Garmisch-Partenkirchen and The Zugspitz, Top of Germany

[LL_Travelfan]

Unforgettable experiences up high on the roof of Germany

http://www.zugspitze.de/en/summer/be...tzugspitze.htm



Nature lovers, sun worshippers, hikers at the top of Zugspitze and an altitude of just under 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), there's something to suit everyone's taste. Experience frosty contact with snow on a summertime glacial hike, sunbathe on Germany's highest sun deck spend an unforgettable day in the Zugspitze world of adventure.

Families with children, senior citizens and wheelchair users can ride comfortably to the Zugspitze summit in the Eibsee cable car. The mountain station invites you to linger in the rustic summit restaurant, Gipfelalm, and the Panorama-Lounge 2962. You can ride the Glacier cable car down to the Zugspitze Glacier just 300 meters (984 feet) under the summit.

"Gletscherwanderweg", a glacier hiking trail



Feel the eternal ice at your toe tips on the Gletscherwanderweg trail (not always open) that leads you across the Zugspitze Glacier and up to the viewing platform at the "Windloch" in just under 30 minutes. From there, you have a magnificent view deep down into the Ehrwald basin 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) below your toes, of the surrounding mountains and the Zugspitzplatt ski area.



Karst cave



Take a 15-minute walk to the Karst cave (not always open) and get a glimpse of the inside of Zugspitze mountain. At the cave, you can look 15 meters(49 feet) down into the depths of the mountain. And to boot, you get a tremendous panoramic view across Austria all the way to Italy at the cave entrance if weather conditions permit.


SonnAlpin loop trail



The loop hiking trail takes you around the SonnAlpin Glacier Restaurant in 15 to 30 minutes. A perfect way for families with children and senior citizens to experience the surrounding mountain world. A culinary and visual highlight: The Glaciergarden, a filigree glass dome with an open display kitchen. The mobile roof design and glass panes that can be opened in all directions permit openair seating so guests can enjoy the mountains and their meal at the same time.

Children's "Ferrata" (protected climbing route) and playground



A special children's "Ferrata" offers kids their first rock-climbing experience. Young mountain guests can experience the Zugspitze while playing on Germany's highest playground. See-saws, figures and the other structures are made of natural materials like wood and stone.

Zugspitze exhibitThe exhibit, "Tourism, Technology and Nature the Zugspitze", right on the summit documents the exciting development of Zugspitze from the first ascent in 1820 until today. Movies, photos and curious exhibits depict both historic and technical developments. Yellowed photos, old tickets, conductors' ticket punchers and, above all, movies of the spectacular construction of the Glacier and Eibsee cable cars make history come alive. The cogwheel train, which celebrated its 75th year of service in 2005, is the secret star of the exhibit. A section of the rail and an original cogwheel bear witness to the exceptional engineering that made the feat of overcoming the 25 % incline to the Zugspitzplatt under the summit possible. The exhibit is free of charge.

Further highlights:
4-country panoramic view including 400 peaks and 250 kilometers (155 miles) of visibility"Maria Heimsuchung", Germany's highest church was blessed by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI)Conference Center in the SonnAlpin Glacier RestaurantSun decks with loungesWeather stationBorder crossing to Austria/TyrolGermany's highest Internet terminals where you can send eCards free-of-charge

[ngallag]

Absolutely beautiful! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go to the top of the Zugspitz the day I had planned due to unexpected snow! 40 cm. at the end of August! And me without a warm jacket and t-shirts and capri pants packed! The views in the area are stunning, though.

[LL_Travelfan]

Sorry you had bad weather in Garmisch. We too woke up to 40 cm snow on the Zugspitz and the surrounding areas. It was incredibly cold and wet during that week/month. This summer here has been the coldest and wettest summer since they kept records here in Garmisch.
Well, you just have to come back next time.... the area is truly tops.