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Zugspitze vs. Garmisch Classic

My family and I (husband, daughter 18, and daughter 16) will be visiting Germany for 15 days in June.

We are having Oberammergau as our "base" for 6 of these nights. We had originally planned on visiting Zugspitze from the Austria side during our trip. Seeing as we will be so close to Garmisch, I am wondering if it would be just as well to visit the Garmisch Classic in addition to Zugspitze or instead or only Zugspitze? I love the creative viewing (AlpspiX) ramp from the Garmisch Classic I see in all the photos. But I don't know what to expect for either - is one visit like this enough up into the alps? Is there a big difference in the views? Obviously we would love to save the $ of only visiting one, but are more than willing to do both if it seems we should.

Have you been to both? What are the pro/cons of both or just selecting one? I would love to hear your opinions so I can get a better idea of what to expect. Thanks for the help!

Posted by
1542 posts

I had to look up Garmisch Classic. Just to add my two cents worth, I believe there is a common misconception that the higher one gets, the better the view. The view from the Jenner above Koniggsee, for example, is far more spectacular than anything from the Zugspitze.

Posted by
2779 posts

What to expect on the top of Zugspitze: In summer 2017: Europe's highest up construction site!

View from the Austrian side to the German side: https://www.foto-webcam.eu/webcam/bzb-gipfel/

To some it's absolutely amazing to see how given the circumstances you can build a completely new cable car including infrastructure. To others it's just a construction site. The new cable car, then highest-flying above the ground in the world, is scheduled to open in late 2017. In the meantime being up there will be anything but an Alpine nature experience ;-)

I'm not telling you you shouldn't go up there. I just wanted to make sure you've got the information so you can make a decision based on your own interest and preferences.

Posted by
7 posts

Gundersen - I agree that the view from the Jenner above Koniggsee is absolutely beautiful! I only wish it was closer to where we will be. I can't add an over 2 hour drive to our already packed plans. But hopefully someday! However, I understand the point you are making. Just because it is the highest, doesn't make it the best of the views. I have been concerned about the construction and I believe between your comment and the view Andreas posted, I think I will consider the Garmisch Classic instead of heading to the top of Zugspitze. Unless anyone can convince me differently! ;)

Posted by
2898 posts

Under 30 minutes away is the Karwendelbahn in Mittenwald. Similar views at half the cost of the Zugspitze.

Paul