Running along Germany’s southern border with Austria, the Bavarian Alps are one of the country’s most beautiful areas. Skiing is, naturally, one of the favorite pastimes. You’ll find Germany’s tallest mountain, Zugspitze, rising more than 9,700 feet in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen district (also a great hiking area in summer). Berchtesgadener Land (home to Watzmann, Germany’s third-highest peak) is another major ski area. Hochwanner, the country’s #2 mountain, is also in the Alps.
Restaurants in Bavarian Alps
4.5 based on 4,079 reviews
At nearly 10,000 feet, Germany's highest peak is a popular ski area during the winter and a challenging hiking trail during the rest of the year.
My son and I were visiting my sister and family at Erlangen. We planned a day-trip to Zugspitze. So, it was my sister, brother-in-law, niece,nephew, my son and me. We were joined by my sister’s friend, her husband and daughter... We took the train from Erlangen to Nürnberg as early as 7am. We then took the train from Nürnberg to München and changed to another train from München to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. After that, we took the cogwheel train from Zugspitzbahnhof to Gletscherbahnhof located at the height of 2,588 metres above sea level. We walked to the south part of the mountain which is the Zugsitzplatt, a high ‘karst’ (formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone) plateau with many caves. Three glaciers, the two largest in Germany namely, Northern Schneeferner and Höllentalferner and the third namely, Southern Schneeferner lie on the flanks of Zugspitze. The highest mountain in Germany, Zugspitze was named after the “Zugbahnen” or avalanche paths down the mountain’s notoriously steep north face and summit. Less than two weeks prior to this trip to Zugspitze in the German Alps, my husband, my son and I, had been to two more glaciers, Mt. Titlis and Glacier 3000 in the Swiss Alps. On both occasions, we had met bright, sunny weather. However, at Zugspitze, there was not the faintest sign of the sun. It felt very different and was indeed a welcome change to have good snowfall instead. It felt more like a Winter Wonderland than any other snow clad peak I have visited and I felt very close to Nature. We climbed as high up as the Church Maria Heimsuchung, which stands at the height of almost 3000 metres above sea level, defying sun, storm, wind and snow. I felt that this house of God, standing in solitude, like a sentinel in the vast expanse of snow, provides peace and protection to the skiers and winter sports enthusiasts during their visits to the glacier. On enquiring, I learnt that Catholic and Protestant Mass are celebrated on a regular basis depending on weather conditions. I felt deep reverence, not only for the Creator but also for this tiny little place of prayer as I stood high up in the snow clad mighty mountain with snow flakes falling all over us. The children had put in their snow suits and they paid no heed to the constant drizzle of snowflakes. They were busy swooping down on slides and toboggans; climbing up and sliding down again. We were constantly alert about making it back in time for the train, but we did not want to miss out on going to the Zugspitze summit. So, we made a dash for the Gletscherbahn cable car station from where cable cars runs every 10 minutes between the Zugspitz glacier and the summit. We barely had about 20 minutes to spend at the summit in order to be able to catch the last cable car down. So we rushed out being careful to remain on the German side It is said that on a clear day, four countries : Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland can be seen from the Zugspitze. However, standing in the Zugspitze platform that offered a 360 degrees view, we looked north, south, east and west; but it was too foggy and musty and there coupled with snowfall, the view was totally obscured and we could see nothing beyond a couple of metres. The only regret I felt was that we could not spot the famous golden summit cross. Given a chance, I would have loved taking a picture standing by its side. For our return, we took the aerial tram right upto Garmisch-Partenkirchen and trains to München, Nürnberg and Erlangen respectively.
4.5 based on 417 reviews
One of several quality ski resorts located in the Bavarian Alps.
I really like the skiing here. High enough for consistent good snow. Nearly as high as the Zugspitze but not as busy and often quieter than the rest of the Garmisch Classic area.
4.5 based on 445 reviews
I love Garmisch Partenkirchen is nestled in the German alps and a gorgeous ski village, I visit every year, it is a wonderful Ski resort and offers great skiing for beginners and advanced skiers. (check snow conditions) The ski school in Garmisch is great and the ski rental is superb. Really high end skies and ski boots. The Hotels in Garmisch are great and ideal for families, couples and families. It is my favorite place on earth since I was a child. They also, like all over Germany allow you to bring your doggy everywhere which I love!.My heart is in Garmisch <3
4.5 based on 8 reviews
4.5 based on 68 reviews
The family recreation area at Kolben in Oberammergau has everything for an exciting and diverse day in the nature perserve of the Ammergauer Alps. There's fun and action with the Alpine Coaster, playtime for the young ones on the mountain adventure playground, a variety of paths with amazing views to hike on, and the Kobensattel Lodge with it's singular view of Oberammergau and the Ammertal.
4.5 based on 259 reviews
If you are looking for an economical ski vacation this is the place! Hotels are reasonable and bus service makes it convenient. It was half the cost of a Colorado trip and scenery was wonderful.
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