Self Guided: Tyrol and Bavarian Alps
Self Guided: Tyrol and Bavarian Alps
The Zugspitze Circuit Self Guided 4 Days
Discover the stunning Bavarian Alps and Tyrolean Alps on a beginner-friendly trek around Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze. This four-day circuit combines spectacular mountain scenery, crystal-clear alpine lakes and charming Bavarian villages with the comfort of staying in hotels each night.
Enjoy the perfect balance of adventure and comfort as you follow unforgettable trails through the landscapes surrounding the Zugspitze, without the need for high-altitude hut stays. With a relaxed pace, welcoming accommodation and incredible views throughout, this is the ideal introduction to Alpine trekking for those looking to experience the mountains in comfort.
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Duration
3 Nights, 4 Days
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Start Location
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
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Date(s)
June - September
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Price
From €690
Adventure Snapshot
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Beginning and ending in the picturesque mountain town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the route takes you on a spectacular journey through the landscapes surrounding the Zugspitze. From Garmisch, you’ll make your way to the colourful alpine village of Mittenwald, known for its painted houses and stunning mountain backdrop, before continuing into the peaceful Leutasch Valley, surrounded by dramatic peaks of the Tyrolean Alps and wide-open meadows. The trail then leads onwards to Ehrwald in Austria, a charming resort village with incredible views of the Zugspitze massif, before reaching the turquoise waters of Lake Eibsee, one of Bavaria’s most beautiful alpine lakes.
This four-day adventure combines breathtaking mountain scenery, charming alpine villages and comfortable accommodation, making it the perfect introduction to multi-day trekking without the challenge of traditional high-altitude hut-to-hut routes. Throughout the trek, you’ll stay in welcoming hotels, allowing you to relax and recharge after each day on the trail.
With well-marked paths, manageable daily stages and a mix of valley trails, mountain scenery and cultural highlights, the The Zugspitze Circuit is an unforgettable way to experience the Alps while enjoying the comfort and flexibility of a hotel-based adventure. Finish your journey back in Garmisch-Partenkirchen having completed a spectacular loop around one of Europe’s most iconic peaks.
Learn more. Download our guide here.
DOWNLOAD PDFEnter your details to download the The Zugspitze Circuit Self Guided 4 Days brochure
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
WHO IS THIS FOR?
The The Zugspitze Circuit self-guided trek is ideal for trekkers looking to experience the beauty of the Bavarian Alps on a comfortable and accessible multi-day adventure. You should have a good level of fitness and be comfortable walking for around 5-7 hours a day.
The route does not require any technical skills, but you should be prepared for some ascents and descents as you journey around Germany’s highest peak. With a lighter daypack and comfortable hotel stays each night, this trek is a great introduction to Alpine trekking for those wanting to enjoy spectacular mountain scenery without the challenge of high-altitude hut-to-hut routes.
Luggage transfers are not included but can be added on at an additional cost, allowing you to enjoy the trail without the burden of carrying all of your gear each day. Your main luggage will be transported between accommodations, so you only need to hike with a lightweight daypack containing your daily essentials, such as water, snacks, extra clothing, and any personal items you may need on the trail.
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Duration
3 Nights, 4 Days
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Start Location
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
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Date(s)
June - September
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Ability
Level ALevel A
You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure and can’t wait to get going. Bring it on!
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Price
From €690
Adventure Overview
See real footage of previous expeditions
Meet The Team
01:48Introducing our crack squad of mountain lovers and adventure junkies. We spend most of our days plotting, planning and building some of the very best trips out there for you all to enjoy.
Trekking the Zugspitze Circuit
01:52Watch Beth take on the Zugspitze Circuit in June 2026, trekking the trails, gorges, and alpine views around Germany's highest peak.
Kit & equipment required for this adventure
Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival dependent on the weather and changes in itinerary.
For the full downloadable Zugspitze kit list please click here.
Hiking shoes / Trail Shoes
Good grip and ankle support is recommended
Soft shell jacket
Light technical jacket ideally with hood
Lightweight fleece
Something light and thin
Tech T-Shirts
Highly breathable, lightweight synthetic technical t-shirt.
