Camping Zugspitze: Hiking, cable car and weather – Holidays in Garmisch, Ehrwald, Greinau

Camping Zugspitze – The region around the Zugspitze is highly recommended for escaping the stresses of everyday life.
Especially in winter, you are offered an amazing panorama with winter wonderland charm.
With a roof tent or tent trailer, you’re not just tied to one place, but can explore all the beautiful corners and sights you’ve always wanted to see.
From hiking and cable car or glacier cable car rides to the summit cross to activities with dogs and children, there is something for everyone in the region.
Here you can find out all about the different places in Germany and Austria, recommended experiences and interesting facts about camping on the Zugspitze.

Camping Experience Zugspitze: Germany & Austria

During your vacation in the region around the Zugspitze, picturesque nature and an amazing all-round view of the mighty mountains await you.
From the popular vacation resorts, be it Ehrwald, Greinau or the Eibsee, you only need a short drive to reach the foot of the Zugspitze.
To get the most out of your nature vacation, you should definitely camp here with a roof tent or tent trailer.
This means you’ll be surrounded by idyllic nature well into the evening and, in the best case scenario, you’ll even have a direct view of the Zugspitze from your campsite.
To get started right away, you can buy your own roof tent here. Before we get to our specific vacation tips, here is some general information about the region around the Zugspitze:

Zugspitz Region – First impressions

Take a look at the following video to get your first spectacular impressions of the region around the Zugspitze and get an overview of your own upcoming vacation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34-SQNKqXzo

Map: Location of the Zugspitze

The Zugspitze is 2,962 meters high, making it the highest mountain in Germany.
It is located southwest of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria and in the north of Tyrol.
The surrounding region is ideal for hiking and walking with amazing panoramic views and can be easily reached by car.

Camping: an unforgettable experience with dog and child

When camping with a roof tent, you always have your sleeping space, which you can also use for other purposes, on the roof of your car.
It is barely noticeable while driving, but can be folded up into an amazingly large and comfortable space in just a few minutes if required.
Depending on your preferences, travel route and number of people, you can choose one of the various roof tent models, which differ in size, material and equipment.
While a roof tent for 2 people is ideal for couples, a roof tent for 4 people is suitable for families with children.
Read more about the different models, costs, roof load and advantages here:

Advantages of camping with a roof tent

  • Roof tent is always ready on the car roof
  • Can be attached to any trolley
  • Hardly noticeable while driving
  • Offers a large and comfortable living area when unfolded
  • Can be set up in just a few minutes
  • Various models in different sizes
  • Freedom in travel organization and daily planning
  • Time together with your loved ones
  • Cheaper than a hotel or vacation apartment

Are you a camping beginner? Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips etc. here: Camping beginners.

Campsite recommendations: Opening hours, prices & booking

For your overnight stay, you should choose one of the nearby campsites, as wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany.
However, all the popular sites are centrally located in Greinau, Ehrwald, Garmisch-Partenkirchen or Lermoos, so you can get to the Zugspitze super quickly and, in the best case scenario, you can even look directly at the mighty mountain from your sleeping spot.
Spending the night in a rooftop tent is therefore an absolute highlight, as you can sit comfortably in the evening with camping furniture in an awning or under the open sky and enjoy the view.
With a bit of luck, you’ll not only be able to see the starry sky through the panoramic windows at night, but also the Zugspitze.
I’ve picked out some popular, central and inexpensive campsites for you here:

Camping Resort Zugspitze

4.5 stars / 910 Google reviews

  • Address: Griesener Str. 9, 82491 Grainau
  • Opening hours: 08:00 to 20:00
  • Phone: 08821 9439115

Camping experience Zugspitze

3.9 stars / 903 Google reviews

  • Address: Griesener Str. 2, 82491 Grainau
  • Opening hours: 08:00 to 20:00
  • Phone: 08821 9439111

Campsite Zugspitz Resort

4.6 stars / 200 Google reviews

  • Address: Obermoos 1A, 6632 Ehrwald, Austria
  • Opening hours: 07:00 to 21:00
  • Phone: +43 5673 2309

Lärchenhof Camping – Lermoos Zugspitz Arena

4.1 stars / 64 Google reviews

  • Address: Gries 12, 6631 Lermoos, Austria
  • Opening hours: 06:00 to 21:00
  • Phone: +43 5673 2197

If you would like more tips and inspiration for the whole area, you can find out all about campsites in Bavaria here.

