The highest point in Germany
Zugspitze looms high over the cosy town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and, in fact, over all of Germany.
Being “the highest” perhaps shouldn’t be a big deal – but for some reason, it is. Seeing, visiting or even climbing the highest mountain in Germany just sounds cool.
Even though it’s only 2,962 metres high (which isn’t that high in alpine standards), Zugspitze is awesome.
We whizzed up with the cable car and had a great time at the freezing-cold top in October. We also returned on another trip in March, where Alex went downhill skiing.
In this Zugspitze guide, we’ll cover what to expect from the mountain, when to visit, what to bring, how to get to Zugspitze (transport, parking, cable car details…), and our best travel tips. Have fun!
Where to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen?
- Budget: Atlas Sporthotel – One of the cheapest options for ensuite double rooms in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Free parking.
- Value for money: Biohotel Garmischer Hof – Amazing views, organic food and a spa and wellness centre. Our favourite hotel in GaPa.
- Luxury: Bader Suites – Luxurious, spacious apartments with everything you need.
Search for the best hotels in Garmisch-Partenkirchen here.
Table of contents
What to expect at Zugspitze
You can’t miss Zugspitze.
If it isn’t cloudy (which it invariably is in mountainous regions), Zugspitze is easily spotted from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and, indeed, even from Munich on clear days.
Visiting Zugspitze is a popular tourist attraction in Bavaria and has been for many years. Who doesn’t want to be able to say they’ve been to the highest point in Germany?
And not only that: the view from up there is incredible.
We also visited nearby Alpspitze, and though the view from there was beautiful in its own right, it doesn’t really compare to Zugspitze.
What makes Zugspitze so special is that you have a clear view in all directions – including towards Austria, where the mountainous landscapes continue as far as the eye can see.
Where is Zugspitze?
Zugspitze is located in the Bavarian Alps in southern Germany, approximately 11 kilometres southwest of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and 90-100 kilometres southwest of Munich, the Bavarian capital.
The summit sits directly on the border between Germany and Austria, with part of the mountain lying in Bavaria and part in the Austrian state of Tyrol.
Visitors can easily walk across the border at the summit and enjoy panoramic views extending across both countries, as well as into Switzerland and Italy on clear days.
The mountain is part of the Wetterstein Mountains, which is a dramatic alpine range known for its rugged limestone peaks, glaciers, and spectacular hiking routes.
Scroll down to learn how to get to Zugspitze from Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Everything you need to know including the best experiences, when to visit, where to eat and where to stay
How to get to Zugspitze
As the equally famous and stunning Lake Eibsee sits right at the base of Zugspitze, “how to get to Zugspitze” basically has the same answer as “how to get to Eibsee”.
(Except if you plan to visit Zugspitze from the Austrian side of the border, of course. We visited from the German side.)
You’re spoiled with options for how to reach Zugspitze.
Here’s a brief overview of how to get to Zugspitze:
- Taking the cable car up (“Seilbahn Zugspitze”) is the easiest way to scale Zugspitze.
- The cable car runs from the parking lot at Lake Eibsee.
- Driving there with your own vehicle is the fastest option. It’s only 15-20 minutes away from Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
- You can also travel by public bus to the cable car. Scroll down to find our description of how to reach Zugspitze with public transport.
- Or why not cycle or hike if you feel fit?
- An alternative way up the mountain is the combination of the cogwheel train called Zugspitzbahn from Garmisch-Partenkirchen (or several other stops) to the platform at 2,600 metres and then a cable car (“Gletscherbahn aerial cable car”) to the top.
We drove in our own car from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Lake Eibsee, parked and then took the cable car to the top – so that route is what we’re focusing on first in this Zugspitze guide.
Further down, you can read about the parking facilities and prices as well as how to get to Zugspitze from Garmisch-Partenkirchen with public transport.
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Read moreCable car details
Riding the cable car from Lake Eibsee to the top of Zugspitze involves an elevation gain of 1,945 metres over a distance of 4.5 kilometres.
