Zugspitze Ticket

Set off from the base of the mountain and feel the romance of a historic cogwheel train winding through scenic valleys. Reach the summit and take in breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Alps from the observation deck. 

On your way down, glide smoothly aboard a world-record-holding cable car towards the foothill, overlooking the crystal-clear Lake Eibsee—often called the "Pearl of the Alps." Whether you're seeking high-altitude snowscapes or serene lakeside views, the Zugspitze Round Trip is an absolute must-do highlight of your Bavarian adventure!

Valid Routes

• Cogwheel train
  • Garmisch-Partenkirchen ↔ Eibsee
    • Riffelriß is a request stop. Please inform the train staff in advance if you wish to alight there.
  • Eibsee ↔ Zugspitzplatt 
  • Duration : 75 minutes from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Zugspitzplatt
  • Valid for one ride only.

• Zugspitze Cable Car (Seilbahn Zugspitze)
  • Eibsee ↔ Zugspitze Summit  
  • Duration : 10 minutes 
  • Valid for one ride only.

• Gletscherbahn Cable Car
  • Zugspitzplatt ↔  Zugspitze Summit 
  • Duration : 4 minutes 
  • Unlimited rides

Located approximately 300 meters below the summit, the Zugspitze Plateau is the ultimate destination to experience Germany's glaciers up close. Wander across the snow-covered plateau surrounded by majestic peaks, home to Germany’s highest chapel—the Chapel of the Visitation (Maria Heimsuchung)—and enjoy the thrill of alpine tobogganing. Whether escaping the summer heat or taking in winter snowscapes, the Zugspitze Plateau offers an unforgettable and immersive Alpine winter wonderland experience!

Your Ultimate Bucket List

• Visit Germany’s Highest Chapel
  • Explore the Chapel of the Visitation (Maria Heimsuchung), perched high in the Bavarian Alps.
• Explore the Upgraded Glacier Trail
  • Newly enhanced in 2024, this trail features 6 interactive information stations guiding visitors through Alpine glaciers, global climate change, the Environmental Research Station Schneefernerhaus, and the geological secrets of the Zugspitze.
  • Walking Time: Approx. 45-minute loop; about 15 minutes from the Sonnalpin Restaurant.
  • Note: Interactive stations are available in summer only; however, the loop trail remains open for winter hiking.

• Fun Tobogganing Experience
  • Equipment rental (toboggans and helmets) is available on-site. 
  • No prior skills are required, and the family-friendly slope can even be enjoyed year-round whenever snow conditions permit—making it perfect for kids and seniors trying tobogganing for the first time!
  • Check facility status here: https://zugspitze.de/en/Service-information/Facilities 

• Join a Free Guided Glacier Tour
  • Offered daily in two sessions (11:00 AM & 1:30 PM).
  • Meeting Point: Entrance of Sonnalpin Restaurant on the Plateau (next to the Souvenir Kiosk).
  • Duration: Approx. 60 minutes.

• Savor Alpine Culinary Delights at Sonnalpin or Gletscher 2600
  • Sonnalpin: A cozy, self-service German restaurant featuring a spacious outdoor sun terrace—a true landmark on the Plateau.
  • Gletscher 2600: Championing the eco-friendly concept "Zugspitze goes veggie!", this fully glazed restaurant allows guests to enjoy delicious vegetarian cuisine or high-altitude cocktails while taking in sweeping panoramic views of the glacier.

Welcome to the roof of Germany! Reaching the summit of the Zugspitze rewards you with an astonishing 360-degree panoramic view of over 400 Alpine peaks across four countries. Straddle the border between Germany and Austria with a single step, admire the iconic Golden Summit Cross, and send a postcard from Germany's highest post office. An unforgettable high-altitude adventure awaits!

Your Summit Bucket List

• Gaze Across 4 Countries
  • Take in sweeping views of over 400 Alpine peaks spanning Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.
• Snap a Photo at Iconic Landmarks
  • Strike a pose with the famous Golden Summit Cross and the historic German-Austrian border marker.
• Dine at Panorama 2962 Restaurant
  • 360° Panoramic Alpine Views: Savor delicious meals in a cozy, elegant indoor ambiance while taking in unobstructed 360-degree views of cloud inverted landscapes and over 400 mountain peaks across four nations.
  • Transnational Alpine Cuisine: Featuring a culinary journey that brings together the very best flavors and culinary traditions of Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.

