How to Climb the Alpspitz Ferrata (Alpspitze Klettersteig), Bavarian Alps

Alpspitze (2628 m) is a pyramid-shaped mountain in the Wetterstein Mountains of Bavaria, Germany. From Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Alpspitze is especially eye-catching due to its distinct northern face. 

From afar, the summit looks like an impossible feat. However, the peak is relatively “easy” to reach via an excellent via ferrata route, known as the Alpspitz Ferrata or Alpspitze Klettersteig. 

Starting at the Alpspitzbahn cable car mountain station atop Osterfelderkopf, it’s possible to summit Alpspitze in 2 hours along this beginner-friendly via ferrata/klettersteig climbing route. 

From the summit, the hiking tour continues down the challenging Ostgrat (east ridge) and then across the north wall of Alpspitze along the Nordwandsteig (north wall trail). The whole route takes 4 hours. 

This is a very well-known and busy route. Avoid weekends if possible and start as early as possible. 

If you’re new to via ferrata hiking, consider joined a Alpspitze via ferrata guided tour (mid June to late September).

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Alpspitz Ferrata Hiking Map

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Alpspitze Hiking Difficulty

The recommended circuit route can we divided into three parts:

• Alpspitz Ferrata –  Via Ferrata Ascent 
• Ostgrat – Southeast Ridge Descent 
• Nordwandsteig – North Face Cross 

The Alpspitz Ferrata is classified as grade B (“easy”). The entire route is generously secured with ladders, cables, rungs (brackets), and pegs. No parts along this secured route feel scary or unsafe, largely because there are so many installed aids. 

Though the Alpspitz Ferrata isn’t overly difficult, it requires stamina. It takes 1:30 – 2 hours to ascend 600 meters. It’s important to be acclimatized and well-rested for this tour.

In our opinion, the descent along the Ostgrat ridge is far more technical and challenging than the via ferrata ascent. Hikers should be confident descending rubble/scree fields and scrambling down steep karst passages without aids (cables, pegs, rungs). 

The Nordwandsteig cuts across the north wall of Alpspitze, completing the circuit. It’s a black hiking trail with cables and a few ladders. Though it requires surefootedness and concentration, it’s easier than the Ostgrat trail. 

All-in-all, this circuit route is very challenging. 

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Alpspitze Via Ferrata Equipment Needed

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Via Ferrata Equipment

A via ferrata kit consists of three pieces: a helmet, a climbing harness, and a lanyard.

In addition, we highly suggest bringing climbing gloves like the Unisex Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger Gloves. Gloves help you better grip the steel cables. They also protect your palms.

It’s advisable to wear the climbing helmet for the full duration of the tour. Most hikers also choose to wear the harness and lanyard for the full route, because there are also secured passages along the Ostgrat and Nordwandsteig trails. 

How much you clip in will depend on your comfort level and experience. Do what’s best for you. 

Via Ferrata Kit

Petzl, Kit Via Ferrata Vertigo

Helmets

Women’s Climbing Helmet: Black diamond women’s climbing helmet

Men’s Climbing Helmet: Black diamond men’s climbing helmet

Climbing Harness

Women’s Climbing Harness: Petzl CORAX LT Women’s Harness, or Black Diamond Women’s Momentum Harness

Men’s Climbing Harness: Black Diamond Mens Momentum Rock Climbing Harness, or PETZL Corax Climbing Harness 

Via Ferrata Lanyard with Carabiners

Unisex Lanyard with Carabiners: PETZL Scorpio Vertigo via ferrata Lanyard, or Salewa Ergo Core, Unisex Adult

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Where to Start the Alpspitze Via Ferrata

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Alpspitzbahn Mountain Station: ​​Osterfelderkopf

This high-alpine via ferrata tour begins and ends with the Alpspitzbahn cableway. There’s a pay-and-display car park at the valley station. It costs 5 EUR/day. You can pay with EUR coins, credit cards, or the EasyPark mobile app.

Purchase a Garmisch-Classic Ticket, which includes one mountain ascent and descent.

If you’re traveling by transit, you can take a local bus or the cogwheel train of the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn to Kreuzeck-/Alpspitzbahn. The Bayerische Zugspitzbahn train station is located only a few meters from the Garmisch-Partenkirchen train station.