The Eibsee valley station is located at 998 metres above sea level, and the Zugspitze top station sits at 2,943 metres above sea level.
The cable car opened in 2017 and broke three records at the time: the world’s longest unsupported span at 3,213 metres, the highest steelwork pylon for an aerial tramway at 127 metres and the world’s greatest height difference over a single section, at 1,945 metres.
The two cabins can transport up to 580 passengers per hour.
Check out the live webcam view here.
Cable car opening times
From September to June, the cable car runs from 8:30 to 16:45.
In July and August, it runs from 8:00 to 17:45.
The journey time is just 10 minutes, with a run at least every 30 minutes.
Last ascent is 30 minutes before the end of service.
Note that the cable cars are closed a few times each year for maintenance, usually during the low season.
Check the operating times + when the cable cars are closed for maintenance here.
Cable car price
Visit Zugspitze with a Zugspitze ticket for 78 EUR per adult (~ 88 USD)*. It includes one ascent, one descent and unlimited rides on the Gletscherbahn cable car on the day of your visit.
For 93.5 EUR (~ 106 USD)*, you can also opt for a 2 Peak Pass that includes both a Zugspitze ticket as well as a Garmisch-Classic ticket that can be used for one ascent and one descent either with the Kreuzeckbahn or the Alpspitzbahn cable cars.
One-way tickets are cheaper, and there are discounts for children, families and disabled persons. Children under 6 years travel free of charge.
*These prices are from summer 2026.
For up-to-date prices and to buy tickets, visit the Zugspitze website here.
Parking at Zugspitze
It’s possible to park by the Zugspitze cable car right next to Lake Eibsee.
The parking lot is open from 5:00 to 22:00 (night parking is prohibited).
Check out the latest prices and parking rules on the official website here.
What to expect from visiting gorgeous Eibsee in the Bavarian Alps
Read more
How to reach Zugspitze by public transport
Zugspitze is easily reached by public transport.
You can take the blue Eibsee bus (bus 9840) from Garmisch-Partenkirchen directly to Zugspitze in about 40 minutes.
The last return during summer is at about 20:00. From October to mid-June, the last bus returns to town at 19:10.
From July to September, there’s a bus called the Eibsee-Express-Bus with the trip taking just 20 minutes.
See the bus timetable and prices (in German) here.
You can also get to Zugspitze from Garmisch-Partenkirchen with the Zugspitzbahn.
The cogwheel train terminates at the Zugspitze mountain at 2,600 metres (via Grainau and Eibsee), where you can take a cable car called “Gletscherbahn aerial cable car” to the top.
You can buy tickets at the train station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
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Skiing at Zugspitze
How cool is it that you can ski down Germany’s highest mountain?
Zugspitze has a quite well-developed ski area with 20 kilometres of snow-sure runs suitable for all skill levels.
Because of its height, the ski season at Zugspitze is very long – often starting in December and ending in May.
If you’re not into downhill skiing, it’s also possible to hire bobsledges and wooden sledges to go tobogganing down Zugspitze.
You can either reach the ski area by the Seilbahn to the top of Zugspitze and then take the Gletscherbahn down to the ski area or by travelling there directly with the Zugspitzbahn.
For even more downhill skiing options in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (including some really steep ones!), also check out the skiing at Hausberg and Kreuzeck.
Read more about skiing at Zugspitze (including prices) at the official website here, or check out the webcams here for a current update on the conditions.
When to visit Zugspitze
When is the best time to visit Zugspitze?
Well, visiting Zugspitze on the first or last cable car will generally give you the best light and fewest crowds.
It will, however, also be the coldest time to visit.
We visited Zugspitze for the first time on an early morning in October, and it was freezing cold up there.
Visiting later in winter, you have the option of skiing (as described above).
In summer, there are more people than in the shoulder seasons, but you’ll probably also have a warmer experience.
No matter the season or time of day, just get up there!
Unless the forecasts say it will be cloudy around the top station, it’s beautiful to see the surrounding peaks even if there are clouds lower down.
