Zugspitze (2,962 m) is the highest mountain in Germany and also probably the most crowded one, thanks to 3 cable cars leading to the summit. The cable car from Eibsee brings approximately 500,000 visitors every year to the summit. However, the views from the top is worth a visit. There are several routes leading to the summit, the from Reintal is probably the least technical route but also the longest route to Zugspitze. It's probably the best to split the tour in 2 days with an overnight stay in Knorrhütte. However, for very fit mountaineers, its not a big deal even for one day ;-)
The tour can also be done in winter given the safe avalanche conditions with ski or snowshoes. I will split the ascent in following parts:
1. From Garmisch to Knorrhütte: The tour starts from Garmisch ski jump stadium. The parking fee is 2.5 EUR per day. From the parking follow the trail through Partnachklamm (please note that the klamm might be closed depending on conditions). There is a entry fee to Partnachklamm. You can check current opening times here. From the klamm, you always follow the signs to Reintalangerhütte or Zugspitze. Alternatively you can follow a MTB path to Reintalangerhütte in summer.
From Reintalangerhütte the path gradually becomes steep and at about 1540m height it turns to the right below a cliff. This might be icy depending on the conditions. I used ski crampons on this section. Soon at about 1800m height, you turn right towards Knorrhütte.
2. From Knorrhütte to Zugspitze: From Knorrhütte, you follow the long traverse on so called Weisses Tal. It's worthwhile to know that there are several caves on Zugspitzplatt. After a long traverse you arrive at the glacier restaurant Sonnalpin. From there you can see the track I used in the first picture of the route details. However, depending on the conditions there might be better path leading the the ridge. I left my ski next Schneefernerhaus and walked the rest with crampons on my boots. On the ridge the path from Ehrwald also merge, and the signpost says 35 min to the summit. The walk on the ridge to the summit is not technically difficult but sure footedness and no fear of height is required.
Descent: Same as ascent.
Weather: Peak, Valley
Webcam: Summit Panorama
Avalanche Bullentin: Bavaria, Tirol
