Zugspitze Railway

We enjoy a journey on the narrow-gauge Zugspitze Railway on some of our tours. The line takes us from the charming Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen on an 11-mile journey to the peak of Germany's highest mountain - overcoming a height difference of 2,897ft.

On leaving Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the electric train runs through the gentle countryside surrounding the town, including flat, fertile farmland and glorious meadows. Continuing past a scattering of small villages, the line begins its ascent; about four miles from Garmisch the train begins to use a rack-and-pinion system to negotiate the steep gradient.

From the base of the mountain, the scenery becomes ever-more dramatic, with the spiky, snow-covered peaks towering over dense patches of woodland below. After pausing at Eibsee station, our journey continues into the mountains, using a series of wide curves to gain height. Zugspitze Railway then passes through Höllental or 'Hell Valley' named for its dramatic slopes and narrow gorge that made climbing the mountain difficult. We then run through an area thick with pine trees before disappearing onto a long tunnel built to protect the railway from the most extreme weather. We emerge near the summit of Zugspitze, where the views out over Bavaria and Austria are incredible.

River Cruise

Save up to £400pp

Fairytale Bavaria & Delights of the Danube

(26 reviews)

2026JunJulAugSep

Bavaria's enchanting landscapes of castles, forests and mountains create a stunning backdrop to this holiday. With three nights in Füssen, uncover hidden gems and soak up the natural beauty of the region, including a visit to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and a journey on the Zugspitze Railway. Then experience the region's wonders on a...

View map

Save up to £400pp

13 days from

£3,599 pp £3,299 pp

per person

View Details

River Cruise

Save up to £400pp

Fairytale Bavaria & Three Rivers Cruise

2026Aug

Explore timeless Bavaria and journey on the superb Zugsptitzbahn before a luxurious river cruise along the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers to explore nine enchanting medieval cities from Regensburg to Strasbourg. During a stay in the picturesque town of Füssen, experience panoramic views from the summit of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest ...

View map

Save up to £400pp

12 days from

£3,699 pp £3,399 pp

per person

View Details

Classic

Save up to £300pp

First-Class Grand Alpine Explorer

(34 reviews)

2025Sep

2026AprMayJunJulAugSep

Bask in boundless displays of jaw-dropping views on a spectacular First Class holiday through the Alps, uncovering the culture and history of three countries and journeying on iconic trains. Soak up the atmosphere of historic Munich on a beer tour, marvel at the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and indulge in a Mozart concert dinner in...

View map

Save up to £300pp

14 days from

£4,899 pp £4,499 pp

per person

View Details

Zugspitze Railway

3 results matching: Zugspitze Railway