You can always take a look at the webcams beforehand.
Altitude at Zugspitze
At 2,962 metres, Zugspitze is not quite in the league of the big Alpine giants, but it is still high enough that some visitors feel the effects.
Mild altitude symptoms such as headaches, dizziness or shortness of breath are possible, particularly if you have come straight from sea level and whizzed up in the cable car without any acclimatisation.
Most people are absolutely fine (and so were we), but it is worth knowing about just in case.
The simple advice: drink plenty of water, take it easy when you first arrive at the top, and do not sprint up the steps to the viewing platform the moment you step out of the cable car.
Give yourself a few minutes to adjust.
If you feel unwell, descend. Symptoms almost always ease quickly once you are back at a lower altitude.
Children and older visitors are not necessarily more at risk than anyone else, but it is sensible to keep an eye on how everyone in your group is feeling, especially on a longer visit.
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How long to spend at Zugspitze
While you can technically visit Zugspitze in under an hour, we recommend setting aside two to three hours at the summit if the weather is clear.
This gives you enough time to enjoy the views from both the German and Austrian viewing platforms, explore the summit area, grab a drink or meal, and soak up the scenery without feeling rushed.
Trying to squeeze everything into an hour isn’t ideal. Between the cable car ride, walking between viewpoints, and potential queues, you’ll spend much of your visit watching the clock.
Given the cost of the ticket, it’s worth taking your time.
In good weather, many visitors end up staying longer than planned as the panoramic views across the Alps are hard to leave behind.
If conditions are poor, however, with thick cloud, limited visibility or strong winds, an hour or so at the top may be enough. If your itinerary allows, it’s best to choose a day with favourable weather.
Don’t forget to factor in the journey itself.
The cable car takes around 10 minutes each way, and queues can add extra waiting time, particularly during summer, weekends, and holiday periods.
Depending on the season and time of day, you may encounter queues both on the way up and on the way down.
If you’re also planning to visit Lake Eibsee, consider allocating half a day to a full day for the experience.
Combining a trip to Zugspitze with a walk around the lake makes for one of the most rewarding day trips in the Bavarian Alps.
Food and drink at the summit
There is a self-service cafeteria at the top, and a slightly more sit-down restaurant on the Austrian side (called Panorama 2962).
Both serve typical hearty alpine dishes as well as hot drinks. The prices are what you would expect from a place with a captive audience and no competition within 3,000 metres.
It’s perfectly fine to bring your own snacks and eat them on the viewing platform, which is what we did. Consider bringing something hot to drink in cooler months.
It might not be easy getting a table during peak hours in summer. If you are visiting in July or August, either eat early, eat late, or pack enough to get by without relying on the cafeteria.
If you’re willing to venture a little below the summit, another interesting option is Gletscher 2600 on the Zugspitze plateau.
The modern glass pavilion sits at an altitude of 2,600 metres and offers spectacular mountain views in a more contemporary setting than the restaurants at the top.
What really caught our attention is that Gletscher 2600 serves exclusively vegetarian and vegan dishes, with a focus on organic and fair-trade ingredients. It’s on our list for next time!
Combining Zugspitze with Lake Eibsee
The cable car departs from the shores of Lake Eibsee, which means you are already there, so it would be a shame not to make the most of it.
Eibsee is one of the most beautiful lakes in Germany, with its extraordinary turquoise colour and the Zugspitze massif reflected in it on calm days.
The circular walking path around the lake takes 1.5-2 hours at an easy pace and is suitable for families with children. Set aside more time if you like taking photos – there are sooo many pretty spots.
Our suggestion: walk around Eibsee first thing in the morning when the light is best, and the crowds are thinnest, then take the cable car up to Zugspitze late morning.
That way, you get the lake largely to yourselves before the day-trippers arrive, and you reach the summit in time for lunch.
Visiting in summer, you can also go for an afternoon swim in the lake after visiting Zugspitze.
If you are driving, parking is available right by the cable car station at Eibsee, and if you are coming by public transport, the bus from Garmisch-Partenkirchen drops you at the same spot.
