Highlights
 
Walk the panorama trail from Oberammergau to the Zugspitze
Experience the mountain vistas of Bavaria and Austria’s Tyrol region
Hike around the crystal clear Eibsee, at the foot of Germany’s tallest peak
Explore charming Alpine towns including Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Dine on hearty regional specialities like pretzels, local sausage and Kaiserschmarrn
 
This walking holiday takes you to the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain at 2,962m. Follow panoramic trails through mountainous scenery and traditional Alpine towns and villages. 

Immerse yourself in Germanic Alpine culture; hike from town to town, and enjoy loop walks to make the most of the area’s fantastic hiking opportunities. Your adventure begins in Oberammergau in Bavaria, and finishes in the Tyrolean town of Ehrwald in Austria, by way of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. 

The walks are varied; walk to the imposing, baroque Ettal Abbey at the heart of the Benedictine monastery. Hike the dramatic 150m deep ‘Hells Valley’ gorge and take a ride on the ‘Zugspitzbahn’ to the scenic Eibsee lake. At the end of the day you can look forward to relaxing in comfortable, hand-picked accommodations with a refreshing Bavarian beer.
Day 1: Arrive Oberammergau
Welcome to the Ammergauer Alps! Oberammergau is easily accessible from Munich airport by train (approx. 2 hours).
The town is famous for its once-in-a-decade ‘Passion Plays’, a play depicting the life and death of Jesus. The first Passion Play was performed in 1634 when the town’s inhabitants vowed to perform it every ten years if God spared the town from the bubonic plague.
Aside from the plays, the town is well-known amongst outdoor enthusiasts and is a great place to start your hiking adventure.
Overnight: Oberammergau
Day 2: Panorama Trail from Linderhof to Oberammergau
Start the day with a bus journey from Oberammergau to Schloss Linderhof (approx 30 mins) and the fairy-tale world of King Ludwig II. The magnificent grounds of the castle are reminiscent of French and Italian Baroque gardens. Take some time to explore before heading off on your walk.
Follow a scenic panoramic trail through the mountains to various huts, finally reaching the Kolbensattel hut. From here, either walk back to Oberammergau or take the cable car down.
You also have the option to take an alternative walk to Kofel summit. 
Walk: 13 km, 510m Ascent, 850m Descent
Alternative Walk: 17 km, Ascent/Descent 520m
Overnight: Oberammergau
Day 3: Walk to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Today’s hike is a real highlight. Walk from Oberammergau to Garmisch, passing the impressive Ettal Abbey on the way. With a dramatic Alpine backdrop, the huge majestic  monastery is worth a few minutes pause to take it all in. Continue through the ‘Giessenbachtal’ valley to Garmisch, where you will be spending the next three nights. A popular skiing resort in winter, the town is also a hiker’s heaven, due to its proximity to the Zugspitze and various other peaks and trails in the area. Considered the Alpine capital of Germany, the town centre is traditional yet vibrant, with lots of restaurants and activities on offer.
Walk: 20.5 km, 680m Ascent, 810m Descent
Overnight: Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Day 4: Panorama Trail around Vank
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, take the cable car to the summit of Vank at 1,780m above sea level. Follow a loop walk around the mountain which offers continuously beautiful views of the surrounding peaks.
Finish the day enjoying a Bavarian delicacy in one of the traditional mountain huts while taking in views of the Zugspitze and the rest of the Wetterstein range.
Walk: 13.5 km, 270m Ascent, 1280m Descent
Overnight: Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Day 5: Walk through the Höllentalklamm
Today, explore the 150m deep gorges of the ‘Höllentalklamm’, or ‘Hell’s Valley’ in English. Follow this adventurous, circular route over paths and bridges passing countless waterfalls and imposing boulders up to the Höllentalanger Hut.
Make the most of your final evening in Garmisch and take a stroll through its historic streets and alleys. If you would like even more time to explore this lively, quintessential Bavarian town, we recommend adding an extra night here. 
Walk: 11.5 km, 930m Ascent, 930m Descent
Overnight: Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Day 6: Walk to Ehrwald
This morning, begin with an exciting trip on the ‘Zugspitzbahn’ to reach Eibsee, where today’s hike starts. Enjoy a relaxed hike around the crystal-clear waters of the Eibsee lake. An oasis embedded in the dramatic, rocky landscape, it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful lakes of the Bavarian Alps. Continue through varied scenery and cross into Austria and the distinct region of Tyrol. Come to the town of Ehrwald, a small Tyrolean village nestled at the foot of the Wetterstein mountain chain. Located at 1,000m above sea-level and  in a sunny basin, it’s a fantastic place to spend the last two nights of your adventure.
Walk: 17.5 km, 580m Ascent, 580m Descent
Overnight: Ehrwald
Day 7: Walk around the pastures of Ehrwald
Your final day of walking explores the scenic Alpine meadows and pastures that surround the town of Ehrwald.
On the sunny side of the Zugspitze; walk from Lähn to Bichlbacher ‘Alm’ (pasture/farm), Grünen Ups and finally to Lermooser Tuftlalm. Enjoy traditional Tyrolean dishes and locally made dairy-products as well as final views to the ever-impressive Zugspitze.
Walk: 11.5 km, 780m Ascent, 900m Descent
Overnight: Ehrwald
Day 8: Onward Travel
Enjoy a final breakfast in Ehrwald and reflect on your Zugspitze adventure before checking our of your hotel and starting your onward travel.
If you have time to spare, why not add some additional nights to your trip? A trip with the Zugspitzbahn to the summit (2,962m), where you can enjoy views over four countries, is highly recommended (add an additional night in Ehrwald for this activity)