Zugspitze via Höllental — September 2022 Summit Report¶

The Höllental route to Germany's highest point is a surprising adventure — a dramatic gorge with waterfalls, an exciting via ferrata, a diminishing glacier to cross, and a final scramble through rock chimneys. Arriving at the summit to find tourists in flip-flops (who took the cable car) creates a surreal contrast. The Höllentalanger Hut, perched above the gorge, is one of the Alps' most atmospheric.

Trip Overview¶

Mountain: Zugspitze (2962m) Date: September 03, 2022 Duration: 2 days Party Size: 3 Outcome: Summit

Conditions¶

Weather: Late summer conditions with warm temperatures. The Höllental glacier was significantly reduced from previous years. Indian summer weather. Snow: Glacier mostly bare ice with some neve patches. Via ferrata sections dry. Temperature: 2°C to 18°C Wind: Calm, 5-10 km/h

Difficulty Assessment¶

Germany's highest peak via its most dramatic route. The Höllental (Hell Valley) involves a gorge walk, via ferrata, glacier crossing, and an exposed scramble. Not as easy as the cable car might suggest.