1820
2.962 mt.
Josef Naus, Johann Tauschl, survey assistant Maier
ZUGSPITZE
Through the Reintal
Südtirolalpin
IFMGA certified mountain and ski guides
South Tyrolean Mountain and Ski Guides Association
Email suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Price from:
€950
for 1 person · lower price per person from 2 participants
Duration:
2 days
Zugspitze – Through the Reintal valley
On the way through the Reintal the Zugspitze still shows its (somewhat) quieter side
2,962 m · Difficulty A/B (via ferrata) · 2 days · Wetterstein Mountains
At 2,962 metres, the Zugspitze is the highest summit in the Wetterstein Mountains and also Germany's highest point. Despite being served by a total of three cable cars, the Zugspitze and the surrounding terrain offer wonderful scenery full of surprises.
Two glaciers – the Northern Schneeferner and the Höllentalferner (the Southern Schneeferner already lost its glacier status in 2022, and the two remaining glaciers will soon suffer the same fate) – plus a barren high plateau, the Zugspitzplatt with numerous caves, steep rock faces for climbers, long ridges, deep valleys and wild gorges. Thanks to the cable cars, many people and cable car tourists reach the summit effortlessly. In return, the various ascent routes, faces and ridges are all the quieter and more solitary.
That is exactly what makes the ascent through the Reintal so special: a long route that demands real stamina, builds step by step and makes Germany's highest summit not just reachable, but a true experience.
THE TOUR
The normal route through the Reintal is the classic ascent of the Zugspitze – and that is precisely why it is anything but boring. Quite the opposite: the route taken back in 1820 by the first ascensionist Josef Naus, his mountain guide Johann Tauschl and the survey assistant and porter Maier is one of the longest ascents of the Zugspitze if you want to reach the summit under your own steam.
That is exactly what makes it so appealing. The tour leads steadily through the Reintal into the heart of the Wetterstein Mountains, becomes more barren and alpine the higher you go and offers plenty of scenic variety. From valley floors and gorges to the broad Zugspitzplatt, it has it all. On this route you really get a feel for just how big this mountain actually is.
At the same time, it is the easiest ascent of the Zugspitze, making it a great opportunity for less experienced mountaineers to climb Germany's highest summit under their own steam. But easy does not mean short here: you should definitely bring fitness, stamina and a love of long days in the mountains.
INFO
Services
Included in the price:
- Complete organisation and guiding by an IFMGA certified mountain and ski guide
- All necessary reservations are made in advance
Additional costs for participants:
- 1 night in a hut with half board at the Reintalangerhütte
- 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 item of equipment)
Facts
Location:
Wetterstein Mountains
Best time of year:
Late June - early October
Duration:
2 days
Meeting point:
Garmisch Partenkirchen - Olympic Stadium
Requirements
Safety-relevant
- Sure-footedness
Key to enjoyment
- Good fitness for daily stages of up to 1,600 metres of ascent and 6 hours of walking
- A head for heights
PRICE
Participants:
max. 6 people
Price from
€950
for 1 person · lower price per person from 2 participants
PROGRAMME
Day 1: Ascent to the hut
We meet right at the Olympic Stadium in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and, after a short equipment check, set straight off on our ascent through the impressive Partnach Gorge. After about 3 hours we reach the Bockhütte, a perfect spot for a quick refreshment. We then continue along the Partnach through wonderful scenery to the Reintalangerhütte, our destination for the day. In the cosy hut we can rest and recharge for the next day – in surroundings where you'll happily linger outside the hut a little longer.
Walking time: 6 h | ↑ 700 m ascent
⌂ Reintalangerhütte
Day 2: Summit ascent of the Zugspitze
After an early breakfast at the Reintalangerhütte, we 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 our next projects and dreams. Today, though, we first carry on into the most difficult section: the protected final ascent to the summit. This last hurdle also presents very manageable challenges before we are welcomed at the top by countless cable car tourists. What a satisfaction to have climbed this summit under our own steam. We then tackle the descent comfortably by cable car – after one of the longest ascents of Germany's highest summit, we have truly earned it.
Total time: 5 h | ↑ 1,600 m ascent | Difficulty: A/B (via ferrata)
Info: Without the cable car, the descent takes approx. 7 h longer and involves 2,200 m of descent.
The story of the first ascent
On behalf of King Maximilian I, the Zugspitze was to be surveyed by the "Royal Bavarian Topographical Bureau" for the "Atlas of Bavaria". The aim was to make sure that the Zugspitze really was the highest point in the country. The task was given to Josef Naus, a Tyrolean aged just 27. After several weeks of arduous reconnaissance, the moment came on 26 August. Together with the mountain guide Johann Tauschl and his survey assistant and porter Maier, he set off for the summit. They reached it on 27 August via the Zugspitzplatt and the Schneeferner. Shortly afterwards they were caught in a violent thunderstorm and only just managed to escape. Their surveying mission, however, failed because of the bad weather.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Is the Reintal ascent of the Zugspitze technically difficult?
For a long stretch, the ascent through the Reintal is technically more of a mountain hike, but it demands a lot of fitness. On summit day, the upper part includes a protected section graded A/B, 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 down to the valley. That suits the length of the tour well, as the ascent of the Zugspitze is demanding enough. Without the cable car, the descent would be considerably longer.
What should I bring on the tour?
Above all, you need sturdy mountain boots and suitable clothing for a long day in the mountains. You will receive the detailed packing list with the confirmation email. Technical equipment can be rented from the South Tyrolean mountain guides for a small wear-and-tear fee.
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MOUNTAIN GUIDE ALPINE CLASSICS
# ZUGSPITZE # REINTAL # MOUNTAIN GUIDE # NORMAL ROUTE