Are there food options for vegetarians and vegans?

If you'd like to eat a vegetarian meal, it's usually available at most accommodations. Vegan options are harder to find in huts, but we'll let you know about them in advance so you can plan accordingly.

We do not demand that you have insurance before booking, but it is advisable to do. Joining the Austrian Alpine Club gets you covered in case anything unexpected happens to you on your way.

What kind of accommodation do the mountain huts provide?

Mountain huts are not luxurious, but they are cozy and comfortable. You will not lack a warm bed, delicious meals, and toilets. They offer private rooms and dormitories, so you should be prepared to book enough time in advance if you do not want to share a room with other people. Read more about the Austrian mountain huts .

The Zugspitze Hike

5 days / 4 nights

1/9

Show all 9 photos

Master the challenge of the Zugspitze by traversing the scenic Reintal Valley, where an exhilarating ascent meets unparalleled alpine beauty.

Starting point

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Finish point

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Season

From June to September

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Master the challenge of the Zugspitze by traversing the scenic Reintal Valley, where an exhilarating ascent meets unparalleled alpine beauty.

Starting point

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Finish point

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Season

From June to September

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Ascend Germany’s tallest peak, the majestic Zugspitze
Hike through the stunning Reintal Valley
Marvel at panoramic views spanning Germany, Austria, and beyond
Stay in traditional mountain huts
Cross borders and experience the Zugspitze from all directions
Enjoy the serene descent into the Tyrolean village of Ehrwald

Itinerary of the trip

Your journey begins as you arrive in the charming Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a gateway to the Alps. Spend your day exploring this picturesque town, known for its stunning mountain views and traditional Bavarian architecture.

Accommodation

Biohotel Garmischer Hof

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Today, your adventure truly begins as you set out from Garmisch-Partenkirchen towards Reintalangerhütte. The hike starts with a scenic walk through the Partnach Gorge, where towering cliffs and rushing waters create a dramatic backdrop. Continue through the lush Reintal Valley, surrounded by the soaring peaks of the Wetterstein range. After a day of steady ascent, you'll reach Reintalangerhütte, a cozy mountain hut nestled in the heart of the valley, where you'll spend the night.

Hiking

14.5 km and 780 m of elevation gain / 150 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Reintalangerhütte

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

It’s time to climb Germany’s tallest peak! You'll leave Reintalangerhütte early, making your way up steep trails towards the Zugspitze summit. As you climb, the landscape shifts from lush valleys to rugged, rocky terrain, offering panoramic views that stretch across the Alps. Reaching the summit is an unforgettable experience, with sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After taking in the views, you'll descend to Knorr Hütte, where you'll rest for the night, reflecting on the day's incredible achievement.

Hiking

11.5 km and 1600 m of elevation gain / 910 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Knorrhütte

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

After an exhilarating summit day, today's hike offers a more relaxed descent into Austria. You'll leave Knorr Hütte and follow the trail down into the serene landscape of the Ehrwald basin. The path winds through alpine meadows and pastures, with the towering peaks of the Zugspitze massif behind you. As you approach Ehrwald, you'll be greeted by stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Upon arrival, you can explore the village or simply unwind before you head back to Garmisch-Partenkirchen by train.

Hiking

12.3 km and 230 m of elevation gain / 1300 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Biohotel Garmischer Hof

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Your adventure concludes as you prepare for your departure. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past days, from the peaceful valleys to the exhilarating summit of the Zugspitze. If you wish to explore the region further, feel free to extend your stay or even embark on a hike in Austria!

Gallery

FREE ITINERARY

Get Your Travel Itinerary

Loved the itinerary? Enter your email below, and we'll send a copy straight to your inbox.

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

2 nights in (mountain) huts with half-board

1 night in a 3-star hotel with breakfast

Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer

Extra nights

Hotel upgrades

Single supplement

What to bring to the tour

Hiking shoes/boots
25 to 45-liter backpack
Base layer
Sports T-shirts
Hiking shorts
Hiking water-repellent pants
Waterproof jacket
Midlayer
Sports socks and underwear
Leisurewear for evenings
Down jacket
Gloves
Shade hat/cap

Warm headwear
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Headlamp
Hiking poles
ID card or passport
Snacks
Cash
Water bottles or hydration pack
Sleeping liner
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Small first aid kit

Experience the thrill of conquering Germany’s highest peak during "The Zugspitze Hike," a journey that takes you through the majestic Reintal Valley.

