GlobalSpa
26-Nov-2025
Germany’s highest peak, Zugspitze, offers you winter activities, a magical snowland & an unforgettable ascent into the heart of the Alps.
In collaboration with German National Tourist Office, India
There are few travel experiences that can truly make you feel like you’ve stepped beyond the ordinary. At the Zugspitze, one of the highest peaks in Germany, that feeling comes naturally. Not just the peak offers you breathtaking views, but the journey to the top is just as remarkable as the destination itself. One moment you’re surrounded by emerald forests and the still waters of Lake Eibsee; the next, you’re gliding high above the Bavarian Alps, watching the landscape transform with every passing second.
Located near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Zugspitze—rising 2,962 meters above sea level—is Germany’s highest mountain and one of its most cherished landmarks. For decades, travellers have come here to experience its panoramic vistas, crisp alpine air, and thrill-seeking activities.
The Zugspitze Round Trip
For travellers who want to experience Germany’s highest mountain from every possible angle, the Zugspitze Round Trip offers the perfect journey. This circular route combines three iconic modes of transport — thecogwheel train, the glacier lift, and the cable car.
Your journey begins in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where the 90-year-old cogwheel train departs on a charming ascent through breathtaking alpine landscapes. The train winds its way to the Zugspitzplatt plateau, situated at 2,600 meters above sea level. Here, you can pause to explore glacier trails or take a break at the Sonnalpin Glacier Restaurant. From the plateau, the cable car carries you to the final stretch to the Zugspitze summit—a thrilling ascent of 1,000 meters. In the final leg of the round trip, the Zugspitze cable car glides down from the summit to the Eibsee valley station, treating you to the view of the shimmering Lake Eibsee below.
Winter Fun at the Zugspitze
(Credits: Bayerische Zugspitzbahn Bergbahn AG)
When winter casts its spell over the Bavarian Alps, the Zugspitze transforms into a wonderland of snow, speed, and alpine magic.
Skiing & Snowboarding: For skiers and snowboarders, the Zugspitze Glacier Ski Area is pure perfection. With 20 kilometres of snow-sure slopes blanketed in natural snow, the region promises a world-class alpine experience. The runs weave between three majestic peaks—Schneefernerkopf, Wetterwandeck and Zugspitze—with beautiful views and terrain suited to every skill level. Whether you’re taking your first turns or fine-tuning your carving technique, ski schools and rental stations on the plateau have you covered with lessons, equipment, and local know-how. When it’s time to refuel, head to one of the mountain’s sun-drenched restaurants — Sonnalpin, Gletscher 2600, or Panorama 2962.
Tobogganing Adventures: Tobogganing on the Zugspitze is a great adventure activity for families. Around Restaurant Sonnalpin, several runs promise fun for all ages. Family Toboggan Run No. 1 is perfect for practising your steering and braking skills, and is open in both winter and summer when snow permits. The short and playful Run No. 2, open only in winter and for a more scenic descent, Run No. 3, also known as the Glacier Trail, winds past the charming Maria Heimsuchung Chapel and the magical Iglu-Dorf Zugspitze, making for a picture-perfect ride. Both bobsleds and wooden sledges are welcome on these trails, and rentals are conveniently available at the ski hire shop on the Zugspitze plateau.
(GNTB/Michael Neumann)
Glacier Tours: The Zugspitze Glacier Tours, led by expert glacier guides, take you across the fascinating ice fields of the Zugspitze plateau. Along the way, guides share insights into the glacier’s formation, its fragile ecosystem, and how climate change is reshaping this alpine landscape. You can also choose a climate excursion where a glacier expert from the VIVALPIN mountain school takes you on a journey through the history of the earth.
At the Summit
(DZT/Florian Trykowski)
Operated by Bayerische, the cable car takes you to the Zugspitze Summit in just ten minutes. The silent ascent makes it feel as though you’re floating through the clouds. On clear days, the horizon stretches across four countries—Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy—with more than 400 mountain peaks visible from the viewing platform. At the summit station, visit the “90 Years of the Cog Railway” exhibition, which offers fascinating insights into the mountain’s pioneering transport history. A short walk from the terrace brings you to the golden summit cross. For a truly unforgettable night, book an overnight stay at the Igloo Village Zugspitze and don’t miss the Chapel of the Visitation of Mary, Germany’s highest church.
Christmas in Zugspitze
Christmas is one of the most magical times to experience this alpine wonderland. If you’re taking a day trip to Zugspitze in December, it’s best to return to Garmisch-Partenkirchen afterwards to join the festive cheer of the season. This year, winter in the park shines in new splendour as the traditional Christmas market moves from Richard-Strauss-Platz to Michael-Ende-Kurpark.
(GNTB/Francesco Carovillano)
Wander through charming stalls, sip on mulled wine, and discover handcrafted gifts as music fills the crisp winter air. For ice-skating enthusiasts, a sparkling ice rink awaits — a favourite for families and visitors of all ages. The spa gardens come alive with impressive light art installations, setting the stage for an enchanting winter stroll. Evenings are filled with live performances by local bands and artists. From horse carriage rides and face painting to DJ sets and festive performances, every corner of Michael-Ende-Kurpark celebrates the spirit of Christmas.
Cover Credit: The Zugspitze cable car, DZT/Jens Wegener
