Ascent to the Zugspitze

You can start right in GaPa, where you can leave your car for free and long in the parking lot at the ice rink. To start the ascent in Hammersbach, you can cross the Seilbahn for 2 euros or walk 4 kilometers along a path along the tracks.

From Hammersbach begins the most beautiful ascent route on the Zugspitze through the Hollental valley. You climb the forest path for about an hour to the rock wall, where the most beautiful gorge-like section of Hollental begins, where the path is carved partly in the rock, partly directly in it. Admission is paid (€ 4, € 1 for AV members) and thanks to the least climaxed gate it probably has opening hours. BUT it is possible to choose the bypass variant up.

Along the Hammersbašský stream

Not only when you set off at five in the evening, the concrete hut Holletalanger (1379 m above sea level) on the second floor of the valley will be a pleasant and only possible sleeping break at the ascent, which will divide the two-quarter-kilometer elevation gain (common bed 12 €). If the ascent continues to snow, a shorter circuit variant via the Hupfleitenjoch saddle back to Hammersbach is possible.

Along the plain, from the cottage we get to another rock barrier under the Riffelskopfe, through which to the next valley is a short ferrata B / C

Brett Arcade (Plank)

A look back at Hollental at the end of the ferrata, from where the easier journey through the glacial valley continues.

The last valley ends directly below the Zugspitzi.

Behind the moraine rubble, a short section begins over the Hollentalferner Glacier, where a paved path surrounds a few cracks. Fortunately, I didn't need the missing cats with the freshly fallen snow, but of course they will be necessary on ice.

The last and long section through the Hollentalsteig ferrata begins right from the glacier. After the initial unpleasant lift, the secured path zigzags to the top ridge. It is followed by the last steep section to the top. Here, the freshly fallen snow will not help, it will cover the places of protection, the frost will not help either, so the lighter ferrata (max C) will become an exhaust at the eighth hour of the journey, when one forgets the existence of the camera in the backpack.

Last meters

Top cross

The view of the other side of the peak, where three cable cars end in a concrete jetty, which can be used to leave the mountain quickly and expensively, quickly pulls away from the top contemplation after a full-day hike without a living. However, the original Munchener Hutte cottage, which has a few beds of 18 euros, dinner of 8 and a beer of 4, is still crouching behind it.

Overnight at Munchner Hutte

The descent route leads through the Reintal valley and after 25 kilometers ends directly in GaPa. Normally it is also the only frameless ascent route on the Zugspitze.

This is what the trip looked like in mid-September 2017.

In addition to the initial descent from the ridge and one passage, the whole path is a maximally gradual descent around several huts.

Descent through the Reintal valley

Into the woods along the Partnach rail with a few waterfalls and dives

The boring end on forest roads will improve the section through the Partnachsklamm gorge (about 5 €) ending directly in GaPa. There is also an indoor swimming pool next to the car park, whose three pools with water up to 32 degrees and an opening to nine will offer a pleasant end to the tour (entrance fee after 18: 00–21: 00 4 €).