My family of six (children 8-19) is going to be in Munich for 4 days. We love the mountains and have vacationed in the Rockies a lot. The thought of seeing Germany's highest peak peeked my interest, but is the expense (around $200 for all of us) and time worth it?
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33857 posts
I have no idea if $200 to see a beautiful view of the mountains and fun ride up and down is worth it to you and your family. I don't know how much you consider affordable for a day's entertainment.
For me, Garmisch, Oberammergau, and the Zugspitze are a very fun day out and worth seeing. But that's me.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
If you have vacationed in the Rockies, you might be disappointed by the Zugspitze. In Colorado, it would hardly be a bump on the map. In fact, it might not even have a name. .I skied for many years at Loveland Ski Area. The parking lot at Loveland is over a thousand feet higher than the zugspitze.
The Zugspitze, at only 9700 ft does tower over the surrounding terrain. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, at just over 3000 ft, is almost 7000 ft below.
On the other hand, Pikes Peak, at 14,114 ft is over 8000 ft higher than Colorado Springs, at it's base.
As Nigel says, you have to decide if it is worth spending the money, but if you have ever been up Pikes Peak, the Zugspitze experience would be an also-ran.
As an alternative, hiking in the Partnachklamm would be a more unique experience.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thanks Lee....if it's comprable to Pikes, I think we'll pass. I really wanted to climb it anyway but that's not for this trip.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8887 posts
This is a fun experience. We did it two days ago and really enjoyed ourselves on the Zugspitze. Definitely come to Garmisch! Hike the gorge, rent bikes, try the summer luge run if looking for less expensive alternatives.
Posted by
TX
980 posts
My sentiment is similar to Lee's that the Zugspitze is not really a "must-do". If outdoor activities are your cup of tea then I would highly recommend going on a hike to a hut for a nice lunch. It is one of my favorite ways to spend a sunny summer day south of Munich.
All the good ski areas have great hiking in the summer. Garmisch-Partenkirchen as Lee suggests is a great place to hike. My family's favorite was always taking the cable car up the Brauneck in Lenggries for a hike and stopping at Tölzer Hütte for lunch.
DJ
Posted by
4 posts
It is slightly cheaper to go up the Austrian side of the Zugspitze and just as beautiful. An internet search should help you find this info.
I've been on the tops of many mountains all around the world and still love the Zugspitze trip--but only do it on a very clear day. If you buy a rail pass it also reduces the price of the Zugspitze trip--check the DB sight for info, or RailEurope's site. For a family of 6 that might be less expensive, IF you can make use of the pass for other trips as well.