Travel to Germany : Reaching out for the skies: Germany's Zugspitze region

Travel to Germany: The summit of Zugspitze - Germany's highest mountain

Reaching out for the skies: Germany's Zugspitze region

November 27, 2009

On Germany's highest mountain – the Zugspitze (2,962 m) – it feels like you could reach out and touch the stars. And right on top of the mountain, you are not only at the highest point in Germany, but also almost on its very edge; the Zugspitze is on the German-Austrian border. In addition to magnificent mountain scenery, the region features charming valleys, clean lakes and nature conservation areas set against an amazing panorama.

The Zugspitze region is a pure delight for any nature enthusiast with its four valley landscapes, the Ammergau Alps, the 'blue region', the Karwendel Alpine region and the area around the Zugspitze. But you don't have to be an experienced mountain climber to explore these truly spectacular peaks. There are mountain railways and cable cars to make the ascent a little easier.

At almost a thousand metres in altitude, you'll find the crystal-clear, deep blue Eibsee lake, a jewel nestling in the charming Werdenfelser Land holiday region. It is 2.5 km long, 1 km wide, up to 32 metres deep and has seven small islands along its northern shores. Eibsee lake was the result of a massive landslide. Overlooking the lake is the lower station of the large cable car that takes you up to the Zugspitze.

Snowboarding on the slopes of the Zugspitze

Snowboarding on the slopes of the Zugspitze

The Eibsee-Zugspitze high-wire park has a breathtakingly high course with a number of different climbing activities. The Garmisch-Partenkirchen airfield offers a range of paragliding, tandem flying and thermic flying tours over the mountain peaks.

A walk through the wild, romantic Höllental (hell valley) gorge or the impressive Partnach gorge is an experience for all the senses. This is one of the most beautiful gorges in the Alpine region and a fascinating natural attraction at any time of year, but particularly in the winter.

A dinghy or kayak tour on the river Loisach also lets you indulge your taste for adventure. The Karwendel Alpine region between Mittenwald, Krün and Wallgau is one of the largest ranges in the Northern Calcareous Alps. With its unspoilt terrain and numerous peaks, it presents a fantastic challenge to any avid mountain climber, while the enchanting elevated valley at the foot of the Karwendel mountain is an ideal destination for action-packed holidays close to nature. Admire the amazing interplay of colours when the gentian flowers cover the hillside meadows at the foot of the Karwendel and Soiern mountains.

The 'Via Alpina', a long-distance cross-border footpath with five sections running through the whole of the Alps, also crosses the Karwendel mountains. If you are looking for a blend of tradition and modern-day attractions, sport, fun, zest for life and enchanting Alpine scenery, this is the destination for you.

Linderhof Castle in Upper Bavaria

In the Ammergau Alps - which lie between Linderhof Palace, Ettal Abbey, Oberammergau, Unterammergau, Saulgrub-Altenau and the two spa resorts, Bad Bayersoien and Bad Kohlgrub – you can walk or cycle in the footsteps of King Ludwig of Bavaria. Roam the unspoilt mountain scenery and fascinating nature conservation area along the Ammer or enjoy a soothing mountain pine mud bath at one of the mud spas.

Linderhof Palace is a private royal residence. King Ludwig II turned the building, which started out as a simple hunting lodge built by his father Maximilian II at the back of the Graswang valley, into an intimate little palace based on the design of the Petit Trianon in Versailles.

Experience monastic life up close in the 'Bavarian think tank' at the Benedictine abbey in Ettal. This really must be a very special spot, if the Bavarian kings chose it as the location for such visionary creations.

The area around Lake Staffelsee is known as the Blaues Land region. Its idyllic scenery has been a source of inspiration for many famous artists, including Kandinsky. In this lake land and moorland scenery set against the fantastic panorama of the Upper Bavarian Alps, you'll experience a special blend of nature, art and culture.

Visitors exploring the region on foot or by bike will witness a marvellous natural spectacle: Lake Staffelsee with its seven islands and Murnauer Moos nature conservation area – the largest Alpine foothill moor in Central Europe – surrounded by picturesque Alpine scenery. This is a true paradise on the edge of the Alps. Wherever you choose to visit, you'll find plenty to see and do at any time of year. In the spring when Mother Nature is awakening, in the summer when the mountain pastures are covered with a carpet of colourful flowers, in the autumn when the landscape is drenched with autumnal colour, and in the winter when the snow falls like confetti from the sky. This vast wealth of natural beauty is like a balm for the soul. There are many excursions to enjoy in the land of the fairytale king – so what are you waiting for!