Alps: Zugspitze Circuit

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked any additional services with us.