Evaluation: Experience – What is important?

When choosing a campsite, you should definitely pay attention to a few important criteria in order to enjoy your time here as much as possible.
For example, a central location with enough privacy and a certain level of cleanliness of the site and sanitary facilities are important exclusion criteria that you should consider when making your choice so that you still feel comfortable and at home during your vacation.
I have listed a few factors for you here that you should keep in mind when looking for the right pitch:

  1. Rest
  2. Catering
  3. Friendliness
  4. Price-performance ratio
  5. General cleanliness
  6. Sanitary facilities
  7. Sanitary cleanliness
  8. Condition of the rental accommodation / plots
  9. Infrastructure
  10. Leisure time
  11. Location

Activities: Hiking, swimming & sightseeing

On a camping vacation, you are always surrounded by nature and usually have direct access to popular leisure activities and attractions.
The region around the Zugspitze is brimming with breathtaking nature, which is why it boasts some charming sights and excursion destinations in the immediate vicinity.
At the same time, you can also expect fun and games as well as exciting activities for the whole family.
Here I have picked out some interesting activities that await you on a camping vacation at the Zugspitze and provide adventure, fun and excitement:

  • Hiking or going for a walk
  • Ride a bike
  • Sightseeing (e.g. Linderhof Castle)
  • Swimming in the lake (e.g. in the Eibsee)
  • Wellness and spa offers
  • Skiing or snowboarding

Tip! Camping at the Eibsee

A special tip for a camping vacation in the immediate vicinity of the Zugspitze is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Bavarian Alps: Lake Eibsee!
It boasts turquoise-blue water with a Caribbean flair, idyllic nature, a fascinating mountain world and charming campsites.
Whether in summer or winter – the multi-faceted vacation region guarantees amazing landscapes, numerous leisure activities and swimming opportunities in the colorful water at any time of year.
But apart from that, you can also enjoy a hike or a walk in the mountains, opt for one of the many water sports on offer or go on an exciting sightseeing tour.
Either way, the Eibsee has plenty to offer for young and old alike, so you can make the most of your vacation and have an unforgettable time.
Read more about a camping vacation at Lake Eibsee here:

A vacation at the Eibsee offers you:

  • Idyllic and picturesque nature
  • Swimming in the turquoise-blue water
  • Hiking in the mountains
  • Relaxation and recreation
  • Exciting sights
  • Sporting leisure activities
  • Family and dog-friendly attractions

A camping vacation at Lake Eibsee promises fun, games and relaxation for the whole family!

Excursion destinations & sights in the region

When you think of the Zugspitze, snow, cold, hiking and skiing or snowboarding probably spring to mind.
But apart from the mountain itself, with its unique panoramic views and numerous hiking opportunities, the region has much more to offer!
Exciting sights, excursion destinations and activities for the whole family are already waiting for you here.
First of all, a ride on the cable car or glacier lift up to the summit is a highlight in itself.
Even during the ride, you have an amazing view of the area.
But Linderhof Castle, the Glentleiten open-air museum, the Swarovski Crystal Worlds and the Ehrenberg ruins are also worth a visit.
For nature fans, both the Höllentalklamm and Partnachklamm gorges should also be on your to-do list.
Popular highlights of the region:

  • Hikes on nature trails
  • Take the cable car / glacier cable car up to the Zugspitze summit
  • Skiing or snowboarding
  • Linderhof Castle
  • Glentleiten Open-Air Museum
  • Swarovski Crystal Worlds
  • Ehrenberg ruins
  • Höllental Gorge
  • Partnach Gorge

My top 2 tips:

Partnachklamm gorge: waterfalls, gorges & circular tour

A lesser-known tip is the Partnachklamm gorge – a natural monument and scenic highlight.
Mighty waterfalls and rapids await you here, which you can walk along.
The gorge will stay in your memory for a long time, not just as an impressive photo spot.
The Partnachklamm is particularly beautiful when it freezes and icicles and crystals form in the gorge.
If you want to visit here, you can do so at any time, as this fairytale world is open all year round and is an absolute experience in both summer and winter.
If you want, you can plan a whole day here and take a circular tour.
This is around 11 kilometers long and takes around 2 1/2 hours, depending on the person.
Information about the Partnach Gorge:

