Wankbahn, Cable car station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.
The Wankbahn is a gondola lift in Garmisch-Partenkirchen that carries you from the valley station up to a mountain peak. Modern cabins climb 1,010 meters (3,313 feet) and deliver you to the Wankhaus in about ten minutes.
The Wankbahn was built in the mid-20th century and helped Garmisch-Partenkirchen grow into a popular mountain destination. Its construction followed the Winter Olympics that had brought international attention to the region.
The Wankhaus at the summit is run by the German Alpine Club and reflects the region's deep connection to mountaineering traditions. Visitors encounter people who actively practice and share these mountain customs today.
The gondola is accessible to hikers and paragliders alike, as it runs regularly and carries large groups comfortably. Bring weather-resistant clothing, since conditions at the summit are harsher than in the valley below.
The mountain is popular with paragliders who launch their flights here and soar long distances across the alpine landscape. These airborne athletes are as much a part of the scene at the top as the hikers.
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