Fussen to Zugspitze - Sept 23, 2025

Posted by bubbafarcas on 07/04/25 01:43 PM

Hi-ho,
Our party of four will drive from Fussen to Zugspitze on Sept 23, 2025.
As the driver, I’m wide open to best-practice advice about -
* What time should we leave Fussen to arrive at the optimal time at Zugspitze to buy round-trip cable car tickets to the summit (weather permitting)?
* How much time should we allot on the mountain (we’re not hiking) if we intend to drive to Munich afterward to check into the hotel, dump the rental car, et al?
* Can or should this be done in one day? We’re intrepid travelers and like to leave ‘slop time’ in our itinerary for impromptu diversions.
* We will be in Munich Sept 24-26 and plan just one day on the Oktoberfest fairgrounds, then we fly out on Sept. 27.

Thanks in advance!
Brian in NH

Posted by geovagriffith

07/04/25 03:55 PM

9169 posts

I have been up to the top of the Zugspitze 5 or 6 times and love it. Twice, I dd a two day hike up the mountain.

If you stayed in Garmish, you would be convenient to take either the cable car or the cog train. Parking can be difficult in Garmish, be sure to research that before you go.

When I went up on the cog train (that seemed to take longer than the cable car) our group probably spent 2-3 hours at least from start to finish.
Not sure that you should try that in one day. Perhaps you can if you leave early enough and don't have a delay in traffic or parking.

Also, I have done the Oktoberfest three times and recommend going prior to lunch when it is less crowded. Love the rotisserie chicken they cook for the fest.

Posted by Gundersen

Niagara, Ontario

07/04/25 04:13 PM

1839 posts

I'd aim for as early as possible. About an hour's drive under normal conditions but, per knowledgeable posters on this forum, the 179 can get clogged up. A huge parking lot near the cable car station.

Can't judge how long you'll want to stay at the top. Some take a quick scan and a few photos, others like to sit down with a drink and soak it all in.

Spend some time in Garmisch-Partenkirchen before moving onto Munich.

The Zugspitze cable car in Ehrwald, Austria, is more or less on the same driving route. It was considerably cheaper when we were last in the area.

Posted by bubbafarcas OP

07/06/25 12:43 PM

8 posts

Thanks for your helpful replies! Much appreciated.
I was hoping to draw a conclusive reply: Is this itinerary realistic or not? Your blunt honesty won’t hurt my feelings!
Thanks,
Brian in NH

Posted by mchpp

Oberpfalz, Germany

07/06/25 03:10 PM

1524 posts

Sounds reasonable to me. German school vacation will be over then. I would agree get an early start. Without Stau, stop and go traffic and dalliance you should be fine. 1.5 hours Füssen to the Germany Zugspitzbahen parking lot. Cross your fingers for clear weather on the summit. Rental turn-in time and Hotel location would determine how much time you have for the summit. Be ready for München traffic. Speed limits are down to 30-40 kph on the Mittlere Ring, when not stopped. The A95 should be realitively clear until you reach München. New tunnels around Garmish are helping traffic flow.

Posted by bubbafarcas OP

07/06/25 06:12 PM

8 posts

Thanks very much!