Is Zugspitze Worth It? Cost, Crowds & What to Know Before You Go

Is Zugspitze actually worth it-especially with kids and crowds to think about? Before we went, I wasn't sure what to expect. And after dealing with packed buses, timing decisions, and a full day on the mountain… I learned a few things I wish I had known.

Jump to:

• My Favorite Day in Germany
• Important tips for Getting to the Zugspitze
• How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Zugspitze?
• What to Do at the Top of the Zugspitze?
• Get my FREE Apple Strudel eBook!
• Top Tip
• When to go to the Zugspitze
• Staying at Lake Eibsee
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Baked goods to Try in Germany

My Favorite Day in Germany

Growing up in Germany, I've been to my fair share of mountains, so after spending four weeks there last summer, going up yet another mountain wasn't exactly at the top of my priority list. But I am so glad we went-this ended up being my favorite day, hands down, and one I'll always cherish. Honestly, I tell everyone they must go if they get the chance.

I had no idea that visiting the Zugspitze would be a full-day adventure, especially traveling with our young kids. We navigated a crazy bus ride, which was much harder than I expected, but once we arrived, everything changed. We got to sled in the middle of summer (July!), enjoy traditional German food with breathtaking views, watch my husband climb the highest point-a nerve-racking but amazing experience for him as an ice climber-take the cable car, which I thought I would be terrified of but felt more like an elevator ride (still a little unnerving!), and even ride the train back down, which was another wonderful experience.

On top of that, Eibsee, right at the base, is one of the most beautiful lakes in Germany, and you could easily spend a full day there as well. If you're visiting during peak season, I'd even recommend planning two days-maybe spending a night nearby-to fully enjoy both the lake and the Zugspitze without feeling rushed.

And because we were traveling with kids, I learned a few tips and tricks I wish I had known ahead of time-things that made the day smoother and more enjoyable, and I can't wait to share them with you in the sections below.

By the end of the day, I knew without a doubt: the Zugspitze is absolutely worth it, and it's an experience you'll never forget.

Important tips for Getting to the Zugspitze

Visiting the Zugspitze in Germany during peak season can be an adventure in itself, so a little planning goes a long way. We went in the middle of July, which is one of the busiest times of the year. Here are some tips to make your trip smoother:

Getting to the Zugspitze Base

• Go early and during the week if you can. Weekends get very crowded, and the views are best when you arrive early.
• Pick a clear, sunny day. We learned that visiting on a cloudy day completely changes the experience-the views from the summit are what make it unforgettable.
• We stayed in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which made access easier. The hotel we stayed at was wonderful, and we would highly recommend it.
• We took the bus from Garmisch to Eibsee, which is right at the base of the Zugspitze, with our 5- and 7-year-old kids. The ride was extremely crowded, with people practically crammed on top of each other. It was a tight, uncomfortable experience-especially hard with little ones and a stroller. By the time the bus reached later stops, it was completely full, and some passengers had to wait another hour for the next bus. So if you're traveling with kids or have limited mobility, this could be very challenging.
• If possible, rent a car to go directly to Eibsee. There's a large parking lot near the lake, though traffic can build up during peak season.

Cable Car Up, Train Down: The Best Experience

Once you arrive at Eibsee, the adventure really begins. I highly recommend taking the cable car up as soon as possible. The ride is smooth and feels almost like an elevator-though I won't lie, it's still a little unnerving! The views start right away, and it's a thrilling way to see the Zugspitze and the surrounding Alps.

For the descent, consider taking the train down. It takes about an hour, but it's a unique experience in itself. The train winds through the mountains, giving you a completely different perspective compared to the cable car.

Combining the cable car up and train down was one of our favorite parts of the day. It made the trip feel like an adventure from start to finish, and it's especially memorable when traveling with kids-though I'd still recommend planning ahead to avoid peak crowds.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Zugspitze?

I'll be honest-the Zugspitze isn't cheap, and that was my hesitation before going. At first, I thought, why spend so much just to go up another mountain? But after our experience, I can say without hesitation-it's worth every dollar.

• Adults: €75.00
• Youth (16-18 years): €60.00
• Children (6-15 years): €37.50
• Family tariff (per child 6-18 years): €12.00 (when traveling with parents)
• Disabled persons: €64.50
• 💡 Tip: Children under 6 are free, which is great for families with little ones. Prices may change, so always check the official Zugspitze website before you go.

For families, the cost definitely adds up, but here's what made it worth it for us: this isn't just a lift ticket. It's a full-day adventure-the cable car ride, panoramic views from Germany's highest mountain, sledding in the middle of summer, walking around the summit, a cozy mountain restaurant meal, and even the scenic train ride back down.

You can also expect to spend a little extra on top if you plan to eat or grab snacks. Thankfully, the restaurant prices are average for Germany-not inflated like many tourist spots-so you can relax and enjoy a German Pretzel, German Cakes or traditional German meals without feeling overcharged.

What to Do at the Top of the Zugspitze?

We spent almost six hours at the top of the Zugspitze, and honestly, it didn't feel too long. There's just so much to take in-from the views to the food to a few fun surprises for the kids.

The Summit Cross

At the very top of the Zugspitze is a golden summit cross-the highest point in Germany. My husband made the climb up to it and said the views were incredible, but also a little scary (and he's an ice climber!). Some people even bring their kids up. I decided to stay back because I'm not great with heights, but if you're adventurous, this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Snow and Sledding

Even in summer, there's still snow at the top, and the kids loved sledding. They have small sleds up there, and children just take turns going down a little hill. Nothing huge, but it was perfect for them-and such a sweet memory.

Food on the Mountain

One thing you should definitely plan for is grabbing food at the restaurant. The prices are pretty average (not crazy tourist prices, which was nice), and they serve all the traditional German favorites-Sauerkraut, Pretzels, Dampfnudeln, Currywurst, and even coffee and cake like German apple cake. Sitting there with a warm meal, looking out at the mountains, felt so special.

Other Highlights

• There's a little chapel right on the mountain-tiny but so unique.
• The viewing platforms give you the most incredible panoramic views.
• And don't miss the ride down on the cogwheel train. Part of it goes through the mountain, and part is outside on steep slopes. The ride is about 1 hour long.

When to go to the Zugspitze

If you're planning your trip, my advice is simple: the Zugspitze is absolutely worth it. Go early, pick a clear sunny day, and make the most of it. One tip: check the Zugspitze weather cam before you go-it's the best way to see if the skies are clear and the views will be at their best. Locals have told us that if you have cloudy skies you will not see much.

Staying at Lake Eibsee

If your schedule allows, I'd even recommend staying overnight near Eibsee so you can enjoy both the lake and the mountain without rushing-it really could be two unforgettable days. We did get on the lake first by renting little boats for 1 hour. We also did some swimming in the lake, so make sure to pack a change of clothing. The lake was very crowded, and so were the restrooms and restaurants.

Keep in mind in German culture nudity is allowed, and with children it was something I was mindful of growing up in Germany. However, this was minor (we saw one person and thankfully our kids did not).

Frequently Asked Questions

Baked goods to Try in Germany