1820
2,962 m
Josef Naus, Johann Tauschl, Mass Assistant Maier
ZUGSPITZE
Through the Reintal
Südtirolalpin
Certified Mountain Guide
IFMGA - Mountain Guides Associations
Mail suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Prices from
290,- €
THE MOUNTAIN
On the way through the Reintal, the Zugspitze reveals its quiet, expansive and surprisingly wild side.
2,962 m · Difficulty A/B (via ferrata) · 2 days · Wetterstein Mountains
The Zugspitze, at 2,962 metres, is the highest summit in the Wetterstein Mountains and at the same time the highest point in Germany. Despite access via a total of three cable cars, the Zugspitze and the surrounding terrain still offer a magnificent landscape full of surprises.
Two glaciers – the Northern Schneeferner and the Höllentalferner, plus a barren high plateau, the Zugspitzplatt with numerous caves, steep rock faces for climbers, long ridges, as well as deep valleys and wild gorges. Thanks to the cable cars, many people and sightseeing visitors reach the summit with ease. All the quieter and lonelier, then, are the various ascents, the walls and the ridges around it.
That is exactly what makes the ascent through the Reintal so special: a long, physically demanding route that builds step by step and makes Germany’s highest summit not just accessible, but truly something to experience.
ABOUT THE TOUR
The normal route through the Reintal is the classic ascent of the Zugspitze – and for that very reason, it is anything but boring. On the contrary: the route already taken by the first ascensionists Josef Naus and his mountain guide Johann Tauschl, together with the survey assistant and porter Maier in 1820, is one of the longest ascents of the Zugspitze if you want to reach the summit under your own power.
That is precisely what makes it so appealing. The tour leads steadily through the Reintal deep into the heart of the Wetterstein Mountains, becoming more barren and more alpine higher up, and offering plenty of scenic variety. From valley floors and gorges to the broad Zugspitzplatt, it is all there. On this route, you get a very good sense of just how vast this mountain really is.
At the same time, it is the easiest ascent of the Zugspitze and therefore also a good option for less experienced mountaineers to climb Germany’s highest summit under their own power. But easy here does not mean short: you should definitely bring fitness, stamina and a love of a long day in the mountains.
INFO
Services
Included in the price:
- Entire organization and guidance by a state-certified mountain guide
- All necessary reservations are made in advance
Additional costs:
- 1 overnight stay with half board at the Reintalanger Hut
- Cable car ticket for the descent
- Transfer to and from the meeting point
- Expenses (accommodation, cable car) for the mountain guide
- Individual tips
* Rental equipment (€10 per piece of equipment)
Facts
Location:
Wetterstein Mountains
Best time of year:
End of June - beginning of October
Duration:
2 days
Meeting point:
Garmisch Partenkirchen - Olympic Stadium
What you need
Safety-relevant requirements
- Sure-footedness
Requirements for enjoyment
- Good physical condition for day hikes with up to 1,550 meters of elevation gain and 6 hours of walking time
- No fear of heights
PRICING
Participants:
max. 6 people
Prices:
1 person:
2 people:
3 people:
4 people:
5 people:
6 people:
950,- €
570,- €
430,- €
360,- €
310,- €
290,- €
If you have any questions or need further information, please write them in the comment field of the inquiry form.
Before submitting your request: Please read the "important information" about risks in mountaineering carefully.
Dates:
upon request
PROGRAM
Day 1: Ascent to the hut
We meet directly at the Olympiastadion in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and, after a short equipment check, set off straight away on our ascent through the impressive Partnach Gorge. After around 3 hours we reach the Bockhütte, which is perfect for a short refreshment break. We then continue along the Partnach through magnificent scenery to the Reintalangerhütte, our destination for the day. In the cosy hut, we can recover our strength and recharge for the coming day – in surroundings where you are happy to linger a little longer outside the hut.
Walking time: 6 h | ↑ 700 m ascent
⌂ Reintalangerhütte
Day 2: Summit ascent of the Zugspitze
We have an early breakfast at the Reintalangerhütte, then set off towards the summit. We pass the Knorrhütte and continue onto the steep, partly barren Zugspitzplatt. Our gaze wanders across to the Jubiläumsgrat – perhaps one of the next projects and dreams. For today, however, we first continue into the most difficult section: the protected final ascent to the summit. This last hurdle, too, presents us with very manageable challenges before we are welcomed at the top by countless cable-car tourists. What satisfaction to have climbed this summit under our own steam. We then take the descent comfortably by cable car – after one of the longest ascents to Germany’s highest summit, we have more than earned it.
Total time: 5 h | ↑ 1,600 m ascent | Difficulty: A/B (via ferrata)
Info: Without the cable car, the descent is extended by approx. 7 h and 2,200 vertical metres.
The story of the first ascent
Commissioned by King Maximilian I, the Zugspitze was to be surveyed by the "Royal Bavarian Topographical Bureau" for the "Atlas of Bavaria." They wanted to confirm that the Zugspitze was indeed the highest peak in the country. Josef Naus, just 27 years old from Tyrol, was given the task. After several weeks of arduous reconnaissance, the time had come on August 26th. Together with mountain guide Johann Tauschl and his surveyor and porter Maier, they set off for the summit. They reached it on August 27th via the Zugspitzplatt and the Schneeferner. Shortly thereafter, they encountered a violent thunderstorm and were able to escape with difficulty. However, their surveying mission failed due to poor weather conditions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - (FAQs)
Is the Reintal ascent of the Zugspitze technically difficult?
The ascent through the Reintal is technically more of a mountain hike for a long time, but it does require a lot of fitness. On summit day, a protected section with difficulty A/B awaits in the upper part, where sure-footedness and a head for heights are important.
How does the descent after the summit work?
After reaching the summit, we take the cable car comfortably back down into the valley. That fits the length of the tour well, because the ascent of the Zugspitze is demanding enough as it is. Without the lift, the descent would be significantly longer.
What should I bring for the tour?
Most important are sturdy mountaineering boots and suitable clothing for a long day in the mountains. The detailed packing list will be sent with the confirmation email. Technical equipment can be hired from the Südtiroler Bergführern for a small wear-and-tear fee.