Trekking Poles
Foldable or telescopic poles are best
FULL KIT LIST
More info
Click the link in the text above to find the full kit list
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
The trek starts and finishes In Garmisch-Partenkirchen. If you would like to book any additional nights with us pre or post trip, please let us know.
What's Included?
- 3 nights accommodation
- 3 breakfasts
- 24/7 Support communication with our team in the Alps
- Navigational App
- Planning and reservations
What's not Included?
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Travel insurance (required)
- Luggage transfers
- Additional nights before, during and after trip (can be added on request)
- Lunches, snacks and drinks
- Transport (bus / lifts / trains)
Adventure like a local
The Adventure Base Difference
Born & Bred in the Alps
With an office at the foot of Mont Blanc in Chamonix, we help you Adventure like a local.
Customer Focused
We don't just want you for one trip, we want you for lots! We work extremely hard to earn that right.
Don't take our word for it
Our clients do the talking. Check out their latest reviews and see what makes their trips so special.
Guaranteed Departures
If you can book it, we'll run it even if it's just for you. You shouldn't have to wait to get excited for your trip.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE ACCOMMODATION
We know the importance of having comfortable accommodation on this trip. After long days trekking it's vital to have a comfortable bed and good food to enjoy. We've handpicked accommodation along the way that we're sure you're going to love.
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ON THE TREK
All of the accommodation on the trip will be in private hotel rooms. You can upgrade any of the accommodation options if requested in advance and based on availability.
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Duration
3 Nights
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Internet
Wifi included
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Beds
Private Room
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Food
Breakfast
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Zugspitze Circuit Itinerary
Whilst you will try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, availability in some of the locations may not always be available. In this instance we will provide a suitable alternative and make sure you're aware of any changes.
Keep in mind: The moving times shown don’t account for breaks. Add 1–2 hours each day for a more accurate total trail time.
Please note: Early or late season departures may be impacted by reduced bus/train/gondola operating schedules, so the availability of transport options may vary.
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Day 1:
Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Mittenwald
Today you leave Garmisch-Partenkirchen, walking through the town before joining the riverside trail towards Partnachklamm Gorge. The gorge is super impressive, with tunnels carved through the rock and the Partnach River rushing below. It's relatively short, taking around 15 minutes to walk through.
After leaving the gorge, the trail climbs towards Kaiserschmarrn-Alm, before continuing on towards Elmau. This section follows a wide gravel track through the forest and some small farms. From Elmau the trail follows the river leading on towards Lake Ferchensee, where the clear water reflects the surrounding peaks. Another 25 minutes takes you to Lake Lautersee, an excellent place to stop for a swim and a well-earned break. There are boats available to hire, as well as a beer garden and restaurant if you want to spend some time by the water.
From the lake, it's the final stretch to Mittenwald, following riverside paths and passing Lainbach Waterfall before arriving in the town. Mittenwald is known for its painted buildings, cobbled streets and long tradition of violin making, with a museum dedicated to the craft in the town centre.
Approximate time and distances:
19km / 500m up / 300m down / 5 hours trekking
12miles / 1600ft up / 1000ft down / 5 hours trekking -
Day 2:
Mittenwald - Leutasch Valley
Leaving the cute town of Mittenwald, today's trail quickly crosses the border into Austria and heads towards the Leutascher Geisterklamm Gorge. A short but steep climb brings you onto elevated steel walkways that cling to the rock walls above the turquoise gorge, offering impressive views of the river and waterfalls below.
After leaving the gorge, you'll arrive at Klammstüberl Restaurant, a great place to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat before continuing. The trail then crosses the bridge and follows a narrow forest path before rejoining a wider gravel track leading into the Leutasch Valley.
After crossing the road near Gasthaus Brücke, a good lunch stop, the route follows the Leutascher Ache River through the valley, with the Wetterstein Massif providing a constant backdrop. You'll continue along the riverside trail all the way to a peaceful village in the Leutasch Valley where you'll spend the night.
