Zugspitze Region
There is probably no other region in Germany where the opportunities for outdoor sports enthusiasts are greater than around the Zugspitze, the highest mountain in the country. An extensive network of routes for hiking, biking or mountain biking delights all visitors in summer. In winter, the ski circuit on the glacier as well as secluded ski touring mountains and winter hiking trails draw vacationers. For everyone who wants to let off steam in the snow, there is plenty of opportunity here.
Activities in the Zugspitze Region
Attractions in the Zugspitze Region
Highlights
At 2962 meters, the Zugspitze is Germany's highest mountain. Its panoramic summit attracts many ...
Easy hike in a canyon-like landscape around the crystal-clear Eibsee lake with magnificent views at the foot of the Zugspitze.
Steep rock faces, rushing water and bizarre ice formations in winter make the Partnachklamm to an ...
Seven years ago the Bike Park Oberammergau was closed. The opening of the new "Focus Bike Park" ...
The freeride descent through the Dammkar high above Mittenwald is one of the classics. The Karwendel cable car provides comfortable access to one ...
Eingerahmt durch das Heimgartengebiet und Estergebirge im Osten, das Wetterstein-Gebirge im Süden ...
Initially physically and technically demanding, later relaxed and enjoyable, we ride around the Notkarspitze in the Ammergau Alps. The trail ...
Discover the region
Diverse natural landscapes
Photo: Schambeck, Adobe Stock
The Zugspitze region stretches from Staffelsee through the gentle Loisach Valley to the south, across the Ammergau Alps Nature Park to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, on to the Wetterstein Mountains and as far as the Karwendel. The region combines the most diverse natural areas. From the idyllic bathing lakes and the species-rich moorlands in the north, you will pass through the floodplains and picturesque villages along the Loisach River. At higher altitudes, the flowering mountain meadows are a wonderful place to relax.
The power of water is impressively demonstrated by a visit to the spectacular Höllentalklamm gorge or the Partnachklamm gorge - a unique natural spectacle that can be observed in summer and winter. And of course, the high peaks of the Upper Bavarian mountains, above all the Zugspitze itself, attract numerous nature lovers and active vacationers.
There is so much to discover in the Zugspitze region at any time of year.
Outdoor activities in the Zugspitze region
The alpine region around the Zugspitze can be explored in many ways: by foot on gentle hiking trails or on challenging alpine paths and via ferrata, by mountain bike or touring bike, climbing, or in winter on skis and snowshoes. Well-developed and well-maintained trail networks offer numerous opportunities for every type of sport.
The Zugspitze region not only has the right activity on offer for everyone, but also something for all levels of difficulty: Hiking for connoisseurs, ski touring for adventurers or climbing for experts, you will find the perfect trip for everyone here.
Photo: onurcepheli, Adobe Stock
A paradise for winter sports enthusiasts
The impressive peaks of the Zugspitze region, the picturesquely situated villages with their warm hospitality as well as the idyllic lakes make every winter sports heart beat faster. Because of the high snow reliability, everything that has to do with snow and ice is possible here in the winter months into spring.
Cross-country skiers and ice-skaters can really let off steam on a network of over 650 kilometers of trails. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the glacier area on the Zugspitze or the ski area in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The four ski areas in the Ammergau Alps as well as the Kranzberg in the Karwendel are ideal for families and beginners in winter sports. Exciting routes for free riders as well as gentle ski and snowshoe tours that take you away from the hustle and bustle are also available. And if you simply want to explore the wintry landscape without any additional equipment, you will find numerous well-prepared winter hiking trails in the Zugspitz region that will lead you through a fairytale snow-covered landscape.
Hiking and biking around Zugspitze
The Zugspitze region is also an ideal vacation destination in summer: idyllic mountain lakes for swimming, lush meadows and flowering pastures, impressive gorges and high peaks offer plenty of variety. For example, the region's cycling network covers more than 450 kilometers - against a fantastic backdrop, cyclists will find their perfect route, as well as mountain bikers who want to let off steam on exciting trails.
Fantastic routes also lead hikers and mountaineers through the Wetterstein or Karwendel mountains. Numerous paths lead up to the Zugspitze itself - or you can simply take a leisurely ride up on the Zugspitz cable car to enjoy the spectacular view from Germany's highest mountain.
Photo: Sascha, Adobe Stock
Culture and living customs in the Zugspitze region
Photo: Reinhold, Adobe Stock
Numerous traditional events, architecture, exciting museums and a rich history ensure that art and culture lovers will also be happy during a visit to the region. From the world-famous annual Oberammergau Passion Theater on the open-air stage to the famous Lüftl painting and violin-making art of the region.
So, especially when the weather is bad or to compensate for an energy-sapping outdoor experience, it's worth taking a look at the region's cultural landscape. A visit to the famous Ettal Monastery with its impressive basilica and rococo sacristy is a must. And if you are already in Ettal and interested in historical buildings, you should also pay a visit to Linderhof Castle.
Likewise, many museums in the region are worth a detour. Among others, the violin-making museum in Mittenwald, the Staffelsee Museum in Seehausen or the Werdenfels Museum in Garmisch-Partenkirchen are worth mentioning.