Make sure to check out our Lake Eibsee guide for all of our tips and more pictures.
What to bring to Zugspitze
- Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
- A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
- Sunscreen (adlink). The sun can be strong up there in the summer even if it’s cold. Also remember that snow is highly reflective.
- Hiking shoes or winter boots.
- Warm clothes. You’re more than 2,000 metres higher up than in Garmisch-Partenkirchen at the top of Zugspitze. That means it’s going to be a helluva lot colder up there.
- Water and snacks are always a good idea.
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Minimise your impact
To minimise your impact during your visit to Zugspitze, follow these guidelines:
- Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
- Avoid single-use plastics, including straws.
- Dispose of waste properly. While putting your trash in a nearby trash can is convenient, wrappers and other small items are prone to being caught by the wind.
- Take only photos, leave only footprints. Let everything stay in its natural place.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
- Respect wildlife.
Thanks for reading our Zugspitze guide
Thanks for reading our travel guide to Zugspitze in Germany. We hope it has been useful!
What do you think about Zugspitze? Is it just the highest mountain or does it have any other appeal?
If you’ve been, it would be fantastic to hear your best tips for visiting Zugspitze in the comments.
If you haven’t been to the top yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us what’s on your mind. We’re happy to help you with your planning.
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for hotels and apartments.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- AirHelp for flight delay compensation.
- GetYourGuide for great tours everywhere.
- Airalo for reliable eSIM.
- Discover Cars for transparent car hire.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like True Traveller. Compared here.
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Thanks for the article! It is so useful for me!
However I got one question, I saw you mentioned that the cable car only operating
“From September to June, the cable car runs from 08:30 to 16:45.
In July and August, it runs from 08:00 to 17:45.”
Cable car service is not available in October/November? If that is the case, then how do we get to Zugspitze during Oct/Nov? Thanks in advance.
That’s great to hear! And yes, don’t worry, the cable car runs all year from 08:30 to 16:45 – except for July and August when it runs from 08:00 to 17:45. So visiting in October and November is no problem at all 🙂
Thank you so much for the reply!
Very glad to know that, It is very helpful to me!
Hello!! Your post is very informative, thank you very much! I would you like to know how to get from Zugspitz to Alpspitze, and what to do and see in both attractions?
Thanks!!
Hi Fernanda, we’re glad you think so!
The easiest way to get between Zugspitze and Alspitze is surely with a car as there is ample parking space at both cable car stations. Buses also run frequently to both, but we’re not 100% sure if a bus goes directly between the two. Connecting in GaPa would definitely be doable, though.
For the best things to do at Alspitze, check out our complete guide to Garmisch-Partenkirchen where we have written about our experience there.
What an detailed article ! Kudos ! Exceptionally well documented.
Thanks a lot Pawan!
Thank you alots. full of helpful information. Planning to go tomorrow and you have saved us alots of time.
Hi! Thank you for the insightful guide! Really helpful for my trip-planning!
Are there car park lots at Lake Eibsee?
Hi Melanie, that’s lovely to hear! Yes, there are indeed several car park lots at Eibsee (all with the same prices, opening times etc., though). You can read more about parking by the lake here.
Hi guys wonderfully noted details in your article. Just wanted to know if visiting in late Dec/early Jan will be a good idea? We will be travelling with our 5 year old son! Thanks
Thanks Savani! Visiting Zugspitze and Garmisch-Partenkirchen in late December or early January can be a magical experience, especially with a child. This is the heart of winter, so you’ll find plenty of snow-covered landscapes and winter activities to enjoy with your son.
If you’re considering a trip up to Zugspitze itself, the cable car ride is a highlight offering stunning panoramic views. Be prepared for cold weather at the summit, though. Layered clothing and good winter boots are essential for keeping warm.
As with most other places, the town and surrounding area might be a bit crowded with tourists during the holiday period, so booking accommodations and activities in advance is a good idea. Hope that helps!
This article is very useful, thank you for making a good article