How to Hike the Zugspitze in Germany
On the border of Germany and Austria, the Zugspitze's peak was first reached in 1820. Since then, it has been a busy attraction for tourists and hikers. While the summit is almost always overcrowded, the hike there is less busy and always a beautiful way to visit the peak.
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Instructions
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The Höllental (Valley of Hell) Route
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Start your hike at Lake Eibsee. The lake is a great place to be at dawn, and it's fairly uncrowded early in the morning. There is a campground nearby and a parking lot at the lake, as well as the cable car station, so you'll end at the same point if you decide not to hike back down.
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Head south on the marked trail toward the mountain, located just behind the paddle boat dock.
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Pass an Austrian border crossing sign along the hike. The path should shortly loop back around into Germany. There are no border guards here, as both countries are EU members.
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Head through the Hollentalklamm gorge. You will know you are there when you reach the cable car lines again. Along the cables you will pass the "Hollentalangerhutte," where you can get a meal, beer or bed for the night.
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Cross the Hollentalferner, the remains of a small glacier.
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Climb the rock wall up to the Irmerscharte, the last gap before the summit. Use the iron handles and ladders on the wall. Climbing gear is recommended but not necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
The hike is the shorter, but more difficult route up the mountain, and should take between 7 and 8 hours.
Do not attempt to hike this path during the winter unless you are very experienced. It is dangerous even in the summer, when inclement weather has caused fatalities.
