Of the many different routes to the Zugspitze, the scenic route via the Gatterl is certainly one of the most popular, as, apart from a few rare spots, it has few difficulties along its route that would spoil the hike.
Since we want to reach the Zugspitze as relaxed as possible, we're allowing ourselves two days for the tour. This allows us to admire and absorb the magnificent mountain landscape in all its beauty.
By splitting the tour into two days, it can certainly be described as the most homogenous and easiest option for climbing the Zugspitze. On the first day, the Ehrwalder Almbahn cable car saves us the long approach from the valley, and we start our mountain hike at the Ehrwalder Alm. After just over an hour at the Hochfeldern Alm, we decide to take a short coffee break before continuing along the Max-Klotz-Steig to the Brandjoch and then to the Feldernjöchl.
After the turnoff to the stone hut, the path noticeably straightens up and becomes increasingly steeper until we reach the Gatterl itself, where we use our hands for support on the secured path. Having mastered this small challenge, we cross the border from Austria to Germany. From the Gatterl, a view opens up over the imposing Zugspitzplatt plateau, stretching to the horizon like a sea of stone, framed by an impressive mountain scenery, the queen of which is the Zugspitze. After a short rest, we follow the varied Plattsteig, which takes us over scree and rocky slabs closer to our destination for today – the Knorrhütte, already visible in the distance. Once at the Knorrhütte, we reflect on the first day over a well-deserved wheat beer and look forward to the high-alpine section that awaits us the next day.
After an early breakfast, we begin our summit day and immediately notice that the path now becomes significantly steeper. Despite the morning's freshness, we quickly start to sweat, especially when the sun is shining brightly on our south- and east-facing ascent. The now partly loose gravel also makes our progress more difficult, so we're well advised to conserve our energy carefully.
Although the route itself is comparatively short, it climbs steadily, and the now noticeably thinner mountain air contributes to the fact that our previous efforts are not leaving us unscathed. However, the magnificent mountain scenery generously compensates for our efforts, and we soon reach the Zugspitzplatt with the Sonnalpin Restaurant and the valley station of the glacier cable car.
Here, depending on time and weather conditions, we can take a short break and decide whether we want to take the remaining 350 meters of elevation gain at a relaxed pace with the glacier cable car or tackle the final, albeit very steep and at times exposed, section on foot.
From the SonnAlpin, we have a good view of the path, which now leads us up a steep scree slope near the Schneefernerhaus, through a final rocky ridge, partly secured by ropes, up to the ridge, and finally to the summit platform.
The character of what was previously a relatively easy mountain hike changes significantly in this final section, becoming a challenging mountain tour. Therefore, it should only be attempted if you still feel fit and have a good sense of surefootedness and a head for heights, so that you can safely and with concentration overcome the partially exposed but rope-secured passages – now also using your hands again.
There's no shame in skipping this final climb and gliding towards the summit on the glacier cable car. From the cable car, an impressive view of the rather arduous route through the rock opens up, and we don't regret our choice. Once we reach the summit platform, regardless of our respective decisions, we meet again for a well-deserved group photo in front of the summit of the Zugspitze, before we conclude this eventful day with a hearty snack and a well-deserved drink.
Information about the tour:
- Duration: 2 days
- Meeting point: 9:30 am at the Ehrwalder Zugspitzbahn
- Tour end: The tour ends on the 2nd day at approx. 16:00
- Minimum number of participants: 4 participants (information on minimum number of participants)
- Minimum age: 14 years
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Included services:
- Guided tour by a certified mountain hiking guide
- Reservation of the Knorrhütte
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Rental equipment included:
- Helmet (other safety equipment not required)
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Additional costs:
- Mountain lifts: Costs for the "Gatterl Ticket", current prices
- Overnight stay and catering at the Knorrhütte, current prices
- Additional costs resulting from a change to the planned itinerary
- Parking fees for your private car at the agreed meeting point, if applicable
- If applicable, tips
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Requirements for the participants:
- Stamina: Stamina for 5-7 hours ascent in alpine terrain and for ascents of up to 1200 metres in altitude
- Technique: sure-footedness, head for heights
- Other: Safe walking on moderately difficult mountain hiking trails
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Required equipment:
- Country: Austria/Germany