Location | Alpspitzbahn, An der Kandahar 13, 82491 Grainau | Google Maps

Summer Opening Times | Check Current Opening Hours

Garmisch-Classic Summer Pricing | Check Current Pricing

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Alpspitz Ferrata Trail Description

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Alpspitzbahn Mountain Station to Alpspitz Ferrata Start (15 minutes)

Exit the cable car station and follow signs to “Alpspitz über Ferrata.”  The signage is very clear. There will be absolutely no confusion about where to go. 

The gravel path leads south towards the towering Alpspitze peak. After a few meters, the path splits. Stay to the left, following the sign to  “Alpspitz über Ferrata.” The right trail leads to Osterfelderdorf and the impressive Alpspix viewing platform, which you can visit before/after the circuit tour. 

Soon, the path splits again. Continue left, passing through the turnstile, used to thwart livestock from entering the cable car area.

This narrow path is mostly level and affords stunning views of the surrounding mountains. 

You’ll climb through a rocky crevice, secured with rungs and a cable, and then continue along this balcony path to a signed  trail junction.

Turn right to the Alpspitz Ferrata starting point, located at the base of the rock face, just beyond a small scree field. 

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Alpspitz Ferrata  (1:30 – 2 hours)

The Alpspitz Ferrata starts off dramatically with a series of rungs leading straight up the rock face. 

Several via ferrata passages usher you up to a notch, overlooking the Höllental Valley and the Zugspitze. 

The secured climbing route continues to ascend, with very little “walking” in between. Views open up to Garmisch-Partenkirchen as you gain elevation. 

Eventually, the Jubiläumsgrat and Alpsptize via ferrata routes merge. 

You’ll climb up a gully to the ridge. 

The highest point of the Alpspitze summit is located just above the Gipfelkreuz (Peak Cross). 

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Ostgrat (1:10 hours)

There are a few paths that lead down from the summit:

Südweststeig to Grieskarscharte | This is the southwest via ferrata route which leads to Höllental valley. 

Ostflanke to Oberkar | This is the “east flank” route which leads to Oberkar basin.

Ostgrat to Oberkar | This is the “east ridge” route which leads to Oberkar basin. Note: though it’s called the east ridge, it’s actually the southeast ridge of the mountain.  

Follow the sign to Ostgrat / Oberkar. This route takes you over the southeast ridge of Alpspitze to Oberkar basin. 

Initially, the path is just loose rocks. Pick your way down carefully. Hiking poles are absolutely essential for safely navigating this difficult terrain. 

Recommended Trail Poles: Unisex Black Diamond Hiking Poles

After about 25 minutes of zigzagging down the scree, you’ll arrive at the start of a secured passage. This secured route lasts 10-15 minutes. 

Afterwards, the trail eases for a bit.

The next section requires careful scrambling without any aids. This unsecured path drops down steeply to Oberkar basin. 

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Norwandsteig (45 minutes)

At the Oberkar signed trail junction, follow signs to Nordwandsteig. This path leads across the north face of the Alpspitze to Osterfelderkopf and the Alpspitze cable car mountain station. 

Much of this route is secured with cables. 

You’ll hike through a short tunnel system, before rejoining the familiar path back to the Alpspitzbahn mountain station. 

The tunnel system isn’t too long, but we used our headlamps nonetheless.

Recommended Headlamp: Black Diamond Equipment Spot 350 Headlamp

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Where to Stay

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Garmisch-Partenkirchen 

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is an alpine resort town in Upper Bavaria, close to the border of Austria. It’s a well-known destination for skiing in winter (late December to late March) and hiking and mountain biking in summer (June – mid/late September). Lying on the confluence of the Loisach and Partnach valleys, this fantastic base in the Bavarian Alps offers the most in terms of dining and shopping.

During your stay, stroll along the famous Ludwigstraße in Partenkirchen, dine at Zum Wildschütz and Zur Schranne in Garmisch, and walk through the spectacular Partnach Gorge.

We also recommend taking day trips to Oberammergau, Mittenwald, and Linderhof palace. If you love thrilling ridge hikes, consider the Hochplatte peak hike in the Ammergau Alps (20 minute drive from Oberammergau). For an easy, family-friendly excursion check out the Hoher Kranzberg hike in Mittenwald.

