Zugspitze Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Zugspitze. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Zugspitze, Germany's Highest Mountain, Day Tour from Munich

• Private Tour to Zugspitze with Cable Car-Tix, Lake Eibsee, and Lunch

• Private Zugspitze & Neuschwanstein Castle, Skip The Line, and Lunch

• A Private Day Tour of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Zugspitze Mountain

• Private: Mount Zugspitze and Snow Much More - Deluxe Tour from Munich

Technically, visiting Zugspitze is totally free in summer—it’s a popular hiking spot. However, if you’re looking for transportation, prices vary. In winter, round-trip pedestrian tickets for the cogwheel train and/or cable car are €69 for adults, €55 for kids ages 16–18, and €34.50 for kids ages 6–15. In summer, tickets are about €10 more expensive. (Skiing prices are a whole other story, naturally.)

Yes, Zugspitze is absolutely worth visiting. It's Germany's highest mountain, and in addition to plenty of skiing and hiking opportunities on the slopes, there's a cable car, a cogwheel train, panoramic viewing terraces, restaurants, and even glacier views to enjoy at the summit. What's more, it's only about 90 minutes from Munich.

Per one customer who booked the Zugspitze, Germany's Highest Mountain, Day Tour from Munich, "Very lovely day trip! Our guide, Sven, was helpful and had lots of historical facts about the areas we were going and driving through. [He] made the process very easy and removed the stress of thinking you could get left behind. There are two stops once you're on Zugspitze: the summit platform and the glacier. Both very cool... Highly recommend if you have a day free in Munich."

There are several ways to reach the top of Zugspitze. The Zugspitze Cable Car departs from the Eibsee, a lake near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and takes about 10 minutes. The Zahnradbahn, a cogwheel train, takes riders to the Zugspitze Plateau, where they catch another cable car to the top. There’s also the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn, yet another cable car, for those from the Austrian side.

The things to do on Zugspitze depend on the season of your visit. In winter, Zugspitze turns into Germany's highest ski resort, with numerous slopes suitable for all levels. In the warmer months, soak up the Bavarian Alps and valleys vistas, hike, or grab a meal at a mountaintop restaurant, enjoying Germany’s highest views while you dine.

While there is no entrance fee to visit Zugspitze itself, there are costs associated with the transportation options to reach the summit. Tickets for the cable cars and cogwheel trains vary in price depending on which one you choose, the season, and whether you purchase a round-trip or one-way ticket.

The best time of year to visit Zugspitze depends on what you’re looking to experience. Winter (December to April) is great for skiing, snowboarding, apres-ski coffee breaks, and other cold-weather endeavors. Summer (June to September) is great for traveling, sightseeing (visibility is typically better in this season), and enjoying the alpine wildflowers.

Yes, you can hike to the summit of Zugspitze, but every route is difficult. The Reintal Route is the least demanding, but it still typically requires an overnight at a mountain hut. The Gatterl Route starts in Austria and traverses a difficult mountain pass. The Hollental Route is the most challenging and scenic, involving a combination of hiking, climbing, and crossing a glacier.

The weather on Zugspitze can be unpredictable, varying wildly depending on the season. In winter, expect below-freezing temperatures, with plenty of snow and ice. In summer, temperatures can range from cool to mild, but it can still be chilly at the summit. Summer storms can also bring rain and reduced visibility. In short, always pack layers.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Zugspitze. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Garmisch–Partenkirchen:

• Oberammergau

• Ludwigstrasse

• Garmisch-Classic Ski Area

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Garmisch–Partenkirchen.