An old german folksong begins with: “Hiking is the miller’s desire …” and in fact, hiking is enjoying growing popularity again. Dusted off by the boring image of the old people’s pastime with tour guides and a modern supporting program it’s also in the hip travel activities of the under 50th 😊.
The right time, therefore, to think about when and where. And why not then on the highest mountain in Germany, the Zugspitze. At 2.962 m, it is our “Top of Germany” and a real picture-book mountain. So we quartered ourselves at the foot and took a few days off.
The election fell on November just for family reasons, but has paid off. November is in an absolute off-season. Many hotels and shops are closed and are taking a break from the big rush to open the ski season. So we had the Zugspitze almost all to ourselves, a few tourists shared with us the absolute dream view over the mountains.
We regretted a bit that we could not ride the new Zugspitzbahn, which is still not running after the gondola crash.
Anyway looking on the ropes with only one steel structural support is imposing. It is the cable car of superlatives: its gondolas overcome the world’s largest overall height difference of 1.945 meters in one section and the world’s longest free span with 3.213 meters. Three records that passengers can enjoy in full panoramic views, including the view on Eibsee, the Waxensteine and the Alpspitze while driving. The integrated window heating allows unobstructed visibility even in bad weather and with a clear sky, the view extends even far beyond Munich. The two cabins with their noble, discreet design are a real eye-catcher.
Just in time for the ski opening, they are to drive again and help to manage the visitor rush of more than 500,000 people p.a. The fact that we had the view of more than 400 Alpine peaks in four countries by cogwheel railway (the ticket has cost 51, – EUR p.P. / Nov. 2018) did not detract from the beauty and joy of the summit. On the contrary. We really enjoyed the peace and the great view.
We then hiked at the foot of the Zugspitze – at an estimated half height. Hiking trails are endless. Everything is well signposted and also without a guide feasible. But many hotels now offer guided hiking tours that cover the entire range of services – from pedestrian to professional. Since we always have little time for travel preparations, we have the offers of our hotel gladly accepted and were very good with it.
We were guests at the **** S Wellnesshotel Mohr life resort in Lermoos. Due to the low season, the local people at the foot of the Zugspitze seemed a bit abandoned; many hotels and accommodations are pausing at this time. Beautiful to look at is the small church, there worth a visit.
The hotel leaves nothing to be desired in the category. The kitchen is excellent and even if you have special food requests, you are very wellcome. As a lifestyle hotel, the hotel also offers golfers, horseback riders (hotel’s riding school), fishermen and divers an excellent base. Animal companions (dogs) are also in mix with the guests. Architecture and interior design are special in the alpine context – professionals have put their hand to it. It is a modern style that reinterprets traditional elements and materials. I hope the pictures give an impression. Don’t hesitate to contact me via email whatever question you have. I’ll surely answer you!
My personal conclusion: The >Zugspitze Arena< is a great destination 12 month a year and out of the seasons less overrun with tourits.
Extra tip: Fuel (Diesel and Benzin) is actuelly cheeper in Austria than in Germany (about 1,35 EUR/l).
Note: this post is not sponsored. It’s just a travel report with my personal experiences.
