Zugspitze

At 2,962 metres, the Zugspitze is Germany's highest peak, straddling the border with Austria on the edge of the Bavarian Alps above Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Visitors can reach the summit via two distinct routes: the Zugspitzbahn cogwheel railway departs Garmisch station, passes through the Zugspitzplatt glacier plateau, and terminates at the summit; the Eibsee cable car (Seilbahn) rises almost vertically from Eibsee lake at 1,000 metres to the summit in ten minutes. A third option, the Austrian Tiroler Zugspitzbahn from Ehrwald, operates on the western face. The summit area offers an observation deck on German soil and a cross-border platform extending into Austria. On clear days the panorama spans four countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. The glacier immediately below the summit is the Zugspitzplatt, Germany's highest ski area, open from November through May. In summer, high-altitude hiking trails link the summit to the Höllentalferner glacier and descent routes for experienced mountaineers. The Zugspitz-Arena complex includes restaurants and a small exhibition on the geology and history of the mountain. Summit temperatures average around 5°C in summer and can be far below zero in winter regardless of warmth in the valley. The round-trip cable car from the Eibsee costs approximately €75 for adults in peak season; booking online in advance prevents long waits at the valley station.