The Zugspitze is with 2962 m the highest mountain in Germany. I had never been on top so when Simon visited me and when the weather forecast was too unpredictable for climbing we decided to ascend the Zugspitze via the Höllental (hell glen) from Hammersbach near Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
It is a variable route with a long via ferrata that ascends 2200 m altimeter (we managed nearly 2700 m as we followed the wrong red dots at one stage!). For equipment, you normally need helmet, light boots, via ferrata kit, crampons. Most people do not seem to use a rope on the glacier but there are some crevasses.
The Höllental is in between the two limestone ridges here seen from the carpark in Hammserbach.
First through a forest and then you enter the Höllentalklamm, a gorge. It costs an entry fee, either 4 EUR or 1 EUR if you are a member of the German Alpine Club or another club.
Plenty of water running down in some sections.
After the Klamm you reach the Höllentalangerhütte where many people stay as it reduces the ascent. After the hut aim for right side of the waterfall and look for the path that leads to the upper glen. I had tunnel vision so here is Simon during our additional 500 altimeters.
Also, Ivan followed us and he joined us scree surfing this bit.
The first via ferrata section starts with an exposed but solid ladder...
... followed by an exposed traverse on iron rods...
... leading after some easy scrambling to the upper glen.
Follow paths to reach the small glacier at the end of the glen. The almost industrial summit with a large crane to build a new cable car is above. The via ferrata ascends on the right and usually there are people. You normally need crampons on the glacier. Ideally rope up but we did not see any party doing so.
Here is Simon approaching the start of the long second via ferrata.
The Bergschrund was small but the start is tricky for non-climbers as there are no good foot placements. So just pull on the three iron cables.
At the beginning there are a few exposed bits...
... but after that it is mostly easy scrambling.
Here is Simon high up...
... and here is a view of almost the whole route that goes to the glen right of the ridge.
Simon happy at the summit after 2700 m of ascent and a tough stint in Chamonix before that!
A last view of the summit.
For the descent take a Gondola onto another glacier and then currently take the old Zahnradbahn (cog railway) to get to the end point. You just have to change track as there is another train that takes you to Hammersbach or Garmisch train station.
Overall a good outing which you can do by public transport (train from Munich to Garmisch). Plenty of info in German including GPX tracks on websites like this one: http://www.auf-die-zugspitze-wandern.info/tour-3-der-weg-durchs-hoellental/
HW
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