23^Jul Sun
06:20

Approach to Alpspitze Via Ferrata

The starting point for the tour to Alpspitze via the via ferrata (Alpspitz Ferrata) is the mountain station of the Alpspitzbahn (part of the Bavarian Zugspitzbahn Mountain Railway AG) at the foot of Alpspitze (where you already have a good view of Alpspitze and can also visit the Alpspix viewing platform). From there, we initially hike in a southerly direction, almost at the same altitude, towards the north flank of Alpspitze. After about 15 minutes, the path forks. To the left or straight ahead, it goes via the North Wall Trail, and to the right, the path we take, it goes via the Alpspitze Via Ferrata.

Alpspitze

Description of Alpspitz Ferrata

After a few meters of ascent, you reach the distinctive ladder of the Alpspitze Via Ferrata. Through additional wire rope safety and some brackets, you reach a grassy ledge from where you have a first view of the Höllental and the Zugspitze. Now, continuing through some extremely well-secured sections (in relatively flat terrain!), you ascend to the Alpspitze. Climbing slightly to the left side on a ridge, you enter the west flank of Alpspitze before a final longer series of brackets leads up to the summit cross. From the summit of Alpspitze (highest point 2,628 meters), you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Höllental, the Zugspitze (highest mountain in Germany), the Zugspitz Region, the Wetterstein Mountains, the Werdenfelser Land, the Ammergauer Alps, and the Mieminger Range, as well as a view down to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. On a clear day, the view from the summit of Alpspitze at 2,628 meters even extends to Munich!

Descent from Alpspitze Via Ferrata

For the descent from Alpspitze, it is best to choose the East Ridge Via Ferrata (secured with wire ropes in the upper and middle sections) before returning to the starting point via the North Wall Trail (B) (bring a headlamp for the longer tunnel!). The Osterfelderkopf mountain station is the only base for this tour. If you prefer not to take the Alpspitzbahn down to the valley, an alternative option is to descend to the Kreuzeck Hut from here and then return to the starting point using the Kreuzeckbahn (the Kreuzeckbahn and Alpspitzbahn are located right next to each other). Alternatively, you can walk all the way down to the valley (however, this entails an almost 2000-meter descent, requiring good physical condition and knees).