Walk through one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the Northern Alps.
Experience Germany’s highest mountain from many different perspectives.
Discover lush meadows, alpine pastures and cool mountain streams.
Hike through the wild and romantic Partnach and Leutasch Gorges.
The picturesque Lake Eibsee, one of Germany’s most beautiful lakes.
Self-guided hike around the Zugspitze, the roof of Germany
On this varied 7-day walking holiday you will hike around the base of Germany’s highest peak, the mighty Zugspitze, enjoying wonderful views of the summit from various different angles. Starting and finishing Garmisch-Partenkirchen, this circumnavigation follows well-marked trails through idyllic alpine pastures and forests. This adventurous route also takes you through the heart of the dramatic Partnach and Leutasch Gorges, following walkways high above raging torrents and between sheer rock walls. Crossing the border into the Austrian Tyrol, you will follow the turquoise green water of the Leutascher Ache River through the tranquil Leutasch and Gaistal valleys. Numerous alpine lakes await you on this tour, including the incredibly beautiful Lake Eibsee, one of the jewels of the Bavarian Alps. When you reach the shore of Lake Eibsee, a ticket for the Zugspitzbahn is included to take you back to the start point in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
You will stay in peaceful alpine villages and will have lots of opportunities to stop at charming mountain huts along the route to try Bavarian and Tirolean culinary delicacies. The highlight of this trip is undoubtedly the Zugspitze itself. You can take a cable car to the summit at 2,962 metres for a panoramic view over 400 mountain peaks in four different countries.
| 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS | From €799 per person sharing*
*Discounts available for children sharing with 2 adults. |
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| ACCOMMODATION |
In charming 3*** hotels and inns. All rooms with private facilities. The standard hotels of this trip are listed below. If any are unavailable, we will book an alternative hotel of a similar standard.
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| MEALS | Breakfast is included each morning. Picnic lunches can be ordered on site from the hotels or you can stop at mountain huts along the way. You can have dinner at your accommodation or at nearby restaurants. | ||||||||||||||||||
| AVAILABILITY | You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between May 18th and October 6th. | ||||||||||||||||||
| INCLUDED |
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| NOT INCLUDED |
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| OPTIONAL EXTRAS |
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| DISCOUNT FOR DIGITAL ROUTE BOOK | Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of €20 per room (let us know at the time of booking if you would like to do this). | ||||||||||||||||||
| DIFFICULTY / TERRAIN | The difficulty level of this trip is rated as easy to moderate overall. Only a good basic fitness level is required. You will walk a maximum of 5 hours a day on good walking paths and forest trails. Steep ascents are managed by transfers or cable car. | ||||||||||||||||||
| WALKING WITH A DOG | It is possible to book this hiking tour accompanied by your dog. We are happy to request dog-friendly accommodation for you. Please ask us for a quote and let us know the size and breed of dog.
Please note: Additional costs for your dog (e.g. for public transport or in the accommodations) are not included in the tour price and have to be paid on site. |
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Day 1: Arrival in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Your trip begins in the heart of Bavaria, in the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen were merged for the 1936 Winter Olympics. Located about an hour and a half by train from Munich, at the foot of the Zugspitze, Garmisch is considered to be the Alpine capital of Germany.
Overnight: Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Day 2: Through the Partnach Gorge to Mittenwald/Klais
Distance: 16 km | Ascent: 640 m | Descent: 430 m | 5 hrs approx.
Your hike around the Zugspitze starts with a wild and wonderful walk through Partnachklamm, where the waters of Wetterstein massif meet. Here, the Partnach River has cut an 80-metre-deep crevasse into the rock, creating one of the most beautiful gorges in the alpine region. The gorge was declared a natural landmark in 1912, but it hasn’t always been as approachable as it is today. Once upon a time, visitors trying to walk through the gorge risked their lives, fortunately nowadays there are two safe trails to choose from. Continue via soft hills and alpine pastures to the beautiful alpine village of Mittenwald or nearby Klais.
Overnight: Mittenwald/Klais.
Day 3: Hike through the Leutasch Valley
Distance: 14 km | Ascent: 220 m | Descent: 30 m | 4 hrs approx.
Today’s hike takes you across the border into the Austrian Tyrol. A spectacular walkway leads you through the steep rock walls of the Leutasch Gorge, with footbridges crossing up to 40 m above the raging torrents of the Leutascher Ache river. You then continue to follow the turquoise green river past pretty mountain hamlets and through flower-covered meadows, with the impressive Wetterstein massif as a backdrop. You will spend the next two nights in the Leutasch Valley, in the idyllic surroundings of the Seefeld high plateau.
Overnight: Leutasch.
Day 4: Seefeld lakes or summits
Distance: 9 km | Ascent: 300 m | Descent: 220 m | 3 hrs approx.
Today you have a choice: you can either relax or take a walk to the natural bathing lakes in and around Seefeld. Alternatively, you can opt for an excursion on one of the Seefelder summits, either walking or taking the cable car, then returning to Leutasch by bus.
Overnight: Leutasch.
Day 5: Through the Gaistal Valley to Ehrwald
Distance: 17 km | Ascent: 440 m | Descent: 290 m | 5 hrs approx.
Today begins with a short bus ride into the pristine natural habitat of the Gaistal Valley. In summertime the Gaistal pastures are enjoyed by Haflinger horses, brown and grey cattle as well as the Scottish Galloways. This high mountain valley also boasts vast living territories for roe deer, red deer and chamois, while golden eagles nest in the walls of the Wetterstein mountain range. The faces of the Tyrolean mountains tower over both sides of the valley, offering magnificent views.
You follow the Ganghofer trail up to the Ehrwalder alpine pasture, where Bavarian author Ludwig Ganghofer sought retreat. Take the cable car down into the valley and continue to Ehrwald.
Overnight: Ehrwald.
Day 6: From Ehrwald to Garmisch via Eibsee
Distance: 12 km | Ascent: 540 m | Descent: 510 m | 4½ hrs approx.
Your final hike takes you to the beautiful Lake Eibsee, one of Germany’s most picturesque lakes. You first ascend on forest paths along the northwest side of Zugspitze to the Eibseeblick, a fantastic viewing point over the lake. You then descend to the shores of the lake, where you can enjoy stunning views of the crystal-clear alpine lake with the towering peak of the Zugspitze behind. A train ticket is included to take you from Eibsee to Garmisch on the Zugspitzbahn.
Overnight: Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Day 7: Departure
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked any additional services with us.
Getting to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
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