AllgäuAction/Zugspitze Summit

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Munich → Zugspitze Summit

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Travel Advisories

Whiteout risk: If the summit is in clouds, you will pay €68 to see nothing. Check official webcams BEFORE buying tickets.

Cost alert: The Bayern-Ticket does NOT cover the mountain ascent. You must buy a separate 'Zugspitze Ticket' (~€69).

Last descent warning: The last cable car down is usually 17:30 (Summer) or 16:30 (Winter). Missing it is an emergency.

Getting There

Last mile connections and arrival

The Werdenfels Run

The train from Munich Hbf (usually Platforms 27-36) takes you past Lake Starnberg and into the heart of the Alps. Sit on the LEFT side for lake views, or the RIGHT side for the first mountain views.

**The Transfer Gap:** Upon arrival at Garmisch, you MUST leave the main station building and walk to the separate 'Zugspitzbahn' station next door to buy your mountain ticket.

Final Leg: Garmisch-Partenkirchen Station → Zugspitze Summit

trainZahnradbahn (Cogwheel)
~75 min

Included in Mountain Ticket

RECOMMENDED ASCENT: Slow climb helps acclimatize to altitude. Sit on the RIGHT side for views.

cable-carSeilbahn Zugspitze
~10 min

Included in Mountain Ticket

FASTEST / RISKY: Requires taking Eibsee Bus first. High risk of altitude sickness due to rapid ascent. Best used for descent.

busEibsee Bus (Blue)
~20 min

Free with Bayern-Ticket

Connects Garmisch Station to Eibsee Cable Car station.

Then: 3 min walk (200m). Exit DB station via subway tunnel, turn left to the yellow "Zugspitzbahn" building.. Bus stop: "Zugspitzbahnhof Garmisch"

Parking

Avoid Eibsee parking in summer (The 'Trap'). Smart drivers park at Garmisch P1 and take the train.

Eibsee Parking

Am Eibsee 6

€10/day2 min to Cable Car / 5 min to Train

Early birds (before 08:30) or Winter

Zugspitzbahn Garmisch (P1)

Olympiastraße 27

€6/day1 min to Zugspitzbahn Station

SMART CHOICE: Start the 'Loop' here. Always space available.

Hausberg (P2)

Am Hausberg 4

€5/day10 min walk to station

Overflow parking

Tips

  • Eibsee: ~€10/day. Garmisch P1: Cheaper & stress-free.

Travel Questions

Does the Bayern-Ticket cover the Zugspitze cable car?

NO. It only gets you to Garmisch. You need a separate ~€69 ticket for the mountain. However, showing the Bayern-Ticket gives you a 10% discount.

Is it safe for kids/elderly?

The altitude (2,962m) has 30% less oxygen. Take the Cogwheel train UP (slow ascent) to prevent headaches. Consult a doctor if you have heart issues.

About Zugspitze Summit

Everything you need to know

Germany's highest peak (2,962m) offers a 360° panorama of 400 peaks across four countries. This is not just a viewpoint; it is a high-alpine expedition involving a Cogwheel Train through the mountain and a record-breaking Cable Car plunge down to Lake Eibsee. The 'Counter-Clockwise Loop' is the tactical way to experience it.

Live Webcam

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Panomax

Location

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47.420800°, 10.985000°

Planning Your Visit

Best Times to Visit

Early BirdRecommended

08:30 - 10:00. Best visibility, zero queues at the cable car.

Peak SaturationPeak Hours

11:00 - 14:00. 90+ min wait times for the descent.

Late AfternoonGood Option

15:00 - 16:30. Good light, fewer people, but watch the 'Last Descent' clock closely.

How Long to Spend

4-5h
The Full Loop

Train Up -> Summit -> Glacier -> Cable Car Down -> Eibsee Walk.

3h
Summit Only

Cable Car Up & Down (High altitude sickness risk).

Zugspitze Summer Piste Map

Download

Detailed map of the Zugspitze plateau, ski slopes, and hiking trails.

Zugspitze Summer Piste Map
Click to enlarge

Pro Tips

Show your Bayern-Ticket at the ticket counter to get a ~10% discount on the Zugspitze ticket.

Do the 'Counter-Clockwise Loop': Cogwheel Train UP (acclimatize) -> Cable Car DOWN (views).

Don't drink alcohol immediately at the top—altitude hits harder at 3,000m.

Bring a jacket even in August. It can be 25°C in Munich and 0°C at the summit.

The 'Golden Cross' climb requires sturdy shoes. Don't attempt in flip-flops.

The Austrian Secret

You can walk across the border to the Austrian side (Tiroler Zugspitzbahn) at the summit. The Kaiserschmarrn (pancakes) are often better there.

Common Questions

What if the weather is bad?

Do NOT go up. Check the 'Zugspitze Gipfel' webcam. If it's grey, visit the Partnach Gorge in the valley instead.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but they need a ticket (~€6) and depending on the breed, a muzzle might be required in the cable car.