Zugspitze

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Zugspitze

Elevation	2,962 m (9,718 feet)
Location	German-Austrian border
Range	Bavarian Alps
Prominence	1,746 m
Coordinates	47°25′N, 10°59′E
Topo map	BEV ÖK50 116
First ascent	1820 by G. Deutschl, Maier and J. Naus
Easiest route	Through the Reintal to the Knorrhütte and across the plateau
Translation	draughty peak (German)
Pronunciation	[ʦugʃpɪtsə]

The Zugspitze (Zug = "draught", Spitze = "peak") is the highest mountain in Germany. It is located at the Austrian border in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria. There is a cog railway (Zugspitzbahn) leading from the tourist resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the peak. There are also two cable cars that go to the peak from the base: one ascends from the German side of the mountain at the Eibsee, and the other ascends from Austria. The peak is regularly crowded with tourists.

View from the enclosed cable car (from the Austrian side) to the Zugspitze

For those wishing to reach the summit under their own power, various hiking and ski trails can also be followed to the top. Hiking to the top from the base takes between one and two days. Food and lodging is available on some trails. In winter the Zugspitze is a popular skiing destination, with several slopes on both sides. The Zugspitzplatt is the highest ski resort of Germany and thus has enough snow all winter.

The border between Germany and Austria goes right through the mountain. There is a border checkpoint at the summit; since Germany and Austria are both part of the Schengen zone, the border crossing is no longer staffed.

The Zugspitze belongs to the Wetterstein range in the northern Kalkalpen. It gets its name from the many avalanches (Lawinenzüge in German) on its steep north slopes.

At the Zugspitze's summit is the Münchner Haus, an Alpenvereinshütte, a facility built by the Deutscher Alpenverein. For more than a hundred years now, the summit has also had a weather station, which nowadays also gathers data for the Global Atmosphere Watch.

View from the Zugspitze platform looking south toward Zugspitzplatt (Germany). Notice the gold cross in the left foreground marking the highest point in Germany.

The first recorded ascent to the summit was accomplished by a team of land surveyors on 27 August 1820. The team was led by Lieutenant Josef Naus, who was accompanied by two men named Maier and G. Deutschl. However, local people had conquered the peak over 50 years earlier, according to a 1770 map discovered by the Alpenverein ^[1].

On 7 January 1882 the first successful winter assault on the Zugspitze was accomplished by F. Kilger, H. and J. Zametzer and H. Schwaiger.

Map showing the Zugspitze's location

Climbing up the Zugspitze can involve several routes. The difference in elevation between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the summit is 2,200 m, making the climb a challenge even for trained mountaineers.

On the German side, from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, climbers go either through the Höllental ("Valley of Hell") or the Reintal. The way through the Reintal is the easiest, but also the longest and takes 8-10 hours. This path goes through the Partnachklamm, a scenic gorge, then through the Reintal up to the Zugspitzplatt, a barren plateau. from there up to the summit. Climbers can stay for the night at two Alpine huts, the "Reintalangerhütte" or the "Knorrhütte".

The more popular, but harder route is through the Höllental. It starts at Hammersbach near Garmisch, goes through the Höllentalklamm, a similar gorge up to the "Höllentalangerhütte", where one can take a meal or stay for the night. It then crosses the Höllentalferner, the remnants of a small glacier. After that it traverses a wall with the help of iron ladders and steps. Via ferrata equipment is recommended for that part. Over the Irmerscharte (a gap) it reaches the summit. This path shout take 7-8 hours.

From the Austrian village of Ehrwald, there are also two variants. One goes straight through the Western Flank, which is the shortest route overall, but rather hard. It includes a via ferrata, and there is a hut called "Wiener Neustädter Hütte" by the Austrian Alpine Club. An easier path leads via the Ehrwalder Alm, across a small pass called "Gatterl", joining the Reintal path at the Knorrhütte.

View from the Zugspitze platform looking north toward Germany. Notice Eibsee in the middle and the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the right.

The Zugspitze's exact height was a matter of debate for quite a while. Given figures ranged from 2,960 m to 2,970 m, but it is now generally accepted that the peak is 2,962 m above sea level as a result of a survey done by the Bavarian land survey office. The lounge at the new café is named "2962" for this reason.