Zugspitze Women’s Trek

Through the Partnach Gorge to the Rein valley

Distance: 14km, Ascent: 695m, Descent: 50m, Walking time: Approx 5- 6 Hrs

We meet at 9:00 am at the Olympic Ski Stadium in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. After introductions and an equipment check, our three-day expedition begins through the dramatic Partnach Gorge. We stop for a break and reinforcement at the charming Bockhütte. Continuing at a relaxed pace along the trail, the landscape opens up, allowing us time to soak up the unspoiled beauty of the Rein Valley. We reach our base for the night, the Reintalangerhütte (1369m), in the early afternoon, providing ample time to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet or take a short walk to the source of the Partnach River.

Accommodation: 4 -5 bed room, halfboard (3 course evening meal, sumptuous breakfast), warm shower available at cost, no wifi.

Lunch: Lunch stop at the Bockhütte.

Across the Zugspitz Plateau to the Zugspitze Summit

Distance: 10.5km, Ascent: 1600m (1200m with lift), Descent: 530m, Walking time: Approx 7-8 Hrs

We start the day early, fueled by the fabulous Reintalanger breakfast. The trail ascends, leaving the trees behind. We make a brief stop at the Knorrhütte (2051m) to take a short break and drop off our overnight gear. With lighter rucksacks, we continue our ascent through the moonscape terrain of the Zugspitze plateau. Depending on conditions, such as snow, we either proceed through scree fields and a couple of secured passages to the summit area or take the lift for the final stretch. At the top, we celebrate our achievement with a break, immersing ourselves in the expansive panoramas. To ease our descent, we use the lift to reach the Sonnalpin area before returning to the Knorrhütte to relax and rest following the day's adventure.

Accommodation: 4 -6 bed room, half board (3 course evening meal, breakfast), warm shower available at cost, no wifi

Lunch: Packed lunch (Available for purchase at hut – CASH ONLY) or lunch at Zugspitze summit area.

Across the “Gatterl” to Ehrwald

Distance: 10km, Ascent: 200m, Descent: 1100m, Walking time: Approx 4-5 Hrs

Refreshed and relaxed after a good night's sleep, our final leg takes us up and down along the edge of the Zugspitz plateau. We traverse rocky terrain to reach the 'Gatterl', crossing the border into Austria and circling around the Feldern Col. Descending south of the Wetterstein, the landscape transforms, leading us through high alpine pastures. We pause at a traditional 'alm' for lunch before our ultimate descent along wider trails to Ehrwald, where our taxi awaits to return us to Garmisch.

Lunch: Lunch stop at alpine alm.

• 3 days guided hike with German and English speaking certified International Mountain Leader and mountain hiking guide.
• 2 nights lodging (2 nights shared room- not dorm!)
• 2 x breakfast, 2 x 3-course evening meal (vegetarian options available)
• Entry to Partnach Gorge
• Lift ticket for descent from Zugspitze to Sonnalpin
• Private transfer from Ehrwald to Garmisch- Partenkirchen
• Pre-tour information package (including travel info, packing list etc)
• 1 hour webinar to prepare you for the expedition
• Special 4elements’ trek souvenir
• Tour photo album

• Lunches, snacks and drinks (bring cash, as many places do not accept card) Approx €30/ day
• Lift ascent from Sonnalpin to Zugspitz (option to bypass the last ascent)
• Personal insurance (travel insurance and personal accident insurance)
• Tips

Zugspitze

The Zugspitze, towering at 2,962 meters (9,718 feet), is Germany's highest peak and a majestic icon of the Bavarian Alps. A haven for mountaineers and nature enthusiasts, Zugspitze offers breath-taking panoramic views of the Alps from Germany, Austria and as far as Italy and Switzerland. The the summit boasts panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, picturesque valleys and stunning alpine lakes, such as the Eibsee below. Hikers can also experience the exhilaration of standing on the border between Germany and Austria. With its year-round allure, including skiing in winter and hiking in summer, Zugspitze stands as a symbol of natural beauty and adventure in the heart of Europe.

Wetterstein mountains

The Wetterstein Mountains, an iconic Alpine range, cradle the famous Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak. Spanning the border between Germany and Austria, these mountains boast rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems. Towering limestone cliffs, alpine meadows, and crystalline lakes define the landscape. Traditional villages like Garmisch-Partenkirchen nestle at the base, exuding Bavarian charm. Rich in flora and fauna, the Wetterstein Mountains weave a tapestry of natural wonders, inviting exploration and promising unforgettable vistas in every season.

Accommodation

Accommodations along this route have been selected for their character, traditional atmosphere, and scenic locations, offering you an authentic alpine experience.

For both nights, we stay in traditional German Alpine Club huts. They are rustic and basic yet clean and comfortable, providing a warm atmosphere and hearty food.

Guests sleep in dormitories or private 4-6 bed rooms (we are booked in the latter). Both huts have communal washrooms (separate for men and women), and a warm shower is available for an additional cost.

Travel

Our meeting point is the Olympic Ski Stadium in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

This is an easy journey with public transport from Munich (1hr 45mins). Taking the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and then the bus 2 towards Klinikum Garmisch.

The exact meeting point and train times from Munich will be communicated with the final information.

Parking is available at the Ski Stadium car park. This costs €5/day (2023).

When booking a tour with 4elements it is vital that you have adequate valid travel insurance covering the activities included. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate insurances and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the trip, including all optional activities. We also recommend Travel Cancellation Insurance (Reiserücktrittversicherung) in the case that you have to cancel a trip for any reason.

Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your country of residence. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter repatriation in the event of illness or injury –and covers the entire duration of your holiday. For this tour it is vital that you are covered for mountain search and rescue. One of the best offers for this is included in annual membership of the German Alpine Club Deutscher Alpenverein

If you are looking for insurance to cover a single hiking/ mountain tours (Wander- und Bergsportversicherung) or further insurances such as Travel Cancellation Insurance (Reiserücktrittversicherung), then we recommend the following provider for residents in Germany: Travel Secure