Alpspitze — Climbing for Beginners and the Golden Pyramid of the Bavarian Alps
- Yulia | Garmisch Alpine Paradise
- Jul 5
- 5 min read
In the Garmisch region, there are three natural landmarks that are absolute "must-visits": the Zugspitze (the highest peak in Germany), the breathtaking Eibsee lake at the foot of Zugspitze (which we fondly call the "Instagram lake"), and the stunning Partnachklamm Gorge in Partenkirchen. These iconic places are easily accessible, no matter your fitness level. However, there is a fourth location that stands as the number one "must-visit" for those who prefer sports, hiking, and climbing.
Rising majestically above the resort town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Alpspitze (2,628 meters) is widely recognized as one of Germany's most beautiful and iconic mountains. With its nearly perfect pyramidal shape and striking limestone face, it stands as the architectural masterpiece of the Wetterstein range, often overshadowing its taller neighbor, the Zugspitze, in pure aesthetic appeal.
The Alpspitze summit is just as popular and lively among climbers as Eibsee and Zugspitze are among sightseers. If you are a beginner looking to try alpine climbing for the first time, this is the perfect place to start. Although Alpspitze is ranked as the 18th highest mountain in Germany, it is the second highest peak that offers such straightforward and easy access. The mountain was first officially summited back in 1825 by Josef Burger.
For modern climbers and hikers alike, Alpspitze offers one of the most rewarding vertical experiences in the Northern Limestone Alps.
Some Facts About Alpspitze
The Height: 2,628 meters above sea level.
The Climb: The climbing route itself covers 600 vertical meters starting from the Osterfelderkopf cable car station, which sits at an altitude of about 2,000 meters.
The Traffic: Between 100 and 300 people climb to the top of Alpspitze every single day. It is a local "Everest" where you will likely find yourself waiting in line on your way to the summit.
The Difficulty: In climbing metrics, this route is graded as A/B, making it the easiest type of via ferrata climbing available.
3 Ways to Reach the Summit
The most famous route to the top is the Alpspitz-Ferrata, a classic, well-secured via ferrata (Klettersteig) that has been drawing adventurers for generations. Here are the ways you can tackle it:
From the Cable Car: Taking the Alpspitzbahn to the top station at Osterfelderkopf (2,057 m) serves as the starting point for most climbers. From there, the route features a pure elevation gain of approximately 600 vertical meters to the summit. It takes anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours of steady climbing, depending on the traffic along the way and your personal physical condition.
The Valley Challenge (From the Bottom): For purists looking to conquer the mountain from its roots, ascending on foot from Garmisch or through the dramatic Höllental Gorge requires tackling over 1,600 meters of continuous vertical gain. This route demands excellent physical conditioning and a full day’s commitment. It is strictly for advanced climbers, as it requires immense stamina to begin climbing after a long, strenuous hike.
The Backside Hike: You can also approach the peak from the opposite side of Alpspitze, which is traditionally used as the descent route. Choosing this path allows you to hike up instead of climbing. While this route will take you significantly longer than the ferrata, it is a viable alternative. Please be aware that this hiking path is quite challenging, and you will be walking over loose stones and scree.
At the summit, you will be rewarded with a beautiful, panoramic view of the valley and the traditional summit cross (Gipfelkreuz), which is characteristic of peaks in Germany. The summit is usually crowded, but everyone manages to find a spot to sit down, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
How to Get Back From the Summit
There are two primary ways to make your descent:
Option 1: Back via the Ferrata. You can head down the exact same climbing route you came up. From one perspective, this is the fastest and most direct option, and experienced climbers usually prefer it. However, if you are a true beginner doing this for the first time, it is highly recommended to take the other side down. Because the ferrata is incredibly popular, you will encounter heavy traffic of people climbing up, making a downward journey stressful. Additionally, climbing down vertically requires specific technical skills.
Option 2: The Loop Trail (The Most Scenic Route). The classic and most beautiful variation is to descend from the opposite side of the peak. This trail leads through either the Nordwandsteig or the Schöngänge ravine, looping the route directly back to the Osterfelderkopf station.
From the golden cross at the summit, the descent begins in an easterly/south-easterly direction. The trail heads down a steep, rocky, and scree-covered slope. This section is quite steep (with an incline of about 30∘–35∘) with fine limestone gravel underfoot, making trekking poles and sturdy footwear absolutely essential. The path is well-marked with red dots painted on the rocks.
After about 30–40 minutes of descending, you will arrive at a rocky plateau known as the Oberkar cirque. From here, you have two options to bypass the mountain and return to the cable car:
Via Schöngänge (More athletic): The trail turns left and leads to a steep rocky drop-off. This is a short section secured with steel cables and iron pins (a mini-ferrata, graded category A). The descent goes down a narrow gully with an incline of up to 40∘. It requires careful attention but can be passed quickly, bringing you out onto a gentle traverse right beneath the mountain wall.
Via Nordwandsteig (More scenic and gentle): This path goes around the ridge and is particularly remarkable because it is literally carved into the sheer North Face of Alpspitze. You will pass through a series of short rock tunnels and protected galleries directly above a 1,000-meter abyss. The incline of the trail itself is minimal (10∘–15∘), making it flat and comfortable, though steel safety cables are installed throughout due to the dizzying exposure.
Both the Schöngänge and Nordwandsteig options eventually merge into the final trail, which leads gently back to the upper station of the Alpspitzbahn and the AlpspiX viewing platform.
Total descent time: 1.5 to 3 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate, but strictly requires a good head for heights (especially on the Nordwandsteig).
A Few More Facts About Alpspitze
The mountain is composed of premium Wetterstein limestone from the Upper Triassic period, giving it a distinctive pale, almost luminous grey color that catches the light beautifully at dawn and dusk. For those who want to experience the sheer scale of the mountain without climbing to the summit, the AlpspiX viewing platform sits right near the Osterfelderkopf station. Two 13-meter steel arms cross in an "X" shape, hovering over a nearly 1,000-meter vertical drop, providing a jaw-dropping look at the Alpspitze's north face.
How to Prepare for the Climb
Before you head out, make sure you pack the right equipment. Here is your essential packing checklist:
A proper mountain backpack
Trekking poles
High-quality hiking and climbing boots
Base layers covering your skin (long-sleeve shirt and outdoor pants)
A warm jacket or fleece packed inside your bag
A rain jacket or poncho
Sunglasses
1 to 2 liters of water
Energy-rich snacks (fruits, protein bars, or anything that provides a quick boost)
If you don't feel quite ready to conquer the summits just yet, but still want to experience the magic of the Bavarian Alps, our guided tours are perfect for you! Explore the best of the region comfortably with us.
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