Zugspitze Cable Car
Ascend to Germany's highest peak via a world-record cable car for unparalleled alpine vistas and a unique mountain adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Zugspitze Cable Car
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend to Germany's highest peak via a world-record cable car for unparalleled alpine vistas and a unique mountain adventure.
"Despite cloudy weather, the snow in June and the surreal cable car ride made our Zugspitze visit magical."
Check Weather Before You Go
Clouds can hide the views! Check the forecast for clear skies to enjoy the panoramic vistas.
Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Zugspitze cable car tickets in advance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Panorama
Zugspitze Summit
Experience breathtaking 360° views of over 400 peaks across Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.
Eibsee Cable Car Ride
Eibsee to Zugspitze
Soar to the summit in a world-record-holding cable car, offering dramatic ascent and stunning alpine scenery.
Glacier Experience
Zugspitzplatt Glacier
Explore the high-alpine glacier area, offering unique snowy landscapes and seasonal activities like skiing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Getting to the Top
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Weather Before You Go
Clouds can hide the views! Check the forecast for clear skies to enjoy the panoramic vistas.
Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Zugspitze cable car tickets in advance.
Dress in Layers
Temperatures are cooler at the summit, even in summer. Bring a jacket and wear comfortable shoes.
Combine Transport Options
Experience both the cogwheel train and cable cars for a varied and scenic journey to the top.
Need advice on Zugspitze (Grainau, Germany)
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Weather Before You Go
Clouds can hide the views! Check the forecast for clear skies to enjoy the panoramic vistas.
Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Zugspitze cable car tickets in advance.
Dress in Layers
Temperatures are cooler at the summit, even in summer. Bring a jacket and wear comfortable shoes.
Combine Transport Options
Experience both the cogwheel train and cable cars for a varied and scenic journey to the top.
Last Cable Car Down
Be mindful of the last cable car departure time, usually around 4:45 PM, to avoid being stranded.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from Germany's highest peak, even when weather conditions are less than ideal. The well-maintained facilities and unique experiences like snow in June add to the magic. While the cost is noted, most feel the spectacular scenery and overall adventure are well worth it.
"We visited Zugspitze hoping for those famous panoramic views from Germany’s highest peak — but the weather had other plans! The skies stayed cloudy and we didn’t catch the 360° vistas, but to our surprise, it started snowing — in June! ❄️
Despite the limited visibility, the experience was still magical. Riding the cable car up through the clouds, then stepping out into a snow-covered summit was surreal. The observation decks and facilities are very well maintained, and there’s still a thrill in knowing you’re standing at 2,962 meters above sea level.
We’ll definitely come back on a clearer day — but even with the clouds, Zugspitze gave us a unique and memorable adventure!"
Shreya Gangopadhyay
"Visiting Zugspitze was an incredible experience — we were lucky to have beautiful weather, which made the views even more stunning.
We bought a cable car ticket for €66, which takes you all the way to the peak of Germany’s highest mountain. The ride itself is smooth and scenic, and once you reach the top, you’re greeted with breathtaking, snow-clad mountain views — truly a sight to remember!
After spending some time at the peak, we took another cable car to the glacier area, which is open depending on the season. The views here were even more spectacular, and we got to see people skiing, which added to the lively atmosphere.
One thing to note: the last cable car down is at 4:45 PM, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your day.
Highly recommended for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to experience the beauty of the Alps."
Swapna Satyanarayan
"What a great place! We visited in July 2024 and the weather was perfect. We went earlier in the day so we were able to get in and our before the clouds came in and obstructed the views. Saying the views are spectacular does not do it justice. They are amazing and go for miles. The staff that we encountered were very kind and helpful. They spoke enough English that we were able to get by easily. The temperature was a bit cooler up there, than at the bottom so please keep that in mind, but it felt great and we loved it! The winds are also a little more brisk, but again they felt great. We were able to get around up there easily and even the one in our party that is scared of heights was able to navigate up there easily. Would recommend and we will be back when in the area!"
Teresa Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to take a train or FlixBus to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then use local transport to reach the Zugspitze cable car base stations. Some visitors opt for a guided tour for convenience.
