I am planning a day trip by train from Munich to Garmisch or Mittenwald in mid March. I am most interested in seeing the mountains and realize this is not the time of year for a hike. On the Zugspitze website they advertise either a Zugspitze only pass or a 2 peak pass which includes the Garmisch Classic area. Is it realistic to expect to see both peaks in one day when you include train travel or should I focus on one? I plan to get an early start from Munich (7-7:30am).
Posted by
TX
980 posts
Those are ski area lift passes that you are referring to. Are you planning on skiing? If not what do you mean by “see both peaks”? Taking the cable car or cog train to the top? Which peaks?
If you are just going to see the mountains and back you don’t need the lift pass just the ticket up and back.
As far as timing you can easily see the Zugspitze peak in a day trip from Munich.
DJ
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32702 posts
Not the twin peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro? Expedition lead by an explorer taking two (one) of everything?
Posted by
OP
NY
33 posts
DJ - Thanks for your reply. No we are not planning to ski on this trip and I'm aware those are both ski areas, but on the Zugspitze website one of the ticket options was for 'non skiers' and there was an option for Zugspitze only and one for the Zugspitze plus Garmisch Classic. I thought there was a viewing area, restaurants, etc. from the top of each mountain and didn't know if it would be worth visiting both areas. I'm sorry if I caused confusion by using the term 'see both peaks.'
Posted by
TX
980 posts
Thanks for the clarification. I see you mean these ticket options. Yes there is a restaurant and viewing area atop both. The Alpspitz has a view of the valley back towards Garmisch where as on the Zugspitze you can see the taller peaks into Austria and beyond. You can definitely do both in one day if you are not planning on hiking around at the top. Realistically the weather will be dictating which if any peak you go up. There is 900m difference between the two peaks so its possible one can be clouded over while the other is above/under the clouds.
The facilities on top of each are roughly the same. If it's a clear day the Zugspitze give better views so I'd recommend making that a priority and skipping the Alpspitz. If it is over cast check the weather and ask at the ticket booth which is likely to have the best views.
It's good that you have Mittenwald as a back up option. I'd also suggest researching how to get to a few other easily accessible mountains from Munich. That way you will have several options in case your top two or three are overcast. Some other close areas with closed cabin cable cars are:
- Brauneck in Lenggries
- Wallberg in Tegernsee
These are all easily reached by train from Munich.
My 2¢,
DJ
Posted by
OP
NY
33 posts
Thanks for the info DJ. I will add those other two mountain areas to my list of possibilities. I know weather will be the key to any of these trips so I've got a few other options in case the weather is uncooperative. I really appreciate your insight!