Zugspitze, Mountain peak in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
The Zugspitze rises to 2962 meters and forms the highest point in Germany at the border between Bavaria and Tyrol. From the top you can see across four countries and roughly 400 peaks of the Alps.
The first recorded climb took place on August 27, 1820 when surveyor Josef Naus reached the summit with mountain guide Johann Georg Tauschl and an assistant named Maier. Later the peak became accessible to a wider public through the construction of cable cars and a cogwheel railway.
The chapel Maria Heimsuchung on the plateau serves as the highest church in Germany where weddings and services take place. Many visitors come here to celebrate religious occasions or simply pause in this elevated sanctuary.
Three routes reach the summit: the cable car Zugspitze, a historic cogwheel train through the Zugspitztunnel, and the Gletscherbahn cable car. Weather changes quickly at this altitude, so warm clothing is recommended even during summer.
This is home to the highest ski area in Germany with 20 kilometers of slopes, some of which run across the glacier. Two large glaciers, the Northern Schneeferner and Höllentalferner, lie on the slopes and attract researchers and climbers.
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