Thanks for choosing Adventure Base for YOUR adventure. In this page you will find everything you need in order to better understand your trip. We hope this is the start of a wonderful experience in the mountains.
The Adventure Base Team.
WHAT NOW?
We’re thrilled you’ve chosen Adventure Base for your Karwendel Alps Highlights trek! From now until you set foot in the Alps, we’re here to help you prepare so you can make the most of this incredible experience.
Your full trip itinerary will be sent via our mobile app closer to your departure date. It will include all the essential details to navigate the route smoothly. In the meantime, here are some key points to get you started.
WHAT IS THE KARWENDEL TO ZUGSPITZE TRAVERSE?
The Karwendel to Zugspitze Traverse is a six-day trek linking two of Austria and Germany’s most iconic mountain landscapes: the wild Karwendel Alps and the legendary Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain at 2,962m (9,718ft).
The route begins on the shores of Lake Achensee, climbing into the dramatic limestone heart of the Karwendel for two nights in remote mountain huts, before descending to Scharnitz and transitioning into the gentler, hotel-based comfort of the Zugspitze region.
You’ll pass through places including Binsalm, Falkenhütte, Karwendelhaus, Scharnitz, Leutasch, Ehrwald and Lake Eibsee, with highlights including sweeping lake views, rugged high mountain scenery, authentic Alpine hut stays and charming Bavarian and Tyrolean villages, before finishing your journey in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
WHAT GEAR DO I NEED?
The best advice: pack light! You’ll need less than you think.
Trail shoes or lightweight hiking boots are suitable for this trek, depending on your preference and the conditions. Lightweight, waterproof layers are essential, as mountain weather can change quickly. Trekking poles are also highly recommended to help with the ascents and descents.
As the first two nights are spent in mountain huts, we also recommend bringing a sleeping bag liner and a pair of lightweight hut shoes or sandals to change into in the evenings.
You’ll find our full kit list here.
If you’d like further advice on how to choose the right backpack for your trek please see here.
NAVIGATION
Introducing our itinerary app…
We’ve done some collaborating to make your Karwendel to Zugspitze Traverse trek a breeze. It’s like having your own personal travel guide, offering easy access to everything you need, from itineraries and track details to water/food stops and useful information.
All your trip essentials are just a tap away, so you can focus on making the most of your time away and having an awesome adventure.
How will I navigate on my own?
- It’s important you study the route before you set off, preferably the evening before each day of hiking, so that you have an idea of what your next day will entail. Take into consideration distance, elevation gain and loss, and exposure to the elements.
- Phone signal is not always available on the trails and battery life on your mobile device can quickly be drained when using the itinerary app. It is a good idea to carry an external battery charger as a backup. Putting your phone in airplane mode will also help preserve your battery life.
- Trails are generally well signposted, but there may be various options and junctions along the way. Always check your itinerary app to make sure you are following the correct route.
- Our advice is to check your device whenever you get to a junction to ensure that you are taking the correct trail to lead you to your destination. Taking a few minutes to confirm you’re going in the right direction will save you time in the long run.
HOW DO I GET TO THE STARTING POINT OF THE TREK?
Our standard Karwendel to Zugspitze Traverse trek starts at Lake Achensee, Austria. See here for more information.
Lake Achensee is well connected via Innsbruck, making it relatively straightforward to reach by train or bus from Innsbruck and other major towns in the Tyrol.
COMMUNICATION
For urgent issues:
Phone: +33 7497 767 71 (French Office)
For non-urgent issues:
Phone: +44 20 3813 4779 (UK Office)
Email: hello@adventurebase.com (we aim to respond rapidly).
What to do in an emergency?
If critical, dial 112 (the European emergency number).
Whilst we have done our utmost to ensure that your trip will go according to plan, there are certain elements that are beyond our control. We recommend that you carefully read and understand the following section in case you find yourself in need of assistance.
The mountains, if not treated with complete respect, can be a dangerous place. Weather can change quickly, and terrain can quickly become treacherous. Making good, safe decisions based on the weather forecast and your energy levels when on a self-guided trip is paramount to making sure you have a successful trip.
If the situation is critical and requires immediate support, call 112. You can also find your exact location using the SOS function on the itinerary app whilst you’re offline.
LUGGAGE TRANSFERS
Luggage transfers are not included but can be added on at an additional cost, allowing you to enjoy parts of the trail without the burden of carrying all of your gear each day.
Please note that as the first two nights of this trek are spent in remote mountain huts without vehicle access (Binsalm and Karwendelhaus), luggage transfers are not possible for this section, and you’ll need to carry everything you need for those two days in your own rucksack.
From Scharnitz onwards, your main luggage can 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.
Feel free to reach out to us at hello@adventurebase.com if you have any questions about what to pack or how to keep your load as light as possible.
INSURANCE
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments but these also carry an element of risk with them.
To protect yourself adequately, you will need specialist travel insurance that caters for the types of activities you will be undertaking. It is a condition of our agreement that you are covered by adequate travel insurance for your arrangements.
See more information on insurance here.
MONEY
You will use Euros (€) during the trek.
- You’ll likely spend around €30–50 per day, depending on what you buy.
- Not all mountain huts and smaller establishments accept credit cards, so we recommend carrying some cash.
- Some remote mountain locations may have limited connectivity, which can affect card payments.
It’s always better to have a little extra cash with you so you’re not caught short.
