I am going to Vienna, Salzburg and Garmish-Partenkircken (German Alps) in a few weeks. The last 4 days of my trip I will be staying in Garmisch-Partenkircken and plan to go up to the Zugspitze for a day and spend another half day hiking down the Partenach gorge. Do I need to lug my hiking boots with me? I have big feet and I hate to haul my boots with me from Vienna to Salzburg and then to Garmish for just a couple of days of use. I will probably hike a few trails but nothing major (maybe 4-5 km at most). I have a pair of decent walking shoes but they are only water repellent with minimal tread. And I don't like wet feet! Will there be snow at the top of the Zugspitze? What do you advise? THANKS!!

Why don't you look at REI or LLBean to see if they have something that might be a better alternative to hiking boots. Sorry I cannot help you any further. Have a nice trip though!

Would be glad to help you pack - where do you live??<BR><BR>Also, I think packing some pareu's would be of great help on that mountain of yours...spits...spit, or whatever it is.

I don't know about snow in the whatsits but I think if you plan on hiking you have to have something better than regular walking shoes. They make lightweight summer hiking ankle-length boots, I think you should take at least something like that. They are a little bulky but not that heavy--if you are going to do hiking on a trip, I think you have to take the appropriate equipment. Well, 4 km isn't that much, I know, but if you are on trails, I would think you should. I would, anyway, but if you hike regularly you probably have your own ideas about the whole thing.

I think you should take your hiking boots. Your hike may not be lengthy, but if it's on fairly rugged terrain, don't you think the boots will be safer?

The Gorge trail is not difficult and not that long if you just stay on the designated route. I don't think you really need official hiking boots unless you are planning to go off trail.I did this with a friend a few years ago. Neither of us are hikers and neither of us had any problems. Just enjoyed the walk.<BR><BR>The trip to the Zugspitz is by cable car and then you get to the top. I have never hiked that area but would assume if you leave the official rest area on top you would want some good shoes to do this in.<BR><BR>You may want to wait to you get to Garmisch and if you decide you have to have some there will be some great boots available in the town.