Round Trip Around the Zugspitze

Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Finally Back in the Mountains

We travel by train from Hamburg to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Finally, mountains again! The excitement grows with every mile the train covers. When the Alps come into view shortly before our arrival, we can hardly stay in our seats. Over the next five days, we will hike through idyllic alpine landscapes with views of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, pass through roaring gorges, and cross the border between Bavaria and Tyrol several times.

Blue historic building with ornate facade paintings in Garmisch. The two-story house features decorative frescoes and modern shops on ground level.

Through the Roaring Partnach Gorge

It is still cool when we eagerly set off the next morning on the first stage of our “Around the Zugspitze” hiking tour. With the famous Partnach Gorge, our very first highlight awaits us. It is impressive how the powerful masses of water thunder their way through the narrow gorge. Spray rises from the river while water drips at the same time from the walls and ceiling of the narrow path that hugs the edge of the gorge. What a nature experience!

Afterwards, we follow the trail uphill in steep switchbacks to the Eckbauer mountain inn and continue along a scenic panoramic path to Elmauer Alm. Here we choose the alternative route from the Eurohike app, which takes us past two picturesque swimming lakes and through the enchanting Laintal Valley directly to our overnight stop in Mittenwald.

Turquoise rushing water flows through narrow Partnachklamm gorge with towering rock walls and wooden walkway visible on the left side.

Hiker in purple jacket taking photo with phone in Partnachklamm gorge near Zugspitze. Narrow rocky canyon with turquoise stream below.

Female hiker with backpack and trekking poles walking on gravel path near Zugspitze, passing grazing cows in alpine meadow with conifer forest.

Green meadow with winding path leading to traditional Alpine houses in Graseck. Forested hills and mountains visible in the background.

Gorge Spirits and the Leutascher Ache

On the second day of hiking, we start out relaxed with a short walk through Mittenwald’s charming old town, known for its brightly painted facades. Then the next gorge adventure is already waiting for us: the Leutasch Ghost Gorge. Metal walkways lead across the chasm at heights of up to 130 feet, while the ice-blue river rushes far below us. We cross suspension bridges, climb stairs up and down, and walk right along the edge of the gorge.
With wonderful views of the impressive Wetterstein Mountains, we then hike along easy paths beside the Leutascher Ache. At times, the scenery with its gravelly riverbed and towering mountains behind it reminds us of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. We are thrilled by the beautiful nature!

Aerial view of Geisterklamm gorge near Zugspitze with turquoise water flowing between moss-covered rock walls and lush green vegetation.

White metal suspension bridge spanning across Geisterklamm gorge near Zugspitze. A hiker crosses the bridge above rocky cliffs and turquoise stream.

Female hiker in pink shirt with backpack and poles standing on rocky riverbed of Leutascher Ache, with mountains and forest in background.

Leutascher Ache river with clear water flowing through a rocky valley near Zugspitze, surrounded by dense forest and mountains under blue sky.

Pedestrian street in Mittenwald with colorful frescoed buildings and a baroque church tower. Planters and outdoor seating line the street under blue sky.

Scenic Loop Hike in Leutasch

Rest day in Leutasch: those who like can put their feet up or explore the surrounding area. We still lace up our hiking boots and set off toward two rewarding viewpoints: the Katzenkopf with fantastic views of the Leutasch Valley and the Wetterstein Mountains, and the Brunschkopf, which overlooks Seefeld in Tyrol. Along sometimes narrow trails, we walk over springy forest ground, accompanied by birdsong. Alpine cows, which announce themselves from afar with their bells, repeatedly cross our path. For a stop along the way, the rustic Wildmoosalm is well worth a visit, idyllically set in a beautiful valley.

Female hiker in red shirt sitting on wooden panorama frame bench at Katzenkopf Leutasch with mountain valley and Zugspitze region view.

Nature Paradise Gaistal

We were especially looking forward to the fourth stage of our “Around the Zugspitze” hiking tour, as it takes us through the picturesque Gaistal Valley with Haflinger horses and plenty of grazing livestock. Low-hanging clouds drift mysteriously through the valley as we hike from one alpine hut to the next. Unfortunately, the weather does not fully cooperate today, but the many animals keep our spirits high. After arriving at Ehrwalder Alm, we treat ourselves to delicious dumplings and Kaiserschmarrn. What a delight! Afterwards, we take the gondola down to Ehrwald. In the evening, the skies clear, giving us time to explore the town a little.

Hiker in purple jacket and orange backpack crossing wooden bridge on mountain trail near Zugspitze, surrounded by green forest and rocky slopes.

Take the cable car up to the Zugspitze & around Eibsee

Blue skies and sunshine greet us the next morning. We follow the advice of our Eurohike tour guide and take advantage of the great weather to ride the gondola up to Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze. Incredible, the phenomenal view from the top! Ehrwald, Garmisch, and the beautiful Lake Eibsee lie at our feet. The rugged landscape above the tree line also captivates us as we explore the Zugspitze Plateau.

The cable car then takes us down to Lake Eibsee, which immediately enchants us with its turquoise, blue, and green hues. We choose the loop hike around the lake (4.7 miles) and enjoy the stunning panorama from every angle. Finally, we return to Garmisch by cogwheel train, get off at Kreuzeck station, and hike via Lake Riessersee to our hotel.