Zugspitze 2-Day Höllental Via Ferrata Expedition¶

Two-day Zugspitze summit via Germany's only full on-foot route — dramatic Höllental Gorge, glacier traverse, and C/D via ferrata to Germany's highest point at 2,962m.

Overview¶

At 2,962m, the Zugspitze is Germany's highest mountain and one of the most scenically dramatic climbs in the Alps. The classic 2-day Höllental route from Hammersbach (740m) is the only fully on-foot ascent, gaining more than 2,200m through the dramatic Höllental Gorge, past the Höllentalangerhütte refuge (1,387m), through the upper Höllentalferner Glacier, and up via ferrata ironwork to the summit plateau. This is a Grade C/D via ferrata with exposed sections requiring a via ferrata set, helmet, and harness. The cable car summit building sits on the Austrian-German border; a second cable car descends the Austrian side to Ehrwald. The gorge section is close-walled and dramatic; the glacier has retreated significantly and is no longer crevassed but remains icy.

Day 1: Hammersbach to Höllentalangerhütte via the Gorge¶

From Hammersbach near Grainau, follow the Höllental through its dramatic limestone gorge — waterfalls and close vertical walls define the lower section. Chains and metal walkways assist through the narrowest passages. The Höllentalangerhütte offers full meals, dormitory bunks, and a terrace with views up to the Zugspitze walls above.

Day 2: Höllentalangerhütte to Summit and Descent to Ehrwald¶

Early start into the upper Höllental, crossing the remnant Höllentalferner Glacier (crampons may be needed). The via ferrata section begins above the glacier — Grade C/D iron pegs, ladders, and cables lead up the rocky summit headwall. The summit platform at 2,962m sits on the German-Austrian border. Descend via the Austrian Tiroler Zugspitzbahn cable car to Ehrwald.