  • Natural monument
  • Mighty waterfalls and rapids
  • Open all year round
  • Unique in winter and summer
  • Icicles form during frost
  • Hiking on a circular tour is possible

Here is a first spectacular impression of the Partnach Gorge:

Linderhof Palace: Culture & History

In addition to fairytale nature and panoramic views as far as the eye can see, there is also plenty to see and do for those interested in culture and history.
Linderhof Castle, for example, is a wonderful change from the sensory overload of amazing scenery.
Linderhof Castle, also known as the “Royal Villa”, was lavishly built in several parts between 1870 and 1886.
It is the smallest of Ludwig II’s three palaces and the only one that was completed while he was still alive.
Holidaymakers can visit the palace and marvel at the mighty park surrounding it.
On a guided tour, visitors can also immerse themselves in the world and gain exciting insights into the background and history of the castle and the king for just 9.00 euros for adults and 8.00 euros for children.
Information about Linderhof Castle:

  • Also known as the “Royal Villa”
  • Built from 1870 to 1886
  • The smallest of Ludwig II’s three castles.
  • Was completed during his lifetime
  • A guided tour is possible
  • Exciting background information about the story
  • Admission: 9.00 euros for adults; 8.00 euros for children/young people

Here you will find Linderhof Castle:

Weather: temperatures and trend

A vacation on the Zugspitze is associated with snow, cold and picturesque views with a wintry flair.
A vacation here is therefore highly recommended, especially in winter, although the average annual temperature is generally -2 degrees.
In the months between May and October, the highest daily temperature is 5.1 degrees.

  • Average annual temperature: -2 degrees
  • Highest daily temperature between May and October: 5.1 degrees

Weather today / in three days

Here you can already find a weather forecast for today and the coming days:

FAQ: Questions about the Zugspitze

How much does it cost to drive to the Zugspitze?
Is it possible to hike to the Zugspitze and what is the best thing to wear on the Zugspitze?
Here are some questions that often arise in connection with the Zugspitze, and the answers.

How much does it cost to drive to the Zugspitze?

Adults:

  • Ascent and descent 49,50,- Euro
  • One-way ticket: 32,00,- Euro
  • From 60 % degree of disability: 42,00,- Euro

Young people (16-18 years):

  • Ascent and descent: 39,50,- Euro
  • One-way ticket: 26,00,- Euro

Children (6-15 years):

  • Ascent and descent: 30,00,- Euro
  • One-way ticket: 19,00,- Euro

How do I currently get to the Zugspitze?

There are two ways to reach the summit of the Zugspitze.
The easiest option is the cog railroad, which departs from the Zugspitze station next to the DB train station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
From there, you will be taken to the summit.

What is the cheapest way to get to the Zugspitze?

The cheapest option is probably an ascent and descent, which costs 49.50 euros for adults.
For example, you can take the Eibsee cable car to the mountain station, from where you can take the glacier cable car up to the Zugspitzblatt and then the cog railroad back down to the valley.

Can you hike up the Zugspitze?

Theoretically, you can reach the summit of the Zugspitze on a hike.
However, at 2,962 meters, the Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany and is only reached by a few, and if so, very experienced, hikers.
This is why many tourists simply take the Zugspitze cable car and enjoy the picturesque panorama from the top.

What do you wear on the Zugspitze?

It is very likely to be quite cold on the Zugspitze, which is why you should come here with suitable footwear and weatherproof clothing.
Waterproof shoes, outdoor trousers and an outdoor jacket are definitely a must, as the weather can be very changeable once you get to the top.

