Are you looking for fun things to do in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena? No need to look any further cause this guide will guarantee you’ll have an amazing time in this beautiful area!
The Tiroler Zugspitz Arena is located in the Northern part of Austria but did you know that you can also visit the Zugspitze on the German side? This is one of my favourite areas in Germany so I’ll also give you some tips on a couple of beautiful places on the German side that you absolutely can’t miss!
The Tiroler Zugspitz Arena consists of 7 small but beautiful towns on the Austrian- Bavarian border. It’s the perfect area to spend a Summer or Winter holiday! At the foot of Germany’s tallest mountain you’ll find the little towns: Ehrwald, Lermoos, Berwang, Biberwier, Bichlbach, Heiterwang am See, and Namlos.
It’s the perfect place to go hiking or to simply relax in the middle of nature! If you’re into outdoor activities and spectacular views then this is the holiday for you!
And why not combine this trip with a lovely 3 days in Berchtesgaden? It’s only a 2,5 hour drive from the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena and another personal favourite of mine.
7 Best Things To Do In The Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
Where to stay in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
You can’t go wrong with staying in the beautiful town of Ehrwald. This cute little town can be found at the foot of the Zugspitze and feels like you stepped right inside of a fairytale.
Click here for to check for available hotels in Ehrwald.
When I visited this area for the first time I actually stayed right across the border in the little town Grainau in Germany. I stayed at the Romantik Alpenhotel Waxenstein twice now and love this hotel! It’s in typical German style and some of their rooms come with a terrace with a view over the Zugspitze. Honestly there is nothing better after a long day of hiking than coming back and enjoy a glass of wine and a slice of pizza on your terrace!
Click here to check all available hotels in Grainau
Best things to do in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
Hike to the beautiful Seebensee and Drachensee in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
The Drachensee is a beautiful emerald lake nestled between the mountains in Tyrol and offers a view over the Zugspitze. The hike to Drachensee starts at the Ehrwalder Almbahn and from here you can either take the cable car up or you can start hiking up from here. I recommend the second option cause you will encounter some of the most stunning vista’s including a waterfall perched between the mountains!
On your way up from Ehrwalder Almbahn you’ll first reach Ehrwalder Alm. The next stop is the beautiful Seebensee which is a really popular attraction. The main reason for this is that the hike from the top of the cable car to the Seebensee is really easy and on a paved road so you’ll encounter families and cyclist along the way. My advise is to leave as early as possible and try to be at the top of the cable car before the first one goes up.
From Seebensee to Drachensee it gets a little trickier. You’ll need sturdy hiking shoes and enough water. It’s only a short distance but a steep incline of 260 meters (follow the arrows to Coburger Hut) but in the end you’ll be awarded by the most amazing view!
Distance – 26km
Elevation – 900 meters
Difficulty – Moderate. The start and end of this hike can be rather challenging with steep inclinations but the middle section is very easy.
Starting Point – Ehrwalder Almbahn
Ending Point – Ehrwalder Almbahn
What to bring – water, snacks, a jacket and your camera
Admire the beautiful Mittersee at sunset
You’ve probably never heard of the Mittersee before and I completely understand that. The only reason I even know it exists is because I saw the glimpse of an emerald lake shimmering in between pine trees while I was driving. And no matter what I knew I had to find it! Mittersee, Blindsee and the Weißensee are a trio of lakes near the border between Tirol and the Allgäu region over the border in Germany.
Visit the top of the Zugspitze
The Zugspitze is with its 2962 meters the highest mountain in Germany and on a clear day it’s definitely worth a visit! Germany’s highest elevation is home to three glaciers, a unique 360° panorama including mountain peaks from four countries and an attractive range of activities. As said before, on a clear day the views are absolutely insane and you can see mountainpeaks from Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Italy!
You can find the cable car that goes up the Zugspitze in Grainau next to the Eibsee. Tickets are €59.50 (two ways) per person or you can buy a one way ticket (€35) and either hike up or down the mountain.
Best things to do around the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
Visit the beautiful Eibsee in Grainau
It’s actually areally good idea to combine this visit with your day trip to the Zugspitze! The best time to visit Eibsee is in the early morning, especially if your main goal is photography. In the morning the water is clear and you’ll have the biggest chance at seeing reflections in the water.
There is a big parking lot where you can leave your car right in front of the lake and if you devide to go up the Zugspitze afterwards you just need to take the cable car up here.
Eibsee is one of the prettiest lakes I have ever seen with a hue of all different colours green and blue. You can walk around the entire lake which will take aprox 1 hour.
In the Summer months there are also a lot of water activities available and it’s an ideal spot to spend a few days with kids!
Face your fear of heights on the Highline 179
The Highline 179 is one of the most famous suspension bridges in the entire world and definitely worth the visit when you’re in the area. It’s only 15 minutes driving from the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena and while you’re at it pay a visit to the fortress in front of the bridge!
The bridge is open daily from 8am until 10pm, 365 days a year. Tickets are available at the bridge portal and can only be paid in cash (at least this is to my knowledge). Tickets for the Highline 179 are €8 per person.
Visit Garmisch Partenkirchen and the beautiful Wagenbrüchsee
One of the cutest towns in Bayern has to be Garmisch Partenkirchen but the most beautiful part here is the Wagenbrüchsee! The best time of day to visit this spot is in the evening. During the warm Summer evenings it’s the perfect place to even enjoy a picnic!
Visit or go for a dip in Plansee
Plansee is the second largest lake in entire Tyrol and pretty close to the Highline 179 so why not combine both in a fun day trip? The lake is surrounded by the most stunning mountain range and on a clear day it’s the perfect place to enjoy the sunset! Lake Plansee is really popular with joggers, hikers and cyclist who love to get their exercise in along the beautiful lakeside. Besides that you can enjoy a ton of different water activities and even go on a boat ride to the other side of the lake.
I hope this list of top things to do in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena will inspire you to visit this wonderful place! It’s the perfect destination for a solo trip, a romantic get away, a fun weekend with friends and even a holiday with your kids! This area truly has something to offer for everyone and I can’t wait to go back myself!
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Charlotte Lint is the founder of Charlies Wanderings.
Charlotte has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice.
She is an expert on writing efficient travel guides and finding unique places to stay.
Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.
Kenrick says
Hello, I will be going Ehrwald for one night in August. Having been to both the Seebensee/Drachensee and the Eibsee, which one would you recommend going? Thank you!