This five-day adventure not only showcases the rugged beauty of the Alps but also offers a rewarding challenge for any hiker.

The Zugspitze, standing at 2,962 meters, is more than just Germany’s tallest mountain – it’s a symbol of alpine adventure. Reaching its summit is a dream for many, and the Reintal Valley route provides the perfect path for those seeking to achieve this goal without the need for specialized mountaineering equipment. Unlike the steeper, more technical trails, the Reintal Valley offers a gentler ascent, yet it doesn't skimp on the stunning scenery and exhilarating experiences.

On this journey, you will cross borders and experience the Zugspitze from every direction! After your summit, you will descend into Austria and gaze up at the marvel you had just conquered.

Throughout the hike, you’ll be supported by our handout itineraries, pre-booked accommodations, detailed GPS tracks and customer support, ensuring that your only focus is the incredible experience of reaching the Zugspitze summit via the unforgettable Reintal Valley route.

Join us for an alpine adventure that combines the thrill of a high-altitude climb with the accessibility of a well-loved trail, leading you to the top of Germany’s most iconic peak!

Frequently Asked Questions

The hiking season usually lasts from mid-June to late September. It depends on the snow conditions in the higher sections of the Alps, as lots of hiking routes go over high mountain passes. You should check the current situation if you are visiting in early summer, especially for Stubai High Trail, as large parts of the route run above 2000 meters of elevation.

The huts close their doors once the season ends as well, so you cannot plan any multi-day tours outside this time window.

You can read more about the hiking season in Austria here.

We've rated our tours on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5 — with 1 being the easiest and 5 the most difficult.

The difficulty level of a tour tells you how fit you need to be and how much hiking is involved. Most of our tours are appropriate for people who are regularly active and can hike for about five to seven hours per day.

Technical difficulty means how skilled you need to be to hike on the path. Level 1 means the trail is smooth and wide (like a gravel road), while 5 means the surface is uneven and exposed, and you have to use your hands to help yourself move forward. In practice, that means that the higher the level, the more surefooted and skilled in scrambling you need to be.

You should book your tour as soon as possible, as many accommodations along the trail fill up quickly. That way, you can ensure that you have a place to stay.

In case of an injury, it is best to call the local emergency services. You might find yourself in the wilderness, unable to continue without worsening your situation.

Do not worry too much, though. You will be hiking along popular trails, so you will not get stranded even if something happens.

On the other hand, if you feel too tired to continue hiking, you can always stop in any of the towns and villages along the way and use public transport to get to where you want to be in Austria.

Most huts along our hut-to-hut hikes are equipped with showers, but they might be a matter of whether there has been any rainfall lately. Do not expect too much, as mountain huts are not luxurious hotels.

Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

+15

Birgit Kindler

Verified customer · 1 year ago

We had a lovely hike today with our guide Klemen. He personalized the tour on our needs and interests, so that we saw places we wouldn't without his experience. The hike was a little bit slippery after the rain from the last days and it went a lot upwards, but it was totally worth it! Thanks again :)

Show all 3 photos

Claudia Ossa

Verified customer · 2 years ago

9 day hiking trip including rafting and mountain biking. Sadly the weather didn’t help, we had a lot of rain, but Klemen modified our plans, making it a great experience after all. Klemen is an excellent guide and I highly recommend him!!!

Show all 5 photos

Ann Swainson

Verified customer · 11 months ago

Thank you so much for a fantastic trip. It was absolutely stunning, well organised, and a brilliant trip. Special thanks to Jan for his kindness & support on what was a personally challenging trek.

Show all 3 photos

Robert Backlund

Verified customer · 11 months ago

Our Guide Luka was amazing! And the three-day hike was a Memory for life, really beautiful. Cant recommend it enough.

Show all 4 photos

Rebecca Lawson

Verified customer · 10 months ago

Our 3 day hike had to be rearranged 2/2 weather, so a one day hike was arranged for us. We appreciated the concern about weather and conditions. Our hike was with Matevz, who was a great guide. Very helpful and knowledgable. Would definitely recommend and will be back for a longer hike one day!

Nicole Cocks

Verified customer · 10 months ago

This trip was organized with every detail considered. Our accommodation, most meals and routes were planned each day which is perfect when the region is unknown and you have not completed a multi-day hike before. We had a great time!