Is this a must do during a visit to Garmisch ? Is it worth talking the round trip via rail in one direction and the direct cable car in the other ? Or is it worth saving time and taking the big cable car which I understand only takes 10 minutes each way ? Thanks for your help.

The only thing that I consider a must-do during a visit to Garmish is eating at Fraundorfers in Partenkirchen. However, on a clear day the Zugspitze is very nice. We took the train up and the cable car down. I don't know anything about the timing; it is not important when we are on vacation.

We just did this trip in June and I must say that visiting the top of the Zugspitze was one of the highlights of the trip. Having never been to the Alps before, we were completely blown away with the views. We had a clear day.

We took the rail/cable car combo up and the direct cablecar down. By taking the train up we were able to stop at an area shy of the top which had a restaurant and outside area so you can walk in the snow and enjoy some views and see the little wedding chapel (we didn't go in so I'm not if you can). Then you proceed to a short cable car ride to the very top where there are more restaurants and places for views. On the cable car ride down we could not enjoy the views because we were packed in like sardine and I was stuck in the middle (I'm only 5'3" so I couldn't see anything at all). With the train ride up we were able to enjoye some of the views though you are in a tunnel for part of the trip.

If time is not an issue I'd suggest taking train/cablecar up and the cablecar down.

A light jacket and long sleeve shirt was all we needed to stay warm though my kids wished they had gloves. They're hands got cold making snow balls.

Have a great time and definitely go if you've got a clear day.

kitty -

Do you remember how much it cost for the rail/cable car combo up and the cable car down? We're planning a future trip and would like an idea of how much we need to budget. Thanks, Peace.

Robyn

Sydney,

On a clear day, a visit to the summit of the Zugspitze - the top of Germany - is a most enjoyable way to spend part of your day.

At the summit - just under 10,000 feet - you'll enjoy superb 360-degree views of the surounding countryside. Beyond the views, the mountain summit features a cafe, museum, theater, shops, and an outdoor restaurant. Make a point of enjoying a beer, Bavarian pretzel, and a grilled bratwurst. Very yummy, indeed! We visited the summit on a particularly hot, humid day, and the summit offered us much relief from the heat. A jacket was not required on our trip.

Before making the peaceful and highly scenic descent back to the parking lot, make the final hike to the mountain's true summit. The hike is short, but rather steep and a bit of a challenge, as you'll need to climb a series of ladders and walk along a very breezy "trail" while holding a wire. It's exhilirating and scary at the same. Don't forget to bring sturdy walking shoes and your camera.

Consider my wife's haiku, based on her visit:

The mighty Zugspitze
gliding silently up to
the top of the world

The per-person cost for a round-trip gondola ride is 40 euro.

Best of luck.

Fotunately the acrimonious debate in Germany might be over and Kraft Foods has decided not to illuminate the Zugspitze at night as an advertizing gimmick for their "Milka" brand of chocolate. If you appreciate scenic views then the trip is well worth it, but only if you are assured of a clear cloudless day.

There were 4 of us (2 adults, 1 child and 1 youth) and the total for the 4 of us was 104 Euros ($130 at the then exchange rate). While expensive we felt it was worth the cost. I think my husband would have stayed for hours if the rest of us hadn't been ready to leave.

Sorry, I meant 106 Euros, not 104 for the return trip for the 4 of us.

http://www.zugspitze.de/diebzb/kontakt_en.php

They have family reduction prices and other valuable info...

Thank you all for your posts - it seems like the conclusion is - only go there on a fine day and the round trip is better than the two way rapid trip via cable car from Eisbee.

Steve, I'm another one for yes go up the Zugspite. We had a marvellous day doing so some years ago and I am really looking forward to repeating the experience when we are there in December. I cannot remember how long it all took, using both train and cable car but to give you an idea we were easily able to combine it with a visit to Linderhof on the same day.