In Bavaria, the big city and the mountains are direct neighbors, and anyone longing for a magnificent view at lofty heights won’t have far to go. Whether you’re a skier, hiker, or climber, outdoor sports fans will get their money’s worth in the Bavarian mountains. You can choose between lively hotspots such as the Zugspitze or secluded peaks such as the Hochwanner. If you are less mobile, for example because you have physical limitations, you don’t have to miss out on mountain air and fantastic views. In the Wetterstein Mountains near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a viewing platform awaits you that combines thrills with panoramic views.
Mountain and valley views
Photo: Muck/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
At an altitude of around 2,050 meters, the steel viewing platform protrudes beyond the rocks on two free-floating arms. The crossed arms form an X, which gives the AlpspiX on the Alpspitze its name. From here, you can look out over the Wetterstein Mountains and see the Zugspitze, the Waxensteine and the Alpspitz north face, among other things. At the end of the 25-meter-long platform is a sloping glass wall and the floor consists of grates, so you can look 1,000 meters down into the depths of the Höllental valley.
The AlpspiX is therefore definitely not for people who are afraid of heights. However, it is suitable for people who are less sure-footed, seniors, and people in wheelchairs. Families with children can combine their trip to the panorama platform with a short hike along the Osterfelder nature trail. Here you can learn more about the mountains at various interactive stations and get some exercise. The trail is divided into three stages, which you can skip as you wish and depending on your stamina.
Take the gondola to the AlpspiX
Photo: Muck/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
To get to the AlpspiX, it’s best to take the Alpspitzbergbahn cable car, which takes you from Grainau up to the Garmisch Classic ski area. From the mountain station, it’s not far to the AlpspiX, where you can enjoy the panoramic view over the mountains and valleys. The 30-ton structure has been here since 2010, its components having been brought up the mountain in 60 helicopter flights.
If you are feeling sporty and want to climb the actual summit of the Alpspitze, you can do so from the mountain railway via a via ferrata or the normal route. Don’t forget to sign the summit book before you make your way back down. You can stop for a bite to eat at Osterfelder 2000 at the Alpspitzbahn mountain station, where homemade Alpine cuisine awaits you. It is located right next to the AlpspiX, and the sun terrace also offers a wonderful view of the mountains.
The valley station of the Alpspitzbergbahn can be reached from Munich in about 70 minutes by car or two hours by train. Take the RB to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and then change to bus 322 towards Kreuzeck. From the bus stop, it is then just under a 10-minute walk to the valley station.