Discovering The Zugspitze – Germany’s Tallest Peak

Zugspitze- While traveling to Munch, I recited it over and over so I could say it correctly, “Zugh-Spuhts”. My American accent wanted to say “Zug-Spit-zee”. I was also learning to speak conversational German prior to my 6-week trip through Germany. It did not make much difference because everybody responded to me in English!

I learned from my Berlin friend from that if I spoke with an American accent, they would answer me in English. So I suppose that my American accent over wrote my asking for directions or food in German. I could have just pronounced it in my American pronunciation and be fine.

The Zugspitze runs along the Austrian-German border, and overlooks the rolling hills of Bavaria is. It being the tallest peak in Germany stands at 2,962 m or 9,718 ft above sea level.

I was in Munich for Octoberfest and decided not to take a day tour, but take a coach to the little Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Then make my way up to Germany’s highest mountain. Once I arrived, I made my way across the tracks in order to take a cogwheel train to the base of the Zugspitze. It was a short sweet ride through lush green fields, and past old timber homes.

Once the ride was over, I was to jump on an ariel tram, ride over a small green forest, and up to the Zugspitze. From where I was standing inside the aerial tram, the Zugspitze looked sharp, cragley, and very cold. I was not sure if my long sleeve shirt, puffer vest, beanie, and ungloved hands would be warm enough. I convinced myself that I would be warm enough while ascending up the cables.

When I got to the top and exited the building, the convincing I did that I would be warm was not enough. I was cold. My hands were chilled down to the bone, and I had a difficult time taking photos and selfies. You could see the coldness and stiffness in my face with my selfies, which now I find very humorous.

What made the trip worth it were the views, and knowing that I was at the top of Germany’s tallest mountain. I went to every overlook, every point of view to take in Bavaria, Germany and Austria. It all felt very peaceful, and looked as peaceful.

When enough was enough, and I could barely feel my hands or my face, I jetted back inside and found the restaurant. And in my typical fashion while in Germany, I ate a dessert made from apples. Usually I stuffed myself with apfelstrudel, but this time around I decided on a slice of apple pie and a hot cappuccino. Alone I sat myself down in front of a window with a gorgeous view, eating my pie and sipping my cap. Life was good.

After filling myself up I decided to take one more visit outside, but quickly returned because the wind was unbearable. I convinced myself that my visit was good enough, took the aerial tram back down, and returned back to Munich.

Once I returned back to bustling Munich, and the drunken party scene of Octoberfest, I knew that my decision to go to the quietness of the mountains was indeed a much needed break. I enjoyed every moment of it from the cogwheel train, to the frozen face selfies- how I do love travel!

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