Hiking Garmisch-Classic (Kat Nickola)
My brother visited us from the States and wanted to “see it all,” so I dropped him off at the Zugspitzbahn station to head up to Germany’s highest peak. It’s too expensive for me to enjoy the Zugstpitze every time a family member visits, so instead I spent the day hiking at the Garmisch-Classic area nearby for half the cost.
This ski area, southwest of Garmsich-Partenkirchen, includes three rocky peaks: the Alpspitze, Kreuzeck and Hausberg. Three cable cars service the high mountain region outside of ski season, with two reaching the valley floor. They are open from 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. in October but will close in early November to prepare for skiing in December. A day pass gets you one valley ascent and descent, and there are family packages that make it even more affordable.
Fall hiking in the Alps can be beautiful with crisp sunny days or it can be cold with snowy rain and clouds, but most often it means both. The best thing about hiking this time of year, however, is the lack of summer tourist crowds.
Our hiking day began cloudy and misty, so the kids and I bundled in our rain gear and topped up our water and snacks at the USAG Garmisch commissary before driving to the Alpspitzbahn parking lot nearby.
We rode the Alpspitzbahn through the clouds to the station at the peak. At the top, we waited a bit for the downpouring rain to resume its misty character, and then began our hike. Uphill behind the station are the AlpspiX lookout platforms that overhang the cliffs and offer extensive views over the valley. It’s worth the detour to visit when the weather is clear.
From the Alpspitzbahn station, our hike was an easy 3.2km, primarily downhill route. The only trick for us was finding the trailhead in the mist since there are two options. You do not want to choose the trail directly below the cable car. We followed signs for the Pleasure Adventure Trail. This nice wide trail switchbacks down an alpine field and eventually goes through a majestic cirque. Along the way are informational signs and activities designed to introduce young children to the beauty of the mountains. Take your time. Enjoy the views and fresh mountain air. My teens liked the basket swings at the top of the hanging valley with its grassy meadow surrounded by an amphitheater of rocky cliffs. I’m sure it helped that the rain cleared, the clouds lifted, and we could finally see all the way down to Garmisch where mist was still rising.
There is a steep section of trail down the stretch to the Hochalmbahn cable car station, but there are also some funny local cows with bells around their necks to keep you moving. The Hochalm is a great spot for a break, and we lingered for a while eating our packed lunch and listening to the cows. From that point the trail is fairly flat as it follows the contour of the mountain around to the front of the range and the end of the hike at the Kreuzeckbahn cable car.
As we neared the end, the sun came out and gave a whole new perspective to the mountains. They are beautiful, rain or shine, and we got both! The last step was to ride the Kreuzeckbahn back down to the valley and our car. My brother was pleased with his trip up to the “Top of Germany,” but the cloudy weather meant he didn’t quite get the views he hoped for. The Garmisch-Classic area offers a wonderful alternative to the Zugspitze, giving you an alpine experience that is enjoyable in any weather.