Nestled right at the foot of the Zugspitze, Lake Eibsee is widely known as one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Germany. Renowned for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters and picturesque small islands, it offers a breathtaking reflection of the majestic Zugspitze above. Lake Eibsee is an absolute paradise you cannot miss on your Bavarian journey!

Your Bucket List

• Seilbahn Zugspitze (Cable Car Zugspitze)
  • A Modern Engineering Marvel Holding 3 World Records  
  • World's Tallest Steel Support Tower (127 meters) : The entire line is supported by just a single steel pylon standing 127 meters tall.  
  • World's Longest Free Span (3,213 meters) : Spanning 3.2 kilometers from the single support tower to the summit station without any intermediate pillars.  
  • World's Greatest Elevation Difference (1,945 meters) : The single cable car line ascends continuously from the valley station to the peak, overcoming an altitude difference of 1,945 meters.  

• Panoramic Floor-to-Ceiling Glass Cabins 
  • Features floor-to-ceiling windows and floor heating (ensuring clear views even in adverse weather), with a capacity of up to 120 passengers per cabin.  
  • Spectacular High-Altitude Views: The ride takes approximately 7 to 10 minutes. During the steep ascent, enjoy a nearly vertical aerial view of the emerald-green Lake Eibsee, and reach the top to take in 360-degree views of over 400 Alpine peaks across Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.

• High Altitude Warning
  • At 2,962m, the rapid cable car ascent may cause ear pressure, dizziness, or mild altitude sickness, especially in young children, seniors, or those with chronic conditions. Please take it easy and stay hydrated.

• Operating Season: Summer: May 23 – Nov 26, 2026 (Winter season TBA)
• Maintenance Closure: Annual maintenance in Apr - May; Nov 9 - 13, Nov 16 - 20, and Nov 23 - 26, 2026
• Entry Method: Direct entry via QR Code (No physical ticket exchange required)
• Validity: 1-Day Pass, valid on the selected date only

Q : What transportation is included in the Zugspitze Ticket?

With the Zugspitze Ticket, you can ride the following three mountain transportation services:

• Cogwheel Train
• Cable Car Zugspitze
• Gletscherbahn Cable Car

【Usage Instructions】

• Round-Trip (One Time Each Way): The ticket includes one ascent and one descent. You can freely choose to take either the Cable Car Zugspitze or the Cogwheel Train for your round trip.

• Unlimited Rides in the Summit Area: On the day of your visit, you enjoy unlimited rides on the Gletscherbahn Cable Car, which connects the summit with the Zugspitze Plateau.

   

Q : What are the pros and cons of the "Clockwise Route" (Cogwheel Train UP, Cable Car DOWN) ?

Pros

• Better Altitude Adaptation: Stopping at the 2,600m Glacier Plateau first helps ease ear pressure and prevents altitude sickness.
• Gradual Scenic Experience: Ascends step-by-step from lush forests to the peak, building up the visual thrill.
• Stunning Downhill Views: Descending by cable car offers breathtaking aerial views of the emerald-green Lake Eibsee.

Cons

• Longer Travel Time: The cogwheel train ride up takes about 75 minutes.
• Morning Crowds: This is the default route for most tour groups, so the train station can be busy in the morning.

Q : What are the pros and cons of the "Counter-Clockwise Route" (Cable Car UP, Cogwheel Train DOWN) ?

Pros

• Reach the Summit in 10 Mins: The fast cable car lets you beat the crowd to snap photos at the summit's Golden Cross.
• Avoid Peak Crowds: Traveling opposite to most tour groups gives you a more relaxed experience with fewer people.

Cons

• Rapid Elevation Change: Climbing nearly 2,000m in just 10 minutes may cause ear pressure or mild dizziness for children and seniors.
• Slower Return Journey: Taking the 75-minute train ride down when tired can feel a bit long.

Q : How much time should I allow for the Zugspitze Round Trip ?

We recommend allowing at least 2 to 3 hours for the entire journey.

To avoid peak crowds and ensure smooth transfers, it is best to start your trip early. Please note that actual duration may vary depending on daily visitor traffic and your planned activities at the summit.