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Via ferrata Zugspitze Klettersteig

The Zugspitze is at 2962 meters the highest peak in Germany. We can ascend it in one day combining a long approach with via ferrata steps and the passage through a glacier.

K5GermanyVia ferrata

Location

HammersbachGrainauBavieraGermany Technical description Downloadable files

How to get there

Best to park in Hammersbach, the train stops in this place on the way back.

Getting closer

If you leave early (before 08.00) you have to take the route Stangensteig, because the gorge is not yet open by then. De Stangensteig is a beautiful route as well! Small paths and a high bridge (70 m) over the gorge. De Stangensteig brings you to the same point as the ‘gorge’-route (see map). After the intersection you follow the route to the Höllentalangerhütte. From here it’s difficult to see the first klettersteig, but the path towards it, you can’t miss.

The route

Views from the village

Via ferrata | First Section

The start of the klettersteig is very difficult to see from a distance, but no panic! After a while you notice a white sign which points to the left ‘Zugspitze’. The start of this klettersteig is fairly simple. After that comes a ladder, a small path and a traverse with pins and that’s it. After this first klettersteig you have to climb a little bit (level 2, French grading) until you reach the ‘normal path’ again. You follow this path until you reach the glacier.

Höllentalferner | Glacier

The glacier is ‘quite simply’ but do not make mistakes about it! It’s still a glacier. You will probably see a lot of (German) people crossing this glacier without a rope. It’s up to you if you decide to go with / without a rope (depending on your own skills). The glacier does not have a lot of giant crevasses or steep slopes. The second klettersteig is on your right (look for red markings) on approximately 2/3 of the glacier.

Vía ferrata | Second Section

It can be quite difficult to get ‘into’ the second klettersteig. This depends on the amount of snow. The glacier is melting away from the rock, so there’s a gap (especially in the summer) between the glacier and the rock. On the left is a (newer) section of klettersteig which in easier to take that the one on the right.
After about 50 meters the klettersteig stops for 50 meter and then starts again. From here it goes all the way to the top. Try to enjoy this second klettersteig as much as you can, because it’s beautiful! Just before you reach the top, on your left, you have the ‘Jubiläumsgrat’. Germany’s longest route over a ‘grat’(ridge).

Back views

Important tips

Long trip, a good condition is critical!. The best period is the Summer, it’s very crowded than, but the weather is the most stabile (no snow on klettersteigs). It’s a level D because the trip is so versatile (long hike, klettersteigs, glacier crossing and then another klettersteig).

The way back

From the top you can take a cable car to the lower station (trainstation). From here you can take the train all the way to Hammersbach. Ask the personal if you have the take a ‘tranfer’ train, this depends on the season.
The costs for this trip back or ±€30,- (2013).
From the station in Hammersbach it’s easy to walk balk to the car (5 minutes). Nearby the trainstation is a restaurant. Take a beer, you deserved it!

Bibliography

Outdooride

Nearby routes

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