Zugspitze through the Höllental valley

The classic route to the Zugspitze and one of the most varied and alpine mountain tours in Germany. Due to the great difference in altitude of almost 2,200 metres and the many challenges, this climb should not be underestimated! The tour can also be split into 2 days by first climbing from Hammersbach to the Höllentalangerhütte (approx. 2 hours) and then on the second day from the hut to the summit (approx. 6 hours).

Tour tip: An early start pays off, especially on the last few metres. When the first clouds envelop the Zugspitze summit in the afternoon, you are already sitting on the summit terrace in front of the Münchner Haus. Here you can enjoy an impressive view as far as the main Alpine ridge and on some days even as far as Piz Bernina in Switzerland.

Ascent: If you want to make the Zugspitze through the Höllental valley a day tour, you should start early. The well-signposted trail starts from the small village of Hammersbach, initially through dense forests and further up to the Höllental entrance hut, which is built into the rock like an eagle's nest. Continue through the spectacular Höllentalklamm gorge (for a fee) up to the modernised Höllentalangerhütte hut (approx. 2 hours). The hiking trail then leads initially flat through the picturesque Höllentalanger until you reach the first via ferrata passage, the so-called "Brett". Put on your via ferrata set here and watch out for groups ahead, as the risk of falling rocks is particularly high at this point. A small climb continues over the "Green Hump" until you reach the Höllentalferner. This is where the more challenging part of the tour begins: until early summer, the glacier is usually still covered in good snow, but from July/August onwards, isolated passages of bare ice can make the route more difficult, which is why crampons are absolutely essential. The path over the small glacier is steep throughout and leads directly to the start of the last via ferrata passage. The challenging climb leads partly through vertical wall sections in a magnificent route up to the summit of the Zugspitze at 2,962 metres.

Descent: The short, rope-secured descent from the summit leads directly to the viewing platform of the Zugspitze cable car mountain station, from where you can easily take the cable car down.