Reading tip: Camping in Bavaria

Southern Germany is one of the most popular vacation destinations for German and foreign tourists.
Germany’s largest federal state in terms of area is Bavaria.
In addition to beautiful landscapes, fantastic views and the typical Bavarian charm, the state offers many interesting cities, such as Munich and Nuremberg, as well as a variety of lakes, such as Lake Constance and Lake Hopfensee, where you can relax, hike and enjoy nature.
We’ll show you what the southern German state has to offer and which regions you should definitely visit on your vacation:

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Offroad
Raised and extra stable for road and off-road… What do you do if you are traveling in regions with poor roads or drive an off-road vehicle or SUV whose dome height does not fit conventional trailers? The solution: the off-road tent trailer from CAMPWERK – specially developed for extreme conditions. This unique model impresses with a raised and particularly robust AL-KO chassis that can withstand even the most demanding off-road routes. The entire body is made of lightweight but sturdy aluminum, reinforced with durable stainless steel components. So you are perfectly equipped for any terrain.
Black / Silver
Available now: The CAMPWERK Offroader in the exclusive Black/Silver Edition CAMPWERK is expanding its range and now also offers the popular off-road tent trailer in the coveted Black/Silver Edition. The high-quality aluminium body is completely anodized in matt black, while the mudguards are powder-coated in elegant “Gun Silver Metal”. An absolute eye-catcher on any road and in any terrain!
The off-road trailer from CAMPWERK impresses with its lightweight construction: Thanks to the aluminum body, the base only weighs around 300 kg when empty. With a permissible total weight of 1.5 tons, it offers an impressive payload capacity of up to 1.2 tons – ideal for small excursions, transport and even larger expeditions.

Visually, the trailer blends in perfectly with the appearance of an off-road vehicle or SUV with its coarse-tread MT tires and robust, full-length aluminium mudguards. The mudguards are also designed in such a way that they are ideal for the safe transportation of petrol and water canisters or gas bottles.

To ensure flexibility, the off-roader’s tyres can be individually adapted to the towing vehicle on request, so that only one set of spare wheels is required. The standard ball head coupling can also be optionally replaced with a DIN or NATO eye.
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
  • Extra strong square T-drawbar 100x100mm for maximum stability and best maneuverability
  • Axle up to 1,500 kg with maintenance-free hexagonal rubber spring axle
  • Optionally with watertight wheel hub
  • 2 crossbars
  • The chassis is exclusively from the renowned manufacturer AL-KO, market leader in the car trailer and caravan sector
  • Safety indicator on the clutch
  • Independent suspension
Aluminum body
  • Our aluminium trailers are equipped with anodized aluminium profiles
  • double-walled anodized aluminium side panels 30mm, 440mm high
  • Large emergency lighting with integrated rear fog light
  • Equipped with balanced tires as standard
  • Base plate stable screen-printed base, non-slip
  • Complete M8 stainless steel screw connection (V2A stainless steel)
  • Electrical system: Supply cable (wiring harness) standard with 13-pin plug
  • Tailgate latches very elaborate, made entirely of stainless steel
Wheels
  • Black powder-coated steel rim
  • 235/85 R16 tires optionally adaptable to towing vehicle
  • Mud Terrain tire tread
  • Special wheel connection for your towing vehicle on request
Terrain values
  • 350 mm ground clearance
  • 570 mm wading depth
  • 27° slope angle
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Onroad

The perfect solution for your camping adventure:
Road trailer with tent
Imagine a first-class equipped road trailer that is ideal for camping trips in Germany and the surrounding countries.
This trailer comes with a sturdy holding device for a matching tent that can be set up in no time at all.
The result is your mobile home – ready for unforgettable tours!

Your decisive advantage: you are ideally equipped for your vacation in a particularly cost-effective way. And when you’re not on the road, you can use the trailer as a conventional utility trailer. We offer you the road trailer in two versions, depending on your needs: An unbraked version with a permissible total weight of 750 kg and the braked version recommended by us with a permissible total weight of 1,300 kg.
10-year guarantee
Our trailer base was not created in the laboratory – it was made for the real world. The robust construction is optimized for tough conditions. Oversized axles and virtually indestructible aluminum frames ensure exceptional durability. We are the only supplier in Germany to give you a 10-year guarantee on this unique quality!
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
  • 2 crossbars
  • Maintenance-free rubber spring axles
  • Independent suspension
  • The chassis is exclusively from the renowned manufacturer AL-KO, market leader in the car trailer and caravan sector
  • Safety indicator on the clutch
Aluminum structure
  • Our aluminium trailers are equipped with anodized aluminium profiles
  • double-walled anodized aluminium side panels 30mm, 440mm high
  • Large emergency lighting with integrated rear fog light
  • Equipped with balanced tires as standard
  • Base plate stable screen-printed base, non-slip
  • Complete M8 stainless steel screw connection (V2A stainless steel)
  • Electrical system: Supply cable (wiring harness) standard with 13-pin plug
  • Tailgate latches very elaborate, made entirely of stainless steel
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Material and processing.
The tent fabric of our trailer tents is made from a high-quality, 450 g blended fabric, also known as canvas. This unique combination of cotton and polyester combines the advantages of a natural fiber with those of a modern high-tech material. The result is a robust, breathable fabric that impresses with its pleasant feel and high dimensional stability.