Approximate time and distances:
18km / 300m up / 100m down / 5 hours trekking
11miles / 1000ft up / 300ft down / 5 hours trekking -
Day 3:
Leutasch Valley - Ehrwald
Setting out today, you'll wander past the small settlements continuing on the same river path as yesterday. From there the path begins a gradual climb alongside the Leutascher Ache, a broad valley beneath the rugged Wetterstein range.
Turning off the river path, you follow a higher trail. As you gain altitude, the landscape grows wilder passing dairy farms, cattle and some of the trails leading high into the Zugspitze.
Behind you, sweeping views of the Leutasch Valley unfold with each step. Eventually the trail brings you into the scenic Gaistal Valley. Here you’ll pass by the working farms of Gaistalalm and then shortly after Tillfussalm which both offer food and refreshments.
From here you drop back onto the lower river trail for a short stretch before starting the climb up towards Ehrwalder Almbahn. There is also the option to make a short detour to Hocherfeldern Alm before descneding down to the ski resort above Erhwald town.
This stretch of the valley is home to Haflinger horses, brown and grey cattle, and Scottish Galloway cattle grazing the pastures. From here you can either walk down to the village or Erhwald or skip the descent by taking the Brent Alm gondola. From there, the route follows the Gaisbach stream down into Ehrwald, where you'll spend the night.
Approximate time and distances:
20km / 600m up / 700m down / 5 hours trekking
12miles / 2000ft up / 2300ft down / 5 hours trekking -
Day 4:
Erhwald - Lake Eibsee - Train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The route leads up and out of the town before turning toward the forest, where the climb begins, first through woodland, then over open slopes that double as ski pistes come winter.
The ascent continues up to the Speicherteich Gamskar, a quiet mountain reservoir with a small mountain resturant next to it Gamsalm Ehrwald. From here you will drop down before starting to climb up again towards the Hochthorle Hutte a perfect stop for a rest.
From the Hutte heading down gradually at first and then steeper, the scenery shifts repeatedly, from bare, rocky terrain to soft forest trail, until the brilliant turquoise of Eibsee comes into view, often ranked among the most beautiful lakes in the Alps. Sitting directly beneath the Zugspitze, its untouched shoreline makes for a spectacular end to the day.
From here you take the train into Garmish, greeted by its painted house fronts, inviting cafés, and the dramatic mountain backdrop that's accompanied you the whole way marking the end of the journey.
Approximate time and distances:
18km / 700m up / 700m down / 5 hours trekking
11miles / 2300ft up / 2300ft down / 5 hours trekking
Frequently asked questions about this adventure
The Zugspitze Circuit: FAQs
Getting to your Adventure: Tyrol and Bavarian Alps
Wondering how to get to your adventure with us? Please see here for more info.
Are you ready?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This The Zugspitze Circuit Self Guided 4 Days trip is rated Level A, for beginners and newcomers We recommend you only book a trip that reflects your ability.
Level A
For beginners and newcomers
- You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure
- Little / no prior experience
- Shorter time duration
- No technical skills required but keen to learn
- Basic level of fitness
Think you've got this?
This trip is at this level
Level B
For those with some prior experience
- You have some previous experience in the outdoors, whether that’s hiking, skiing or climbing, and are keen to build on that
- You will either be starting to venture into more technical terrain or slightly more challenging environments
- Some basic skills
- Moderate fitness
More your level?
Level C
For accomplished adventurers
- You enjoy challenging yourself physically and mentally
- You’re comfortable on multi-day adventures and you call yourself an avid adventurer
- You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it is there' attitude
- Strong level of fitness
More your level?
Level D
For the pros
- You're ready to test your skills on the next challenge
- You're comfortable in most types of alpine environments
- Some level of technical skills
- Strong level of fitness
More your level?
Level E
For the experts
- You’ve been on multiple adventures and have built up a solid skillset to tackle most challenges out there
- Good technical skills and knowledge
- Experienced in alpine/mountains environments
- Very high level of fitness
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