Budget | Olympiahaus is a traditional Bavarian guesthouse located at the historical Olympic stadium (where the ski jump is) and at the Partnach Gorge trailhead. The Olympiahaus features an on-site restaurant, breakfast buffet (optional), and free on-site parking. 

Upscale Apartments | Bader Suites offers tastefully-furnished apartments (1-2 bedrooms) with well-equipped kitchens in Garmisch, walking distance to the pedestrian zone. Each unit is outfitted with air-conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. Guests enjoy free underground parking (e-charging station available) and the use of lockable sports equipment and bicycle storage.

Luxury Mountain Getaway | Das Graseck is a mountainside hotel set above Garmisch-Partenkirchen, accessible by the hotel’s own cable car. It’s a unique getaway perfect for those seeking a quiet wellness retreat. The spa is adults-only. The room rate includes breakfast and dinner.

Luxury | Werdenfelserei is a standout boutique hotel which artfully combines traditional and modern alpine design. Highlights of staying here include the Zugspitze-facing rooftop pool, on-site restaurant, spa and wellness area, breakfast (included), and creative architecture. 

More options: Hotel Schatten (budget), Central Garden-Mountain Apartment (midrange), aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen (midrange-luxury), Obermühle 4*S Boutique Resort (luxury), Private Spa & Garden Alpi (luxury). 

Look for accommodation in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

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Grainau 

Grainau is a village within the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, located at the foot of the Zugspitze massif.

Though quieter and more secluded than neighboring Garmisch, Grainau is perfectly positioned for exploring Lake Eibsee, Höllental (Valley of Hell) and Höllentalklamm gorge (Valley of Hell Gorge), and the high summits of the Wetterstein Mountains, including Alpspitze. 

Budget | St. Anton is a top-rated guesthouse with Lüftlmalerei (art murals) and traditional furnishings. Set in a wooded area with mountain views, this charming accommodation looks like a scene from Hansel and Gretel. Double rooms and apartments are available. 

Midrange-Luxury | Hotel Längenfelder Hof is a lovely, family-run hotel surrounded by meadows and facing the Wetterstein Mountains in Grainau. This idyllic 4-star hotel features spacious chalet-chic rooms, a wellness area, an indoor swimming pool, rich breakfast buffets, and complimentary afternoon tea and cake. 

Luxury | Eibsee Hotel is a 4-star hotel located on the shores of Lake Eibsee, at the foot of Zugspitze. Stay here for the idyllic location, lake and mountain views, and wellness facilities (indoor swimming pool, multiple saunas, sun deck, garden, hotel-guest-only beach). Welcome extras include free use of kayaks, canoes, and SUPs, the Guest Card Grainau, and free on-site parking (including day of departure). Breakfast is included and half board is available. 

More options: Hotel Garni Zum Franziskaner (budget) and Hotel am Badersee (luxury).

Look for accommodation in Grainau.

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More Hiking and Travel Guides

More Via Ferrata Routes:

• Mount Triglav, Slovenia (Grade B/C)
• Santner Klettersteig (Grade B), Italian Dolomites: Rosengarten Trek
• Gran Cir (Grade A), Italian Dolomites

Bavarian Alps:

• How to Visit Lake Eibsee
• Partnach Gorge Hike
• Kreuzeck to Höllentalklamm Gorge Hike
• Best Things to Do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
• Best Hikes in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
• Hochplatte Peak Hike
• Garmish-Partenkirchen Winter Travel Guide

Germany Travel Guides:

• Germany Travel Guide
• Black Forest Travel Guide
• Upper Middle Rhine Valley Travel Guide
• Moselle Valley Travel Guide
• Ahr Valley Travel Guide
• Eifel Region Travel Guide
• Cologne City Guide

European Alps Hiking & Travel Guides:

• The Alps in Summer: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting 
• Hiking in the European Alps

Austrian Alps:

• Day Hikes: Best Day Hikes in Austria
• Day Hike in Ehrwald: Lake Drachensee Hike
• Thermal Spa in Ötztal: Aqua Dome Thermal Baths

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