The tent fabric, which is also used by the military, is impregnated and particularly tear-resistant thanks to the ripstop process. In this special weaving technique, thicker threads are woven into the fabric at intervals of around 10-15 millimetres, giving the fabric its characteristic tiled structure and exceptional tear resistance. It goes without saying that our fabrics are opaque and therefore offer optimum protection and privacy.
The basis of our trailer tents is a robust stainless steel frame with a thickness of 3×3 cm. A 1.8 cm thick, water-resistant wooden floor panel is securely fastened to this sturdy frame with stainless steel screws. The frame of the trailer tents is also made of galvanized steel tubing and special stainless steel components that ensure maximum stability. The modern surface finish not only offers a high level of corrosion protection, but also gives the material a pleasant feel and ensures a durable, weatherproof construction.
We rely exclusively on yarn from the German market leader Amann. Thanks to the combination of a cotton core and a high-tenacity polyester core, this yarn is characterized by a particularly high tensile strength and excellent water resistance.

On contact with water, the cotton coating swells and closes the seam holes created during sewing. For additional protection, all seams in the roof area are fitted with a transparent sealing strip to ensure maximum waterproofness.
Less is sometimes more.
We are often asked: What about the water column? For tent fabrics, the impermeability of the fabric is specified in the form of the water column. For cotton tents, this value is usually around 300 to 400 mm. However, our tent fabric offers an exceptionally high water column for cotton fabric of around 750 mm. This means that theoretically more than 75 cm of water can stand on the material before the first drops penetrate.

A major advantage of cotton as a natural raw material is its ability to swell when it gets damp, which provides additional waterproofing. In contrast, synthetic fabrics, which cannot swell, must have a much higher water column (between 3,000 and 10,000 mm, depending on the material) in order to achieve comparable waterproofness.
Good night.
The comfort sleep set consists of a high-quality visco foam mattress that adapts perfectly to the individual body shape, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The set is complemented by the innovative Froli bed spring system, which guarantees an exceptional sleeping experience. Perfect sleeping comfort in a well thought-out overall package.
Premium mattress.
An excellent mattress is the basis for healthy and restful sleep. Just as every person is unique, their mattress should also be individually tailored to them.
Our premium mattress adapts perfectly to the contours of the body and promotes orthopaedically correct positioning of the spine. Thanks to targeted pressure relief, back muscles and intervertebral discs can relax optimally. The innovative construction and high-quality materials create an ideal sleeping environment.
There are no compromises at CAMPWERK: We rely on flexible visco foam with memory function. The unique combination of supportive foam core and relieving visco foam topper ensures maximum sleeping comfort.
  • Visco-elastic mattress.
  • High-quality Tencel® cover (38 % Tencel®, 62 % polyester).
  • Four practical turning loops.
  • Four-sided zipper.
  • Removable, divisible and washable.
  • Four practical turning loops.
Suspension.
Good ventilation is crucial for your well-being and sleep hygiene. To ensure maximum sleeping comfort, we combine our mattress with an innovative Froli slat base. The flexible spring elements form a comfortable slat base with individually adjustable firmness zones. This combination ensures orthopaedically correct positioning of the body and provides targeted, pressure-relieving support. This effectively prevents tension and one-sided strain. The open, air-permeable cells also enable optimum ventilation and create a healthy sleeping environment.
Are you allergic or do you have special health requirements? No problem! We cooperate with a renowned German mattress manufacturer to offer customized solutions. Simply contact us and together we will find the ideal mattress for your needs.