On the heels of the pioneers – through the Reintal to the Zugspitze
For a more detailed description of the tour, please refer to "PDF Print" above.
Author’s recommendation
The cross at the summit of the Zugspitze can be accessed from the summit terrace via a steep, narrow footpath, which is suitable only for the sure-footed who do not suffer from dizzy spells. Be particularly careful when the ground is wet! The view from the terrace across to the summit is also very beautiful.
In the summit station of the Eibsee cable railway there is an exhibition on the history of the Zugspitze and its development as a tourist attraction which features many interesting and entertaining pictures, films and original exhibits.
Rest Stop
ReintalangerhütteKnorrhütte
Gletscherrestaurant SonnAlpin
Lenz'n-Hütte
Münchner Haus
Safety information
High Alpine trail - you should have some Alpine experience, be fit, sure-footed and should not suffer from dizzy spells. Please check the Zugspitz rail schedule beforehand. Given the length of this trail, we recommend an overnight stop in one of the DAV huts. Overnight stops should be booked/reserved in advance – especially during holiday seasons.
Tips, hints and links
www.gapa.de
www.zugspitze.de (Cable car schedules)
www.alpenverein-ga-pa.de (for telephone numbers of huts to make reservations)
www.charly-wehrle.de (Reintalanger hut)
Start
Turn-by-turn directions
The next part of the trail takes you into the fascinating world of 702m long Partnach gorge, which reaches depths of up to 80m and which was sliced into the rock face over millions of years by the power of water alone. The path is secured on both sides by wire handrails. At the end of the gorge the valley widens once more. Here you should cross a small bridge over the Ferchenbach river, and proceed to follow the river as signposted toward “Reintal / Zugspitze”. The forest path eventually narrows and you will pass the Bock hut (2hr 45min), the Quelle an den sieben Sprüngen, the “Blaue Gumpe” – a small mountain lake which was almost completely covered with boulders in 2005 – before reaching the romantically situated Reintalanger hut (a further 2 hr, altitude 1370m), which offers the chance for an overnight stop. The trail – from this point on with Alpine markings of red circles painted onto the stone – continues past the source of the Partnach river, and after a steep stretch of path you will pass the Veitlbrünnl and eventually arrive at the Knorr hut (2 hr, 2051m), which also offers overnight accommodation. The hike to this point should take about 8 hours in total.
From here the route takes you across the rubble-covered landscape of the Zugspitz plateau up to the SonnAlpin and the Zugspitzbahn, which in winter form the heart of the Zugspitz skiing region (1hr 30min, 2600m). After passing the glacier, the trail continues steeply uphill, passing the Schneeferner house along a well secured trail up to the summit of the Zugspitze. Alternatively, you can take the cable car to the summit from the Zugspitz plateau (SonnAlpin) and enjoy a more comfortable ride for the final 300m of altitude.
The descent is possible either with the Eibsee cable car from the summit or the Zugspitz funicular railway from the Zugspitz plateau, which takes you all the way back to the Garmisch train station. From here you can take the regional bus number 1 or 2 take back to your starting point at the Olympic Ski Stadium.
Note
Public transport
Take the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (hourly connections from Munich). From there take the local bus route 1 or 2 to the Olympia Skistadion.Getting there
Take the motorway A95 to its end at Eschenlohe, and then follow the state road B2 to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. After the tunnel drive in the direction of the Partenkirchen part of town. Near the end of the town, follow the signs to the Olympia Skistadion (Olympic Skiing Stadium).If you are coming from Mittenwald, take the state road B2 to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Turn left at the first possibility. Follow the signs to the Olympia Skistadion (Olympic Skiing Stadium).
If you are coming via the state road B23, drive to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and turn right onto Gernackerstraße at the second traffic lights. Follow the course of the road (St.-Martin-Straße, Bahnhofstraße). Turn right at the intersection at the town hall and stay on the main road until signs point you to the way to the Olympia Skistadion (Olympic Skiing Stadium) near the end of the town.
Parking
At the Olympia Skistadion (Olympic Skiing Stadium), some of which is paid parking (P13).Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
Having the right equipment is important: mountain boots, telescopic walking sticks, sufficient provisions and fluids, sun protection for face, eyes and skin (glacier!) and weatherproof clothing (the weather at this altitude can change very suddenly).
Questions and answers
Reviews
Photos from others