Zugspitze via Reintal

Hiking to the Zugspitze via Reintal Valley

This is the very path first taken in 1820 by the Zugspitze’s original pioneers. While technically the easiest route to the top, it’s also the longest, and therefore still demands solid physical fitness—expect daily hikes of 5 to 7 hours and up to 1,500 meters of elevation gain.

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Trip Profile

Grade

Moderate
Challenging

Duration

2 days

Length

21 KM

Altitude difference

2000 m

Max Altitude

2962 m

Start

garmisch
olympia skistadion

End

Eibsee

accomodation

Reintalangerhütte

meals

Dinner
breakfast

season

jul - Sept

Participants' Reviews

I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing hiking experience! Your guidance and local knowledge made the whole trip feel safe, enjoyable, and enriching. Looking forward to joining more of your hikes in the future!

Anil Kulan

Turkey

Our snowy hike with Cosmin was an absolute joy. He's not only a funny and friendly person, but also an experienced hiker, with whom I felt super safe with. I can nothing but recommend him as a guide!

Johanna Schmitt

Germany

Cosmin takes care of every member in the group, never leaving anyone behind. Apart from the great organizational and technical skills, Cosmin knows how to create an enjoyable and easy-going atmosphere which is one of the best parts

Dushica Milosavljevikj

North Macedonia

Cosmin was once again an exceptional organizer. He took care of every detail, chose a route suitable for the season, motivated us throughout the hike, and created a positive vibe that made us feel safe and enjoy the day to the fullest.

Cristina Gheorghe

Romania

Overview for the hike to Zugspitze via Reintal

The route through the Reintal Valley to Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze, offers not only stunning alpine scenery, but also a chance for sure-footed hikers—without the need for climbing or via ferrata experience—to reach the summit under their own steam. This is the very path first taken in 1820 by the Zugspitze’s original pioneers. While technically the easiest route to the top, it’s also the longest, and therefore still demands solid physical fitness—expect daily hikes of 5 to 7 hours and up to 1,500 meters of elevation gain.

Day 1
We meet at the Garmisch Olympia Skistadion and, after a short gear check, begin our hike through the impressive Partnach Gorge. Following the Reintal Valley westward, we reach the beautifully located Bockhütte after about three hours. There we take a well-earned break before continuing along a picturesque trail beside the Partnach River toward the Reintalangerhütte—our destination for the night. Before or after dinner, we visit the source of the Partnach River, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this lovely alpine refuge.

Day 2
Today we aim for the summit. We rise early and make our way through dewy alpine meadows before tackling the steep climb up to the Zugspitzplatt. In a steady, comfortable pace, we ascend to our first stop of the day: the Knorrhütte, a well-known mountain hut that only comes into view shortly before reaching it. It’s the perfect place for a short break and to admire the famous Jubiläumsgrat ridge.
But the journey continues. We head across the stark, sometimes steep terrain of the Zugspitzplatt until we reach the Sonnalpin. There, we refuel one last time before tackling the most challenging part of the tour—the final 400 meters of ascent through the cable-secured south face of the Zugspitze.

After an ascent to Zugspitze via Reintal, the descent is made easy with the cable car bringing us back down to Eibsee and further to Garmisch station.

Please note: the cost of the cable car, accommodation, and meals at Reintalangerhütte is not included in the tour price.

Over the Years, Many People Have Chosen:

comfort

Don't worry about route navigation, or timing. it's all taken care of.

Knowledge

Explore places that are not always written in the guidebooks.

connection

Friendly, respectful atmosphere that encourages connections among participants.

Safety

With a specialist guiding you, you’ll avoid risky situations and enjoy the hike.

Equipment Information

Mandatory:

ID / Passport
Mountain shoes (above the ankle – categories A/B, B, or B/C)
Lightweight backpack (30–35 liters, with adjustable straps)
Hiking socks
Hiking clothes (quick-drying, preferably merino wool)
Sweater or fleece as a warm layer
Rain clothes (check the latest weather forecast)
Sun protection:
– Sun hat
– Sunscreen
– Sunglasses
Snacks:
– Non-perishable
– Energy-dense (e.g., dehydrated food, cereal bars)
Water: Bottles or hydration system (approx. 1.5–2 liters)
Headlamp
Cash and credit card
Hut clothing (T-shirt, slippers)
Sleeping bag liner
Toiletries (small functional towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, earplugs)
Change of clothes (1 pair of socks / underwear)

Optional:

Hiking poles
Insect repellent (cream/spray)
Power bank / spare batteries
Charged mobile phone (with emergency numbers saved)
Thin gloves (for unpredictable cold mountain weather)
Camera and/or binoculars
Blister plasters
First aid kit
Toilet paper / tissues
Personal medication
Small rubbish bag (for waste and used wet wipes)

If you’re interested in learning more about hiking equipment, click here for detailed information. Additionally, if you’d like a checklist to print and take with you, you can download it here: Hiking Packing List 2-Day Hike.pdf

Reserve your place for this weekend’s hike to Zugspitze via Reintal

Gallery

Directions for the Hike to Zugspitze via Reintal:

By public transport:

Munich – Garmisch‑Partenkirchen:

Take a regional train (RE or RB) from Munich Hbf to Garmisch‑Partenkirchen (~75 min)

By car:

Address for navigation: Olympia-Skistadion

82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen

You will receive all the exact details in your confirmation email.

What's Included

Professional guiding: the hike is led by a certified and experienced mountain leader who is familiar with the trail, the area and safety protocols.
Route planning & pre-hike consultation: advice on necessary gear, physical preparation, and assistance with any special requirements.
Nature, navigation & mountain tips: insights about local flora, fauna, geography, basic orientation, and mountain safety tips.
Transportation assistance (optional): coordination of shared transportation or recommendations (transport is not included unless specified).
Organized breaks: scenic and safe spots for resting, snacking, and socializing.
Photos from the hike: the photos during the hike will be shared with the participants afterward.
Safety: monitoring the group’s condition and adjusting the pace or route if needed.
First aid support: a first aid kit will be available for minor injuries.
Friendly atmosphere: small groups, great people, and an authentic nature experience.

What's NOT Included

Transportation to/from the starting point (unless otherwise stated).
Parking fees (if needed).
Meals and snacks (participants should bring their own food and water).
Entrance fees or permits: any entrance fees are paid separately.
Cable car: cost for the descent; current prices available at www.zugspitze.de
Accommodation and Meals at the Reintalangerhütte.
Other Entrance Fees: Partnach Gorge; current prices available at https://www.partnachklamm.de/en
Tips for the guide are not included in the price and are optional, based on your satisfaction.

€ 160

per person

Hike with like-minded people who might become lifelong friends.
No worries about getting lost. Just fresh air and fun.
Feel recharged in just one day.

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About your guide: Cosmin Mihoreanu - certified UIMLA Bergwanderführer (Mountain Leader)

Since 2019, I’ve guided over 100 hikes that I personally organized, accompanying international visitors and guests through some of the most stunning landscapes—especially in Germany’s Bavarian Alps and across the beautiful Austrian Alps.

As a guide, I’m highly attentive and safety-oriented, ensuring that my guests feel confident and supported on the trail. I’m also deeply committed to protecting the environment, doing my best to minimize our impact and promote responsible hiking practices.

In addition, I am a certified NLP communication trainer and coach. This allows me to support individuals not only physically but also mentally and emotionally during our outdoor experiences. Using psychological NLP methods, I’ve helped several clients overcome their fear of heights and gain greater confidence in alpine terrain.