Best backpacking trails in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Popular hiking trail with great views in Werdenfesler Land, Bavaria. The 2,962-meter-high Zugspitze is a mountain of superlatives. As the highest elevation in Germany, you have an unbelievable 360° panoramic view of the surrounding Alpine landscape from the summit. This route begins south of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and leads through the Partnach Gorge to the Reintalangerhütte. Up to here, the ascent is still relatively easy. From the Reintalangerhütte, it becomes quite steep and technically...

Stage 1 of the Zugspitz Tour via Reintal, Bavaria. Numerous routes lead to the Zugspitze, with its 2962 m above sea level the highest mountain in Germany. The ascent through the Reintal (Route A) is the easiest, but also the longest of the Zugspitze tours. The hike is usually done in two daily stages. The scenic first stage runs from Garmisch-Partenkirchen along the Partnach and through the Reintal to the Reintalangerhuette (book accommodation in advance). There are no technically demanding...

Stage 2 of the Zugspitz Tour via Reintal, Bavaria. This is the second stage of the ascent to the Zugspitze from Garmisch-Partenkirchen via the Reintal (Route A). Even if this route is considered the easiest of the Zugspitze tours, the final ascent to the summit of Germany's highest mountain should not be underestimated. From the Reintalangerhuette you hike through partly exposed, rope-secured, fall-prone, stony terrain and overcome almost 1600 meters in altitude within a short distance. The...

Exciting circular hiking trail in the Franconian Forest, Bavaria. This hike in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a real excursion into nature. This moderate to difficult circular tour begins and ends at the Kreuzeckbahn valley station (Garmisch Partenkirchen). Alternatively, you can also start at the Hammersbach car park, which shortens the route. In addition to the magnificent views along the route, you will also pass an exciting gorge, the "Klamm", which is subject to a fee. It is...

This stunning trail is located in the Schachen and Reintal Nature Reserve and starts at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen parking lot, right next to a train station. It winds through breathtaking natural scenery and ends at the Zugspitze (2,962 m). From the starting point, the trail climbs steadily all the way to the Zugspitze. The route follows the Hoher Weg trail past the Kochelberg-Alm and the Partnachalm. The Partnach River runs parallel to the trail, following the route all the way to the...

The legendary Jubiläumsgrat, which connects Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, with the Alpspitze, is the ultimate high-alpine challenge in the Eastern Alps and is reserved exclusively for experienced mountaineers. This highly exposed ridge traverse requires absolute surefootedness, extreme endurance, and the ability to free-climb unsecured rock up to UIAA Grade III. The route features wire ropes and a small emergency shelter, but a large portion of the ridge requires complete...

This route is stage 46 of the Via Alpina, a long-distance trail that crosses eight Alpine countries, starting at the Reintalangerhütte and ending at the Coburger Hütte. This route is part of the new Via Alpina itinerary, updated in April 2024 and consisting of 116 stages. The trail crosses the border between Germany and Austria once again, ascending from the Reintal valley toward the Zugspitzplatt plateau. The route winds through a high-altitude, rocky, lunar landscape, crossing the...

Diverse trekking tour in the Bavarian / Austrian Alps. A beautiful and very contrasting stage is imminent. First it goes uphill to the threshold of the desolate Zugspitzplatt, where you change over the Gatterl to the Austrian side. Below the impressive weather wall, you hike over the pastures to the Sebensee and the Coburger Hütte. The overview list of all segments of the Red Trail can be found here: https://www.alltrails.com/lists/via-alpina-red-trail

This challenging multi-day hike leads through one of the most spectacular alpine areas in Germany, right in the shadow of the Zugspitze. The route starts exactly at the hiking parking lot at the Alpspitzbahn. From the starting point, the trail first leads up into the rocky realm of the Höllentorkopf. Dramatic cirques and steep rock faces are crossed, where chamois can often be seen moving effortlessly in the extreme terrain. A particular highlight is the view of the Höllentalferner, one of...

This time, you have a leisurely stage ahead of you. There are just 500 –metres to climb. The numerous alpine meadows and the beautiful Wank area invite you to linger for a while. From the Weilheimer hut, the trail leads over the Krottenkopf mountain to the Esterbergalm pasture and the Wank, the native mountain of the inhabitants of Garmischn. If you are feeling tired, glide down into Garmisch-Partenkirchen with the cable car. The overview list of all stages of the Purple Trail can be found...