CULTURE
The Karwendel to Zugspitze Traverse takes you between Austria and Germany, giving you the chance to experience both Tyrolean and Bavarian mountain culture.
You’ll pass through remote alpine pastures, traditional villages and valleys, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy local food, cafés, restaurants and mountain huts along the way.
German is the main language you’ll encounter, although English is widely spoken in tourist areas and mountain accommodation.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation on the trip is a mix of traditional Austrian mountain huts (refuges) for the first two nights, and hotels for the remainder of the trek. Mountain huts typically offer simple, comfortable lodging in shared dormitory-style rooms, with shared bathroom facilities, and half board is generally included. Hotel accommodation from Scharnitz onwards offers a more comfortable, private stay each night.
How do I check into my accommodation?
To check in, simply provide your name along with the name of the company, Adventure Base. All bookings are made on your behalf by Adventure Base.
Please also take a moment to reconfirm your dietary requirements at check-in.
Any dinner, drinks, snacks or packed lunches are not included unless specifically stated in your trip inclusions and must be paid for separately.
Please also note that your accommodation has already been paid for in full, so the only expense you might need to settle on arrival is the local tourist tax.
We partner with reliable accommodation providers, though given how quickly things move in the tourism industry, front desk staff aren’t always immediately up to date on the fact that your stay has already been settled. If you run into any issues, please contact us rather than paying any bill.
FOOD & WATER
The Karwendel and Zugspitze regions have plenty of opportunities to enjoy traditional Tyrolean and Bavarian food, from hearty mountain hut meals to local restaurants and cafés.
You can usually purchase snacks and packed lunches from mountain huts, restaurants or local shops, although options can be more limited on some days. Each possible stop for food is added as a ‘Point of Interest’ in your navigational app. Please use this to look ahead to the following day to see what options you have.
We recommend carrying enough food and water for each day’s hike rather than relying entirely on stops along the route.
We suggest bringing at least 2 litres of water and carrying extra snacks in case lunch options aren’t available when you need them.
WIFI / SERVICE
During the Karwendel to Zugspitze Traverse, internet and mobile phone service can vary.
You’ll generally have good connectivity in towns and villages, but there is likely to be little to no signal while hiking through the more remote sections of the Karwendel, and not all mountain huts offer Wi-Fi. Hotel accommodation from Scharnitz onwards will offer Wi-Fi.
We recommend downloading everything you need in advance and carrying a portable power bank for your phone.
ITINERARY CHANGES
All accommodation has been booked in advance and we don’t have the ability to change it unfortunately.
In the unlikely event that you’re not able to continue to your next accommodation due to injury or weather, you may need to arrange alternative transportation. This might include a bus or taxi to get you to where you need to be. Any changes to your itinerary while out on the trip are at your own expense.
Please ensure you arrive at your accommodation NO later than 18:00. If you anticipate being late, it is essential to inform the accommodation in advance. You can find their contact numbers in your itinerary app, or feel free to contact us and we will notify them on your behalf.
WEATHER
The weather across the Karwendel and Zugspitze region can be quite varied.
During the main trekking season, you can experience warm and sunny conditions in the valleys, while temperatures can be considerably cooler at higher elevations. Mountain weather can also change quickly, so you need to be prepared for rain, wind and colder conditions even during summer.
Bring plenty of layers, waterproof clothing, sun protection, a hat and sunglasses.
If the weather turns bad, the plan will depend on the severity of the conditions. You may continue the trek if it’s raining, as long as conditions remain safe. Always prioritise safety and mountain conditions when deciding whether to continue or adjust your plans.
FITNESS
The Karwendel to Zugspitze Traverse is a fantastic but active adventure.
While it does not require technical mountaineering skills, you should have a good level of fitness and be comfortable walking for around 4-6 hours a day, covering an average of 17km with around 700m of ascent and descent daily. You should be prepared for some sustained climbing, particularly through the Karwendel section, where daily stages can involve up to 1,300m of ascent and 6 hours on the trail while carrying a fully loaded rucksack for your mountain hut stays.
The pace eases considerably in the second half of the trip, with shorter, gentler days and the comfort of hotel accommodation each night. We recommend training before your trip, particularly with longer walks and some elevation gain and descent, ideally while carrying a loaded pack.
See here for trekking training tips.
TOP TIPS
It is mostly common sense but there are a few things that are good to bear in mind.
- Set off as early as you can in the mornings in order to give yourself enough time to get to your destination. It is easy to underestimate how long the journey can take.
- Make sure you’ve got plenty of blister plasters. Even comfortable boots or shoes can cause blisters over multiple consecutive days of trekking.
- Bring enough cash. Cards are widely accepted but not everywhere, particularly in smaller mountain huts.
- Take plenty of snacks with you. While there are opportunities to stop for food along the route, these aren’t guaranteed throughout the day.
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast each morning and be prepared to adjust your plans if conditions change.
- Follow the “Leave No Trace” principle: don’t leave any rubbish behind on the trails, including organic waste, and try not to disturb the natural habitat.
- When trails are narrow, be courteous to other walkers. It is often easier for people travelling uphill to maintain their rhythm, so step aside when appropriate.
- Most importantly, enjoy it! The Karwendel Alps crosses some incredible alpine scenery and offers a great mix of mountains, valleys, forests, alpine pastures and traditional mountain villages.