You can drive to Garmisch-Partenkirchen or the Eibsee parking area, but you cannot drive directly to the summit. From there, you'll need to use the cogwheel train or cable cars.
Many recommend a combination: take the cogwheel train from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Zugspitzplatt, then the Gletscherbahn cable car to the summit. Alternatively, the Eibsee Cable Car offers a direct, scenic route from Eibsee.
Yes, you can find maps online or at the ticket offices detailing the various cable car routes and the cogwheel train line. This helps in planning your ascent and descent.
Opening hours vary seasonally, but generally, the cable cars start operating in the morning and run until late afternoon. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date Zugspitze cable car schedule.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Zugspitze cable car price can vary depending on the season and the type of ticket purchased. A round trip typically costs around €66-€75. Consider purchasing tickets online to potentially save time.
You can purchase tickets online through the official Zugspitze website, or in person at the ticket offices in Garmisch-Partenkirchen or at the Eibsee cable car station.
Yes, you can choose between round-trip tickets that include various combinations of cable cars and the cogwheel train, or one-way tickets. The Tyrolean Zugspitze Cable Car offers an alternative route from Austria.
The Zugspitze cable cars generally operate year-round, but opening hours and specific routes might be adjusted due to weather conditions or seasonal maintenance. Always check the official website for current Zugspitze cable car hours.
While not always mandatory, booking Zugspitze cable car tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues and ensure availability.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers numerous vantage points for panoramic shots. The viewing platforms, the area around the cross, and the Eibsee Cable Car station provide excellent photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures. Don't forget extra batteries, as the cold can drain them faster.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer hues. However, clear midday can offer sharp, detailed views.
Yes, you can take photos from the cable car, but be mindful of reflections on the windows. The views during the ascent and descent are spectacular.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permits. Always respect signage and any staff instructions.
🎫 ❄️ Onsite Experience
Besides enjoying the panoramic views, you can visit the summit cross, explore the exhibition 'Wiwil's Welt', dine at restaurants, and in winter, enjoy snow activities on the Zugspitzplatt glacier.
While the heights can be daunting, the facilities are well-maintained and offer secure viewing areas. Many visitors with a fear of heights manage to navigate the summit with ease.
It's significantly colder at the summit than at the base. Expect temperatures to be much lower, especially outside of summer. Dressing in layers is crucial.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes at the summit and on the Zugspitzplatt, offering various dining options from quick snacks to full meals.
Yes, the Zugspitzplatt glacier offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities during the winter season, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as summit prices can be higher. The Gletscherbahn cable car to the glacier area can also be an adventure, especially if there's snow. Ensure children are dressed warmly, as the temperature difference is significant. The overall experience is well-organized and suitable for all ages, making it a memorable family outing.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Don't forget to capture the journey itself. The Eibsee Cable Car provides dramatic ascent shots, and the cogwheel train offers unique perspectives of the mountain landscape. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the scenery and a telephoto lens for details of distant peaks. Remember to pack extra batteries, as the cold can affect their performance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Ascent: Cogwheel Train vs. Cable Car
For a faster and more dramatic ascent, the cable cars are the way to go. The Eibsee Cable Car (Seilbahn Zugspitze) is a world-record holder for its single-span length and offers breathtaking views as it whisks you directly to the summit from the Eibsee lake. Alternatively, the Gletscherbahn Cable Car connects the Zugspitzplatt glacier area to the summit. Many visitors opt for a combination, perhaps taking the cogwheel train up and a cable car down, or vice versa, to experience the best of both worlds.
When planning your trip, consider the Zugspitze cable car price and the time you have available. While cable cars are quicker, the cogwheel train offers a unique perspective. Checking the Zugspitze cable car schedule is also crucial, especially for planning your return journey.
Maximizing Your Zugspitze Experience: Tips from Travelers
When it comes to tickets, booking your Zugspitze cable car tickets online in advance is a smart move. This can save you significant time waiting in line, especially during peak season. The Zugspitze cable car cost can be a factor, so looking for package deals that might include the cogwheel train and cable cars can be beneficial.
Finally, dress in layers! The temperature at the summit is considerably colder than at the base, even in summer. A windproof jacket, hat, and gloves are advisable. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must, as you'll likely be exploring the viewing platforms and surrounding areas.
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