’s exhibits focus on the following four themes: conquering the mountain, landscapes, vision, and departure. The museum’s displays are interactive and teach about the important people and technologies that made the mountain such a popular place.
- World of Snow Crystals: Here you can learn about the world of snow and ice in all its forms and shades. You can learn about the formation of snow and its importance for the entire region.
- Bahnorama – The Cable Car Museum: In this museum, you can learn about the technologies used in the construction of the cable car in 1926. You can see what the cable car looked like at that time and how such a thing was even possible back then.
- The Panorama Restaurant: You can sit comfortably in the restaurant at the top of the mountain and look out through its windows over the entire area while you enjoy your meal.
This is what the panoramic view from the mountain looks like:
Winter in the Zugspitze Area
During the winter, the mountain area is very active. The Zugspitze ski resort, located in the glacier area at the top of the mountain, opens to skiers and offers a variety of slopes for skiers of all levels. Although the ski slopes are on the German side of the mountain, they can also be reached from Austria via the cable car.
In winter, there is even an igloo village at the summit, and visitors can spend the night inside an igloo if they wish (and are brave enough).
The Zugspitze Resort
In the small villages at the foot of the mountain, there are many hotels and guesthouses for travelers who come in the summer and especially in the winter. There are luxury hotels, but also simple and authentic cabins.
If you are looking for a place to stay for the winter or summer, you can search here among many recommended hotels and guesthouses in the area. The service is provided by Booking.com.
Tiroler Zugspitzbahn – The Cable Car to the Summit
The cable car that departs from the foot of the mountain on the Austrian side is one of the oldest built in Austria. It was established in 1926 and has been operating and taking passengers to the summit ever since. The cable car is enclosed, and its cabins are large and spacious. Up to 100 people can fit in each cabin. The cable car has been completely renovated and is now the most modern of the cable cars that reach the summit. The journey to the top takes about 10 minutes, during which you ascend 1,725 meters to the mountain peak.
Operating Hours:
- The cable car operates every day from 8:40 AM to 4:40 PM.
- The cable car departs every 20 minutes.
- The last ascent to the mountain is at 4:00 PM.
- In May, June, October, and November, the cable car operates only if the weather is good.
Costs:
There are several types of tickets for the cable car ride. There are combined tickets that grant free entry to the attractions at the summit and others that include a 5-hour hiking trail (these are the cheaper tickets).
- Adult (round trip) – from €63.50.
- Child (round trip) – from €38.50.
Detailed costs for the cable car ride
- Boarding Station Address: Obermoos 1, 6632 Ehrwald
- Map:
Additional Essential Information about the Area
- Official Website
- Address: Obermoos, Ehrwald
If you are continuing from the mountain towards the heart of Tyrol, you should visit the famous and beautiful Ötz Valley! You can read extensive and comprehensive information about the valley and all its recommended attractions in our detailed article.
